Nordic in Norway: Venabu
Nordic in Norway: Venabu
Nordic in Norway: Venabu - Taking a pause on the tracks
Nordic in Norway: Venabu - Skiing in tranquility
Nordic in Norway: Venabu - Another fine day on the tracks
Nordic in Norway: Venabu - Perfect ski conditions

Nordic in Norway: Venabu


Cross country skiing in Norway

Learn to cross country ski in Norway, the true homeland of Nordic skiing. Venabu is the perfect cross country ski area, set on the edge of the Rondane National Park with views to the mountains. Our family run hotel is something of a legend in Norwegian ski lore with a long history of skiing. The trip offers top quality instruction which will get you gliding in good style through this stunning winter landscape. Our hotel is situated in the middle of the Venabygdsfjell plateau, a snow-sure area with fantastic nature, a stable climate, great skiing trails and a range of other winter activities if you want to opt out for a day. The perfect base!

WARNING: Be prepared to adopt the Norwegian way of doing things and 'relax'. This is without doubt a great week for unwinding, whilst playing in the 'white stuff'.

Highlights

  • We are a BASI Approved Nordic Ski School
  • One of Norway's best cross country ski areas
  • Learn in a safe and fun environment
  • First class tuition from top instructors
  • Small groups ensuring maximum progress
  • Ski directly from the hotel doorstep each day 
  • Excellent and plentiful Norwegian style meals
  • No ski pass payment required, the tracks are free
  • All meals included, breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
  • Eco-friendly award winning 'sustainable' hotel
  • Optional yoga/pilates/massage sessions for easing muscles
  • Optional activities, such as dog sledding & horse sleigh rides
  • Free teas and coffees throughout the day
  • Use of the hotel sauna and gym
This week is specifically aimed at those who are new to nordic skiing. The terrain and environment is perfect. We teach you the appropriate skills and technique required to tackle a variety of terrain. The skiing will be entirely on way marked tracks which are regularly machine prepared by the hotel staff who offer us daily 'insider' knowledge about the best areas to ski. As an added bonus, there is sometimes a herd of reindeer in the vicinity, which adds to the wonderful Arctic ambiance of these wild mountains. Venabu offers 140 kms ( 87.5 miles) of prepared trails in varied mountain terrain, with summits up to 1400m (4592ft). The area lies to the north of the Olympic town of Lillehammer and immediately east of the main railway from Oslo to Trondheim.

An outstanding week learning Nordic skiing. Our instructor was great. The itineraries took us to beautiful places and the food in the hotel was absolutely top notch.  Evelyn UK Feb 24

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The playful learning of cross-country skiing techniques and the individual advice were excellent. The accommodation has a very pleasant homely atmosphere. Cross country skiing in the moonlight and Northern Lights sighting was the best.

- Manfred, UK, 2024

A great introduction to cross-country skiing. Beautiful location, comfortable and friendly hotel and professional instruction. Inspired me to do more XC skiing in Scandinavia.

- Mark, UK, 2024

Nordic in Norway has opened the world of cross country, Joy O'Flanagan was a fantastic instructor, accommodation and food can't be faulted, the best moment was progressing from the learner slope and becoming mobile to travel and explore the winter wilderness.

- Brian, UK, 2024

Tracks & Trails pitched the trip perfectly. Our guide was an attentive teacher with a great knowledge of the area. We’re already planning our next trip.  Nicky.  UK.  March 2023

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An excellent introduction into Nordic skiing. Clear instruction, a lovely hotel, great food and fantastic scenery.

- Chris UK Feb 2023

Ewen was a great instructor - obviously expert, great at conveying information and in his explanations. Good to have a daily morning meet up and then be able to warm up and practice inside. Good sense of humour! Venabu is a stunning location with wonderful scenery and varied ski trails. Ewen was a brilliant instructor, we had a lovely group, and I had a great week. The hotel was fab - friendly, comfortable and lovely hospitality. Plus the food was fantastic!

