Finnmarksvidda Crossing – 9‑Day Arctic Ski & Snowshoe Expedition
Experience the far polar north of Norway on a multi-day self-supported sledge trip
This 9‑day self‑supported crossing of Norway’s Finnmarksvidda plateau covers approximately 120–140 km through one of Europe’s most remote Arctic regions. Travelling on skis or snowshoes, each participant hauls their own pulk with everything required for the full journey. Nights are spent in tents, with the exception of the final night in Karasjok, learning to manage yourself and your kit in temperatures that can drop below –25 °C.
Starting near Alta and finishing in Karasjok, the route takes you across frozen lakes including the vast Iešjávri, rolling tundra and long plateaus, with wide views across the Arctic landscape. The terrain is generally gentle, but the scale and exposure make this a serious undertaking. Daily distances average 15–20 km, with some longer travel days depending on conditions and team progress.
The trip is a chance to live the rhythm of a real expedition. You’ll set up and break down camp each day, manage stove systems for cooking and melting snow, and travel as a small, well-supported group. The route is chosen to give the best balance of challenge and safety, with experienced UK guides on hand throughout.
We offer this journey on both ski and snowshoe. Please get in touch to discuss which option would be most suitable for you. Strong fitness and a willingness to learn are the most important factors; we can help you choose the right equipment and travel style for your experience level.
The Finnmarksvidda crossing is ideal for anyone who wants to develop the routines and resilience needed for bigger Arctic journeys. This expedition is often used as preparation for Greenland crossings or longer polar objectives, but it stands on its own as a rewarding and complete Arctic journey.
Finnmarksvidda : A Self-Supported Polar Crossing
The Crossing Highlights
Over a 110KM - 130kms distance covered on Ski or Snowshoe
Frozen lakes, sub zero temperatures, high winds all the elements for a proper adventure
Camp on vast frozen lakes like Iesjavri and under vast Arctic skies
9‑day Finnmarksvidda Crossing, including 8 days on the plateau
Chance to see the best show of northern lights in your life
Below is the map of our route through the mountains
True expedition-style travel
self-sufficient camping routines, pulk hauling, melted snow water, and Arctic stove-provided meals
What to Expect During Your Finnmarksvidda Crossings
Escape into and endure winter’s extremes
Camp in Hilleberg tents on frozen lakes
Embrace the challenge
Experience pulling a pulk through vast undulating plains, and the enticing challenge of being completely self-supported
Light like nowhere else
Experience the unique winter light, silence and racing cold off the Norwegian winter.
Wild Encounters in the artic wilderness
Encounter the local wildlife: the plateau is home to the largest herd of wild reindeer, as well as Arctic foxes and snowy owls
Terrain
Gentle plateaus, a few climbs, forest sections near Jotka and Karasjok; longest ski-days approx 18 - 23kms
We only have limited places on each expedition, get in contact today and reserve your spot on our next adventure.
Expedition Safety
Your Safety is Our Top Priority on Every Trip
At Nordur, the safety and well-being of our adventurers are our top priority. We are dedicated to providing a thrilling and immersive journey across the Hardangervidda, while ensuring a secure and well-managed experience.
Our experienced guides are highly skilled in winter navigation, emergency first aid, and risk management. With extensive knowledge of the Hardangervidda’s terrain and ever-changing weather patterns, they are equipped to make informed decisions in real-time, ensuring your safety throughout the expedition.
Prior to the UK-based training course, you will be supplied with a comprehensive equipment list. The training course is not only a chance to learn essential safety protocols, route details, and emergency procedures, but also an opportunity to get hands-on experience with all the gear. You'll practice setting up tents, managing your pulk, and handling night-time routines like stove management. It’s also a great time to meet your guide team and fellow adventurers. Jamie is always available to answer any questions about equipment over the phone or by email, ensuring you’re fully prepared.
Due to the environment we are operating in, only the best group equipment is provided. This includes Hilleberg Keron 3GT tents, Snow Sled pulk systems, and, of course, the essential winter expedition gear:Snow shovel and probes. Emergency equipment we carry is first aid kits, personal locator beacons (PLB), InReach device, and a satellite phone for reliable communication.
If you're ready for this kind of adventure. We’ll work with you to make sure you’re prepared and confident to take on the challenges of the Hardangervidda.
Your Finnmarksvidda Crossing Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Travel and First Camp
Fly to Oslo, then connect through Tromsø and onwards to Alta. From here we transfer directly out to Jotkajavri Fjelltue. There’s no gentle start – we head straight out into the plateau, travelling a few kilometres to acclimatise to the cold, dry Arctic air before making our first camp. This is your first chance to get into the expedition rhythm: pitching tents, digging cold‑air wells, and organising the pulks for the following day.
