Mountain Adventure Holidays
An adventure on skis taking in all that is wild and wonderful in Norway while enjoying the most comfortable accommodation possible. There are many routes across the Hardanger, and this itinerary takes the classic eastern line from Finse to Rjukan. The Hardanger plateau is the largest protected area in Norway at 3422 square kilometres (2138 square miles). It is home to wildlife such as arctic foxes, beaver, and elk and has the largest wild reindeer herds in Scandinavia.
We begin this journey in Finse at the Hardangerjokull 'ice cap' where we have fine views of the snout of the glacier from the plateau. We ski past frozen lakes and rolling hills in this wild open landscape ending in Rjukan the town made famous by the legendary ‘Heroes of Telemark’ raid preventing the development of an atomic bomb. For more on this amazing story read our blog.
The Hardanger was immortalised in film in 'The Hereos of Telemark' based on the true story of Norwegian resistance fighters trying to prevent the construction of an atomic bomb. Skiing across this wild plateau you will truly appreciate what they endured living in the wilderness for many months in winter.
Stop for a rest at the Helberghytta, the cabin is named after Claus Helberg, who was a driving force behind DNT's self-service cabins in the mountains and opened in 1993. The opening of Helberghytta made an old gateway to the Hardangervidda more accessible and houses a number of artefacts, maps and photos on the walls from the Heroes of Telemark sabotage.
Enjoy our article on Crossing the Hardangavidda: hut-to-hut ski touring in Norway.
From Oslo you will take the train north to the tiny hamlet of Finse on the edge of the Hardangervidda. Finse is the highest railway station in Norway. With the opening of the railway the proximity and easy access to both Bergen and Oslo made Finse a popular mountain resort, but during the 1960's and 1970's the tourist traffic declined, as did the village. Today Finse is a tiny community but the Station still operates the oldest and highest situated post office in Norway, founded on 1st March 1904.
Finse sits at 1222 metres (4009ft) and is home to the Alpine Research Centre which since 1972 has attracted biologists, geologists, geophysicists and other researchers from a wide range of Norwegian and international institutions. This tiny community in Norway attracts polar explorers from around the world.
For fans of Star Wars in1979, the entire Star Wars crew stayed nearby including Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and local film extras. “The Empire Strikes Back” was partially filmed in Finse and on the glacier. Finse represents the snow planet “Hoth” for thousands of Star Wars fans.
Your guide will meet you at Finse station and from there is a short walk or ski of 500m (1640ft) across the lake of Finsevatnet to the DNT hut where you will spend the first night. Finsehytta is beautifully situated with a view of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, the sixth largest glacier in Norway. We recommend arriving here at approximately 1630 hrs so your guide can escort you to the hut; the group meeting will be at 1800 hrs
For 'Arrival & Departure' details please refer to the 'Trip Information' section.
This morning we begin our Hardangervidda crossing by putting skis on right outside the cabin door. 'Vidda' is the Norwegian word for 'plateau' so to sound like seasoned Nordic ski tourers remember to refer to either the Hardanger plateau or the Hardangervidda. Leaving Finse we follow a route which passes the looming mass of the Hardanger Icecap with its tumbling outlet glaciers with crevasses and seracs of blue ice. Great views accompany us as we begin our epic trip across this immense arctic plateau. We will ski over gentle hills, alongside lakes and through various passes until we reach a final short and steep section, be ready to 'herringbone', which takes us onto a lake and allows us to make our way to our first overnight at the cosy hut at Krækkja. The afternoons entertainment often features the kite skiers scooting around the mountains.
Ascent: 350m (1148ft) Descent: 353m (1157ft) Distance: 23.5 km (14.6 miles) Duration: 5-6 hrs
An easy departure from Krækkja as we ski along the edge of the lake towards Fagerheim Fjellstue. Fagerheim is open for coffee in winter and although only 5km (3 miles) into your journey you might persuade your ski guide to stop for a drink? Fagerheim is now run by AK Glück-Teigland and his partner Kristin, and a warm welcome is guaranteed. In 2021 AK skied to the South Pole, a little further than our goal today! Skiing on we cross the main road which runs west/east over the Hardangervidda. It is a bit of a shock to be suddenly confronted by traffic, but amazing that the road can be kept open in winter, though in January and February less so due to the wild weather. We follow the undulating trail towards our next destination which is the private hut at Heinseter. If you arrive early and the weather is good then there are various lovely easy summits around the hut which make a great afternoon ski.
