In 1843, the world's first cross-country competition took place in downtown Tromsø. An ancient means of transportation across the high north of Europe, skiing had now been turned into the toughest of all sports. Today, som epeople go to work on skis; other use them for an evening workout. On sunny winter Sundays, the mountains around Tromsø teem with people of all ages and skills.

Long cross-country treks in remote areas on the Finnish and Swedish border are a joy of late winter. Downhill enthusiasts as well as snowboarders are well catered for right on the edge of the city. The nobility of skiers, however, are the off-piste runners, who spend a whole day climbing the peaks of the Lyngen Alps and a mere half-hour rushing down.