An intensive trip for beginners or experienced kiters depending on the dates
Highlights
- Six days of snowkiting at one of Norway's finest spots
- Harness and kites (4, 8 and 11 m²) provided
- A varied site suited to every level
- Expert guiding
- One-to-one coaching
- Small groups of 3 to 4 participants
We travel to Finse, Norway's highest railway station, reached from Oslo on one of the world's great train journeys, and set up our "base camp" in comfortable, well-placed accommodation for extraordinary days of riding. From confident beginner to advanced, the playground is limitless: lakes, mountains, and the Hardangerjøkulen glacier itself. We adapt to each rider's level to keep the technique progressing and the sensations more addictive by the day.
Overview
THE Finse "spot" (1,222 metres)
Perched at 1,222 metres on the high plateaus of the Hardangervidda, between Oslo and Bergen, Finse is one of Norway's finest snowkite spots. There's no road here: only the train links the hamlet to the rest of the world, at the end of one of Europe's most spectacular railway lines. Proximity to the North Atlantic, the altitude and the latitude together guarantee generous snow cover and, above all, wind that blows on almost every day.
From our "base camp", a comfortable and perfectly placed apartment, we head out each day to explore this extraordinary playground, following the wind and our own instincts. Long runs across the lake, up-and-down through the bowls, freeride along the ridges: the trip blends the pleasure of kite touring with pure gliding. It's an intensive pace, built for fast progress, from confident beginner through to advanced.
Drawing on many seasons spent criss-crossing these plateaus, we adapt to each rider's level to show you everything that makes expedition snowkiting so rich, and leave you with that burning urge to come back, again and again...
Itinerary
DAY 1: LANDING IN OSLO
Day 1
We fly to Oslo. An express train links the airport to the city centre, where we spend the night (hotel of your choice, not included).
DAY 2: TRAIN TO FINSE
Day 2
A 20-minute express train takes us to Oslo Central Station. From there we board a five-hour train journey through landscapes that climb steadily toward the snow-covered plateaus, on one of Europe's most beautiful railway lines. On arrival in Finse, we settle into our apartment. We take time to get our bearings and set the frame for the trip: daily routines, safety rules, radio distribution, a rundown of the gear... and of course, if conditions allow, there's always time for a few runs on the lake right next door.
DAYS 3 TO 8: KITE DAY-TOURING AROUND FINSE
Day 3
The first session usually takes place on Finse's own lake, giving everyone time to find their feet in open, forgiving conditions. Depending on each rider's level, we'll either stay on the lakes and low ground near the shore or head up into the mountains, and onto the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, before long.
The spirit here is very much that of touring. The idea is to combine the pleasure of a few hours' roaming with the thrill of freeride, guided by the wind, the terrain and whatever the moment calls for. We fix no route in advance, so we can stay free to follow the weather. Our close knowledge of the ground lets us chase the wind wherever it's blowing and squeeze the most out of every day.
What does a typical day look like? Breakfast together at the apartment, a check of the forecast and wind strength, then a choice of kite (4, 8 or 11 m², depending on conditions) and packing the bag. Briefing done, radios in our pockets, we clip into skis right on the doorstep. Depending on how the air is moving, we might stay on the lake to refine technique, or set off touring through the terrain: knolls, slopes, ridgelines, cornices — the ground here is an inexhaustible store of lines to ride. We move from one bowl to the next, stringing together climbs and descents for runs that are as thrilling as they are demanding.
Sessions run for hours and follow one another through the day. Back at base camp, there's time to unwind by the fire. Then we cook together and share the evening meal, a good moment to relive the day's runs, look through photos and plan for tomorrow.
Beyond the riding itself, these days are an immersion in the Far North, and a chance to talk through the kite-powered expeditions we run and the techniques behind them: choosing and managing kites in the cold, pulkas, self-sufficient camps. Know-how that, for those who want it, opens the door to bigger adventures still...
DAY 9: TRAIN FROM FINSE TO OSLO
Day 9
We return to Oslo by train. Night not included, at a hotel near Oslo airport.
DAY 10: RETURN FLIGHT
Day 10
We take our return flight at Oslo airport.
END OF EXPEDITION
For reasons that cannot be foreseen at this stage, such as unpredictable weather, the physical fitness or lack of fitness of participants or other circumstancess (customs formalities, road conditions, traffic, landslides, force majeure, etc.), your expedition leader may have to adapt the program, if necessary, to ensure the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and the one who guarantees your safety. Activity times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.