Ascent: 85m (278ft) Descent: 145m (475ft) Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles) Duration: 5-6 hrs
We set off today with a gentle climb, at the top of which we may have a view all the way to the dramatic summit of Gaustatoppen. The mountain which rises majestically over Rjukan in the Telemark region, is 1883m (6176ft) above sea level. The top is easily accessible and easily climbed, but despite this, offers southern Norway`s longest view. On a clear day you can see approximately one sixth of Norway and it is near Gaustatoppen that we finish our trip at Rjukan. The terrain today on our ski to Rauhelleren is gentle and we can get a good 'kick and glide' going as we make our way over plateau and lakes. There are moose and reindeer in this area and we can sometimes see evidence of where they have been feeding. We cannot guarantee you will actually see the animals, although we have done! The ski terrain today heads north-east across a more open and gentler winter wonderland containing many small hills and wider valleys. Our goal is the DNT hut at Rauhelleren.
Ascent: 250m (820ft) Descent: 85m (278ft) Distance: 13 km (8 miles) Duration: 4-5 hrs
You should be well into the rhythm of our mornings by now, up to a good breakfast, skis prepared, rucksacks on and as they say in Norway - kom igjen! (let's go, or come on). We head steadily south east today with a lake crossing as we leave our overnight hut. In Norway it is normal to spend a lot of time in winter skiing along frozen and snow covered lakes, on many an occasion you wouldn't even know you were on a lake because of the volume of snow. The routes are marked in winter during certain periods and checked by the DNT. We have been told you need only 4cm (1.4 inches) of frozen ice for it to be safe to ski on the lakes! Early in the day we ski between two mountains which leads us along Reinvassdalen (Reindeer Valley) - fingers crossed. Eventually, after winding our way between the crags and hills we arrive at yet another lake called Mår, and our hut at Mårbu. 'Bu' means a cottage or cabin and the name would have come from the original modest structure, replaced today by a cosy mountain hut.
Ascent: 220m (721ft) Descent: 85m (278ft) Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles) Duration: 4-5 hrs
A morning of lake side skiing as we head off from Mårbu towards our next overnight at Kalhovd. The terrain rises steeply on our left as we make our way along the lake before climbing up and around Mårsbrotet mountain which has a summit at 1340m (4395ft). Then it is down the mountain back to another lakeside to reach Kalhovd hut. This is definitely a landscape of mountains and lakes with numerous little crags, and knolls and summits to negotiate. Kalhovd is on the annual migration route for the Sami people and their reindeer herds which can number several thousand animals. Kalhovd is a named after one of the rounded peaks near the hut, and means barren or bare hill. It is a cosy hut and the main building dates back to the mid-1940's. People have lived in the area around Kalhovd since time immemorial. Not far from the cabin, there are graves and settlements dating back to the Stone Age.
Ascent: 190m (623ft) Descent: 228m (747ft) Distance: 20km (12.42 miles) Duration: 5-6hrs
Today we leave Kalhovd in the direction of the famous Helberghytte and we have our longest day ahead of us. The hut was named after Claus Helberg, who was a driving force behind DNT's self-service cabins in the mountains. It opened in 1993 making the route onto the Hardangervidda more accessible. The cabin has beautiful views including to Gaustatopppen which depending on weather will have been in our sights since day three of our trip. We aim to stop at the cabin for a rest, and to check out the artefacts, maps and photos on the walls from the famous 'Heroes of Telemark' raid of the heavy water plant at Vemork. During World War II, Vemork in Rjukan became the centre of one of the most important and daring sabotage missions which prevented the development of heavy water, a key factor in the creation of atom bombs. You can read the history here. We then ski the remainder of our route to the top of the Krossobanen cable car for a speedy descent to our final overnight in Rjukan.
