Mountain Adventure Holidays
A wonderful opportunity to cross country ski in Norway in the landscape of the Rondane mountains. This trip is perfect if you want to improve your technique and enjoy a journey on skis. We enjoy three different hotel locations, linking them on skis along sections of the famous Trolls Trail. If you have recently started Nordic skiing, then this trip will allow you to experience part of the Trolls Trail, but in a relaxed fashion.
If you have already done a few days of cross country skiing, or completed our Italian Ski Weekend, then you will find this is the perfect progression in the homeland of ski journeys. The trip is a mix of centre based days when you could opt out and relax in the spa if you feel like it, combined with a short ski journey along the Trolls Trail to our next mountain hotel where a warm welcome awaits us.
Today you will most likely have arrived at Oslo Gardermoen airport, where you will take the train north to travel to our start point at Ringebu. The train station at Oslo is in the main airport building. Please refer to the notes on 'Arrival & Departure' in the Trip Information section. It is also possible to arrive at Torp airport, but this does require a bus journey to get to the main train station at Gardermoen airport.
After one of Spidbergseter's copious and hearty breakfasts we will organise your hire skis and discuss the day ahead. Our hotel is ideally situated in the middle of a network of maintained cross country ski tracks. The terrain is ideal for 'Improvers', in other words those who have done three or four days previous cross country skiing and who now want to progress in terms of technique with a view to undertaking a ski journey through this beautiful landscape. The landscape features birch woodland, and gentle hills, and provides a great venue for cross country skiing with the ever present backdrop of the Rondane mountains. Each day we aim to ski between 10 (6.3) - 15 km (9.4 miles), with a slightly longer day on the day we ski to Høvringen which will be approximately 18 km (11.3 miles). We will spend time each morning doing ski drills to improve technique, followed by a short journey when we can enjoy the mountain views. Overnight: Spidbergseter Hotel
Today we spend time in the morning doing some 'warm up' exercises to ease our muscles into action, then it's back onto the snow to revisit yesterdays skill sessions. With ski tracks right outside the ski room door we never have to go far to enjoy the 'white stuff'. Spidbergseter Hotel also has a small 'lift' beside a very gentle downhill slope which takes the effort out of making your way back up the hill again.
This morning we will also aim to take a short film of each person skiing, but only if you wish it. Being able to study film of how you are moving is a wonderful aid to understanding your position on the skis, and how to improve your technique with a view to 'effortless' skiing. Do not worry any review of your film is not done in public, this will be a 1:1 session with your Ski Instructor. We spend the rest of the day cruising around the network of trails at Venabu, taking in the views, before retiring to our hotel for a session in the pool, or sauna.
We start today with a transfer to the neighbouring valley of Rondablikk where we will begin our point to point tour. Rondablikk is on the edge of a large lake called Furusjøen which is the setting for an annual cross country ski race. With your new found skills we will be making a journey today to our next hotel at the tiny hamlet of Mysuseter. The Norwegian landscape is sparsely populated, and features many tiny hamlets, and farming communities and Mysuseter is a perfect example of this. A collection of wooden cabins on the mountainside, with a small shop, and an hotel. There are few non-Norwegian visitors to these parts which is without doubt one of the joys of exploring on skis. If you care to watch our short film clip on this trip page you will hear Lindsay, one of our ski instructors, talking about the range of wildlife to be found in the Rondane. As we make our way on skis from Rondablikk to the Rondane Høyfjellshotell we will be keeping watch for moose! We journey alongside the lake for a short distance before climbing gently towards our next destination. On the way we will provide help and tips to further improve your cross country skiing. On arrival you will have a swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna to ease any aches.
Distance: 11km (6.8 miles) Ascent: 144m (472ft) Descent: 147m (483ft)
Today we are most likely to take to the hills behind our hotel at Mysuseter in a bid for excellent views and also to encourage skill development with regard to descents and ascents on your skis. It is crucial to gain confidence on both the uphills and downhills to allow you to make progress and to allow you to thoroughly enjoy cross country skiing without fear of stopping and controlling your speed. There are a number of loops that can be done around Mysuseter and we will make a decision based on how everyone is progressing. Whatever we do you can be assured of stunning views and a wonderful wilderness experience. Throughout the day your Ski Instructor will be offering tips and encouragement. Once we have had our fill of the outdoors we will retire once again to the Rondane Høyfjellshotell and the spa for our second night here.
