Fascinating light show

Ski and fly in Lofoten

Regi Batt and Tobias Dimmler toured the Norwegian Lofoten Islands. Far above the Arctic Circle this archipelago of islands reaches out into the North Sea. Their search for uncharted territory provided fabulous Ski & Fly and soaring sessions – an adventure in a unique monochromatic landscape.

The first metres of altitude are gained with skis, then it’s off to the sea under the paraglider.

Lofoten, Norway. One fjord follows another, many small mountainous islands, growing out of the sea. The weather changes by the second: strong wind pelts your face with ice and snow – then it’s flat calm. In an instant hidden rocks emerge from the haze, sunlight fights its way through the cloud layer and the landscape takes on its true shapes. Then, soon after, the fog closes in again. On clear nights you get to see the Northern Lights – delicate curtains of green light dancing and undulating across the heavens. These spectral apparitions light up the surroundings. This cosmic phenomenon, created by an interplay of charged solar particles and the earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field, also captured Regi and Tobi in its spell. “It is a surreal light show, fascinating and otherworldly in equal measure”, enthused Regi.

Skis and paraglider – the perfect combination Regi and Tobi awoke on the first morning to glorious sunshine, and the stunning contrast of white mountains against the blue sea. They got in their car and drove. The road meandered along the fjords, and around every bend a new and fantastic landscape revealed itself. They kept going until they saw a promising-looking peak, where they parked the car and set off upwards with skis and wings. They climbed steadily along forest tracks and through soft birch woodland towards the summit. To begin with the frosted landscape sparkled like sugar, then as they got higher the snow lay thicker under their skis. The view behind was fjords and groups of islands, separated by the shimmering blue sea.

The snow at the top was perfect. We’d made our way upwards and covered about half the height when the snow surface got worse, so we unpacked the wings and took off.

Tobi Dimmler

The Northern Lights take your breath away – delicate veils of green light waft and dance in the heavens.

Ground-handling session in the last daylight – in a couple of hours the Aurora display will appear.

The views of mountains, fjords and sea are difficult to describe. They took our breath away, every time. To see this scenery from the air was just incredible.

Regi Batt

Lonely flights Regi and Tobi were in luck. The normally changeable weather was showing its stable side. Lofoten weather is basically dictated by wind direction. West wind means changeable, everything from heavy snow to sunny intervals is possible. With the wind between NE and SE you can expect cold, dry weather with many hours of sun. The pair were able to take advantage of this easterly situation, and enjoyed many unique tours, sometimes taking off from summits, sometimes lower down depending on conditions. Usually they were alone. Sometimes they saw other ski tourists, but never another paraglider pilot.

Flexibility pays off Long hours of sun also have their downside. The snow that was present at the start of the trip progressively melted, giving way to stones and grass. Eventually they were forced to swap their skis for hiking boots. Ski & Fly became Hike & Fly. “Less snow, however, meant more perfect wind. We took off from the tops and enjoyed some long soaring sessions. The ever-changing landscape always fascinated me,” enthused Tobi.

Equipment

OMEGA X ALPS 2

About

Tobi Dimmler Tobi is a professional tandem pilot and photographer. He’s flown his paraglider the world over, capturing those special moments on camera. When he is not on the road the Swiss national lives and works in Interlaken. Regi Batt Regi has combined her passion for endurance sports with flying since 2012. Whether touring the Alps, skiing or hiking, the paraglider usually goes along as well. Three years ago she made her hobby her job and now she works as a professional tandem pilot in Interlaken.

Regi enjoys the scenery while strolling by the sea.

The pair will never forget the experiences of the journey.

Our paragliders really did brighten up the monochrome landscape.

Tobi Dimmler