Winter awakens adrenaline in the mountains and serenity in the fjords

The north-west wind delivers the finest powder

Northwest Norway boasts a dynamic landscape, where mountains and fjords crisscross in every direction. This natural diversity ensures prime snow conditions somewhere in the area. While the north-west wind bring the kind of snow skiers dream about, the same weather can can shift fast. The snow depth can go from bare ground to two metres in just a few days on peaks rising to 2,000 metres.

"You can depend on the northwest winds," says Bjørn Kruse, certified mountain guide (IFMGA/IVBV) and founder of Romsdal Lodge. "It's a high-alpine landscape with an insane backdrop, and that defines the whole region, from Sunnmøre up to Sunndalsøra."

Our best ski touring-tip: Use a guide

Skilled local guides know exactly where to take you for the best runs – sometimes the difference between an average day and an unforgettable one is just a few metres to the left or right.

"A mountain guide lets you get the most out of your trip," says Anne Stine Mathisen, founder of Contrast Adventure in Sunndal. "Most of our guests have busy lives and jobs, and it takes time to plan a decent trip in a new area all on your own."

A guide is just as keen to get home safely as you are, and brings local knowledge of snow, terrain and weather that you simply can't get from a map. Spending a day with a guide also means picking up real insight into the mountain culture of Møre og Romsdal.

"Sometimes people think you need to be an expert to join a tour, but this absolutely isn't the case," adds Oscar Almgren, founder of Uteguiden.

It's possible to rent equipment you don't already have – just ask your guide what's available in the area you're travelling to.

Stay safe in the mountains

Off-piste skiing and ski touring in Møre og Romsdal come with real avalanche risk and terrain that can change fast. A few things to keep in mind:

• Always check the avalanche forecast at varsom.no before heading out, and carry avalanche safety equipment.
• Weather and snow conditions can shift within days – be prepared to change your plans.
• Know your own ability, train beforehand, and make sure your equipment (especially boots) is worn in.
• Consider a local guide, especially for off-piste and summit tours – they bring both safety and local knowledge.

Read more about staying safe on ski tours, or download the Varsom Regobs app before you go.

Guided ski tours in Møre og Romsdal

In northwestern Norway, the ski season often begins in December. Early-season skiing from December to February comes with shifting weather and shorter days – ideal for off-piste adventures at resorts or forest runs. As March and April arrive, stable snow conditions and long daylight hours create perfect opportunities for summit tours to the highest peaks. Spring skiing calls for shorts by May and June, followed by a rejuvenating fjord swim and a sauna to top it all off.

Explore ski touring in three regions:

A winter escape to the slopes

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, an Easter adventure, or a winter holiday with family, friends, or colleagues, Møre og Romsdal has it all. The contrasts here are striking yet easily accessible. The region’s ski centres offer diverse and exciting terrain, often without the long queues found elsewhere. And for an added magic touch, some slopes come with spectacular fjord views. In Sunnmøre and Nordfjord, several ski centres have teamed up to offer a shared ski pass – the Alpepass – your gateway to endless snow-filled fun.

City vibes and culinary delights

Winter in the fjords and along the Møre coast can bring serene tranquillity or raw, dramatic weather. Either way, the towns and village centres in the region offer year-round experiences. Each town exudes its own unique charm, shaped by the people who call it home and the surrounding nature that defines their way of life.

Savour clipfish in Kristiansund, or head to the Norsk Tindesenter in Åndalsnes, where your ticket grants access to both the museum and a thrilling climbing wall experience. In Molde, unwind with a sauna and a refreshing fjord dip. Or, in Ålesund, indulge in a culinary tour, sampling dishes from restaurant to restaurant in beautifully preserved Art Nouveau buildings.

Arrive by train for your ski adventure

Let the Raumabanen railway bring you to the heart of winter magic. With connections from Trondheim and Oslo, the train takes you to Bjorli’s ski centre and into Romsdalen’s rich fjord and mountain landscapes. From there, bus services provide easy access to Ålesund, Molde, and beyond.

If you are arriving by air, the airports in Ørsta/Volda, Ålesund, Molde, and Kristiansund serve as convenient gateways to fjords and mountains this winter.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a guide for ski touring in Møre og Romsdal?

You don't need to be an expert to join a guided tour, and a local guide is strongly recommended for off-piste skiing and summit tours. Guides know current snow and avalanche conditions and can adapt the route to your ability.

When does the ski season start in Møre og Romsdal?

The season typically starts in December and runs into May or June in higher terrain. December–February suits resort and forest skiing; March–April is best for summit tours, with stable snow and long daylight hours.

Is off-piste skiing dangerous here?

Off-piste and summit skiing carry real avalanche risk, and conditions can change within days. Always check varsom.no before heading out, carry avalanche safety equipment, and consider going with a local guide.

How do I get to the ski areas by public transport?

The Rauma Railway (Raumabanen) connects Oslo and Trondheim to Åndalsnes and Bjorli, right in the heart of the ski region. From there, buses connect onward to Ålesund, Molde and Kristiansund.