This morning we will set out on the final leg of our journey along the Trolls Trail as we ski from Mysuseter to our final hotel at Høvringen. We will have a steady climb to start with as we ski ever nearer to the mountains of the Rondane National Park. This is a beautiful day of journeying which will take us past the characterful mountain lodge of Smuksjoseter where we can stop for refreshments before the final leg to Haukliseter hotel. As always we will offer coaching and encouragement throughout the day with the aim of developing your skill on cross country skis. A sauna, once again, awaits us.
Distance: 18km (11 miles) Descent: 347m (1138ft) Ascent: 487m (2597ft)
Our final day of skiing we have various possibilities, either a loop into the mountains, or we may even consider climbing a nearby hill called Formokampen. This is an accessible mountain with incredible views in all directions. The terrain is gently undulating until the final climb to the summit which if necessary we can finish on foot. Throughout this week of cross country skiing our aim is to improve your skiing and have you leave this trip with a sense of satisfaction and a view to taking on more challenging mountain ski journeys in the future. We return to our hotel at Haukliseter for our final meal and celebration of a week 'well skied'.
Today is departure day, and your trip includes a transfer from Høvringen to the railway station at Otta where you can catch the train to Olso and elsewhere. Please refer to the notes under 'Arrival & Departure' in the Trip Information.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
On all of our trips we aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, comfortable, characterful, family run accommodation.
We take time to research, update and view the best options available to us on every trip. Detailed below are the hotels we use on this trip.
The trip fees are based on two people sharing a room. However on many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee.
On this point-to-point trip we spend 3 nights in the Hotel Spidbergseter at Venabu, 2 nights in the Rondane Hoyfjellhotel and 2 nights at the end in the Rondane Haukliseter Fjellhotel, Hoveringen.
The Spidsbergseter Hotel has a great 'ski' atmosphere along with very comfortable rooms, lovely facilities including; a spa with swimming pool, jacuzzi and saunas. The dining room serves delicious meals making good use of local produce. Breakfasts are served Norwegian buffet style with much to choose from.
The hotel also has a 'cafe' which is open all day for coffee and cakes. Adjacent is a gift shop with a wide range of Norwegian products, and cross country ski waxes, and clothing. It is possible to organise optional extras here such as husky dog sledding. The hotel also has a cosy 'waxing' room for preparing our skis each morning, where hot fruit juice is free to guests!
The Rondane Høyfjellshotell provides a warm welcome with many seating areas with open fires, and a spa with pool, jacuzzi, and sauna for easing any muscles that require some relaxation. The accommodation here is a little more basic than your first and final hotels, but it is mountain accommodation where no other accommodation exists. When making a journey on skis we use whatever is available as there is often no choice. However, the bedrooms are en suite with private facilities, and a 'lift' is available. In fact the 'lift' is one of the very first to ever be installed in a hotel in Norway. Don't worry it still works very well!
Rondane Høyfjellshotell is next to one of the most beautiful mountain areas in Norway, the Rondane, being only 3 kms from its boundary with views to some of the 2000 metre peaks in the area. The hotel places great emphasis on locally produced food, and each meal is freshly prepared.
Our hotel at Haukliseter is very typical of Norwegian mountain hotels. It is a cosy and welcoming hotel perched on the hillside with great views to the mountains. The rooms are all en suite, and there are characterful living rooms with local painted wooden furniture. The meals are usually Norwegian buffet style and plentiful.
The hotel also has a ski waxing room, and the ski hire shop is just a few minutes walk along the road. There is also a sauna and if you choose to arrive a day early, or on an earlier train then you might find time to enjoy the heat. The hotel is run by Tore whom we can only describe as a very laid back character who fails to see the need for any hurry. He's great!
Arrival
To reach the start of the tour you will travel north by train from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to the town of Ringebu. Here we will take a taxi transfer of approximately 30 minutes to Spidbergseter in the Rondane National Park to our mountain hotel. You should take the 1429 hrs train to Ringebu, which is likely to be on the Departure board as the line to Trondheim S. It arrives at Ringebu at 1652 hrs. You will be collected by our hotel, and the transfer to your hotel from Ringebu station is included in your trip fee. We ask you to contact us BEFORE booking your flights so that we can verify the latest train times as these are published only 3 months before departure. The train station is in the airport building at Gardermoen and it all works very efficiently in terms of connecting with your flight. Tickets are easily booked on line, and you will usually benefit from a reduced price if you book in advance at Norwegian Trains.
