This week’s dream: winter snow

In Norway's Lyngen Alps, there are no chair lifts, no groomed slopes, no nothing really, except astonishing peaks that rise directly out of the ocean, pristine snow that runs right down to sea level, and jaw-dropping views over mountains and deep blue fjords, says Henry Duce in the Observer.

These slopes are on the same latitude as Alaska, and just 2,000km from the North Pole. Protected by law, they are totally undeveloped (ski lifts are banned) but they are just a four-hour flight from Britain, and accessible to thrillseeking skiers. Guests at the Lyngen Lodge, run by the British firm Summit to Sea, are transported by boat to the base of the mountains on the remote Lyngen Peninsula, and then hike to the top with skins across their skis.

It might take five hours to access the most awesome slopes, but the views are unparalleled - "snow-clad mountains stretching as far as the eye can see in all directions" – and the descent, through untouched powder and along icy glaciers, is as thrilling as the ascent is physically challenging.

At the bottom, skiers are met by the boat, and returned to the luxurious, eight-bedroom lodge, perhaps after a spot of fishing. The building has huge windows, so that guests can gaze out at the mountains and sea while dining on top-quality local food - reindeer with pan-fried vegetables, or turbot with sweet potato mash.

Seven nights at the Lyngen Lodge (01434 676 837) costs £1,967 full-board including guide, equipment, boat transport and transfers from Tromso airport, but not flights. ·