Snowshoeing Adventure to the Enchanting Frozen Waterfall

About This Experience

This is a guided snowshoe hike outside Alta to Orvvosfossen, a waterfall that freezes into a cascade of ice in winter. Transport, snowshoes and a guide are included, and the guide teaches you how to walk in snowshoes before you set off on a trail through snow-covered forest. It is about 2.25 km each way, 4.5 km in total, and the trip lasts 4 hours with coffee, tea and snacks along the way. The guide also talks about the nature and history of Alta and the Gargia Valley.

It suits active travellers with moderate fitness. The trail has uphill sections, and reviewers describe a couple of short, steep climbs and a good workout on snowshoes with spikes. The guide keeps the group together at the pace of the slowest walker, and groups can be up to 16 people. The listing says it is not suitable for people with a low level of fitness.

Not every group reaches the foot of the waterfall. Two March reviewers saw it only from a distance, or not up close, because time ran out or the group was slow, while another group extended the walk by nearly 90 minutes. From late November to mid-January there is no sunrise in Alta, which is why the operator’s packing list includes a headlamp. That list also asks for wool underwear, warm shoes, mittens and a hat or neck gaiter.

The rating is 4.9 from 41 reviews. Reviewers praise their guide’s humour and care for the group, the quiet of the snowy forest, and learning to read plants and animal tracks along the way. A cruise passenger was pleased with the transport, and another reviewer liked the meeting spot at the Canyon Hotel, where you can get coffee and food while waiting for the prompt shuttles.

Highlights

• Stand before Orvvosfossen, a waterfall frozen into ice
• Learn snowshoeing, a traditional way to travel in the Arctic
• A quiet trail through snow-covered forest
• The nature and history of Alta and the Gargia Valley from your guide
• A real workout: 4.5 km round trip with some uphill sections

What's Included

• ✓ Transport
• ✓ Snowshoe equipment
• ✓ Guide in English
• ✓ Coffee, tea and snacks
• ✓ About 4 hours in total
• ✓ Group of up to 16 people

Not Included

• Thermal suits or outdoor clothing (bring your own warm layers)
• Headlamp (bring one when needed)

What to Bring

• Thermal clothing or wool underwear
• Warm shoes
• Mittens or gloves
• Hat and scarf or neck gaiter
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Warm clothing

Good to Know & Caveats

• The trip has some uphill sections, so moderate fitness is recommended. Total trip length is 4.5 km round trip.
• Some groups do not reach the base of the waterfall in the time available; reviewers describe seeing it from a distance.
• Please bring: woolen underwear, warm shoes, mittens, a hat or neck gaiter, and a headlamp (when needed).
• From late November to mid-January there is no sunrise in Alta, so part of the walk may be in twilight or darkness.
• Start times vary by date: check availability to see starting times. Confirm the pickup point on your voucher.
• Free cancellation: cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Meeting Point

Transport is included, but the listing does not state the pickup point, so check your voucher (one reviewer met the shuttle at the Canyon Hotel in Alta).