This Arctic expedition along Northern Norway’s mesmerising coastline, powered by gentle Spring winds that accelerate down fjords, will provide a unique and thrilling experience, supported by all the comforts that anyone could wish for onboard Firebird - a luxury Oyster 885 that has been fully customised for ambitious round-the-world passages. Firebird is now successfully in her third season touring this amazing paradise of powder skiing and coastal sailing, hiding in plain sight just a four hours flight away from Frankfurt or London. Discover what you can expect below.
Each day, wake up to a wholesome breakfast before heading out to discover magical, unspoilt slopes with one of our highly skilled IFMGA guides, all of whom have worked multiple seasons with Firebird’s programme. After a skin up the mountain that will usually see you gain between 800 and 1,200 vertical meters, rush down the endless fields of powder right to the beach to be picked up by our specially reinforced Zodiac, returning to Firebird for afternoon tea before setting sail towards your next destination. There, a three-course dinner with wine will be served in the saloon, quite possibly accompanied by a dazzling display of the Northern Lights if travelling early in the season - Mother Nature’s ultimate light show.
Ski touring in Norway is authentic and natural, with fewer visitors than many other skiing hotspots and therefore no crowds or queues. Lyngen peninsula and islands, located north of Tromsø, offers excellent snow conditions, pristine slopes of differing levels, and a variety of descents. Thanks to the closeness of the fjords and steep mountains, the views are unforgettable.
Not a keen skier or travelling with those who are less confident? There’s also plenty to do for those who’d like a different adventure such as glacier hiking, snowshoeing, dog-sledding or whale-watching, and even a visit to the world’s northernmost spirit distillery.
Your adventure starts in Tromsø, the capital of Arctic Norway with a population of 70,000, located some 350 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. It’s a lively cultural city, with its annual film festival, internationally-acclaimed restaurants, an art gallery and even an ice-bar. Here, traditional wooden houses, some of which date back to 1789, coexist with modern Nordic architecture, a fine highlight of which is the dramatic Arctic Cathedral, built in 1965 and inspired by its surrounding nature.
Boasting both the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights, Tromsø is the ideal starting point for arctic exploration, outdoor adventures and a variety of activities.
Due to unpredictable weather, the itinerary on this Oyster yacht charter is subject to change. However, generally mornings will be spent skiing, followed by afternoon tea before setting sail for the next destination. Upon arrival, dinner is served. Highlights include:
Sailing between and skiing in several beautiful, unspoilt islands: Ringvassøya, Vannøya, Kågen, Arnøya and Uløya
Some of the best couloirs in Europe - said to eclipse the Swiss Alps - as well as endless gentle slopes with panoramic views and a long and thrilling descent
A visit to Arnøya’s delightful unmanned pub, where tea will be served
Optional dinner at the Sørheim Brygge seafront lodge in Lyngseidet, in the Lyngen Alps
A visit to the Aurora Spirit distillery in Lyngseidet, where you can sample small-batch whisky and other spirits made using local herbs, berries and melted glacier water
Dinner ashore at Fiskekompaniet in Tromsø Marina
The crew of Firebird are there to share their love of adventure sailing and enjoying the outdoors with you. But making sure that all guests are safe in the conditions often frequented by adverse elements is their job and utmost priority. With more than five years successfully running charter programmes in the Arctic and their 3rd season in Lyngen, Peter and his crew are fully trained, qualified and prepared to ensure you can appreciate the Arctic in a safe and responsible way.
Nature is priceless and in the harsh Arctic conditions, the local ecosystem is incredibly fragile. On all our trips Firebird is fully committed to leave no trace, and all rubbish is disposed of onshore at appropriate facilities. We also encourage our guests to limit the use of plastic as refillable water bottles are readily available.
What really sets Firebird apart, is that we try to source the fish and seafood we offer responsibly. Our chef Jo is a professional biologist who, coupled with her passion for freediving and magic in the galley, makes our menus the talk of the docks amongst the guests and crew alike.
A hearty breakfast is served onboard every morning, including porridge, fruit, sliced cheese, breakfast meats and smoked salmon. Homemade, high-energy packed lunches will be taken for each day’s skiing, followed by afternoon tea on board with a freshly-baked cake. In the evenings, delicious three-course suppers will be served using as much fresh, local produce as possible, with wine included.
Menus will, of course, be tailored to suit your tastes and dietary requirements.
A Norway sailing yacht charter onboard Firebird comes with a crew of three and sleeps seven guests in three double ensuite cabins and a fourth single ensuite cabin, all of which are heated. Her spacious, raised saloon has been thoughtfully restyled to recreate the ambience of a luxury alpine chalet, and its panoramic views allow guests to enjoy the dramatic arctic scenery in comfort and warmth - with snug slippers and cosy cashmere blankets provided.
For anyone who loves to ski and sail, Norway offers an extraordinary opportunity for both. What’s more, this voyage of Arctic discovery can be booked now, with dates available for April 12-30th this year. Check out previous ski and sail videos to get a better idea of what our ski touring trips in Norway offer.
Unable to commit to an April date but love the sound of Firebird? This unique vessel will also be available for charter in the summer, from June 12th to July 1st in Svalbard and from July 18th to August 14th in Svalbard or the Lyngen Alps and Lofoten area.
Get in touch with our yacht charter brokers to find out more.
