Mountain Adventure Holidays
We are 20 years old in 2026, and as part of our celebrations we have created this holiday dedicated to cross-country skiers who have matured alongside Tracks and Trails. This is a week of relaxed, joyful skiing with 'slow' food and even slower down-time. Experience the peaceful rhythm of the mountains, the gentle exhilaration of the glide, and the camaraderie of like-minded travellers. Specially designed for mature skiers, of 55 years and over, who are looking to nurture and continue a lifelong passion at a relaxed pace with people of a similar age.
Embrace the pristine beauty of our Norwegian mountain hideaway. Escape from the world, and cocoon yourself in a snowy winter wonderland, with a gorgeous cosy hotel, and food to die for! Let our expert ski instructors share their insights into the region's culture and natural heritage.
We believe in looking after our Tracks and Trails family of skiers, and as we enter our twentieth year this is our thank you to our loyal guests, some of whom have booked more than 25 trips with us in summer and winter.
Our Tracks and Trails Ski Club will be based in a newly renovated traditional Norwegian family run hotel in Gålå with a reputation for 'slow' food. This 'classic style' track trip is ideal for those who ski at a steady Intermediate level and want to continue their ski career in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. With access to 230 km (156 miles) of groomed ski tracks, and a floodlit ski stadium, there is more than enough to keep you occupied or not! You can simply 'dip into' the ski day in the morning and, if you wish, sit out the afternoon while enjoying mountain views from the lounge, or relaxing in the sauna.
Meet your group today at Vinstra Railway Station. We then have a short transfer by vehicle to your hotel. Refer to 'Arrival & Departure' in the Trip Information section for further details.
This week is about 'SLOW' food, and 'SLOW' skiing. Let's find the time to savour the experience of being in Gålå, Noway, for the week, and enjoying relaxing as the mood takes us.
We start our day with a leisurely breakfast served Norwegian buffet style, which means you can eat as much as you like.
We will head out to start our day and begin with some gentle warm up exercises to activate our muscles and get our legs ready for action. This trip is on 'classic' style track skis and we will do some warm-ups that develop balance and movement on the skis.
We can explore 230 kms (144 miles) of trails in the area around Gålå so there is plenty on offer if too much relaxation is not your cup of tea!
Each day we take a packed lunch with us, and will take time to stop for a few breaks during our ski journey. The normal pattern is to leave around 0930-1000 hrs, and ski for between 3-4 hours, covering between 8 -10 km (5-6 miles) per day.
We return to the hotel early-afternoon when you can relax with a sauna, or simply sit in the lounge and take in the mountain views while the sun goes down.
If you feel you need more exercise you can always enjoy a night time ski in the floodlit stadium adjacent to your hotel. The goal is to have relatively short relaxing ski days, but with the option to do more in the afternoon if you wish to. If not, then you 'opt out' and chill-out at the hotel, or visit the supermarket to marvel at the range of items a remote shop in Norway offers - everything from fishing rods, to new frying pans, to elk burgers, and the latest cross-country ski clothing. Watch out for the stuffed moose!
We would like you to finish this week feeling relaxed, and with legs that have many more ski holidays to look forward to!
We leave after breakfast to drive to Vinstra station for your onward journey. You might want to refer to the section on Extending Your Trip, under 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. The trip fees are based on two people sharing a room; what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. However, on many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee. Contact Us if you wish to enquire.
At Gålå we will be staying with the 'locals'. Our hosts at our hotel are Solveig and Pål Egil who are farmers in the valley. Thought having said that their son has now taken over the farm, and they are devoting their considerable energies breathing new life into this mountain hotel, and indeed the community. There is a huge importance placed on sourcing local food and the meals are excellent with a mix of flavours that are a regular surprise!
The warmth of the welcome is also hugely important to us, and this is a couple who are clearly loving their new enterprise and providing their guests with a first class holiday experience in the heart of the Norwegian mountains.
We will be staying at Gålå Høgfjellshotell in Gålå, with our hosts Solveig and Pål Egil who took over the hotel in 2024. The emphasis is on using excellent local produce to create superb meals, combined with a warm Norwegian welcome. The hotel is decorated in cosy traditional Scandic style, with armchairs offering views to the lake and the Jotunheim mountains. There is free access to the hotel saunas included in our stay. The hotel is conveniently placed for the store and supermarket.
Solveig and Pål Egil are very much 'locals' who are from a farming family. With the next generation now running the family farm, our hosts took the chance to invest in a new venture in the hotel business. It is one they are very much enjoying and pursuing with a passion. Solveig spends considerable time working with the kitchen team to produce a first class food experience. The hotel also provides our ski hire and purchased new skintec skis, boots and poles in 2025.