Our Lodge tonight has its own exhibition of the Heavy water sabotage and we have booked their knowledgeable local guide to take you back in time with a talk on the Saboteur's trail.
Ascent: 580m (1902ft) Descent: 578m (1895ft) Distance: 29km (18 miles) Duration: 6-7hrs
This morning we can enjoy a final breakfast together in Rjukan before beginning your onward travel arrangements.
For 'Arrival & Departure' details please refer to the 'Trip Information' section.
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 this trip we will be staying in Norwegian mountain huts for seven nights. 'Hut' is a misnomer as they are more like cosy mountain lodges! The huts are either privately owned and run, or more likely they are owned and operated by Den Norske Turistforening, which is the Norwegian Trekking Association. You can read more about what it is like to stay in the DNT huts here.
All of the huts have shared rooms with either 2-3, or 4-6 beds. Whenever possible we try to secure bedrooms for 2 people. We aim to have you sharing a room with someone appropriate - for example we will not put a single male with a single female in a room for two people, unless you request it! All meals, which are excellent in quantity and quality are provided and you make up your packed lunch from the breakfast buffet. There are usually showers, drying rooms, a small shop and bar. Increasingly the old 'dry' toilets situated in a separate building, are being replaced by indoor flushing toilets in the main building.
Our prices are based on you having DNT membership; it is, therefore, essential that you arrange membership via this LINK. Membership cards will be needed when we are staying at the huts. Please contact us if you wish to discuss the rooming on this trip.
The DNT hut at Finse was fully renovated in 2021 and is clean, cosy, and comfortable. With the railway station just 500m (1640ft) from the hut door it is easily reached on foot or by ski. It is a serviced DNT hut, looking after skiers from all over the world. It provides 174 beds, in rooms and dormitories. There are indoor toilets, showers, and a drying room for kit. The hut serves dinner and breakfast, and snacks at other times. There is a phone signal and wifi, and a small shop with a selection of outdoor items The hut is famous as a training base for polar explorers from around the world. It is not unusual to see a sponsored group ski past with 'Shackleton' emblazoned on their pulks (sledges).
Bedrooms, which require early booking, are normally for between 2 to 3 people, although there are some rooms which have 4 to 6 beds. It may be that we will use dormitories if necessary. Twin rooms may be available for a supplement. Single bedrooms are not possible.
Krækkja lies on the shore of Lake Storkrækkja, with a view toward the cliffs of Hallingskarvet. Krækkja was the first DNT lodge on the Hardanger Plateau, but people have lived here for several thousand years. The remains of ancient settlements lie almost at the lodge door. The hut which has been run by Martin since 2018, has 85 bunks in two-bunk, three-bunk and four-bunk rooms, a larger room and a dormitory. It has a washroom, dry toilets, and showers inside the hut, and serves breakfast and dinner.
There is no wifi, so a great chance to talk! There are some electrical charging points but note that power comes from a generator and therefore any charging can take a long time. The hut is fully licenced.
Heinseter is a private mountain hut run by Knut Harald and Bjørg. The family have been running the hut for three generations and in winter they only open for two weeks to accommodate skiers on the Hardanger. The rooms are in the annex to the main building and consist of bedrooms for 2, 4 or 6 people, plus a dormitory. There is a shower in the same building as the bedrooms, and outdoor dry toilets a short distance away. There is also a drying area upstairs for damp kit. The food is plentiful and local. Expect to find meat such as reindeer on the menu!
The first "tourists" probably came to the Hein area where the hut is situated about 8,000 years ago - and the Heindalføret is rich in ancient monuments from the Stone Age up to our era. The last permanent resident in the area moved in 1945.
Rauhelleren provides a warm welcome at the end of our ski day. The hut which is staffed has sleeping places in various rooms for 54 people. The rooms range from two bed to six beds, and also there is a dormitory. The hut is by Langesjøen in the middle Hardangervidda , with an incredible view both east and west. The toilet, shower and drying room are located in a new building where surplus heat from the power generator provides plenty of hot water and Vidda's most efficient drying room.
