Skiing and Sailing in Hjørundfjord

Things to know

• Covid measures in Hjørundfjord, Norway

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Hjørundfjord, Norway, please refer to Norway’s Government website and Helse Norge Travel Advice.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get in this adventure:

  • • An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 8 days of sailing and backcountry ski touring
    • Accommodations in a shared cabin (bunk or double bed)
    • All meals throughout the trip (breakfast, lunch, dinner, apres-skis)
    • All boat related expenses (gas, harbor fees, diesel)
    • Use of fishing equipment
    • Warm suits and life vest
    • Hand towels

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation before and after the trip
    • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
    • Shower towels
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Soft drinks
• How fit do I need to be?

  To enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to be in good enough shape to climb anywhere from 3,280 to 4,920 ft (1,000-1,500 m) above sea level. You will be on your feet for several hours a day for 4 days, covering several miles of terrain every day. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.lly good times sa

• What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

  Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with solid blue level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.

• What equipment do I need to bring?

  For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

  • • Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
    • Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
    • Ski crampons
    • Ice axe or whippet
    • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
      • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
      • Lightweight snow shovel
      • Avalanche probe

  For personal items, we recommend bringing:

  • • Helmet
    • Wool long-sleeved top and bottom base layers
    • Wool or fleece top mid-layer
    • Insulated down or synthetic puffy jacket
    • Insulated down or synthetic jacket (has to fit over your base- and mid layer, underneath rain shell)
    • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Extra medium thick top layer
    • Gloves and mittens
    • Warm hats (thick and thin)
    • Hiking socks
    • Lightweight boots
    • Sunglasses
    • Waterproof shell pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Synthetic or wool underwear and socks
    • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
    • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
    • Water bottle and 2L of water
    • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • First aid kit
    • Sunscreen and chapstick
    • Shower towels
    • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 40-50L backpack)
    • Personal medications
    • Headlamp (with extra batteries)
    • Sitting mat
    • Camera — optional
• Can I rent equipment?

  All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent: 

  • • Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe from your guiding service.
    • Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from your guiding service.
    • Splitboards can be rented from your guiding service.

  If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements. 

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing:

  • • For this group adventure, the max. number of participants is 7.
    • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this group adventure to operate. 
    • If joining alone, you’ll be placed with peers that share a similar level of experience. The price doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

  Ski touring and sailing in Hjørundfjord can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.

  If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Ålesund, your meeting point, most people fly into Ålesund Airport (AES), 20 minutes away from Ålesund. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi or bus.

  You will meet your guide in Brosundet in Ålesund, where your sailing boat Jolly will be waiting for you. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Secure your spot with a deposit of $805 (7000 NOK). Full payment must be received within 90 days prior to departure. In the event of booking a trip less than 90 days prior to departure, the full amount must be paid within 4 days. Delay of payment is considered a breach of contract and gives your Guide the right to cancel the booking, but claim the deposit. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. 

  • Cancellation 60 days or more prior to departure: Full refund minus the deposit
  • Cancellation less than 60 days prior to departure: Loss of deposit and 50% of the total amount 
  • Cancelation less than 30 days prior to departure: No refund. 
  • In the event of no show, there will be no refund for any given reason.

  If you have booked a trip and need to stay home in quarantine due to Covid-19 and this prohibits your planned trip, you can reschedule free of charge 72 hours prior to departure. 

  If you need to cancel your booking you will need to notify your guiding service electronically.