Ski and Sail Adventure Above the Arctic Circle

A women’s week with Jolly Good Times Sailing we’ll never forget

We set sail on April 24, north of Tromsø, with skis, packs, and six women ready for whatever

Bundled up sailing to the next skin up the mountain

the Arctic had in store. By May 1, we’d toured more than 42 miles and climbed nearly 20,000 feet across wind-scoured ridges and soft powder runs. We had whiteouts, bluebird days, wind for a sail, reindeer sightings, and the most incredible bread.

This wasn’t just a ski trip. It was a week of shared effort, unexpected joy, and deep connection, all made possible by a crew that welcomed us like family.

Hosted by the Best in the North

This trip came to life thanks to Jolly Good Times Sailing (jollygoodtimessailing.com), a small, family-run business operated by Maria and Ulrik (+Ramoncito). They truly live up to their motto: “Come as a guest, leave as a friend.”

From the start, they gave us a sense of being not just cared for, but known. Maria welcomed us aboard like we were entering her home and fed us like royalty. Ulrik shared stories of the land, the sea, and the places we passed. And the boat itself? A floating basecamp of warmth, comfort, and adventure.

We even ended one whiteout day with a spontaneous dance lesson from Maria at a local bar open only to our hosts. That’s the kind of trip this was!

Our Guide: Miriam Marco Sanchez

We were lucky to have Miriam Marco Sanchez guiding us through the terrain, weather, and decisions of the week. Calm, confident, and skilled, she made the right calls in shifting snow conditions and still managed to find us fresh powder almost every day. From mellow glades to a big glacier traverse, she led each of us to see the most amazing views in Norway.

And yes, we skied all seven days!

The Trip Log

Every day brought a new route, a new mood, and a different rhythm. It included technical climbs, powder turns, saunas, stories, and slow mornings with coffee with topo maps.

Here’s a look at what the week actually looked like, by the numbers:

Date	Distance	Elevation Gain	Moving Time	Total Time	Notes
Apr 24	5.72 mi	2,022 ft	2h 18m	3h 54m	Clear on the way up and white out at the top
Apr 25	3.20 mi	1,973 ft	1h 35m	3h 59m	Perfected the kick turn and skied such fun snow.
Apr 26	8.30 mi	3,402 ft	3h 29m	6h 5m	Windy! First half of the climb had huge views, then the wind picked up but found soft snow.
Apr 27	2.08 mi	1,123 ft	0h 56m	1h 41m	Kept it chill to avoid wind. Saw reindeer and skied lovely trees. Visited a sauna on the island!
Apr 28	5.93 mi	3,029 ft	2h 40m	4h 25m	Complete whiteout. Ended the day with views and a dance lesson from Maria, a perfect day!
Apr 29	9.17 mi	4,319 ft	4h 04m	7h 42m	Traversed the Lyngen Alps. Hiked across a glacier, climbed up a cornice, and had such a fun ski.
Apr 30	7.93 mi	3,402 ft	3h 17m	5h 35m	Rough start for the legs. Creek crossings, long climb, good snow up high, a bit icy in the trees.

Traverse across the Lyngen Alps pennisula

Total elevation climbed: 19,270 ft 

Total distance traveled on skis: 42.43 miles 

Tours completed: 7 

Most memorable snow: April 29 — traversing the Lyngen Alps, hiking a glacier, climbing up a cornice, and skiing an unforgettable powder run.

Most surprising moment: April 28 — no visibility, but a dance party filled with joy!

Why It Worked

The magic of this trip wasn’t just the skiing, it was the combination of great terrain, amazing people, and hosts who create space for both adventure and rest.

Every part of the trip felt intentional. The boat was both cozy and functional. The tours were adventurous but never rushed. The pace gave room for deep conversations, hard climbs, and quiet moments to just look around and soak it all in.

When you combine a strong crew of women, a trusted guide, and hosts who care deeply about what they do, the experience becomes more than just skiing. It becomes a kind of home.

Who This Trip Is For

If you’re a skier who loves the backcountry, thrives in a small-group setting, and wants something different from the typical guided trip... go with Jolly Good Times Sailing!

They’re incredibly flexible. Bring your own guide, or let them set you up with one. Plan a mixed-gender trip or a women-only week like we did. Either way, they’ll help you create something real, personal, and unforgettable.

And did we mention the food? There’s something special about finishing a glacier traverse and coming home to Maria’s food and fantastic playlist.

Final Thoughts

This trip was a reminder of what’s possible when strong people come together in wild places. We came home wind-chapped, sore, and deeply grateful! We had the chance to move through big mountains filled with laughs and appreciation for the freedom that comes from sailing, skinning, and skiing with no reception, no distractions. Thank you, Maria, Ulrik, Ramoncito, and Miriam, for giving us the trip of a lifetime.

Learn more: Visit Jolly Good Times Sailing