Mountain Adventure Holidays
An epic journey for adventurous Nordic skiers who want the satisfaction and challenge of crossing a mountainous area in winter. This is for experienced Nordic off-track skiers who want to travel through the winter wilderness. We begin in the north in the Dovrefjell and ski south towards the Rondane, through a land which is home to the only genetically pure wild reindeer herd in Northern Europe.
This is for Nordic off-track ski tourers who have experience of carrying all their kit through wild mountain landscapes in winter. An adventurous spirit is essential to deal with the challenges and weather which can be encountered on this traverse.
Today you will travel to Otta, most likely by train, and then take the hotel transfer to your hotel in Høvringen. This evening your Nordic Ski Instructor will brief you on the trip before joining you for dinner. Tonight you will prepare your rucksack for the six day journey. Your main luggage can be left at Høvringen until your return from the mountains.
This morning we make the journey to Hjerkinn, an ancient and historic settlement which can be dated as far back as 900 BC. Our initial ski route follows along the pilgrims route, the Kongsleden, or King's Trail, to the settlement of Hagaseter. It is at this point that we leave the valley and begin our climb into the mountains. We are heading for a wide open high plateau that truly gives a sense of wild open spaces, and winter wilderness. The terrain is very typically Nordic and undulates throughout the day as we follow a gully line treating us to some steady climbs, mixed with some fun descents. Today we are entirely within the Dovrefjell National Park which was originally set up in 1974 before being expanded in 2002. The aim was to protect an untouched mountain area, and preserve an alpine ecosystem with its natural biodiversity. When the views open up to the south we will see the Grimsdalen, our destination for today. This area is characterised by wide plateau cut by deep sided valleys. We take a route which sends over the gentle summit of Fallfosshøe which sits at 1342 metres (4401 ft). Then it's a long descent, partially through birch woods, down to the valley and our overnight at our cosy DNT mountain lodge.
Ascent: 565m (1853ft) Descent: 575m (1886ft) Distance: 20.1km (12.5 miles) Duration: 06h30 - 07h30
Our morning ski beings with crossing the wide Grimsdalen; 'dalen' means valley in Norwegian and you will find this featured in many mountain names. eE will be heading for a shoulder today, and working our way around the end of the ridge as we make our way steadily south-east. After we reach our first high point of the day onGravhøe we have a descent into the next valley through some birch trees. Always good to check out your technique when there are a few trees around! We are now firmly inside the Rondane National Park, which was Norway's first National Park, set up in 1962 to protect the wild reindeer herds and its wild places. The reindeer in the Rondane are very timid and are the only herd in Northern Europe which remains genetically pure and unadulterated by cross breeding with domestic farmed reindeer. We are now contouring around the base of the next mountain as we head for our mountain cabin. Another cosy overnight stop in a remote location where Marius who runs the lodge will be on hand to welcome us. There is even a sauna tonight!
Ascent: 508m (3539ft) Descent: 437m (2955ft) Distance: 20km (10.3 miles) Duration: 06h30 - 07h30
Today we have a striking rocky canyon to keep us company as we warm up our ski legs and start the gentle climb from our overnight at Øvre Dørålseter. It is a steady route today, without a lot of undulation, as we head due south, before swinging into the Langglupdalen. As we climb to the high pass we will soon be aware of the looming cliffs and steep sides of the highest peak in the Rondane, Rondslottet, which sits at 2178m (7144ft). We then begin a long, and very enjoyable descent all the way down a gully line to the valley bottom. At this point we might feel like we are nearly at the end of our ski day, but there is a sting in the tail with a climb to Bjørnhollia where we will spend the night. The DNT mountain lodge at Bjørnhollia is absolutely beautiful combing traditional log cabin architecture with a stunning modern lounge with glass fronted windows looking across the mountains. The food is also excellent.
Ascent: 497m (1630ft) Descent: 644m (2112ft) Distance: 22.5km (14 miles) Duration: 06h30 - 07h30
Today we can have a leisurely start, all the better to savour the local produce that makes up the huge breakfast buffet. We certainly don't want to rush the food! We begin with a swooping descent through birch trees into a stream bed which we then follow westwards through the mountains. The valley we are skiing through is called the Illmanndalen and is famous for the many recorded sites of ancient reindeer pit traps. The pit traps which were made of stone date back literally thousands of years. When we reach the high point we thread our way round and over various little lakes on the watershed, before a gentle descent to our overnight at Lake Rondvatnet. Rondvassbu where we will spend the next two nights is a lovely cabin with cosy lounges where you can enjoy a true Norwegian waffle and hot chocolate!