Day 2: Crossing Iešjávri Lake
We break camp early and head towards Iešjávri, the largest lake in Finnmark. The day is spent travelling across the frozen expanse, with distant peaks on one horizon and low, rolling hills with scattered birch on the other. Camp is made in the centre of the lake – a stark and silent setting that gives a true sense of Arctic scale.
Day 3: Into the Plateau
We continue across Iešjávri before pushing further southeast, deeper into the Finnmarksvidda plateau. The landscape here flattens out and starts to resemble the vast expanses of Greenland or Antarctica. We travel through open country with no visible tracks or signs of habitation, camping out in complete wilderness.
Day 4: Rolling Terrain and Ovre Mollesjokk
The terrain begins to undulate more as we move past Ovre Mollesjokk. Daily distance will depend on conditions and team progress, but expect long, steady hours pulling pulks across rolling ground. The sense of isolation is strong in this section as we pass remote valleys and frozen river crossings before choosing a camp location.
Day 5: Building Momentum
By now the routines of the expedition are second nature. We continue our south‑easterly line across the plateau, linking frozen lakes and broad valleys. The team covers solid mileage today, taking advantage of established rhythm and any tailwinds, before making another remote camp on the snow.
Day 6: Full Day on the Plateau
This is a big travel day as we push further into the interior of the Finnmarksvidda. Navigation is straightforward but the distances are significant. The plateau’s wide horizons and Arctic light dominate the day. We end with another tent camp, cooking over the stoves and preparing for the final push south.
Day 7: Ravnastua and Birch Forest
We head southwards towards Ravnastua mountain lodge, where we stop for a well‑earned lunch indoors. From here it’s a few kilometres through light birch forest before finding a campsite beside a small frozen lake. The shelter of the trees makes a welcome change from the exposure of the open plateau.
Day 8: Descent to Karasjok
The final leg leads us across the last stretch of the Finnmarksvidda plain, with clear views into the wooded valleys below. The gradient steepens as we descend through pine forests towards the valley bottom. Care is needed here, especially for those skiing with pulks. We finish the journey at the roadhead and transfer into Karasjok, where hot showers and a comfortable bed await.
Day 9: Departure
An early transfer takes us to Lakselv Airport for connecting flights through Tromsø and Oslo to the UK.
Ready for a trip of a lifetime? Reserve your space on our next expedition below.
But don’t take our word for it have a look below at the media reel that shows you some of the highlights on offer during the week.
Our Finnmarksvidda Expedition Photo Gallery
The detail
Cost per place on the expedition: £3195
-
Accommodation – 1 night hostel, 1 night hotel, 5 nights in tents
All in-country transfers, including airport transfers
Meals – 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 evening meals
Use of pulk system
Mountain tents, stoves and pans
Expedition food and fuel
Medical safety equipment and supplies
Expedition team leader
Access to our RMS team of doctors (please see website information for more details)
-
Travel to and from departure airport
International flights and taxes
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Drinks, snacks and personal spending
-
Conditions on the plateau can be challenging; extreme winds, blizzards and whiteouts can make it difficult to gain ground. Also, experience of personal management in challenging conditions will be important. Conditions on the Finnmarksvidda can be similar to conditions on the Cairngorm plateau on a bad day. A good level of personal fitness and endurance is therefore required to complete this expedition.
Prior to the trip, we will run a free Winter Skills Course, where you will learn managing your kit in winter conditions and setting up camp, as well as using all of the equipment needed.
-
For the most part of this trek, we will sleep in wild camps on the plateau. We will be equipped with Hilleberg Keron 3 GT tents – 3 person tents, which are the standard for polar expeditions due to their durability and wind stability. The tents will be shared by two people, to allow for extra room.
On the first day, we stay at a DNT fjellstue, and the last night is spent in a hotel near Lakselv, where we enjoy a traditional Norwegian meal and views of peak Gaustatoppen.
-
We will have a substantial breakfast to start the day. Lunches consist of individual ration packs with picnic style foods and high energy foods. Evening meals during the trekking phase will consist of expedition food, which each of us will prepare on their liquid stove.
Please bring with you extra snacks for during the day if required.
If you have food allergies or intolerances, please inform us in your Booking Form. We will aim to cater to your needs, but it is advisable to also bring your own supplies from home.
-
This is an unsupported crossing – for the duration of the trip, you will pull a pulk, containing all of your equipment. The pulk will be strapped on with a waist and shoulder harness, connected to the pulk with rigid bars.
-
All our UK leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped first aid kit for emergencies. We recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements.
When selecting your trip please carefully read the information and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the trek rating for trip specific information. If you have any concerns, please contact us before booking. Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of your guide they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group.
-
Visas for entry into Norway are not required by nationals of the UK, Ireland and most EU countries. Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.
-
The local currency is Norwegian Kroner (NOK). We advise you to take local currency with you as there may not be time to obtain currency from banks.
-
Please scroll down and you will see the dates :)
