Cross-country skiing in Tromsø

You do not need to leave the island to go cross-country skiing in Tromsø. The illuminated cross-country trail on Tromsøya runs through the centre of the island, and Visit Tromsø calls it one of the easiest places to go skiing close to the city. Because the trail is lit, you can use it in the dark afternoons of the polar night as well.

The lit trails on Tromsøya

Prestvannet and Charlottenlund are both good starting points, according to Visit Tromsø. Prestvannet is a small lake and nature reserve in the middle of the island, with a path around the lake. Charlottenlund is also the meeting place for one of the beginner courses (bus 26 to the stop Skoglyst). Parts of the route suit beginners, while other sections have more hills.

The main trail systems on Tromsøya, at Kvaløysletta, in Tromsdalen and at Kroken are groomed regularly when snow conditions allow. Check Sporet for maps and the latest grooming status before you go.

Prestvannet freezes in winter and parts of it are sometimes prepared for skating. Visit Tromsø's advice is never to assume that the ice is safe and to check local information before walking or skating on it. On a clear evening you may also see the northern lights from here, since Prestvannet is one of the darker spots in town.

Beginner courses

The courses below last two and a half to three hours, include the transfer and lend you skis, poles and boots. One of them, run from Tromsø Skistadion on Dramsvegen, also provides a jacket, trousers, hat and gloves; at another, winter clothing can be rented. The Charlottenlund course has an alternative programme for days without enough snow.

Dress in layers under any rented clothing, so you can take something off while skiing and put it back on during breaks. Visit Tromsø recommends wool next to the skin, then warm, dry sweaters and a jacket.

When there is snow

Early in the season, snow can come and go. In winter 2025/26 the first snow fell on 20 October, melted again, and a lasting snow cover only arrived on 9 November. The snow depth at the town station peaked at 105 cm on 23 February, and the cover lasted until 18 April. Between December and March the depth never dropped below 26 cm. That was a single winter, not an average; see the best time to visit for the month-by-month picture.

After skiing

Tromsø Skistadion lies on Dramsvegen, and the bus stop for the public pool Tromsøbadet has the same name. Tromsøbadet has a Finnish sauna and a heated outdoor pool, and racks for skis. Our sauna page has the details.

Ski touring in the Lyngen Alps

The Lyngen Alps, with their highest point at 1834 m, are known for ski touring in untouched mountainsides. That is a different sport from skiing on a groomed trail. It takes place in avalanche terrain, and Visit Tromsø points out that snow, ice and fast-changing weather make routes much more demanding in winter. The Norwegian avalanche service Varsom publishes regional forecasts every day from 1 December to 31 May. Without mountain experience, go with a qualified guide.

If you want to get into the snow without skis, compare the guided hikes on tromsosnowshoe.com.