The itinerary for all our expedition programs, or the ascent program for our high-mountain expeditions, are given here as a guide only. They are flexible enough to adapt to weather conditions with a few contingency days. In any case, you should follow the recommendations of your guide, who may suggest that you cancel your expedition due to weather, safety or physical conditions.
It is important to remember that this is a truly unsupported expedition, and that anything can happen. Expeditions Unlimited, your expedition leader, your guide or our local teams can in no way be held responsible.
Any costs incurred as a result of a change in the expedition schedule (extra nights' accommodation, extra flights) will be borne by the participants and not by the organizers. "Contingency days" refer to the expedition in the strict sense of the term (base camp/base camp in the mountains, departure point/exit point on a traverse, etc.).
Any early return of the expedition or of certain members only (early success, abandonment, etc.), generating costs for accommodation, meals, changes to air tickets or other activities not provided for in this program, will be charged in full to the participants.
Trip notes
Guiding
This trip is led by a guide from our Expeditions Unlimited team, a specialist in skiing and snowkiting.
For unpredictable reasons at this stage, like adverse weather conditions, insufficient physical condition of participants, insufficient competencies of participants related to the intended activities, your guide may decide to adjust the intended program and/or activities. At all times, his decision will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip.
Difficulty level
Level rated: challenging
This program is designed for participants who take part in a regular sports activity several times a week, including endurance activity.
Technical difficulty
Ski Level
A solid alpine skiing level is recommended, at least equivalent to ESF class 3: parallel turns on medium to steep slopes, alternating short and long turns while controlling your speed, early carved turns, and comfort in both moguls and powder. Off-piste experience is a real asset; ski touring experience helps but isn't required.
SNOWKITE LEVEL: BEGINNER TO ADVANCED, DEPENDING ON THE GROUP
We do everything we can to put together level-matched groups on dedicated dates.
Beginner level (some experience): you've already tried snowkiting and have the basics down: rigging the kite, launching, flying it within the wind window, riding under power, landing; OR you already kite on water.
Advanced level: you're autonomous. You can rig, launch and land your kite alone in any conditions, you're progressing on all points of sail (across the wind, upwind, downwind), and you're starting to get to grips with kiteloops.
We put a strong emphasis on coaching. Throughout the trip, we watch each rider closely to give personalized technical input, on both the kite and the skiing, always with the same goal in mind: maximum enjoyment. The varied terrain lets us match the ground to each level, and the intensive pace does the rest; it's the surest way to progress fast.
Not sure of your level? Let's talk about it. Sometimes a bit of preparation beforehand is all it takes to join the trip, and we can point you toward the right path to get there.
Meeting point
Meet your guide on site.
Given the diverse origins of the participants on this trip, international outward and return flights are not included in this package. In most cases, we book flights on your behalf to ensure that the whole group arrives at the destination at the same time. We do not charge any fees for these air bookings. Please do not hesitate to contact us. If you book your own tickets, we will advise you on the ideal flight schedule to enable all participants to arrive within a reduced time frame. At the very least, you need tickets that can be modified.
Accommodations
Accommodation in a comfortable apartment in Finse, twin room.
Meals
Dinners and breakfasts are prepared together.
Transfers / Transport
From Oslo Central Station, we travel to Finse by train (around 4h30).
Group size
The group is composed of 3 to 4 participants maximum. The number of participants is deliberately limited to allow for greater immersion, to avoid embarrassing our hosts, and to develop freedom and flexibility. However, the maximum number may be exceeded if the last person to register wishes to travel with one or more other people. The services will not be modified, and the conditions of the trip will remain the same.
Equipment
Personal equipment is not provided. However, a complete list is provided at the end of this document to allow you to check that you are taking what is needed. We can rent your kite equipment, even a wing if necessary. The number and size of these groups should be specified with your guide. All collective and logistical equipment is provided.
For this program, we lend you the equipment (harness, etc.) and kite sails (4 m², 8 m² 12 m²) that you will have to take with you from your home country.
Given the value of these equipment, we ask you a deposit of 1000 € per sail, in uncashed cheque or by CB, depending on what suits you.
Our commitments to sustainable development
Our commitment to a better planet has been a reality since the beginning of our story but we always need to do more and better. Please find out more about our charter and our commitments in terms of sustainable development. We have drafted our charter and take action through six themes on which we act as concretely as possible, most often with you: social equity and cultural respect, preservation of water, waste management in expedition, protection of biodiversity, raise public awareness on these subjects and finally, the optimization and recovery of CO2 emissions.
