Three stunning back-country skiing tours on Vikafjellet
Vikafjellet offers endless possibilities for back-country skiing experiences – whether you prefer to go on a full-day excursion or just enjoy a sunny afternoon in the mountains.
Vikafjellet is the mountain plateau situated between Myrkdalen and Vik. It is also the gateway to Stølsheimen, stretching between the Sognefjord, Voss, and the Masfjord mountains.
Below, we give you three tips for excellent back-country skiing tours in the area, whether you want to reach a peak with fjord views or go on an excursion across gently rolling terrain.
Child-friendly Sendalen valley
Three kilometres from the sharp bends near Holo, you'll find a large parking lot at the start of Sendedalen. This area is popular, especially for families with children, as the terrain is gentle and easy to walk. You won't find groomed trails here, but ski tracks often follow the valley across several lakes.
If you go early in the winter, before it is safe to walk on the lakes, the best route is to follow the summer trail, located on the right side of the rivers.
It's up to you! Will you head out on a scenic skiing adventure through the valley, or would you prefer to stay close to the road, building jumps and sledding in the snow?
View of the Sognefjord from Skjelinganosi
Skjelinganosi is an excellent early winter hike option. Start at Skjelingen, a few kilometres past the county border towards Vik, and follow the road towards Selhamar. After a couple of kilometres, turn left towards Snjodalen and continue uphill along the power line. From there, head north to the peak of Skjelinganosi, offering stunning views of the Sognefjord and the surrounding mountains.
The snow tends to linger at Skjelinganosi - allowing you to go skiing as late as June.
Full-day hike to Fossfjellet mountain
Parking at the municipal boundary is an ideal starting point for back-country skiing on Vikafjellet. The eastern side enjoys plenty of sunshine, and the gently undulating valleys offer excellent skiing conditions both early and late in the season. There are multiple route options to reach Fossfjellet, allowing you to choose between traversing the valleys or taking routes over peaks with superb descents.
If you're lucky, you might spot ptarmigans and a herd of up to 300 reindeer inhabiting the area. Enjoy the view, but do not follow them.
One route option is hiking along the southern side of Buforevatnet towards the northern side of Svartavatnet and then continuing up to the summit. If you prefer to go only some of the way to the top, the cabin by Svartavatnet is a great destination. Fossfjellet offers stunning views of the Sognefjord and the surrounding mountains.
Early winter and spring conditions
Vikafjellet is most visited early in the winter before the snow settles in Myrkdalen, and in the spring when the weather is more stable. The area is exposed to the elements, and in midwinter, the road between Myrkdalen and Vik is often closed. Therefore, it's important to check the weather forecast before heading out on an extended tour here.
Have a great trip!
