New Year in Norway fabulous light
Nordic in Norway: Venabu - A fabulous team for our best selling New Year week
Glorious skiing
New Year in Norway
Nordic in Norway: Venabu - Fine dining
The light is fabulous at New Year in Norway

Norway at New Year


New Year in Norway

Sjusjøen has been named Norway's number 1 cross-country ski resort several years in a row. The area is so popular that it's extremely hard to secure accommodation, but Tracks and Trails are delighted that for this coming New Year we have secured accommodation at Rustad Hotel on Sjusjøen Lake. The first World Cup event in the cross-country race calendar is always held at the end of November in Sjusjøen and the trails are already well prepared. 

A fabulous way to start 2025! A week of cross country skiing in the wonderful landscape that surrounds the mountain community of Sjusjøen, high above the Olympic town Lillehammer, in Norway. The terrain surrounding Sjusjøen is home to 350 km (219 miles) of groomed ski trails making it popular with both cross country ski racers, and recreational skiers. More than enough to keep you occupied! And if skiing by day is not enough there is also an illuminated trail where you can enjoy some evening skiing.

Highlights

  • New Year's Eve celebration dinner and fireworks
  • Famous traditional mountain hotel with saunas
  • Improve your technique with a top instructor
  • Experience the magic of a night time ski 
  • No ski pass required, the tracks are free
  • Optional extras; dog sledding, snowshoeing

Each year the area also hosts the world famous Birkebeiner race which goes through Ringsakerfjellet and Sjusjøen. With very good snow conditions, and an extensive trail network boasting a six month ski season, Sjusjøen is a dream for those who like to go cross-country skiing!


Another fantastic New Year experience in Norway! A very comfortable hotel with great food, excellent ski conditions and more tracks than we could cover in a week. The trip was a perfect mix of time to ski and time to rest, relax and recharge.

- Judith, Switzerland, 2024

I loved the new year XC ski trip, it was just what i needed after a busy year. It was a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with skiing adventures each day, it felt like we were away for more than in a week - but in a good way that you forget about everything else for a while.

- David, UK 2023/24

Sjusjøen always delivers great skiing, Raustad Hotel is cosy and welcoming and Tracks and Trails know how to deliver the gold standard customer experience.

- Jim, England, 2024

Brilliant to be back in Norway for New Year - lovely hotel & food, superb skiing, great company, guiding and instruction.

- Niamh, Ireland, 2024
Lots of skiing on well-maintained and well signposted tracks including skating and classic. Ski from the end of the hotel drive! Fifteen minutes ski up the hill to the arena, which is a good practice area. Access from here to several different tracks including Birkebeiner and pleasant ski around the lake.
 
 
- Renee, UK, 2023
Good sports shop in Sjusjoen. Hotel very comfortable. Lots of cosy lounge areas. Food at breakfast buffet and dinner (served at table) excellent. After dinner coffee and tea are included. (Remember to bring something smart to wear for New Years Eve!)
- Renee & Ben, UK 2023

... Rustad hotel, absolutely fantastic! Friendly/ efficient staff, nice rooms with great views. Meals incredibly good! Ski hire is in the hotel with a great waxing room. A 60m walk through the car park and it's skis on and access to the world famous 260 km Sjusjoen ski area. I cannot think of a better place to spend New Year, there was also a fantastic fireworks display.

- Ewen, Norway 2023

Itinerary

  • Today you arrive at Oslo Gardermoen airport and take the train north to Lillehammer where your transfer will meet you and take you into the mountains to your hotel at Rustad. The train journey to Lillehammer offers great views of the Norwegian countryside, and it is not uncommon to see elk foraging in the woods beside the train tracks. The trains are modern and comfortable and have drinks facilities, and free wifi. Your guide will meet you at the accommodation at approximately 1730 hrs. Please refer to 'Arrival & Departure' in the Trip Information section for further details. 

  • Our day begins with a leisurely breakfast served Norwegian buffet style, which means you can eat as much as you like. There is no excuse not to 'fuel up' for the day ahead. We then head to the hotel ski room to wax our skis and prepare for a day out in a winter wonderland.

    Even if you have never used 'waxing skis' before you will be guided by your Instructor and will soon relish the fast performance of a ski that is well waxed. A waxing ski is the traditional type of ski used in Norway, and precedes the new 'skin' and 'fishscale' skis which you may have previously used in the Alps. We love the atmosphere in the waxing room as everyone chats about the day ahead, and discusses which wax to apply to give the best performance on the day. Be prepared for lots of tales of bravado and adventures from the day before as we mingle with the other guests and the locals.

    With 350 kms (219miles) 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. As with all our ski holidays there will be an element of coaching each day with the aim of improving your ski technique to allow you to get maximum enjoyment from the the hills and valleys of Sjusjøen. 

