Snowboarding through the scariest couloir in Norway.
Snowboarding through the scariest couloir in Norway.

Senja is Norway’s second largest island, shooting out of the water in Northern Norway. It’s often known as a paradise for outdoor recreation, with stunning hiking, fishing, and skiing around the island’s striking mountains. While there is an alpine skiing center on the island with trails for all difficulty levels, its Senja’s backcountry skiing that really shines.

Professional skier Nikolai Schirmer took a trip to the island with the hope of shredding some tight, technical couloirs. While there are plenty of technical couloirs around Senja, The King’s Gate couloir is likely the most iconic. Nikolai himself calls it the scariest couloir in the world, and while that’s a pretty subjective title, it’s easy to see why he calls it that.

If you’re considering an adventure to Norway, Senja could be worth a visit. Visit Norway recommends hiring a local ski guide to explore the wild backcountry. Beyond hiking, skiing, and fishing, Senja offers phenomenal cycling, wildlife experiences, views of the midnight sun and the northern lights, spas, and more.

Tim Konrad is the founder and publisher of Unofficial Networks, a leading platform for skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor adventure. With over 20 years in the ski industry, Timโ€™s global ski explorations...