- Arctic Norway
- Northern Lights
- Snowshoe Adventures
- Qualified Guides
- Small Group Travel
- Cosy Norwegian Lodge
- Fjords & Mountains
- Wildlife Encounters
- Personal service
- Transfers & travel in Norway
- Clothing and kit hire options
Step into a true Arctic winter wonderland and experience the magic of Norway on an unforgettable snowshoeing adventure. Guided by our expert leaders, you’ll journey through snow-covered landscapes, weaving through forests and breathtaking mountain scenery. Far from the crowds, each day offers the chance to slow down, immerse yourself in nature and discover the remarkable beauty of the Norwegian wilderness at a relaxed pace.
As darkness falls, the adventure takes on a new dimension. Beneath vast star-filled skies, we’ll venture out in search of one of nature’s most spectacular displays, the elusive Northern Lights. With a little luck, ribbons of green and purple light will dance across the Arctic sky, creating memories that will stay with you forever. This is more than a holiday; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature, embrace the wonder of winter landscapes and experience Norway at its most magical.
As with all our adventures, this journey is about far more than simply reaching a destination. As a family-run business, we pride ourselves on delivering a genuinely personal experience from the moment you enquire to the day you return home. We take the time to get to know our guests, ensuring you feel supported, well-prepared and part of the adventure long before you set foot in Norway.
Throughout the trip, you’ll benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our experienced and qualified guides, carefully selected accommodation, and an itinerary designed to balance adventure with comfort. Small group sizes allow us to offer a more attentive and flexible experience, creating an atmosphere where you can connect with fellow travellers. Our aim is simple: to provide exceptional service, unforgettable experiences and the confidence that every detail has been thoughtfully taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying the magic of Arctic Norway.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tromso
Welcome to Arctic Norway! Upon arrival in Tromso, known as the Gateway to the Arctic we will collect you and take you for your kit collection before transferring to your accommodation and have time to settle in and soak up the winter landscape. Depending on arrival times, enjoy a gentle stroll around the area, or simply relax before the adventure begins.
This evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner, meet our fellow adventurers, and learn more about the days ahead.
Day 2: Snowshoeing Through Arctic Wilderness
After breakfast, we’ll head out on our first snowshoeing adventure. Today’s route introduces us to Norway’s stunning winter landscapes, following trails through snow-laden forests and across open terrain with spectacular mountain views.
Our guides will help everyone become comfortable on snowshoes while sharing insights into the local environment and culture. This evening, after an early dinner, we’ll venture out to a carefully selected location away from light pollution for our first Northern Lights hunt.
Highlights:
- Snowshoeing introduction
- Arctic forest trails
- Panoramic mountain scenery
- Evening Aurora hunt
Day 3: Fjords, Mountains & Frozen Landscapes
Today’s adventure takes us deeper into the Arctic wilderness, snowshoeing alongside frozen lakes and spectacular fjords, we’ll experience some of Northern Norway’s most breathtaking scenery.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy countless opportunities for photography as we explore this winter wonderland. Following dinner, we’ll once again head out in search of the Northern Lights beneath the Arctic sky.
Highlights:
- Fjord-side snowshoeing
- Frozen lakes and snowy peaks
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
- Northern Lights excursion
Day 4: Arctic Exploration & Tromso Sightseeing
This morning we’ll enjoy a shorter snowshoe walk before returning to Tromso for an afternoon of exploration. Options include the iconic Arctic Cathedral, browse local shops, learn about the history of Arctic exploration, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of the world’s northernmost city.
After dark, conditions permitting, we’ll set off once more to seek out the Aurora Borealis, with our guides choosing the best viewing locations based on weather and forecast conditions.
Highlights:
- Scenic snowshoe walk
- Free time in Tromsø
- Arctic culture and history
- Flexible Aurora viewing opportunities
Day 5: Final Snowshoe Adventure & Farewell Evening
Our final full day showcases some of the finest winter scenery of the trip. We’ll head into the wilderness for one last unforgettable snowshoeing experience, taking in vast snowy landscapes and reflecting on an incredible few days in the Arctic.
This evening we’ll celebrate our adventure together with a farewell dinner. If the skies are clear, we’ll make our final Northern Lights search, hoping for one last spectacular display before heading home.
