Strandafjellet

Gateway to Sunnmøre's ski touring paradise

Strandafjellet ski area, located in the heart of Stranda municipality in the Sunnmøre region of western Norway, is a full-service ski resort that also serves as one of the most accessible gateways to backcountry touring in the area. Perched above the small town of Stranda on the shores of Storfjorden, the resort’s infrastructure makes it uniquely suited to those seeking a blend of resort convenience and genuine mountain adventure. The surrounding terrain is quintessential Sunnmøre: steep, dramatic, and typically well-loaded with snow throughout the long winter season.

A key advantage of Strandafjellet is its lift-assisted access to high alpine terrain. Skiers and tourers can ride the lifts to the upper mountain and begin skinning from there, significantly reducing approach times to peaks and ridgelines that would otherwise demand hours of climbing. This efficiency makes the area particularly attractive for day tours and opens up objectives that might be unrealistic for those with limited time or energy. From the top of the lifts, routes spread out across a wide variety of terrain—from broad, forgiving ridgelines ideal for beginners to steeper couloirs and faces that will challenge experienced ski mountaineers.

The maritime climate of Sunnmøre is both a defining feature and a major benefit. Moisture-rich Atlantic weather systems deliver heavy, reliable snowfall from December through May, building a deep snowpack that supports a long and consistent season. While conditions can change quickly—and the maritime influence often brings wetter snow and rapid weather shifts—the sheer volume of precipitation means Strandafjellet rarely suffers from the thin snowpacks that can affect more continental mountain ranges. For those new to ski touring in Sunnmøre, this reliability makes Strandafjellet an excellent first base.

Stranda itself is a compact, welcoming town with solid amenities and straightforward access. It sits roughly 1.5 hours by road from Ålesund, making it an easy target for both weekend getaways and extended stays. For newcomers to ski touring in Sunnmøre, Strandafjellet offers an ideal combination: a safe, well-serviced environment with real mountain terrain right on the doorstep, and a natural stepping stone toward the wilder, more committing objectives that have made this corner of Norway legendary among skiers and mountaineers.