Norway is easily reached, with various international airlines offering direct flights from the UK and Europe to Oslo Gardermoen airport. Flights can also be taken to Torp, but note you will need to allow enough time to transfer to Oslo Gardermoen for your train journey north.
The train station at Oslo Gardermoen Airport is located inside the airport terminal and is just a few minutes from the arrivals area. It makes connecting to your train for your journey to Vinstra very easy. You should aim to catch the 1429 hrs train from Oslo Gardermoen airport to Vinstra, arriving at Vinstra at 1712 hrs.Train tickets should be purchased as soon as possible as they can be 'sold out'. Some services may not be available for purchase until 60 days before departure. Tickets are easily purchased on line at Vy.no and if you book in advance there is a considerable discount for the return journey.
The group pick-up at Vinstra is included in your trip fee. You can, of course, take alternative trains both on the arrival and departure days, but this will incur a supplementary payment as you will need to order a taxi.
Travelling to Norway by Train: There are options for travel to Norway from all major European cities by train all giving you an opportunity to explore another city on your journey to the start of the holiday. For example from the UK you can overnight in Copenhagen, however there are many possibilities.
The easiest way to book is via www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. If you're travelling from the UK or US then take a look at the multiday pass based travel system provided by Eurail.
If you would like to book the individual journeys yourself then using the UK to Copenhagen example here is how.
Travel from London to Brussels using the Eurostar www.eurostar.com these tickets can be purchased up to 6 months ahead of your travel date. From here you can book at train from Brussels to Gothenburg (Gotëborg) adding a stopover in Copenhagen using the German Railway website int.bahn.de. A full day on the train sees you arriving in Copenhagen for an evening walk around the city before dinner.
The final leg of your journey is from Gothenburg Central Station to Oslo and this can be booked using Vy the Norwegian rail network website www.vy.no.
All the trains have Wi-Fi, charging points and restaurant cars, not to mention the stunning scenery that you will travel through.
Departure
Today you will transfer to Vinstra station for the train journey to Oslo airport. The group transfer included in your trip fee will arrive at Vinstra in time for the train departing at 1155hrs and arriving at Oslo airport at 1432hrs. There is an earlier train at 0616hrs, arriving at Oslo airport at 0901hrs.
If you wish to take the early train, you will need to order your own taxi. We are happy to help organise this on your behalf. If there are other guests also taking the early train you may be able to share this cost. Please contact us if you wish to confirm details.
Consider extending your visit to Norway with a night in the Olympic town of Lillehammer either before or after your trip. This typical Norwegian town makes a nice stop on your way to and from Oslo. The trains from Lillehammer to Oslo run throughout the day from early morning, till late evening. Find out about things to do in Lillehammer here. Oslo, the capital city, of Norway is another great stopover with plenty of art and museums, opera house, and other exhibitions to keep you busy. It has a great harbour front where you can have a sauna before jumping into the icy waters of the fjord. There are even 'sauna boats' which cruise the fjord offering a unique sauna experience.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
It is entirely your own responsibility to ensure that any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and for the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks and Trails cannot advise on insurance policies and cannot be held responsible if in the event of a claim your insurance is inadequate.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Winter temperatures in Scandinavia are 'according to the locals' becoming warmer, which is why we now run trips in the months of January, and February, as well as the traditional ski touring months of 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 'Expert' 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.
Our hotel sits at around 1000m (3280ft) and the skiing ranges from 800m (2624ft) of altitude to 1150m (3772ft). We regularly ski in this area, and so far we have only been met with good snow conditions. In Gålå they begin to prepare the tracks as soon as they have enough snow in December and continue until mid-April or after Easter. The community also has a small downhill ski area, which does mean that if you feel the urge you could do a day of alpine skiing. However, the overall 'feel' of Gålå is one of being a great cross-country ski area, rather than an alpine resort.
We use 'classic' style cross-country track skis for this trip. You can choose to bring your own, however, do check with us first to ensure they are the most suitable ski and boot for the terrain. At Gålå we have access to the new 'skintec' skis that offer excellent performance without the need for grip waxes. If you own 'fishscales' or 'waxing' skis it is quite acceptable for you to use them.
Your instructor will help with organising ski rental at Gålå. Please note that the hire skis at Gålå are NOT metal edged. The total ski hire for 2026 is expected to be around 845 NOK for the 6 days if available at the Hotel or 1195 NOK for 6 days from the Ski Hire shop. You will make payment directly to the hotel or rental shop, and credit cards are accepted. You should book your hire skis in advance via your Tracks and Trails Account. We need to know your height, weight, and normal shoe size.
In Norway it is not necessary to purchase a ski pass as there is no charge to use the tracks.
