🐋⛷️ Whales and carving: combining skiing and sea safaris
Get ready for the most incredible winter holiday you've ever had in Norway! Picture this: you're gliding down the perfect slopes in the morning, and then, in the blink of an eye, you're on a boat in the middle of a fjord in the afternoon, watching humpback whales leap out of the water. This unique active holiday format is now available in Northern Norway and is becoming a hit with tourists looking for something truly special.
This article is jam-packed with brilliant recommendations, tour schedules and tips from travellers who have tried this amazing combo in the awesome resort of Andenes.
🎿🌊 Why combine skiing and whale watching?
Get ready for the ultimate adventure in the stunning Andenes region of northern Norway! Here, you'll find not just incredible skiing conditions, but also some of the world's best whale-watching opportunities. Here you can:
● Enjoy the slopes and freeriding in the morning.
● See giant sea creatures just a few miles from the shore in the afternoon.
This is the perfect holiday for those who love to combine sport, nature and unforgettable experiences.
📍 Andenes: the best place for a ski + whale combo
Andenes is located in the north of the Vesterålen archipelago and is one of the most famous places in the world for whale watching:
● Ski slopes:
The small but picturesque Andøy Friluftssenter (Andenes Alpine Centre) ski resort. The slopes are suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers.
● Sea safaris:
Whale watching (humpback whales, killer whales, sperm whales) is organised by Whalesafari Andenes and Sea Safari Andenes.
🗓️ Tour Schedule: How to Combine Everything
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Ski slopes at Andenes Alpine Centre |
| 12:00 | Lunch at one of Andenes' cafés |
| 13:30 | Whale watching safari |
🐳 What whales can you see?
● Humpback whales: impressive jumps and singing.
● Orcas: intelligent, playful and curious.
● Sperm whales: the largest toothed whales, most commonly found in the waters of Andenes.
🎯 Best season for watching:
November to April (peak whale activity in December to February).
💰 Cost of Safari and Ski Holiday
| Activity | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Ski pass (1 day) | from 350 NOK |
| Ski rental (1 day) | 300–400 NOK |
| Sea safari (3–4 hours) | 1 200–1 500 NOK (incl. guide & warm overalls) |
🎒 What to bring on a whale safari?
● Warm clothing and layers.
● Hat, gloves and a buff (the wind is cold at sea).
● A camera with a telephoto lens.
● Powerbank (batteries drain quickly in the cold).
● Light snacks and water (if not included in the tour).
🎯 Advice from travellers on Reddit:
"Bring extra socks and gloves — the waves can get you wet, and staying dry is critical for comfort."
📸 Best moments for photos
● Spectacular whale jumps and tails.
● Shots from the ski slope overlooking the ocean.
● Emotional selfies in special gear on board the boat.
🎯 Final checklist for the combo tour
● Book your safari in advance (2–3 weeks).
● Coordinate your mountain skiing and sea safari schedules.
● Dress in layers and bring a change of clothes.
● Bring a high-quality camera and a power bank.
● Purchase a combo package if available.
A day of sea safaris and skiing? Yes, please! That's the ultimate winter adventure in Norway! Prepare for the most incredible experiences, photos and emotions that you simply won't find anywhere else. This is an amazing holiday format for anyone who wants to get the most out of their vacation!
💬 Share your experience!
I would absolutely love to hear from you if you have already tried similar combo tours or are planning a trip to Andenes! So, what are you waiting for? Write comments, ask questions, share your photos and personal impressions!
We can't wait to feature the best reviews and recommendations from our readers in future articles in our Norway catalogue!