    We may also spend time in the stadium area working on specific ski skills that will allow you to go away from this trip with new found confidence and improved technique. The stadium, which is floodlit in the evening, is an excellent training area as it is used for various national and international competitions. 

    Each day we take a packed lunch with us, and will take time to stop for a few breaks during our ski journey. The normal pattern is to leave around 0930-1000 hrs, ski for approximately 17- 25 kms (10.6-15.6 miles), then return mid to late afternoon to enjoy a sauna before dinner. 

    On New Year's Eve the hotel provides a fireworks display, there is a definite buzz and party atmosphere on the 31st of December. Start the New Year feeling good and with skis on your feet?

  • After breakfast you will take a private group transfer to Lillehammer station where you can take a train to your onward destination. There are trains throughout the day 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, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. For this trip we will be in the famous Rustad Hotel situated right on Sjusjøen Lake. The trip fees are based on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling on your own your booking will be based on sharing with someone of the same gender in a twin bedded room, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom.

There are only two single rooms available for this trip, due to the high demand at our hotel and these are now both taken.

The rooms which we use for twins are 'junior suites' to give more space to those sharing. They feature a balcony, kettle, fridge and usually have a sofa. You can view the rooms here. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.  

Rustad Hotell, Sjusjøen

Hotel

Rustad Hotell & Fjellstue is a family business that has been owned and run by the Rustad family since 1935. Today it is the 4th generation of the family to run the hotel which is well known in the world of cross-country skiing.  The hotel sits by Lake Sjusjøen where you will find 350 km of groomed ski trails. 

The enterprise started with only 10 rooms that had their own oven and their own pot in the room.  Now they have 44 rooms, saunas, drying rooms etc. The rooms are in different departments and floors, but all in the main house. There are up to three floors in the hotel and while the bedrooms in the different departments will vary in decor, they will have the same standard and size.


  • Arrival

    Norway is easily reached, with various international airlines offering direct flights from the UK and Europe to Oslo Gardermoen airport. Flights can also be taken to Torp, but note you will need to allow enough time to transfer to Oslo Gardermoen for your train journey north to Lillehammer.

    The train station at Gardermoen is located inside the airport terminal (lufthavn) and is just a few minutes from the arrivals area. It makes connecting to your train for your journey to Lillehammer very easy.

    Tickets are easily purchased online at Vy.no and if you book in advance there is a considerable discount for the return journey. Trains run throughout the day.

    On arrival at Lillehammer you can take a taxi or a bus to Sjusjøen, or use the group transfer which is included in your trip fee and will meet the train arriving at 1610hrs. There are trains throughout the day, from early morning until late in the evening, between Oslo airport and Lillehammer. 

    The bus route from/to Lillehammer/Rustad Hotel is number 501 which goes from in front of the train station. Tickets can be bought on the bus or via the Innlandstrafikk app which is less expensive. Bus timetables can be checked at Innlandstrafikk.

    Departure

    Today you will transfer to Lillehammer by either taxi or bus. If there are several people all wanting to be at Lillehammer railway station then we will help co-ordinate this so that you can share the taxi cost, otherwise the group transfer included in your fee will be to meet the train departing from Lillehammer at 0907 hrs, and arriving at the airport at 1101hrs. There are trains throughout the day, from early morning until late in the evening, between Lillehammer and Oslo airport. 

    Please ensure you reserve your train ticket as early as possible. The trains can be fully booked and you will not be permitted to travel.

    Bus Information between Lillehammer and Rustad Hotel: If you arrive early or would to leave later than the advertised group transfer you can take the public bus. The bus times are listed below. The final timetable is yet to be published, but our hotel states these are the expected bus times.

    Lillehammer-Rustad Hotel:

    1120hrs (main road)

    1320 hrs (to the hotel)

    1520 hrs (main road)

    1900 hrs (to the hotel)

    The hotel is 600m from the main road and it can be a tricky hike with snow and lots of luggage.

    Rustad Hotel-Lillehammer (from the hotel):

    1009hrs

    1209hrs

    1609hrs

    Please check all travel arrangements with us before you book your flights and trains. Please contact us if you wish to confirm details. 

     

  • 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.

  • Rustad Hotell & Fjellstue is located on Lake Sjusjøen, 18 km (11.25 miles) from Lillehammer, 830 m (2722ft) above sea level. In general the ski trails around Sjusjøen have snow from late November/early December which makes the area a centre for national ski teams who travel from around the world to train in early season. In December many teams will train in the stadium at Sjusjøen as they prepare for the first race meet of the winter. 

     

  • We use 'classic' style cross country track skis for this trip. You can choose to bring your own, however do check with us first to ensure they are the correct type of ski and boot and are suitable. At Sjusjøen we do things the Norwegian way, and our hire skis from the hotel are 'waxing' skis, which provides a great opportunity to learn the art of waxing. 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'. Don't be confused by all of this, just ask your instructor! We are always delighted to help you enjoy the whole Nordic experience. If you own 'fishscales' or 'skintec' skis it is quite acceptable for you to use them.