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. 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' 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**
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 leisurely week of cross-country skiing is for the mature skier who wants to join like-minded companions with whom they can enjoy a week of cross-country skiing. We have had several requests to create a trip where the atmosphere is relaxed, enjoyable, supportive and open to those of an older demographic, and for that reason this trip is open to those 55 years and over. In this our 20th 'Tracks and Trails' anniversary year we wanted to offer a week of glorious skiing to those who have matured alongside us.
When on skis we aim to keep a steady pace, but we will plan your day to allow opting-out for those who want to relax after a good morning session on cross-country skis. A reasonable level of fitness is still required for this trip, and you should be someone who regularly takes exercise in some shape or form.
For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and 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.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £300 in 2026 and £310 in 2027.
We go to great lengths to work with first class ski instructors who are passionate about their work.
Your ski instructor will be a BASI qualified, or equivalent, Nordic Ski Instructor. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors and is one of Europe's leading examining boards for those choosing a career in snow sports. For some countries your ski instructor will hold the national qualification required for the country you are visiting. All are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
In the majority of cases your instructor will also be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting.
Please note your 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.
You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
Grade: This trip is graded Intermediate as we believe it will suit the majority of those who would enjoy a relaxed week on cross-country skis.
Expect to ski on a mixture of both flat and rolling terrain on prepared cross-country ski trails with parallel grooves. You should already be at a level where you are confident about controlling your speed and direction, and have a good ‘snowplough’. You should be able to ski under control on a variety of terrain both uphill, and downhill including some steeper terrain and be confident about tackling corners while skiing downhill. You should have a good ‘kick and glide’ to be able to travel competently and at a steady pace. You should be happy to ski on a variety of snow including perfect fresh tracks, AND tracks less than perfect which may be ‘firm and icy’.
Time on skis: This aim of this week is to take the time to enjoy the outdoors and ski at a leisurely pace. Each day your instructor will make a decision about the route, based on the general fitness and competence of the group. The goal is safe and enjoyable skiing with a companionable group. We will most likely do a long morning, and finish skiing early afternoon allowing plenty of time to relax by the fire with waffles and hot chocolate, or a good book. A sauna is also there to be enjoyed.
On this trip your lunches are included in your trip fee. In Norway it is traditional to make up your own packed lunch from the breakfast ingredients. Breakfast is normally a buffet with a large range of food on offer with more than enough interesting items to prepare a tasty sandwich. You will be supplied with paper to wrap them in. You can also ask to have a thermos flask filled with a hot drink.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, Norway is moving towards a cashless society. This works until the 'signal' goes down and the credit card machine no longer can take a payment. We advise to always have a small amount of NOK, but it is entirely up to you. There is an ATM machine at Oslo Airport and throughout the city, and the supermarket at Gålå, our base, does have an ATM that sometimes works!
Food
On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
If any of the accommodation has a problem with their water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink water from the tap. Hotels - In some countries it is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. 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.
New European Travel Regulations from mid 2025
If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays you may be impacted by a significant change to travel regulations expected to be in place from the middle of 2025. The new EITAS scheme will start operating this year and, whilst a start date is not yet confirmed, it is likely to affect our summer holidays in 2025 and any winter holiday thereafter. As your holiday approaches we recommend that you check for updates on the website HERE.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
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.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
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 Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. 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.
In the mountains the 'waste water' in refuges (huts) often runs into the nearby streams and rivers with potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
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.
As the winter season approaches, it's time to embrace the beauty of snowy landscapes and outdoor adventures. To help you make the most of your holiday, we've put together some essential tips and suggestions on how to prepare for your winter getaway. Click here to find some suggestions on how to prepare for both cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
This trip is open to Intermediate level cross-country skiers who are 55 years and over. The aim is to be inclusive, not exclusive, and create a holiday where the emphasis is on 'Slow' food, and 'Slow' skiing, in the sense that the experience is to be savoured and taken at a leisurely pace. The launch of this trip marks our 20th anniversary and is a 'thank you' to our guests who have supported us in our growth, and matured as we have matured.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 31 Jan - Sat 07 Feb Code: TTS1 |
Price: £2495 | Spaces available | Book |
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 30 Jan - Sat 06 Feb Code: TTS1 |
Price: £2595 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Sat 06 Feb - Sat 13 Feb Code: TTS2 |
Price: £2595 | Spaces available | Book |
| From Price | £2495 |
| Holiday Type | Cross Country Ski Instruction |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-8 |
| Minimum Age | 55 |
| Maximum Altitude | 1150m (3772ft) |
| Countries Visited | Norway |
| Meet In | Vinstra, Norway |
