Every day throughout the winter we get ski rental customers asking the same question, where do you recommend we go?

So I thought why not write it up in an article for everyone to see, so what follows are my top 5 recommendations for epic, safe (condition dependent of course!), ski tours within a short drive from the RETUR shop in Svolvær. In no particular order…

Store Kvittind

This is a fun mountain, super easy access with varied and interesting descent.
Park in the layby next to the E10 and begin ascending almost immediately. Hike up to the frozen lake around 300m and lap the trees below if touchy avalanche conditions, or if stable, continue to the top for fantastic 360 views.

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Torskmannen

A relatively long approach (for Lofoten) which can be fun in itself, navigating some small rivers and winding up through the forest before gaining the ridge and ascending steeply to the open face of Torskmannen. An outrageously beautiful approach which is often much colder than more coastal peaks. A powder haven on a good day with options to ski Breitind and Sukkerbrettet to lookers left, the main peak further right or Baken even further to the right. Very difficult not to lap repeatedly on a good day!

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Rundfjellet

At over 800m, Rundfjellet stands high above the rest, sometimes the view is so good you forget there’s a magnificent descent waiting with bated breath.
Can be approached from the East for a relatively long day out with a real feel adventure to it, and lots of sun, or the north for a quicker approach and often drier snow. Skiing the south face in the sun is an unbeatable Lofoten experience.

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Sautind

A quick, safe and easy ski perfect for beginners looking to wet their appetite for ski touring and advanced skiers looking for fast fun laps. With the option of the higher Pilan to the West, Sautind often holds snow well and offers spectacular views of Higravtind and Rulten from its rounded top.

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Varden

A classic that seems always to glare pure white even while other mountains are bare and brown.
With its intriguing ridgeline approach, massive open bowl, deep snow and wind-exposed top, Varden is always a little adventurous, and a great challenge for those just starting out, and a ton of fun.
Usually skiable well into June if you’re willing to boot the first section, Varden has fantastic views over Vestfjord and the nearly whole of Lofoten archipelago.