Highlights:
- Signature snowshoeing route
- Spectacular Arctic vistas
- Farewell celebration dinner
- Final chance to witness the Aurora
Day 6: Departure Day
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to Norway. Transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of snow-covered mountains, Arctic wilderness, new friendships and, hopefully, the magical sight of the Northern Lights dancing overhead.
NB Please note that all itineraries are subject to change depending on weather, snow conditions, operational requirements and other local factors. Any changes will be made to ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience possible for the group.
What’s Included
- 4 days of guided snowshoeing & exploring
- 5 nights accommodation
- Multiple Northern Lights viewing opportunities
- Airport transfers and travel while in Norway
- All meals (dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 5)
- Full instruction, safety management
- Expert guidance from experienced and qualified professional Guide
- Exploration of Tromso and the surrounding region
- Snowshoe and safety kit hire
- Small group experience
What’s Not Included
- Flights to Tromso, Norway
- Travel Insurance
- Optional Excursions
- Tips & gratuities
- Beverages and items of a personal nature
- Winter clothing (hire options can be provided)
Trip Information
About Your Guide
At Pied A Terre Adventures, we believe that outstanding experiences are shaped by exceptional guides. We are proud to work with highly experienced, professional leaders who are passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to helping you get the very best from your time in the mountains.
Your snowshoeing experience will be led by a fully qualified and insured International Mountain Leader (IML), with extensive experience of guiding in winter mountain environments. As well as ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the trip, your guide will share their knowledge of the local landscape, wildlife, culture and traditions, helping you gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable part of the world.
Mountain conditions can change quickly, particularly during the winter months. For this reason, your guide has the authority to adapt routes or make changes to the planned itinerary where necessary, always with the safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of the group in mind. These decisions are made using their professional judgement and local knowledge to ensure the best possible experience for everyone.
Above all, you can relax knowing that you are in safe, capable hands and free to enjoy the adventure, spectacular scenery and unique experiences that make a winter journey so memorable.
Your Snowshoeing Journey
Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to explore winter landscapes, offering a unique opportunity to venture into snow-covered forests, valleys and mountains that would otherwise be difficult to access on foot. The specially designed snowshoes distribute your weight across the snow, preventing you from sinking and making walking through deep snow surprisingly easy.
No previous snowshoeing experience is required, making it an ideal activity for both beginners and experienced walkers. For those new to snowshoeing, the technique is quickly learned and most guests feel comfortable within minutes. Our experienced Guides will provide full instruction and support, ensuring you can relax and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
For seasoned walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, snowshoeing offers a fresh and rewarding way to experience the mountains in winter. The added challenge of snow-covered terrain, combined with spectacular scenery and the peaceful atmosphere of the Arctic wilderness, creates a memorable adventure unlike traditional hiking.
Every hike is different. Your Guide will adapt the route to the weather, snow conditions, and the group’s abilities, choosing a route that makes the most of the day while keeping the pace and difficulty suitable for everyone. After a short introduction to the equipment, your Guide will lead the way, helping you to get comfortable using the snowshoes and offering guidance throughout the hike, with safety always a priority.
Snow conditions are an important part of any winter adventure. Our planned snowshoeing routes are dependent on sufficient snow cover and weather conditions. If snow levels are inadequate for snowshoeing, we will adapt the itinerary accordingly and enjoy the same stunning landscapes on foot using microspikes where appropriate. This ensures a safe, enjoyable and rewarding experience regardless of the conditions.
Sustainability
Protecting the natural environment is at the heart of everything we do. We encourage all participants to minimise waste by bringing a reusable water bottle or hydration system, rather than single-use plastic bottles.
We operate a strict Leave No Trace policy and ask that everything brought onto the mountain is taken away again. This includes all litter, food waste, toilet tissue and any items that may be considered biodegradable. By doing so, we can help preserve these special landscapes for wildlife and for future generations to enjoy.
Leave Only Footprints
- Green travel – electric vehicles while in Norway.
- Local produce – enjoy meals made with locally sourced ingredients
- Support local – we use local snowshoe hire
- Keep it green – our stays are big on recycling!