- Anne, UK - Mar 22

The trip was totally enjoyable, the group gelled from the moment we all met. The views were superb and our guide, Ewen, led us on some brilliant tours whilst giving expert tuition. The accommodation was excellent with a very friendly and homely atmosphere. The food was also excellent. It's hard to pick one particular "best" moment but trekking over a frozen lake has to be up there.

- Fran, UK - March 22

From start to finish our trip was excellent. Tracks and Trails prepared us, Hotel Venabu welcomed and truly cared for us, and Ewen was just excellent. What I wanted was adventure, to learn a new skill and to have some fun. I got that and so much more. Thank you everyone.

- James, UK - Feb 22

I have just spent a week learning to xc ski. I have learned a new skill, made some great friends, and had the best holiday.

- Gill, UK - Feb 22

A really thorough, intensive and enjoyable introduction to the world of cross country skiing. I feel that I learnt a lot, and actually became a cross country skier, seeing tangible improvements over the week. All this happened in the company of a lovely group, a great instructor and in beautiful surroundings - and I got to see the northern lights!

- Stefon, UK - Feb 22

Enjoyed the experience of learning new things with a group of amazing people and from a brilliant instructor. The accommodation felt so relaxed and welcoming it was home from home. We could see the high quality and high level of care and attention that tracks and trails offer versus their competition and I was so happy to have booked with you.

- Gillian, UK - Feb 22

We stayed at the 'fjell' hotel for the whole trip. We loved the large sitting room with enough room for us to get together in the evening. The food was great and the vegan in our family did not feel second best. He loved the food

- Gillian & Famly, UK - 2019

The hotel was a complete delight, the landscape awesome and we (more or less) all learned to cross-country ski. What's not to like.

- Gillian & Family, UK - 2019

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I do like smaller local hotels with character. For me a perfect hotel. My good intentions went out the window as soon as I saw the food. Loved it, especially the fish, oh yes and deserts! Adored the Venabu area and took to waxed metal edged skis really well. 

- Alan. England, 2019

Itinerary

  • This evening your ski instructor, who will be a fully qualified BASI Nordic Ski Instructor, will meet you at your hotel to have dinner with you. Due to the Norwegian tradition of eating early, normally around 1830hrs, we find that it is often more relaxing for your instructor to give you a full briefing the following morning.

    With regard to travel please refer to the Arrival & Departure section which is under 'Trip Information'. 

  • Every morning enjoy a leisurely beautifully displayed Norwegian buffet style breakfast. We will then head for the ski room to prepare for our day.

    We love the atmosphere in the ski/waxing room as everyone chats about the day ahead, and discusses which wax to apply to give the best performance. Be prepared for lots of tales of derring-do and adventures from the day before as we mingle with the other guests and the locals.

    With our skis ready for action we head for the tracks and a day of learning and exploring around the stunning landscape around Venabu. Our instructor will lead you through achievable exercises introducing you to the art of 'classic style' cross country skiing, what we call 'diagonal stride'. Day by day we add to this technique giving you the confidence and ability to travel on progressively longer tours out and back from our hotel.

    Venabu offers everything we love about Norway.  With 140 kms (87.5 miles) of trails to explore we have plenty to choose from, and with a variety of terrain from birch woodlands, to plateau, and mountains, we can choose the best tracks for the weather on the day. The main trails are flat or gently undulating, and are the perfect training ground for beginners and racers alike.

    Our ski teachers know that we all learn at different rates and it's our job to ensure that everyone makes the most out of their 6 days of skiing with us and progresses at their individual pace. Each ski day can easily be adapted to different levels of 'new to nordic' skier.

    We take a picnic lunch with us if the weather is good, and if it is chilly we may opt to enjoy lunch in the hotel lounge, where you can take advantage of the free teas and coffees. If you feel the need for extra energy for the afternoon ski you might indulge in the traditional Norwegian waffle, with jam and cream. After lunch we head back out for more fresh air and ski time, but our approach in the afternoon is usually quite leisurely as we like you to have time to relax and enjoy consolidating your new found skills and technique.

    By mid-afternoon we are ready to head for our hotel, and the chance to relax in the sauna, or just enjoy the lounge area with its views to the mountains. It is a holiday after all!

