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Winter!
If you love arctic winter, then Senja is a winner! The region has a long winter season and should definitely be on your list.
The first frosty nights often come already late August and in September the first snow is spread out like fine, white sugar on the edgy mountains. The period October until December is characterized by changes between rain and snow, some days like full winter, then again milder weather and polare low pressures sweeping the landscape. Living in these harsh environments teaches you to tidy up outside your home and secure all loose goods.
At this time of the year there can be quite a difference between inland and coastal areas. While the inland has a snowcovered ground and a few minus degrees, the coast has not. Enthusiastic backcountry skiers might get their first rounds and you might even need your snowshoes if heading up the hills. You might need spikes to move safely outdoors.
The weather can be rather fascinating, with all it`s unpredictable and rapid changes. This creates photogenic moments in daytime - and of course you can cathc the Northern Lights at night. Do not forget the colorful sunrise and sunsets at this time of year. When in Senja, catch the moment, it will not last for ever!
White Christmas? Almost guaranteed, at least if you choose the inner parts of the island and region, which has a colder and more stabile winter climate. Even a short drive can give up to ten degrees in difference,
Being dressed properly for this type of climate and weather, is an important part of the experience. We use the keywords wool, wind- and waterproof. Sroll down to read more of how to dress.
When the sun returns...
...and we get ourselfs to January, days start feeling brighter and getting a bit longer, day by day. The Northern Light season and lovely winter motif can be spiced up with a snowstorm now and then. Now is the period for the crisp, cold days, with the lowest temperatures to the inland. However, being along the coast, means cold wind from the sea, and you will feel it is very cold even though the degrees are not that low.
In March and April, the sun will give a little warm feeling in daytime, but nights can still be very cold. Norwegians like to sit outside in the snow to get a little tan.
In the middle of winter, like January to March and April, we recommend wool, more wool, quality down jacket and windproof.
Snowshoes
Senja and Dyrøy offers perfect conditions for snowshoe hiking in every level. Learning to use snowshoes does not require much and it`s easy to learn. Hiking on snowshoes is fore every level and is an unforgettable adventure. It will give you the bonus of challenging your physics. The value of your snowshoe hike is not dependent on how high mountains you conquer, but it comes from the feelings you get while doing this activity together with friends and loved ones.
We recommend to book a guidet snowshoe hike to keep you safe or hike in lower areas to avoid any risk of avalanches.
No matter what, you deserve a cup of hot chocolate after your winter adventure!
Skitouring or top tour skiing
Top tour skiing is a different kind of sport that requires much more than snowshoe hiking. In particular one need to know how to analyze and minimize the risk. The Senja and Dyrøy region have plenty of high peaks, tempting for those who love downhill skiing. Beginners, unexpereinced or those unfamiliar with local conditions should definitely attend a guidet tour. The most imortant thing is to come safely back home.
Scroll down and read more about skitouring.
Cross-country or back country skiing
If you prefere cross-country skiing in prepared ski slopes or enjoy to wander off into the woods or not so steep mountains on back-country skies, the possibilities are multiple, not to say endless. The season for skislopes starts as soon as there is enough snow and they are prepared by local sports associations. You can find such slopes on different locations in Senja and Dyrøy.
It is also possible to find prepared ski slopes in remote but beautiful areas, ski touring races and family events with skies.
Having back-country skies can take you in safe woods and mountains without meeting other people.
Anyhow, pay attention to the risk of avalanche, use Varsom to stay safe.
Skates, sled and kick sled
Not only the kids enjoy playing in the snow! How about making a friendly sledding competition with your friends?
Using a kick sled is possible on hard snowcovered or icy roads, until they get sprinkled by sand and gravel. Some destinations, are so remote that this is something you still can experience.
Ice skating is a fun and even more challenging adventure. You will discover muscles unknown! The small lake in the middle of Finnsnes will be prepared for ice skating when the conditions are right. If you choose to skate on other lakes, ensure the ice is thick enough to be safe and keep distance to rivers and streams.
Safe adventures
Use app`s for weather forecast and read the whole text, also special warnings, for example yr.no or tv2vær.
Update your self on road and traffic by using this map from Statens Vegvesen. Zoom in and read messages. Pay extra attention in avalanche season.
Consider the risk of avalanches and use the app varsom.no when you make plans to move out in the terrain.
If you plan on skiing and skitouring, check out the new app from Skida, which also has suggested toptours for the Senja region. The app is available in Norwegian, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Ukranian.
Keep the emergency phone numbers at your phone and ensure all members of your group has the numbers, know your location/mountain/ route. Remember that cellphone network does not cover all areas.
Bring equipment for self rescue and emergency, also when you head out for a shorter or easier tour. One can never know at when an accident happens and waiting for rescue can take hours.
We recommend to book guidet tours, both for snowshoing and skitouring, especially if you are beginner, unexpereinced or unfamiliar with terrain and conditions.