- Say no to single-use – help us cut down on plastic waste
- Leave no trace – everything, even tissues, comes off the mountain with you
- Low-carbon destination –Norway has a low carbon footprint, using hydroelectric power & energy-efficient buildings
Travel
Arrival
Guests are responsible for booking their own return flights to Tromso. There are a number of direct flights from London and other UK cities to Tromso throughout the winter season, operated by airlines including BA, Norwegian, EasyJet and Whizz Air. To make your journey as seamless as possible, we will arrange a group airport transfer from Tromso Airport to our accommodation, timed to coincide with selected UK flight arrivals. Details of the recommended flights will be provided prior to booking.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we aim to minimise our environmental impact wherever possible. Travelling together as a group allows us to reduce the number of journeys made and helps keep the carbon footprint of the holiday as low as possible.
All transport within Norway relating to the itinerary and scheduled activities is included in the holiday cost from the start of the trip.
Departure
A group transfer back to Tromso Airport will be provided at the end of the holiday and will be scheduled to coincide with the recommended UK return flights.
Guests choosing to arrive on alternative flights, arriving significantly earlier or later than the scheduled transfer times, or departing outside the planned group arrangements may need to arrange their own airport transfers at their own expense.
We will, of course, be happy to advise on suitable transport options should this be necessary.
Weather
February and March are among the best months to experience Norway’s spectacular winter landscapes. Visitors can generally expect snow-covered scenery, frozen lakes, crisp mountain air and a true Nordic winter atmosphere. Daylight hours gradually increase throughout the season, with March bringing noticeably longer days and often some of the most enjoyable conditions for exploring outdoors.
Temperatures can vary depending on location, elevation and weather systems, but it is not unusual for daytime temperatures to range from around -10°C to 5°C. Conditions may include snowfall, bright sunshine, calm clear days, or more challenging winter weather such as wind and reduced visibility.
As with any winter mountain destination, weather and snow conditions can change quickly. Our experienced guides continually assess conditions and will adapt routes where necessary to ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience possible. We recommend arriving prepared for a range of winter conditions and dressing in suitable layered clothing to remain comfortable throughout your adventure.
The best northern lights displays are often experienced on clear, calm evenings, which can also be some of the coldest. During February and March, evening temperatures are typically between -5°C and -15°C, although colder spells can occasionally see temperatures drop below -20°C.
Aurora viewing generally involves periods of standing and watching, so we recommend bringing plenty of warm layers, insulated footwear, hats and gloves. With the right clothing, these magical evenings can be enjoyed in comfort while you wait for nature’s light show to unfold above you.
Kit List
When packing for a trip to the Arctic it is important to have the appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features recommended and suggested items for the weather you might encounter and the activities you will be participating in.
Generally clothing for snowshoeing should be equivalent to that used for walking in the mountains in winter.
Equipment
- Snowshoes – included
- Poles – included
- Avalanche Transceiver – included
- Rucksack – 30-35 litres, with waist and chest straps. Ideally with a system which allows you to attach snowshoes.
- Dry bag
- Winter walking boots which are waterproof and warm. They must cover your ankles. A stiffer style B2 boot which takes a crampon is not advised
- You may choose to bring ‘snow boots’ for the evening when we are Aurora Hunting
- Gaiters – useful on days with deep fresh snow
- Micro-spikes – Needed for conditions when snowshoes are not practical or icy/slippery surfaces.
Clothing (some items can be hired)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers – essential
- Trousers – windproof and warm
- Thermal tops – long sleeves
- Fleece/ mid layers – long sleeves
- Gloves x 2 (one thick and one thin – waterproof)
- Over-mittens for colder days can be useful
- Warm hat
- Sun hat
- Head/ear band
- Duvet jacket (or second warm layer)
- Scarf or ‘Buff’ for neck or balaclava
- Walking socks and thermal socks
Miscellaneous
- Lipbalm
- Sunscreen – essential
- Sunglasses – essential
- Goggles – very useful in snowfall
- Snack bars/chocolate
- Tissues – we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish
- Anti-bacterial handgel
- Water bottle/ bladder pack
- Flask
- Sit mat
- Camera with spare batteries
- Phone with mobile charger
- Personal first aid
- (NB Guide is first aid trained and will carry a group safety and first aid kit including foil blankets)
Insurance
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Pied A Terre Adventures cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Pied A Terre Adventures who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