The cabin serves local food based on local ingredients, and traditions. The DNT works in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to promote local food and food culture at the staffed DNT cabins. Smoked meat is on the menu and comes every Thursday. Beta soup, cured meat and sour cream porridge with freshly baked halibut pretzels every Saturday. Smoked pork loin with rice cream for dessert is a staple on Sundays. On the breakfast table you will always find homemade jam and salads. In between home-made rib rolls, smoked salmon, roast beef or wild venison, locally produced honey and cold cuts from Hardanger. The host has attended two baking courses with baker Andre Løvaas (from the national baking team, one of the people who started "Open Bakery", now at Regal), so hopefully the guests at Rauhelleren now get even better bread and buns!
Mårbu DNT hut sits at the northern end of the lake of Mår - right on the border of the Hardangervidda National Park. Around the cabin itself you will find slightly hilly terrain, and further away steep ridges and valleys with peaks up to 1,400m (4592ft). The hut has beds for 38 people in rooms of 2, 4, and 6 beds. There is a laundry room, shower and drying room. The hut will provide us with breakfast and dinner, and a packed lunch for the next day. There is a cosy lounge area with large windows for enjoying views to the mountains. We often think that 'hut' is a misnomer as the DNT cabins are so characterful and comfortable.
Kalhovd is by the Kalhovdfjord in the southeast of Hardangervidda and is a natural gateway to Vidda. It is a popular destination in both summer and winter. It has 75 bed places, spread over 4 buildings, Stova, Floti, Tuppehuset and Butikken. The hut will provide breakfast, packed lunch and dinner. The name Kalhovd comes from one of the rounded peaks near the hut and means barren or bare hill. People have lived in the areas around Kalhovd since time immemorial. Not far from the cabin, there are both reindeer graves and settlements dating back to the Stone Age. Since that time, the areas have also been used for ranching, hunting and fishing for the local population in the villages around Tinnsjøen.
Our "modern" world reached Kalhovd in 1914. Then the construction of the first Kalhovd dam was started, and four years later the large dam was ready. The purpose of the dam was to limit the risk of flooding and provide stable water flow in the waterway between Tinn and Skien. In the period 1943 to 1947, a new and larger dam was built at Kalhovd. This happened in connection with the construction of the Mår power plant. The main building at Kalhovd dates from the mid-1940s. Since then, the cabin has been extended and renovated a number of times.
Rjukan Fjellstue, or mountain lodge, sits on the edge of the Hardangervidda and is famous for its ties with the film 'Heroes of Telemark', and also with the true saboteurs who carried out raid on the heavy water plant at Rjukan during World War 11. The lodge even has its own exhibition on the subject of the saboteurs, and in the summer gives guided tours along the saboteurs trail. In the yard at the Fjellstue there is the cabin which was used as a backdrop during the filming of a TV series about this extraordinary story of endurance and bravery in an arctic wilderness. Today the lodge is run by Henny & Bjørn who love to share their passion for the local history and nature.
The lodge which sits at 840 m (2755ft) has 42 rooms, with 100 beds, and also has two self-catering cabins. Several of the rooms are newly renovated in 2021. Some rooms have their own toilet en suite, while others share a toilet and shower in the common areas. The cabins each have their own toilet and shower.
Arrival
You can reach the start of this trip either via Oslo or Bergen. Your train/bus ticket to Finse is not included in the trip fee, and you must make your own arrangements.
Oslo: If travelling via Oslo we recommend flying to Gardermoen airport, the main airport in Norway. It's possible to fly to Oslo Torp or Oslo Rygge, but you will need to allow time to travel to Olso city centre to take the train north. Transfer links to Oslo can be found on the Torp airport website. There are a few trains throughout the day from Oslo to Finse, we recommend getting the 1113 hrs arriving at 1632 hrs. The latest train you should aim for departs from Oslo Gardermoen Airport (lufthavn) at 1343 hrs, a journey of 5 hours, arriving at Finse at 1842 hrs in time for the evening meal. Your flight arrival times into Oslo Gardermoen should be approximately 1.5-2 hours before the departure time of the train to Finse to allow for flight delays, and sorting/storing any kit to be left at the airport 'left luggage' facility. The train timetable from Oslo airport can be found here.
