There are few places in the world where mountains and sea are so tightly entwined, and even fewer where you can ski from summit to shoreline in a single, seamless motion. In Norway's Sunnmøre Alps, winter is not only a season—it's a stage, where snow, fjords, and heritage converge to create an experience unlike anywhere else.

From February through April, travelers can experience a unique adventure: ski-touring journeys that combine the thrill of alpine descents with the serenity of fjord life. It is an deeply immersive and richly cultural way to visit Norway— elevated by moments of wellness and culinary delight.

A Cultural Welcome in Ålesund

The journey begins in the picturesque town of Ålesund, a jewel of Art Nouveau architecture that was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904. Wandering through its streets is like stepping into a storybook, where pastel-colored facades and ornate details meet views of the surrounding fjords. A guided walk culminates at the Aksla viewpoint, where the panorama sets the tone for the days ahead: mountains, islands, and the open sea in harmony.

Evenings bring indulgence at Brosundet, where historic warehouses have been transformed into a boutique hotel. Here, local identity is celebrated through cuisine, from a brasserie-style four-course dinner at Apotekergata No. 5 to the freshest seafood at Sjøbua.

Life by the Water

Norway's story has always been written by the sea, and travelers are invited to experience it firsthand. A fishing expedition in Ålesund channels the town's proud maritime heritage, with the day's catch prepared for lunch on board and later celebrated at dinner. Wellness here also connects to the water: sauna rituals, outdoor baths, and invigorating cold plunges in the Brosundet canal awaken both body and spirit.

Into the Fjords

From the urban coast, the journey sails deeper into the heart of nature. A fjord cruise into the remote Hjørundfjord reveals a landscape where steep mountains plunge into still waters, and waterfalls thread down untouched slopes. Villages like Trandal offer authentic glimpses of fjord life, where rustic farms and sky-high swings overlook dramatic scenery.

At Union Øye, a historic retreat tucked in a secluded valley, the pace slows. Days here bring adventures like snowshoeing through unspoiled slopes, pausing for coffee around a bonfire, and evenings spent in candlelit dining rooms that echo with the romance of another era.

Adventure, Wellness, and Skiing Nirvana

The fjords are not only about tranquility—they are also about exhilaration. Winter kayaking allows guests to glide beneath towering cliffs, while fjordside saunas offer restorative warmth. At Strandafjellet, one of Norway's most spectacular ski destinations, alpine trails wind through powder snow with sweeping views of the fjords below. Here, skiing feels elemental—nature guiding every turn.

The adventure crescendos with a helicopter flight over the Sunnmøre Alps, revealing the vast web of peaks, waterways, and glaciers from above. It is a perspective that lingers long after the descent.

Slow Luxury in the Alps

Evenings are for retreat. At Storfjord, a slow-life hideaway overlooking the fjord, wellness rituals and open-air jacuzzis reconnect guests with nature. Dining is a celebration of local, organic ingredients—whether in the rustic boathouse by the sea or the intimate hotel restaurant. It is the perfect balance of rugged wilderness and refined hospitality.

An Exclusive Journey

This is not a trip that can be replicated elsewhere. To ski from mountain tops to the fjord, to sail between villages unchanged by time, to embrace both firelit evenings and invigorating cold plunges—this is winter in Norway at its most intimate.

With only a handful of departures between February and April, each journey is crafted with exclusivity and care. Guided by local experts, shaped by centuries of tradition, and elevated by the comforts of Norway's most storied hotels, it is an experience that will remain etched in memory. This is winter magic, written in the language of the fjords.

Highlights

Ski from mountain to fjord, fjord cruises, alpine skiing at Strandafjellet, snowshoeing, winter kayaking, and helicopter sightseeing. Guided culture walks, fjord-side wellness, authentic dining, slow luxury retreats.