The quick version
- A slow winter walk makes your body work in bursts, so dress in a breathable base, an insulating mid layer and a windproof shell. In winter, Tromsø normally sees average temperatures of about −4°C.[1]
- Snowshoeing is walking, not skiing. Sturdy waterproof boots and wool socks keep you comfortable in deep snow and over uneven ground.
- Heat escapes quickly from your head and hands. A warm hat, mittens or gloves, and a neck gaiter make the picnic stop far more enjoyable.
- The featured From Tromsø snowshoe hike lasts 4 hours, uses a small group limited to 15, and is led by a live English-speaking guide.[2]
- Before any backcountry walk, check local avalanche warnings through the Varsom app.[3]
- Top choice Snowshoeing Hike with Picnic from US$148 Duration4 hours[2]GuideLive tour guide in English[2]GroupSmall group limited to 15[2]Rating4.87[2] Check availability
- Arctic Snowshoe Hike from US$157 Duration4 hours[4]GuideLive tour guide in English, Norwegian[4]GroupSmall group limited to 8[4]Rating4.89[4] See this tour
- Snowshoeing and Reindeer from US$189 Duration4 hours[5]GuideLive tour guide in English[5]GroupNo group size statedRating4.83[5] See this tour
The average winter temperature in Tromsø is around −4°C.
Layer up, cover your hands, and enjoy the quiet trail
Packing list
- Wool or synthetic base layer top and leggings
- Warm mid layer: fleece, down or synthetic jacket
- Windproof and waterproof shell jacket and trousers
- Hat, gloves or mittens, neck gaiter and spare socks
Layers earn their keep on a slow, cold walk
Snowshoeing is one of those winter activities where your body temperature changes all the time. The walking itself keeps you warm, but the group stops for photographs, for the guide's stories and for a picnic break, and those pauses are when the cold catches up. Winter temperatures in Tromsø average around −4°C, and a mild wind can make it feel much colder; dressing in layers works better than relying on one thick jacket.[1]
The easiest system to manage is three layers. A base layer of wool or a synthetic fabric sits next to your skin and moves sweat away, which keeps you dry from the start. A mid layer, such as a fleece or a compact insulated jacket, traps warmth around your body. A windproof and waterproof shell on the outside keeps the Arctic air and falling snow from reaching the layers beneath.
Layers also give you choices. As you climb a ridge or the sun comes out, open your jacket or take off your mid layer and stow it in a small backpack. When you reach a sheltered picnic stop, put it back on before you start to feel cold. That flexibility is what makes a winter walk comfortable, and it matters more than any single piece of kit.
Base and mid layers to pack yourself
Your base layer is the piece that does the heaviest work. Merino wool or a synthetic athletic fabric is the right choice because it moves moisture away from your skin instead of holding it. Cotton absorbs sweat and leaves you damp and chilly, so leave it at home. If you are shopping for what to wear snowshoeing, women's-specific base layers often have a closer fit and are worth trying on with the rest of your kit.
For the mid layer, think about the pace of the day. The featured From Tromsø snowshoe hike is a 4-hour outing with a live English-speaking guide, and the rhythm is usually steady walking, a photo stop, then more walking.[2] A fleece or a packable insulated jacket gives you enough warmth without too much bulk, and it can be removed when you are moving uphill.
If you tend to feel the cold, add a thin down or synthetic vest under your shell. It adds warmth to your core while leaving your arms free. The key is to avoid overdressing at the start of the walk, because a light sweat will cool you down quickly. Choose pieces with zips you can open, and you will be able to fine tune your temperature all day.
The low winter sun lights the snow as a group walks toward open peaks.
Feet: comfortable shoes and the socks under them
Snowshoes attach to whatever winter boots you already own, so there is no need to buy specialist footwear for this trip. What matters is a waterproof boot with a slightly grippy sole and enough room for a thick sock. If your boots are too tight, your feet will feel cold before the walk is over. If they are too loose, your heel will lift inside the snowshoe binding and make every step feel clumsy.
Wool socks are worth the extra cost because they keep their warmth even when damp. It is also smart to bring a second pair in your backpack. At the van, or at the picnic stop, you can change your footwear if snow gets over the tops of your boots. A spare pair of socks takes up almost no room and can transform the second half of the day.
If you are buying boots before you travel, look for models described as waterproof and insulated. You do not need mountaineering boots, just a comfortable fit that works with snowshoes and feels stable on packed snow. Think of the day as a hike through open snowfields and low Arctic birch, not a technical climb, and choose footwear you would happily wear for a few hours of walking.