Travelling to Oslo 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 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.
Finse: Before you step off the train you should be dressed in warm clothes, gloves, hats and ski boots and ready for a walk or ski of about 10 minutes to reach Finse hut. If you are arriving on the late trains; from Oslo, at 2048 hrs, or the train from Bergen at 1921 hrs, it will be dark when you arrive. Do not walk to the hut at night or in poor visibility as it is possible to get lost! Upon receipt of everyone's travel details we will confirm the exact meeting arrangements for your trip. The Finse 1222 Hotel is right beside the railway station and you can wait there if you need to.
Bergen: You can fly to Bergen, but note that at the end of your trip you will be in Oslo. If you choose to fly to Bergen, this involves a much shorter train journey to Finse, but you cannot leave items in Bergen, such as a ski bag, for your return. You could fly with your skis wrapped in a disposable material, such as cardboard, or and then you do not need to return to Bergen.
Departure
After breakfast on your departure day we will arrange one single timed taxi transfer to take you from the final mountain hut on the edge of the Hardangervidda plateau down to Rjukan where onward travel can either be by a shared taxi, or by bus or train.
The easiest way to reach Oslo airport is by bus and takes 4 - 5 hours with buses leaving every 2 hours. Buses can be booked on the main https://www.vy.no/en train/bus website. Note that not all bus times and tickets are available on this website until 2 months in advance. We recommend booking buses from the Rjukan 'torg' stop - which is the tourist office. To make use of the shared transfer we suggest you book any bus after 0830 hrs.
Oslo City Centre
If staying in Oslo city centre you can make your way to Gardermoen airport by bus or train:
By Train
The “Flytoget” airport express train takes twenty minutes from the city centre to Gardermoen airport. You can also take the normal train operated by Vy which is cheaper, but takes a few minutes longer.
By Bus
There are various bus services between the city centre and the various airports. Gardermoen airport can be reached by bus with Ruter. Transfer links to Torp Airport are to be found on the airport website.
If you would like to spend extra nights in Oslo, the capital city of Norway, we can recommend several city centre hotels. Single rooms are available in each of the following options:
The City Box Hotel, Oslo which is where our guides stay between trips. The hotel is very reasonably priced, convenient for the railway and bus stations. The hotel also offer washing facilities if you are running trips back to back and need to launder clothes.
The Thon Hotel Opera is a very short distance from the central railway station and, indeed, the Opera House. It is approximately 100 metres (328ft) from the railway station. Karl Johan high street, the main shopping thoroughfare, is a two minute walk from the hotel.
The Thon Hotel Spectrum is also central and approximately 600 metres (1968ft) walk from the central railway station.
These last two hotels are part of the Thon hotel chain. We would normally recommend family run hotels, but they are not easily found in central Oslo and we feel that the Thon group do provide good accommodation which is easily reached from the railway station. You will be able to book either of these online.
If you would like inexpensive accommodation in Oslo we can recommend the Perminalen Hotell. The hotel has a choice of accommodation ranging from bedrooms to same gender dormitories. It is approximately 850 metres (2788ft) from the central railway station.
Due to their nature 'off track’ trips to remote areas can be affected by weather and snow conditions that necessitate on-the spots changes in the itinerary. We do not include a contingency fee for these unforeseen events and therefore we ask that you the client contribute to the costs that arise due to major itinerary changes, for example additional bus, train or overnight costs. We have capped this at a maximum of £160 per person. By operating in this way we can keep the cost of your trip lower and these additional costs are only requested if necessary.
When booking a trip we ask you to acquire insurance to cover you for the following:
Mountain Rescue Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, mountain rescue, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. 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. Most of our trips have a maximum altitude of 3,000 metres. If you are unsure or are joining a bespoke trip, then please ask us for specific details.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Please 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.
