An Introduction to Ski Touring in Western Norway With Wild Voss

For years, I've watched skiers glide effortlessly across untouched snow beyond the resort boundaries, thinking, I wish I could do that. As a solid intermediate, I'm confident on the pistes, but I’ve always been interested in the adventure and tranquillity away from the crowds that ski touring can offer.

However, without the specialised equipment and technical know-how, I felt I needed a destination with easily accessible backcountry, a manageable amount of snow to play in and friendly, knowledgeable guides to put any nerves at ease. This led me to reach out to the guides at Wild Voss, located in Voss (no surprises there), Norway.

Voss is known for its expansive, easy-to-reach backcountry, making it the ideal spot for a first-timer. Plus, partnering with the local experts who know the area like the back of their ski gloves meant I could try my hand at this amazing discipline with an expert guide who also provided all the essential equipment - all I had to pack was the standard outfit suitable for skiing!

Having worked at Ski Safari for over two years, I've raved about Norway to my friends and family, so my dad decided to travel with me to see why I hold this country in such high regard. There, I discovered just how straightforward and rewarding it is to add a ski touring introduction day to a ski holiday, and what a wonderful winter destination Voss is.

To speak to myself or any of our team about ski touring on Norway's west coast, call us on 01273 224060 or enquire online, and we can tailor-make a package to suit you.

Voss is incredibly easy to reach from the UK - a direct 2-hour flight from Gatwick to Bergen, followed by a stunning train ride to the resort. We landed in Bergen in time for lunch at Metz Bar, perched on the harbour front. Instead of rushing straight to the mountains after lunch, we opted to relax and spend the afternoon exploring the city, following the suggestions of my Norwegian colleague Carina’s blog on what to do in Bergen for 24 hours. If time allows, I wholeheartedly recommend taking the time to wander around and get a feel for Bergen before your train on to Voss. The city’s blend of colourful wharf houses, fjord views, galleries and easy-going cafés is the perfect introduction to Norway’s charm.

In the late afternoon, we departed for Voss, just over an hour away by train. As it was his first visit to Norway, my dad was captivated by the views flashing past his window - jaw-dropping lakes, waterfalls and snow-dusted peaks. The Bergen to Oslo railway line is renowned for being one of the prettiest in the world and conveniently stops in the centre of Voss!

Before the trip, I prebooked a ski touring experience with Wild Voss while my dad opted to explore the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord by electric boat. That’s one of the joys of Norway's west coast: thrilling mountain adventures for some, peaceful fjords for others - all within easy reach.

Wild Voss could not have been more welcoming or organised. Our guide, Rasmus, sent over a written plan before the day itself, which was a thoughtful touch! The day started with the group meeting up at a cafe in Voss at 9am for a briefing. There was no “expert only” atmosphere, just good coffee and a reassuring chat on the day’s route, weather and safety.

If you’re new to ski touring, as I was, Voss is the ideal place to start. Equipment rental is straightforward, as I first acquired my ski touring boots and skis from Bavallen rental store. You'll need these as opposed to your regular boots as they're more lightweight, grippier and have more ankle flex for walking.

Wild Voss then provided:

• Skins - long strips of fabric that temporarily stick to the bottom of your skis to provide traction for gliding forward smoothly while preventing your skis from sliding backwards when you are walking uphill.
• Probe - a long metal rod that folds down and is used in case of an avalanche to physically locate a person buried in the snow.
• Shovel - to help dig out someone in the rare event of an avalanche.

Once we were kitted out, Rasmus gave us a clear walkthrough of all of our equipment and a full safety briefing, which really helped everyone feel at ease.

Wild Voss also arranges transport from Voss and nearby resorts like Myrkdalen. In short, if you’re in the region and are comfortable on a pair of skis, there’s really no excuse not to give it a go!

Skis on, skins attached, avalanche kit packed (provided, of course), we set off north of Voss to a starting point called Lund - only a 25-minute drive away. Our route began along a farmer’s track, easing us into the rhythm of the climb. The incline was gentle, the scenery uplifting and the company brilliant - two skiers from Bergen and one from New York. No experts or elite athletes - just a friendly group aiming to enjoy their first ski touring experience.

At the top of the track, we reached Skreiavatnet, a serene mountain lake surrounded by open snowfields and rounded summits. To the west, the more challenging peak of Skreieggi. Dead ahead was our goal - Reppeggi at 1,236 metres. The blend of peaceful silence and incredible panoramic views is exactly the balance that makes Voss so special.

We paused for lunch near the shepherds' cabins, learning from Rasmus that you can expect to find farm animals walking the hills freely during summer, and sheep enjoy the lush pastures where we were resting. Voss has more than 300 mountain farms, but now only a handful of them are run in the traditional way. Learning this local knowledge from friendly guides, at a pace that lets you take it all in, really adds to the overall experience of the tour.

The final climb offered sweeping views in every direction, including Myrkdalen Resort just a few kilometres away. Then came the moment everyone waits for: the descent. 

Skins packed, boots locked into our skis, and we were off. Soft spring snow, open slopes, and the pure joy of skiing terrain you'd never normally reach.

Rasmus guided each of us at our own pace, finding fun lines and always offering friendly pointers. That mix of support and freedom is what makes Wild Voss stand out - they open the backcountry to skiers who want adventure without intimidation. The feeling of earning my turns through soft, untouched powder is something that will stay with me for a long time.

Whether you’re a confident piste-skier looking for something new, or simply curious about the mountains beyond the lifts, the resort of Voss and the guides at Wild Voss made ski touring incredibly accessible:

✔ Easy travel from the UK

✔ Short, scenic transfers

✔ Expert guiding and inclusive group trips

✔ Simple equipment rental

✔ Terrain suited to first-time tourers and those looking to progress in a comfortable environment

✔ Relaxed, welcoming culture

You don’t need specialist gear. You don’t need backcountry experience. Just the confidence to carry out parallel turns, a reasonable level of fitness, and a willingness to explore.

Ski touring can sound like a niche sport reserved for experts - but in Voss, it’s surprisingly within reach. With approachable terrain, passionate guides and the beauty of Western Norway all around you, touring newcomers will have an unforgettable experience.

If you're heading to Norway this winter or spring, booking a day with Wild Voss is a must-do. Who knows - it might just spark a whole new skiing obsession.

1 day ski touring introduction (3-5 hours) starts from just £162pp. Tours run on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

What's included:

• All necessary safety equipment
• Personal avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe and shovel)
• Off-piste skiing with a certified guide (NF certified or ISIA ski teacher)
• Technique tips and skill training during the day out
• Transportation to the starting point and back

Keen to explore Voss and its breathtaking backcountry? As well as my most recent visit, 23 of our team have first-hand knowledge of the resort and are happy to offer our personal advice! Call our friendly team on 01273 224060 or enquire online and we'll be in touch with a tailor-made price.

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