Please note that our hosts take a typically Norwegian laid-back approach to picking up guests at the station. Normally, your ski guide will be arriving on the same train, however, if they are not then it is worth pointing out that you will have to actively 'look' for your transfer driver. It would be unusual if the vehicle has a 'taxi' sign as it will often be the hotel staff who will collect you. Ringebu is a very small station and we suggest that if you have problems identifying your driver that you ring our hotel on +47 61 28 40 00. We will, however, update you with regard to the 'pick-up' when we send your Joining Instructions.
Departure
At the end of the trip we include one group transfer to Otta station where you can connect to Oslo. We will aim for the train departing from Otta at 1134 hrs, arriving at Oslo airport at 1432 hrs. There is also an early train leaving Otta at 0549 hrs arriving to Oslo airport at 0901 hrs and one at 1838 hrs, arriving into Oslo airport at 2133 hrs. It may also be possible to travel to Oslo late on the Friday evening if you have a very early flight on the Saturday. There are various hotels at Oslo airport which make an overnight prior to an early flight very easy.
It is a condition of booking that you have appropriate insurance for your chosen activity, including emergency helicopter rescue, repatriation, medical costs, as well as trip cancellation/curtailment insurance in the event of you being unable to join/complete the trip.
Please read the relevant clauses which are numbered 10, 11, 11a, 12, and 22 and are set out in our Terms and Conditions.
We also recommend your insurance covers you for baggage loss/damage. Tracks and Trails Ltd are unable to accept responsibility for the loss or damage to any client equipment or luggage.
If you are booking on behalf of other people it is important that you ensure that insurance has been arranged by all others included in your Booking Form.
You should bring all insurance documentation with you at the time of the activity. If you fail to provide proof of insurance we reserve the right to ask you to leave the trip.
If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.
For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Winter temperatures in Scandinavia are 'according to the locals' warmer in recent years than previously which is why we now run trips in the months of January, and February, as well as March and April. Even in January when the daylight hours are short we find that we have more than enough time for skiing. We have never yet had guests feeling they were losing out in terms of ski hours by booking in January or February. There is a special pleasure to starting your ski day in the sunrise, and skiing back with the sunset.
Historically temperatures in December have averaged -8°Celsius (17.4°F), in January -9.7°Celsius (14.5°F), in February -9.2°Celsius (15.4°F), in March -6.6°Celsius (20.1°F), and in April -2.3°Celsius (27.9°). Clearly there is the potential for temperatures to drop much lower, but rarely lower than -15°C (5°F).
We have found over the years that these temperatures have not been unpleasant nor have any guests had problems dealing with the weather as it is generally a 'dry' cold, and of course this helps create great snow and therefore great ski tracks. If we do experience a cold snap where temperatures drop then we ensure that everyone is appropriately clothed and kitted out for the ski day. In this respect energy snacks and a thermos with a hot drink are a great comfort!
If you are booked on one of our 'Advanced' or 'Challenging' point-to-point journeys and we experience very cold temperatures eg -15°Celsius (5°F) then we would expect you to be able to be efficient and keep moving and to manage your comfort.
The great news is that in Norway there is no ski pass to buy, the tracks are free to everyone.
With regard to the skis for this trip we use 'classic' style track skis with a half-metal edge which makes it easier to control your speed and direction. The boots are also more supportive as they are more like a 'hiking' boot. The skis will most likely be the new generation of ''skintec' skis with a half metal edge, such as the Åsnes Mountain Race 48 Skin. The cost of ski hire and the delivery of your skis to your first hotel will be 800 NOK for the week. Payment for this can be made by credit card or in cash.
Your safety while skiing is our top priority. All skiers are requested to adhere to the Code of Conduct published by the International Ski Federation, or FIS. The aim is to make you, the skier, aware of how to avoid risks, take responsibility and act thoughtfully while on the cross-country ski tracks.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you will encounter and accommodation you will be staying in.