COVID-19 Insurance
As well as medical cover, we recommend that you have appropriate travel insurance so that if you fall ill and test positive for COVID-19 prior to (or during) your trip, you will be financially covered for cancelling your trip. You should also consider booking a policy that covers you if you have to cancel or curtail your holiday because you have to self-isolate. If you choose to cancel, cancellation charges will be payable, but if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. Please read the clauses below detailing trip cancellation and curtailment.
Travel Insurance covering COVID-19 is now available from a number of suppliers, Campbell Irvine, Trailfinders and Staysure. Please check their websites for the latest information on what is and isn't covered. It is likely that more companies will offer COVID related cover in the future.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions.
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' 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 '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.
If bringing your own skis...
The skis we recommend for this trip are a metal-edged Nordic back country ski similar to the Fischer Transnordic 82 Easy Skin Xtralite with NNN BC bindings or equivalent, and with a side cut of around 82-60-70 mm. It is also acceptable to use skis similar to Fischer Transnordic 66 Easy Skin Xtralite with a sidecut of 66-54-81mm. The term sidecut refers to the width at the tip, waist, and tail. The wider the side cut the more stability, but less glide. The narrower the ski more glide, but less stability. Everything is a compromise.
Boots should be leather or soft plastic, such as the Garmont Excursion, or Scarpa T4, with Vibram soles. Poles should be of touring length and fit snugly into the armpit with the basket on the snow surface. You also require full length climbing skins for this trip. If you have a waxing ski with the new Easy Skin system that allows a 'kick' skin to be attached only in the 'kick' zone, then bring these for days when the waxing is challenging.
For buying Nordic ski equipment online; in the UK we recommend Braemar Mountain Sports and in France we recommend Telemark Pyrenees.
If hiring skis...
It is always recommended to have your own equipment (especially boots) for any remote long distance ski tour. However, it is possible to hire equipment for this trip in Geilo which is a 45 minute train journey away from the start of the tour at Finse DNT hut.
Due to the nature of this being a point-to-point journey it requires the equipment to be returned to the start of the tour the cost of which will be shared between those hiring. You may want to check how many will be hiring and therefore the estimated cost of the return of the skis. Note too that if hiring in Norway you will also need to carry light weight footwear with you in your day pack.
You will need: skis, boots, poles and climbing skins. If you wish to hire this equipment please provide details on your Booking Form so that we can assist you and advise you of the rental cost.
Ski pass...
There is no ski pass required to use the tracks or mountain trails in Norway. You would only be required to purchase a ski pass if a group decision is made to use ski lifts for practising downhill skills if the opportunity arises.
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.
When you leave Oslo you will take everything you need for the trip in your rucksack. Allow sufficient time between your arrival in Oslo and connecting travel to ensure you have your rucksack packed and ready for the week.
You can leave any extra luggage in Oslo in the left luggage lockers at the airport, for more information refer to the 'Left Luggage' section of the Trip Information page. For example you might want to fly wearing footwear other than your ski boots and leave those and a fresh change of clothing in the left luggage lockers? However, you can leave home ready to ski and arrive at Oslo ready to go. It has been done many times, and it works. To avoid the need to pay to leave a ski bag at the airport you can arrive with your skis simply taped together. Or you can overnight at one of the local hotels, most of whom will store ski bags free of charge until you return.
Group equipment - we share out waxes, 1 snow shovel between 2, emergency lightweight shelters, spare ski pole, snow probe, first aid kit, and any repair kit amongst the group members.
Equipment
For information on the type of skis required for this trip ski consult the 'Skis - type, rental & ski pass' section of the Trip Information page. Skis, boots, and poles - can be hired in the UK. They cannot be easily hired in Norway.
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 a 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.
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.
A single room is only available on one night on this trip; in Rjukan on the last night - if you wish to book a single room for this night there is a supplement of £85 to cover the additional cost. When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. When staying in staffed huts we book small mixed dormitories just for our group of 2, 3, 4 or 6 people. We always allocate rooms as best we can so that you are comfortable with your room mate. We avoid putting two people of different genders in a room who do not know each other, or who are not comfortable with this.
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.