Hands, a hat and the low winter light
Your hands and head feel the cold first, so cover them before you worry about anything else. A warm hat that covers your ears, mittens or gloves, and a neck gaiter or scarf should be in your bag from the start. Mittens keep fingers warmer because they share their heat, while gloves make it easier to adjust snowshoe straps, open a backpack and use a camera.
Winter daylight in Tromsø is short and sometimes very low. You may be walking in twilight or complete darkness during the polar night, roughly 27 November through 15 January.[6] A headlamp is useful if you are out late, and bright or reflective details on your outer layer make it easier for the rest of the group to spot you against the snow.
When the sun does appear, it hangs close to the horizon and can be surprisingly bright against fresh snow. Polarised sunglasses or goggles cut the glare and protect your eyes, especially on open slopes where the light bounces from every direction. Keep a small pair in your jacket pocket so they are easy to reach when the light changes.
from US$148
The 4-hour small-group snowshoe hike on Kvaløya is rated 4.87 from 928 reviews, with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.[2]
Waterproofs, the picnic stop and staying dry
This tour is called a Snowshoeing Hike with Picnic Lunch and Photos, so expect a proper break where you stop, sit and take in the view.[2] Sitting still is when the cold bites, which is why a warm outer layer and a dry place to sit make all the difference. A foldable foam pad or a dry bag to sit on is a simple trick that keeps the chill from the ground from reaching you.
A waterproof shell is not just for rain. Snow can fall softly for hours, and the powder kicked up by snowshoes lands on your legs and jacket. A shell with a hood and sealed seams keeps you dry, and dry skin stays much warmer than damp skin. Trousers with a little stretch are easier to move in while you are walking over uneven snow.
Your hands also need protection from wet snow. Gloves or mittens with a waterproof outer layer let you handle snowshoes, adjust your backpack and hold a warm drink without ending the picnic early. If your gloves get soaked, the spare pair you packed will save the afternoon. Add a small flask or bottle of warm drink and you have everything you need for a comfortable break.
Snowshoeing equipment: what to expect
For a guided tour, the main equipment is usually provided. You will be fitted with snowshoes, and most operators include poles and an experienced guide who knows where the snow is stable and where the views are best. The featured tour is led by a live English-speaking guide and keeps the group small, limited to 15 participants, so there is plenty of time for questions and photographs.[2]
If you are exploring on your own, you can rent or borrow snowshoes and try a short route near town. Fjellheisen offers guided snowshoe tours from its upper station during the winter season, which is an easy way to step onto the snow without a long drive.[7] Start with a well-marked route and tell someone where you are going before you head out.
A snowshoeing equipment list is a useful shorthand for the extras that make the day work: a small backpack for layers, a bottle of warm drink, snacks, sunglasses, a headlamp, and a simple first aid kit. None of these are bulky, and they all help you stay comfortable for the full 4 hours of the tour.[2]
Planning your day, from airport to trailhead
Start with the logistics. When flying into Tromsø, the route from airport to city centre takes roughly 10-20 minutes.[8] The featured snowshoe hike begins in Tromsø and uses a van to reach Kvaløya, so you do not need a hire car for this outing.[2] Leave yourself time to layer up properly before the tour and keep your boots and gloves easy to reach.
Check the forecast and snow conditions before you go. The Varsom mobile app shows avalanche warnings, observations and avalanche terrain maps, which is especially useful after fresh snow or strong winds.[3] If the conditions look uncertain, trust the guide's decision about where and when to walk. A flexible attitude is as important as the right jacket.
Finally, remember that winter in Tromsø has a gentle rhythm. Winter's average temperature is roughly −4°C, and auroral displays may show between late August and early April whenever clear and dark conditions prevail.[1][9] With the right clothing, a warm drink in your flask and a little patience, snowshoeing turns the cold into something beautiful rather than something to endure.
Snowshoe tours compared by from-price
Compare snowshoe tour prices
Adult from-prices from GetYourGuide listings.[2][4][5]
When to pack what
Getting ready to walk
Base layer
Wear wool or synthetic fabric next to your skin. It keeps sweat away and dries quickly.
Mid layer
Add a fleece or a packable insulated jacket. You can remove it when you warm up.
Shell layer
Top with a windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers. A hood is a bonus.
Boots and socks
Choose waterproof boots with room for thick socks, and carry a spare pair.
Hands and extras
Hat, gloves or mittens, neck gaiter, sunglasses and a warm drink complete the kit.
Check conditions
Open the Varsom app and read the warnings before you leave.[3]
Ready to walk on snow in Tromsø?
from US$148Reserve now & pay later
