While cross-country skiing and ski touring have been popular for years, we would like to introduce you to another type of skiing that offers tranquillity and adventure. If you enjoy peaceful ski trips away from the groomed trails without needing full touring gear, back-country skiing in Myrkdalen is perfect for you.
Try back-country skiing in Myrkdalen to enjoy even more great days out during the winter and spring seasons.
Skiing has always been popular in this snow-rich valley. Since the 1950s and 60s, Myrkdalen has been a beloved ski destination. Especially during Easter, when locals would rent out houses and cabins to people from Bergen eager to hit the slopes. If you’re imagining the long, straight, and stiff back-country skis many used until the early 2000s, rest assured that ski technology has evolved significantly since then.
Do you want to try back-country skiing in Myrkdalen? Just step outside, strap on your skis, and take your pick — gentle slopes or steeper runs, short trails, or longer tours. The mountains and valleys are well suited for this type of skiing, where you can easily go up and down while enjoying the smooth glide across flat terrain. Plus, a short drive away, you'll find almost endless options, with or without stunning fjord views.
TIPS: If you're unsure whether this kind of skiing is for you, you can rent skis at Myrkdalen Ski Rental and give it a try before you buy.
If you step into your skis outside the hotel, head towards the ski bridge and Årmotslia. From there, continue along the groomed trail to the first cluster of mountain farmhouses, Bygdastølen.
From this point, you have several excellent options for your ski tour:
There's no problem starting the trip with a skilift even if you're using back-country skis. From the top of the Kari Traa skilift, it's just a short hour up to Finnbunuten. From there, follow the gentle ridge over Mørkvesberget with great views in all directions.
Make sure to go west of Svortetjørn before turning back down towards Myrkdalen. Down the Langeleinene, go straight ahead for a while before you turn east and end up at the ruins beneath Mørkvesstølen. Cross the river and aim for the Storhaugekspressen, which will take you back up to the ski resort.
30 km of cross-country ski trails directly from the mountain village
If you hop in the car for a short drive, the only limits to your hiking possibilities are your imagination and the map.
A great option for families with some skiing experience is Urdeggi on Vikafjellet. After about an hour of calm skiing in easy terrain, the sudden view of the Sognefjord is breathtaking. Here are tips for three other great back-country ski trips on Vikafjellet.
Did you know that you can combine a skiing trip with the Flåm Railway? Known as one of the world's most beautiful train journeys, The Flåm Railway runs from Flåm, just a 45-minute drive from Myrkdalen.
Bring your skis on board the train and get off at Vatnahalsen. From here, you can ski along the Rallarvegen road, take a family-friendly loop around Reinungavatnet or enjoy the view from Reinunga or Skjebergsnuten.
Remember to buy lunch or baked goods from Flåm Bakery before boarding the train. Also, drop by Vatnahalsen Hotel for a warm drink before the return trip. Make sure to catch the last train back down to Flåm!
Are you unsure if back-country skiing is for you or wondering what type of skis you need? We recommend renting skis from Myrkdalen Ski Rental for a day to explore your options.
If downhill skiing is a priority, consider wider skis with a strong sidecut for better control. If you're bringing a dog along, opt for skis without steel edges for safety. Longer, stiffer skis may be ideal for long trips across mountain plateaus. However, a mountain ski that fits standard tracks might be the best choice if you also want to use your skis for occasional cross-country skiing.
Myrkdalen Ski Rental
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