Your ski guide will be a professionally qualified BASI Nordic Instructor at the least and may also be a BASI Telemark Instructor. They will hold the Winter Mountain Leader Award, or the International Mountain Leader Award or have the ability and relevant experience to navigate in winter conditions. While in no way interfering with the tour, coaching along the way in ski technique and 'grip waxing' will help you ski more effectively and with less effort. We are always mindful of safety in cold conditions and wilderness areas.
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.
Your ski guide will have the maps required for this trip, but if you would like to arrive with your own maps we have listed those which cover the route:
Turkart 1:50 000 Finse 2241
Turkart 1:50 000 Rauhelleren 2727
Turkart 1:100 000 Ost
OR
Turkart 1:100 000 Vest also covers the above two maps in less detail
Turkart 1:100 000 Ost
All maps are available online via the Map Shop www.themapshop.co.uk or from Stanfords in London www.stanford.co.uk
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 often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
The DNT system of cabins in Norway is a wonderful concept. 'DNT' stands for Den Norske Turistforening, which translates to the 'Norwegian Trekking Association'.
According to the DNT local member associations operate 550 cabins across Norway. They maintain a network of about 22,000 km (13,730 miles) of marked hiking trails and about 7000 km (4375 miles) of branch-marked ski tracks. Each year, volunteers work a total of more than 800,000 hours maintaining this system.
A number of our trips require you to be a member of the DNT. Please check the 'Dates & Prices' section of the your trip itinerary. To become a member click here.
DNT Cabins are either 'staffed' or 'self-service':
Staffed cabins
Staffed cabins serve all meals; breakfast, dinner and a picnic lunch which you make yourself from the breakfast buffet. Meals are excellent in both quality and quantity! Many have showers and electricity, either from the power grid or from a local generator. They are very cosy and traditional in style and are just as comfortable as a rustic hotel. Staffed cabins are open only in certain seasons.
Self-service cabins
The self-service cabins are equipped with all that we need for cooking and sleeping. Firewood, gas, kitchen utensils, table linen and bunks with blanks or duvets and pillows. We do require you to bring a 'sheet sleeping bag liner' for reasons of hygiene. The cabins are also stocked with tinned and dried food which means we do not have to carry provisions! It is not possible to 'reserve' beds in self-service cabins and it is a case of 'first come, first served'. We aim to arrive in good time to secure the necessary number of beds which are usually in rooms with between 2 - 8 bunk beds. If we arrive late in the day and the cabin is already crowded then as 'members of the DNT' you will have priority over non-members in terms of acquiring a mattress. Please note this may be a mattress on the floor, think of it as camping, but with a roof!
In the self-service cabins we look after ourselves: fetch water, cook food, wash up and chop wood. At the cabin we fill out a payment form which details everything we have used. The DNT then contact us on our email addresses and we make payment for your stay.
During this trip you will experience 'touring' in its purest form as you will set off from Oslo with everything you need for the week in your rucksack. It's a great feeling to have everything on your back, a de-cluttering of life and stripping down to the basics.
With this in mind you might like to leave extra luggage such as a ski bag, or luggage for your flight or any onward travel in Oslo. You can you leave luggage in a locker at Gardermoen airport. There are 200 electronic lockers located on the 1st floor in the parking garage P10 next to the terminal building. You can find more information and prices here. There are also luggage lockers at Oslo central railway station which are less expensive, though cost depends on the size of locker you use. The railway station is open Monday–Sunday 0345 hrs - 0130 hrs. We have, however, found that on occasion these are unreliable in that they can be fully booked. There are other private storage facilities in Oslo such as Eelway.
Another option is to book an hotel room either before or after your trip and leave luggage with the hotel. The airport hotels in general all have luggage storage facilities where you can leave items, and often a late flight into/early flight out of Oslo is cheaper than during the day and has the added benefit of providing somewhere to leave luggage or ski bags.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sun 16 Mar - Sun 23 Mar Code: HTM1 |
Price: £2145 | Spaces available | Book |
| From Price | £2145 |
| Holiday Type | Low Impact |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-8 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 1700m (5577ft) |
| Countries Visited | Norway |
| Meet In | Finse, Norway |