    Your instructor will help with organising ski rental on the morning of your first ski day at Sjusjøen. Note the hire skis at Sjusjøen are NOT metal edged which is why it is appropriate for you to bring your own 'classic' non metal-edged track skis. The total ski hire is 750 NOK for 6 days. Make your payment directly to the rental shop at the hotel (credit cards are accepted). To ensure we get the correct sizes equipment hire is arranged in advance. Make note of your equipment hire on our booking form. We will need to know your height, weight, normal shoe size (you must give us your everyday shoe size and not your personal adjustment for wearing boots) and the measurement of your height up to your armpits for ski pole hire. In Norway it is not necessary to purchase a ski pass as there is no charge to use the tracks. 

  • Your safety while skiing is our top priority. All skiers are requested to adhere to the Code of Conduct published by the International Ski Federation, or FIS. The aim is to make you, the skier, aware of how to avoid risks, take responsibility and act thoughtfully while on the cross-country ski tracks. 

    • 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. 

    Equipment

    This trip uses ‘classic’ style track skis. If you are bringing your own skis they must fit in the tracks, so should be a maximum of 66mm at their widest point. You can use track skis which are 'waxing', 'fishscale' or 'skintec'. You can also use track skis with a metal edge, or half metal edge. If in doubt about the suitability of your own skis please contact us.

    Skis, boots, and poles - can be hired at the start of the trip. The cost of hire is indicated in 'Trip Information'. If you are intending to hire you must inform us as soon as possible as equipment must be booked in advance. The type of ski supplied by the hire shop is provided in the 'Ski Rental' section of the Trip Information page. 

    • 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
    • Head torch - plus spare batteries as we may be skiing after dark

    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

    • Attire for New Years Eve - there is no requirement to 'dress up', but our guests usually like to make a special effort on the 31 December. It really is up to you whether to stay 'casual' or to dress 'smart'.
    • 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

    **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 a single room. For December 2024 we only have one single room available, and it has now been taken. The rooms which we use for twins are 'junior suites' to give more space to those sharing, they feature a balcony, kettle, fridge and usually have a sofa. You can view the rooms here.

  • 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. 

  • These holidays are designed for those who can confidently get on their skis and go! You should already have done multi-day journeys on cross-country skis and enjoy spending the day travelling from point to point while carrying a small daypack. We would expect you to be able to ski at a steady pace over a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including icy tracks when necessary. As a minimum we expect you to have good control of speed and direction, and have a very effective snowplough. You should be familiar with the colour coding system for trails, and be able to assure us you can ski ‘red’ tracks with confidence. On any point-to-point journey we can expect to deal with a variety of weather from heavy snowfall to strong winds, and for this reason we expect a degree of self-sufficiency in terms of keeping yourself warm, and dry. It is possible that these tours may encounter sections of 'untracked' snow or old prepared trails, therefore making the distance covered more strenuous. Further tuition will be given at these stages if required. You should be at a very good fitness level and be able to ski approximately 6-7 hours and cover 20 (12.5 miles) – 35 km(18.7 miles) per day.

    However, due to the shorter daylight hours at New Year we usually ski for about 5 hrs per day on this trip, and cover around 20 km (12.5 miles).

  • 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 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.

    There are currency exchange facilities/banks in Oslo Airport or you can obtain Norwegian Kroner prior to your arrival. Credit cards will be accepted in the hotels. Oslo airport has a left luggage store available if needed. You can find more details for left luggage here.

  • 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 is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.

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

  • 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

  • 6 days of guiding/instruction by a qualified BASI Nordic Instructor
  • Full-board accommodation for 7 nights, including breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, based on two sharing
  • Free use of the saunas
  • Free use of the ski trails, no pass required
  • Use of grip waxes as required
  • Fireworks display on New Year's Eve
  • Night ski on New Year's Eve, what a way to start the year!
  • Single rooms available, but requires early booking

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Drinks and beverages
  • Train fares between Oslo and Lillehammer
  • Transfer to station outwith group transfer time
  • Ski hire - approximately 510 NOK for 6 days
  • Optional extra activities, such as alpine skiing, dog sledding
Return to Search Print Trip Notes

Grade: Intermediate

READ GRADE DESCRIPTION

At a Glance

From Price £2395
Holiday Type Cross Country Ski Instruction
Duration 8 Days
Group Size 10
Minimum Age 18
Maximum Altitude 1200 m (3936ft)
Countries Visited Norway
Meet In Lillehammer, Norway
View all Cross Country Ski Instruction Holidays

New Year in Norway

Norwegian Sunrise & Sunset

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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