  • Today you will transfer from your hotel to Ringebu station for the train journey to Oslo airport. Many of our guests opt to spend an extra night in Oslo to enjoy this cosmopolitan city. You could, of course, choose to begin with a night in Oslo at the start of your journey.

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. 

Accommodation

We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, characterful, family run accommodation. In most cases we have known the management for many years, and it’s like visiting old friends. Our suggested accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking. We have given details of our favoured hotel and the one we intend to use below. If unavailable we will book alternative accommodation of similar standard.

The trip fee is based on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling on your own your booking will be based on a twin bedroom sharing with someone of the same gender, what we call a 'twin' is two single beds in one bedroom. All rooms are en suite with shower, and toilet, and are non-smoking. 

However, on this trip, single rooms are available on request, but will incur a supplementary fee. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure a single room as these are always limited in number. Please contact us for details.

Depending on availability at the time of booking your accommodation will be at the Venabu Fjellhotel or the Spidsbergseter Hotel. Both hotels are built in the typical Norwegian style, are family-run and enjoy a very relaxed and hospitable atmosphere. Venabu Fjellhotel is now Eco Certified, receiving an award from the Norwegian Government which recognises the work the hotel is doing to towards becoming a sustainable destination. 

At both hotels the food is excellent and there is always a good selection of vegetables, salad and vegetarian options. We have opted for ‘self-made’ packed lunches everyday so we have complete flexibility with plans for our skiing day; lunches are made from the breakfast buffet, in the Norwegian tradition – a chance to experiment with all sorts of tasty sandwich fillings!

 

Venabu Fjellhotel

Hotel

Venabu always captures the hearts of those who stay there. It is a simple hotel built in typical Norwegian style, family-run and with a very relaxed and hospitable atmosphere. It is without doubt the 'atmosphere' at Venabu that our guests love. A true cross country ski hotel where everyone 'lives and breathes' Nordic skiing. The meals are a highlight of the week, copious Norwegian style meals for both breakfast and dinner. Venabu is now Eco Certified, receiving an award from the Norwegian Government which recognises the work the hotel is doing to towards becoming a sustainable destination. 

Facilities include a superb dining room, with views to the Rondane Mountains, a bar, saunas, dedicated space for yoga/pilates classes, a fitness room, and TV lounge. There is also a large ski waxing room with ski hire and shop, as well as a souvenir shop. All rooms are en suite with shower, and toilet and are non-smoking.

Rooms at the Venabu Fjellhotel come in two categories with the East Wing being the standard rooms (included in our price) or rooms in the newer West Wing which are larger, but normally have twin beds rather than a double bed. If you are interested in upgrading, for which there will be a supplementary fee, then do contact us for prices. 

Spidsbergseter Hotel, Rondane

Hotel

The Spidsbergseter Hotel has a great 'ski' atmosphere along with very comfortable rooms, lovely facilities including; a spa with swimming pool, jacuzzi and saunas. The dining room serves delicious meals making good use of local produce. Breakfasts are served Norwegian buffet style with much to choose from. The decor is traditional Norwegian featuring wood, and natural products.

The hotel has a 'cafe' which is open all day for coffee and cakes. Adjacent is a gift shop with a wide range of Norwegian products, and cross country ski waxes, and clothing. It is possible to organise optional extras here such as husky dog sledding. The hotel also has a cosy 'waxing' room for preparing our skis each morning, where hot fruit juice is free to guests.


  • Important Update: Due to a landslide in August 2023 the train services north of Lillehammer are disrupted between Fåvang, and Ringebu with a bus replacing this section, representing a journey of about 15 minutes by bus. 

    Arriving

    We recommend flying to Gardermoen airport, Oslo. This is the main airport and is easily accessible from Oslo city. It is also possible to fly to Oslo Torp or Oslo Rygge with Ryanair, but you will need to allow more time between Olso city centre and these airports. Transfer links to Oslo are to be found on the Torp airport website. From Oslo you have the choice of either taking the private hotel bus direct to the hotel door, or the public train which means arriving at Ringebu station and then getting a transfer to the hotel.

