The new over 60s Tracks and Trails Ski Club

Arrival

Travel to Meeting Point: Take the 1429 train from Oslo lufthavnto which arrives into Vinstra stasjon at approximately 1710 hrs. A transfer will meet this train arrival and take you to our accommodation. Book tickets early as trains can be sold out. Generally tickets are available 115 days in advance. EnTur is a great App for Norwegian transport options. You can take alternative trains on the arrival and departure days, but this will incur a supplementary payment for your collection at the train station. Details of discounts, including those for Senior Citizens, can be found here

Travel to Norway by Train: Options from all major European cities with tickets from Eurail, Rail Europe or The Trainline. For example - from London, England, to Brussels, Belgium using Eurostar, these tickets can be purchased up to 6 months in advance. Then use German Rail for trains from Brussels, Belgium to (Gotëborg) Gothenburg, in Sweden, with a stopover in Copenhagen, Denmark. From Gothenburg Central Station, in Sweden, to Oslo, Norway you can book with Norwegian Rail.

Travel to Norway by Air: Fly to Oslo Gardermoen Airport or to Torp. Buses from Torp to Gardermoen Airport (1h45) every hour to connect to the train to Vinstra. Transfer links from Torp.

Departure

We have included a transfer from your accommodation to Vinstra stasjon for the 1155 hrs train to Oslo, arriving at around 1430. There is an earlier train and we can arrange a private transfer if you require this. It would also be possible to depart on the evening of the last day of skiing if your flight options dictated this. These transfers outwith the group departure would incur a fee.

It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate. 

Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page. 

Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.

Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.

All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.

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 may encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. 

Equipment

This trip uses ‘classic’ style track skis. If you are bringing skis they must fit in the tracks, 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 contact us.

• Skis - for the type of skis required for this trip and for ski hire consult 'Ski Equipment and Ski Pass' on this page.

• Ski ties - to hold your skis together, useful but not essential

• Rucksack - 25 to 30 litres with waist and chest strap. You need space to carry your kit, and an item of group kit

• Rucksack waterproof cover or liner to keep contents dry

• Water container - 1 litre, drink tubes and bottles stowed outside of your rucksack usually freeze

• Emergency foil blanket

• Whistle

Clothing 

• Waterproof jacket - essential, this must keep you dry during a day of continuous snowfall

• Waterproof trousers - in case of heavy snowfall

• Trousers - lightweight, windproof and warm 

• Thermal top - long sleeves

• Thin fleece - long sleeves

• Waistcoat - fleece/wind stopper 

• Gloves x 2 (one thick and one thin)

• Over-mittens for colder days can be useful

• Warm hat

• Sun hat

• Head/ear band 

• Duvet jacket (or second warm layer)

• Scarf or 'Buff' for neck

• Socks - 2 to 3 pairs

Comfort

• Lip salve

• Sunscreen - essential

• Sunglasses - essential

• Goggles - or Nordic Ski Visor

• Snack bars/chocolate

• Tissues - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish

• Anti-bacterial hand wash

Personal First Aid

• Personal medication 

• Blister plasters

• Painkillers/anti-inflammatory

• Glucose tablets/Energy gel

• 2 x Rehydration sachets - eg Dioralyte

• Throat lozenges

• Antiseptic cream/spray

Documentation 

• Mountain Rescue/Ski Insurance documents - compulsory

• Passport

• Credit card

• Cash - Norwegian Kroner

• GHIC - for emergency care, if applicable

Additional Items

• Slippers for use at accommodation

• Clothing for use at accommodation

• Hair dryer if required (it is not standard for Norwegian hotels to provide one)

• Travel Kettle if required (it is not standard for Norwegian hotels to provide one)

• Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these

• Small thermos for hot drinks while skiing

• Ear plugs - if room sharing

• Short gaiters for snowy days

• Head torch - plus spare batteries

• Swimwear for sauna

•  Camera/ Book/Music

• Microspikes/boot grippers - optional, for icy conditions on the street/car park

• Sit mat (optional)

**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit

Skis We use 'classic' style cross-country track skis for this trip. If you own 'fishscales' or 'waxing' skis it is quite acceptable for you to use them. If you are using waxing skis you should be confident and competent to make your own decisions daily on which grip wax to use.

Ski Hire At Gålå we have access to 'skintec' skis which offer excellent performance. The hire skis do NOT have metal edges. Ski hire for 2027 is expected to be around 845 NOK from your hotel. There will be a small increase for winter 2028. Make payment directly to the hotel - credit cards accepted. If bringing your own boots the bindings are NNN. You should book your skis in advance via your Tracks and Trails Account.

Ski Pass In Norway it is not necessary to purchase a ski pass as the use of the tracks is free.

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.

Your safety while skiing is our 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. 

• Respect for others
  A cross-country skier must ski in such a manner that they do does endanger or prejudice others.

• Respect for signs, direction and running style
  Trail marking signs must be respected on any trail marked with an indicated direction. A skier shall proceed only in that indicated direction and ski in the indicated running style.

• Choice of trails and tracks
  On cross-country trails with more than one packed track, a skier should choose the right-hand track. Skiers in groups must keep in the right track behind each other. With free running style, skiers shall keep to their right-hand-side of the trail.

• Overtaking
  A skier is permitted to overtake and pass another skier to the left or right. A skier ahead is not obliged to give way to an overtaking skier, but should allow a faster skier to pass whenever this is possible.

• Encounter
  Cross-country skiers meeting while skiing opposite directions shall keep to their right. A descending skier has priority.

• Poles
  A cross-country skier shall make the utmost effort to keep their poles close to their body when near another skier.

• Control of speed
  A cross-country skier, and especially going downhill, shall always adapt their speed to personal ability and to the prevailing terrain and visibility and to the traffic on the course. Every skier should keep a safe distance from the skiers ahead. As a last resort, an intentional fall should be used to avoid collision.

• Keeping trails and tracks clear
  A skier who stops must leave the trail. In the case of a fall, they shall clear the trail without delay.

• Accident
  In case of an accident, everyone should render assistance.

• Identification
  Everybody at an accident, whether witnesses, responsible parties or not, must establish their identity. 

On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.

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 60 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 trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.

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 £310 in 2027 and £340 in 2028. 

We go to great lengths to work with first-class ski instructors who are passionate about their work. They 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 trips your ski instructor will hold the national qualification required for the country you are visiting. All are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.

In the majority of cases your instructor will also be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's 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, culture and traditions. Your instructor has complete discretion to make a decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. You can learn more about our guides and instructors at About Us. 

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. 

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. There is pleasure to starting your ski day in the sunrise, and skiing back with the sunset. Temperatures in December average -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°). Temperatures be lower, but rarely below  -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 great ski tracks. If we 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) we would expect you to be able to be efficient and keep moving and to manage your comfort.

Food On 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 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 the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - 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.

Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with 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 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.

Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. 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. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

EHIC 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 should apply for a GHIC.

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 operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.

The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a 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 Sustainable Travel Policy here.

Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. 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. 

If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our winter activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here.

We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel:

Best Strength Workout for XC Skiing | Physio-Approved Ski Prep Exercises

Cross-Country Ski Warm-Up Guide | Essential Mobility & Activation Exercises

Cool Down for XC Skiers | Prevent Injury & Boost Recovery

Or if you would like to read our blog on suggestions for preparing for either cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing click here

On this trip your lunches are included in your trip fee. In Norway it is traditional to make your own packed lunch from the breakfast ingredients. Breakfast is normally a buffet with a large range of food on offer. You will be supplied with paper to wrap your sandwiches, but you might like to bring a lunch box. Bring a thermos flask for hot drinks.