Regarding carbon emissions, most of which are due to air travel, we calculated and communicated in 2018 on the carbon footprint of each of our programs, expressed in tonnes of CO2.
And in 2022, we have set ourselves a carbon reduction target that we believe is unprecedented in the tourism industry, aiming to reduce the total emissions of our activity by 5% per year, taking 2019 as the reference year (3,430 tonnes of CO2). This commitment is in line with the trajectory of the Paris climate agreements of 2015, the current benchmark. By 2030, we aim to not exceed 2,160 tons of CO2. In 2024, all Secret Planet journeys emitted 2,064 tons, well below our maximum limit of 2,940 tons. The ceiling for 2025 is 2,800 tons, and in 2026 it will be further reduced to 2,660 tons. And so on until 2030. To find out more about all of our calculations and our commitments in terms of reducing our carbon emissions.
In addition, since 2019, we have been encouraging you when you book for your journey to contribute with a donation to an independent NGO, among the two we have selected that share the commitments made in our charter. We matched the amount of this donation to this program's carbon footprint. Thus, the journey you are considering generates 0,88 tons of CO2, which corresponds to a 100% donation of €26 for an estimated value today of €30 per tonne of CO2. This donation remains of course optional and you can decide to give between nothing and 100% of this amount. Since 2019, including covid years of 2020 and 2021, we have been able to collect thanks to you nearly €5,500 for these associations.
Please do not hesitate to come back to us with any questions you might have regarding this carbon footprint mechanism, our other sustainable développement commitments or even to share with us your experience through a chat or a mail at contact@secret-planet.com.
Departures and pricing
Please find below all dates and prices for this expedition. Prices are quoted "from" and may be adjusted notably according to the number of participants (see trip notes for details). Please note that dates and prices for years beyond 2024, when given, are for guidance only and are subject to change and readjustment to take account of current economic realities.
No date works for me!
I initiate a new datePrice includes
- Guiding by a snowkite specialist
- Accommodation in a Finse apartment
- All meals in Finse
- Harness and three kite sizes provided
- Group equipment: walkie-talkies, satellite phone, first-aid kit
Price does not include
- International return flight to Oslo
- Train return journey Oslo – Finse
- Meals and drinks taken in restaurants or during transport
- Your personal equipment except kite equipment (sails and accessories)
- The deposit for kite equipment (count 1000 € per sail, in uncashed cheque or by CB)
- Any costs related to your excess baggage and ski equipment check-in
- Additional expenses for changes to flights
- Any transport by train made as part of a downwind or a move to an alternative spot
- Expenses related to a delay in the timing of your stay (additional nights, air supplements)
- Meals other than breakfast, lunch and dinner taken at the apartment in Finse or during the snowkite activity
- Any personal communications by satellite telephone (to be paid on site)
- Drinks and all personal expenses (personal visits, taxis, souvenirs, dry cleaning...)
- Travel and expedition insurance (cancellation, assistance, evacuation and repatriation) valid for snowkite practice
- PCR tests and other health charges imposed by France, Norway or the EU
Customized expedition
Bring your expedition to life—designed to match your ambition.
Does one of our existing expedition almost align with your objective? We can tailor it precisely: adjust the duration, refine the level of commitment, integrate specific goals (scientific, athletic, audiovisual production), adapt the logistics, or strengthen supervision and safety measures. This approach is built on proven terrain in order to create an expedition fully aligned with your goals.
Is your project unique and unlike anything that we currently offer? We design fully custom expeditions. This is no longer about adapting an existing program, but about building a complete project based on your constraints, your level of engagement, your objectives, and the realities of the field. Remote environments, extreme conditions, complex logistics, or specific projects (exploration, filming, scientific missions, personal challenges): every expedition is designed with precision and uncompromising standards.
For over 15 years, Expeditions Unlimited has been designing and operating expeditions worldwide—across all regions, environments, and activities—for individuals and corporate projects alike. Our field expertise ensures reliable systems, robust logistics, and controlled management of demanding environments.
Because every project is unique, our commitment is clear: to support you in designing and executing a safe, fully realized expedition that truly reflects your ambition.
Learn more about our custom expedition approach.
Tell us about your project
A few details are enough to get started. One of our experts will contact you within 48 hours to better understand your needs and propose a tailored approach.
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