    Train

    Tickets for the train are easily purchased on line at Vy.no and if you book in advance there is a considerable discount. You can choose to collect tickets on the train or have them sent to your phone. If travelling by train then you will need a ticket from Oslo to Ringebu where you will meet a private taxi car/ small bus to take you to Venabu. In 2024, because of the bridge closure, this transfer from Ringebu to your hotel is not included in your trip cost, and should be paid directly to the hotel. It will cost 240 NOK one-way (approximately £20). By taking this step it means you are free to choose whether you get the train or the hotel bus which you may find more convenient while train services are disrupted.   

    Bus

    The private hotel bus leaves Oslo Gardermoen (Lufthavn) airport only on Saturdays and goes direct to Venabu Fjellhotel. The bus corresponds with the SK804 flight in from London Heathrow. Information for the bus platform number is given at 1310 hrs at the bus information desk in the  airport arrival area and aims to leave at 1400 hrs. If you would like to take the bus please contact us for availability. The cost of the bus is 280 NOK one-way (approximately £22).

    Departing

    Train

    Trains (or replacement bus) are expected to depart Ringebu at 0917hrs, arriving at Oslo airport at 1301hrs, and a second train leaving Ringebu at 1133hrs, arriving at 1432 hrs. The cost of the transfer, one-way, from the hotel to Ringebu railway station will be £40.

    Bus

    The return airport bus leaves Venabu every Saturday at 0915hrs from hotel and aims to be at the airport by 1300 hrs. The cost of the bus is 280 NOK one-way (approximately £22).

    Please ensure you book your ticket as the trains can be fully booked and you will not be permitted to travel.

  • 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' warmer in recent years than previously which is why we now run trips in the months of January, and February, as well as March and April. Even in January when the daylight hours are short we find that we have more than enough time for skiing. We have never yet had guests feeling they were losing out in terms of ski hours by booking in January or February. There is a special pleasure to starting your ski day in the sunrise, and skiing back with the sunset. 

    Historically temperatures in December have averaged -8°Celsius (17.4°F), in January -9.7°Celsius (14.5°F), in February -9.2°Celsius (15.4°F), in March -6.6°Celsius (20.1°F), and in April -2.3°Celsius (27.9°). 

    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! 

  • King Bore - 'King of Winter' from Nordic mythology says he can't promise anything, but in Venabu they begin to prepare the tracks as soon as they have enough snow in December and continue until mid-April or after Easter. Venabu has a good reputation as a 'snow sure' venue, and we have found that to be true. It offers 140 kms ( 87.5 miles) of prepared trails in varied mountain terrain, with summits up to 1400m (4592ft).

  • Your instructor will help you organise your ski rental at Venabu. 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 suitable and the correct type of ski and boot.

    At Venabu we do things the Norwegian way, and our hire skis from the hotel are all fitted with NNN bindings (New Nordic Norm Bindings) and are 'waxing' skis with metal edges which are more effective for snowploughing and control of speed. This is a great opportunity to learn the art of 'waxing' and your instructor will provide daily waxing sessions to ensure you get the best out of the skis. Grip waxes are the traditional way of travelling on skis, and give greater glide than 'fishscales'. Your Instructor will explain anything you need to know.

    The ski hire for winter 2024 is 795 NOK for 6 days and payment is made directly to the rental shop at the hotel, credit cards are accepted.

    Please make a note of your equipment hire on our booking form. We will need to know your height, weight, normal shoe size (your everyday shoe size and not your personal adjustment for wearing boots) and the measurement of your height from the floor up to your armpits for ski pole hire.  

    There is no charge for using the ski tracks in Norway, and therefore no ski pass is required. 

  • 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. 

    • Respect for others
      A cross-country skier must ski in such a manner that he/she does not 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 his poles close to his/her
      body when near another skier.
    • Control of speed
      A cross-country skier, and especially going downhill, shall always adapt his/her
      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, he/she 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. 
  • 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. 

    You require clothing that allows freedom of movement, and mobility. Warm leggings or trousers that are made of a stretch fabric are best. Layers are ideal for your upper body as they allow you to adjust your temperature. Alpine ski clothing is not appropriate as it is too bulky, too warm, and restricts movement.