Equipment
This trip uses ‘classic’ style track skis. If you are bringing your own skis they must fit in the tracks, so should be a maximum of 66mm at their widest point, but we would advise a maximum of 60mm. You can use track skis which are 'waxing', 'fishscale' or 'skintec'. You can also use track skis with a metal edge, or half metal edge. If in doubt about the suitability of your own skis please contact us.
Skis, boots, and poles - can be hired at the start of the trip. The cost of hire is indicated in 'Trip Information'. If you are intending to hire you must inform us as soon as possible as equipment must be booked in advance. The type of ski supplied by the hire shop is provided in the 'Ski Rental and Ski Pass' section of the Trip Information page.
Clothing
Comfort
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Additional Items
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Medium sized kitbag – you must be able to lift your luggage as not all hotels have elevators. Your luggage will be transported each day by taxi and therefore we ask that you restrict your luggage to ONE item.
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
This trip is graded 'Improver' and is the perfect progression for anyone who has done our Italian Ski Weekend and now wants to improve their technique. It is ideal if you have done at least 3 days previous instruction, and by that we do mean 'instruction' rather than self-taught.
We will spend two days skiing around Rondablikk then on the third day we undertake a short journey to our next hotel at Mysuseter, we then spend a day skiing around Mysuseter, before our final journey day to Høvringen. A perfect mix of centre based and ski journeys. We have given the full grade description below for your convenience:
"This trip is designed as a continuation from our ‘Beginner’ holidays. We will start with re-visiting the basic skills to control speed and direction, and how to snowplough to bring your skis to a stop. Expect to ski on a mixture of flat and gently undulating terrain, all on prepared trails. We will help you develop your skills to allow you to confidently travel on a variety of terrain, both uphill and downhill. Time will be spent each day doing exercises/drills, which will improve your overall technique. Each day we will aim to do a short journey to give you time to consolidate your technique. At all times you can expect a high level of instruction and support. Time on skis will be between 4-5 hours covering between 10-15 km (6-9.4 miles) per day, with the possibility for one longer, but relaxed day, of between 20-25 km (12.5-15.6 miles)"
For each of our trips there is a minimum number of guests required to book before we can 'guarantee' your trip will run. It depends on the particular trip in question, but it is normally 4. The maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your guide/instructor has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
For our walking, family, and snowshoeing trips your guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. For our running trips your guide will be an International Mountain Leader, and an experienced mountain 'trail runner'.
If you have booked on a cross country ski trip you will be with a fully qualified professional BASI Nordic Ski Instructor or equivalent. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors.
On this trip you will have full luggage support. Your luggage will be transported to the next hotel on our route and you only need to ski with a small rucksack with essential items. Please note we recommend one medium-sized kitbag per person. We will be staying in three different hotels, and only one of these has a 'lift'. You will need to be able to carry your own bag up several flights of stairs to your bedroom.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes that reflect the culture of the country and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for the traditional food of the region.
If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food type which will make you ill the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free.
If you are vegetarian then this is not a problem as the hotels/refuges are used to being asked for vegetarian meals. Our accommodation will try to cater for those with vegan diets but in remote refuges in the mountains this is more difficult. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet please contact us. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.
If you have a 'special' diet which is NOT because of an allergy or intolerance, and is not 'veggie' then we apologise, but we cannot cater for this. The accommodation on the popular routes will be catering for many people each evening, in some cases up to 70/80 meals per night, 7 days a week, and realistically they cannot produce many different meal options unless the food will result in illness.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU, such as Norway. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance. Also note that if/when the UK leaves the European Union that the EHIC card may no longer be valid. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
Due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. These are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards in terms of the service we offer our guests. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means that your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements.
There may be occasions when our partners have helped book your accommodation and organise the logistics for your trip. On these occasions your hotel may have recorded your room reservation in the name of one of our partners.
We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same package as Tracks and Trails Ltd. The price will be the same, though occasionally they may be operating in a different currency. Your itinerary and the items that are included, or not included in your trip fee, will also be the same.
We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. If you have any questions about this policy please contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| From Price | £0 |
| Holiday Type | Point to Point Track Skiing |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 9 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 1485m (4870ft) |
| Countries Visited | Norway |
| Meet In | Rondablikk, Norway |