    Equipment

    This trip uses metal-edged ‘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 without 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. 

    • Wax Cork and Ski Scraper - only if using 'waxing' skis, these can be bought at the hire shop
    • Ski ties - to hold your skis together, useful but not essential
    • Waxes - if required, these will be supplied by Tracks and Trails
    • 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 on the outside of your rucksack usually freeze in winter
    • Whistle

    Clothing 

    • Waterproof jacket - essential, this must keep you dry during a day of continuous snowfall or at least as dry as any waterproof jacket ever keeps you!
    • 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 or 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 (e.g. Compeed)
    • 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

    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)
    • Swimwear for when sauna is available
    • Camera/ Book/Music
    • Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
    • Ear plugs - if room sharing
    • Small thermos for hot drinks
    • Short gaiters for snowy days
    • Head torch - plus spare batteries for skiing home in the twilight

    **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.

  • 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 £175.

  • 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. 

  • For this trip where you are centre-based, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation all week, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, please note that not all the hotels we use have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We would suggest that luggage with wheels is generally a good idea.

  • 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. On some of the days at Venabu we may return for a late sit-down lunch in the restaurant, although this will depend on our ski plans for the day. 

  • On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. 

    We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day. 

    The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. 

  • It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card. 

    On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.

  • Food

    We encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for traditional food. 

    If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance which will make you ill then the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.

    If you are vegetarian his is not a problem as the hotels/refuges are used to being asked for vegetarian meals. Our accommodation will try to cater for those with vegan diets but in remote refuges in the mountains this is more difficult. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet contact us

    If you have a 'special' diet which is NOT because of an allergy or intolerance, and is not 'veggie' then we apologise, but we cannot cater for this. The accommodation on the popular routes will be catering for many people each evening, in some cases up to 70/80 meals per night, 7 days a week, and realistically they cannot produce many different meal options unless the food will result in illness.

    We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.

    Water

    The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.

    Due to rising temperatures in the summer months some mountain huts are having to restrict water usage. Which may mean that you are unable to shower in some mountain refuges.

    At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.

  • A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. 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. 

  • There are various outdoor and indoor activities available at Venabu Fjellhotel. You can book a horse sleigh ride, go husky dog sledding, or join a guided snowshoe tour. There are also yoga classes, and various other sessions available such as massage. You can use the sauna for free, and the hotel gym. If you want a day out you could ask the hotel to arrange a transfer to Ringebu station and travel to the Olympic town of Lillehammer for the day.  Please note that optional activities are not included in your trip fee, and can be booked and paid for directly with the hotel. Many of our guests find that the only optional activity they find time to do is to relax for hours by the lounge fire enjoying the free tea and coffee facilities! 

  • 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. 

  • We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. In this respect due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. All the trips being sold by Tracks and Trails are organised by Tracks and Trails, but you may find guests from other companies on your trip. Partners are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements. We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same price package. If you have any questions about this policy contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you. 


What's Included

  • Full-board accommodation; breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner based on two people sharing
  • Six full days of instruction by a fully qualified BASI Nordic Instructor
  • Free use of the hotel saunas
  • Use of grip waxes as required
  • Free use of the ski trails, no pass required

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Travel between Oslo and Venabu
  • Any alcoholic drinks and beverages
  • Ski hire 
  • Venabu Fjellhotel - yoga/pilates/massage
Return to Search Print Trip Notes

Grade: Beginners

READ GRADE DESCRIPTION

At a Glance

From Price £1735
Holiday Type Cross Country Ski Instruction
Duration 8 Days
Group Size 4-8
Minimum Age 18
Maximum Altitude 1200m (3936ft)
Countries Visited Norway
Meet In Ringebu, Norway
View all Cross Country Ski Instruction Holidays

Nordic in Norway: Venabu

Why book with T&T?

  • Highly professional guides
  • Personal service guaranteed 
  • Attention to detail throughout
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Single rooms on request
  • No surcharge guaranteed
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