Ascent: 371m (1216ft) Descent: 113m (370ft) Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) Duration: 05h00 - 05h30
Today we will do a local ski tour from Rondvassbu. This is your chance to ski with a lighter pack, or simply sit out the day by the fire with a good book. The mountain lodge at Rondvassbu is a popular destination for Nordic off-track skiers and there is usually a jolly bunch of ski fanatics available for conversation! There are various options for today including skiing up the lake below the blue icefalls, or heading up the gentle slops of Fremre Illmannhøe which is a favourite destination of those skiing in this area. The summit is rounded and sits at 1602 m (5254ft) and makes a great goal for our day tour. If you are keen you can do some laps of the slope, or head back to the fireplace and watch the antics of other skiers from the comfort of your armchair. There can be great 'people watching' at Rondvassbu as teams arrive towing pulks or being pulled by their dogs through the snow. The time spent on skis today will be dependent on the route chosen, but the aim is to allow you time to enjoy a more relaxed ski tour.
Leaving Rondvassbu we ski across the lake to pick up our trail out of the mountains. This is a relatively gentle day of touring when you can enjoy simply being out in the wilderness on Nordic skis. Contouring round the landscape in a south-westerly direction we will soon pass under the impressive 'crown' of the Rondane, a unique formation of rock which has created a large scoop under the summits. We will soon come to the Peer Gynt Hytta, which on holidays, is open for coffee and waffles. The hut is named after Henrik Ibsen's five-act play Peer Gynt and is where the author spent his summers fishing the lakes of the Rondane. By now we have picked up the groomed cross-country ski tracks and it is easy 'kick and glide' all the way to the cosy lodge of Smuksjøseter. We can enjoy a stop here for a hot drink, and perhaps a waffle or cake to provide the energy for our final 5km (3 miles) to our hotel at Høvringen, and a well earned sauna.
Ascent: 100m (328ft) Descent: 175m (574ft) Distance: 19.9km (9.7 miles) Duration: 05h30 - 06h30
Today is your departure day. We will arrange a transfer from your hotel to the train station at Otta for any onward travel.
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.
We strive to provide comfortable, cosy, family run accommodation. On this trip we are skiing in a remote area where the only options are the mountain cabins/lodges. In Norway the cabins are more like rustic characterful hotels and are quite lovely. Most are provided by the DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) and the food and facilities are excellent. All have showers, drying rooms for wet kit, small shops with basic items, and good food. You can read more about what it is like to stay in a DNT hut here. We also stay in an hotel for two nights two at Høvringen.
In all the accommodation on this trip we aim to book rooms for two people to share, but due to the nature of the accommodation on this trip there are several nights when we will be in rooms for 4 people. This will be mixed gender, but only within our own group. We aim to avoid the larger rooms for 6 - 10 people, but we cannot rule out staying in a dormitory style room. Rooms for two people normally feature bunk beds. The ethos in the mountains is that no one is turned away from shelter, and occasionally means too many people and not enough beds. It is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and the accommodation on this trip does not have this facility.
DNT membership is not necessary on this trip.
Bed linen and towels; you can choose to carry a pack towel, and a sheet sleeping bag or hire from the huts. The hire cost is not included, and you can simply pay on arrival. Bed linen is around 250 - 300 NOK per person per night, and towels are around 35-45 NOK per night. By giving you the choice we avoid passing on this cost.
There is the possibility of a single room on two nights, but early booking is required. Contact us to discuss.
Our hotel at Haukliseter is very typical of Norwegian mountain hotels. It is a cosy and welcoming hotel perched on the hillside with great views to the mountains. The rooms are all en suite, and there are characterful living rooms with local painted wooden furniture. The meals are usually Norwegian buffet style and plentiful.
The hotel also has a ski waxing room, and the ski hire shop is just a few minutes walk along the road. There is also a sauna and if you choose to arrive a day early, or on an earlier train then you might find time to enjoy the heat. The hotel is run by Tore whom we can only describe as a very laid back character who fails to see the need for any hurry. He's great!
Grimsdalshytta DNT hut is, like all DNT accommodation, a cosy and welcoming place to stay in a beautiful location. Grimsdalshytta is situated between Rondane and Dovre national parks, in one of Norway's most beautiful high valleys, Grimsdalen. It has space for 54 people in a range of rooms, as well as a drying room for clothing and kit. All rooms are provided with pillows and duvets, and you can either hire linen on arrival or use your sheet sleeping bag liner. Electricity is provided by a generator, and it is advised to bring your head torch, just in case! There are good showers, and toilets. The meals are excellent!
Since the mid-18th century, there has been a farm in Dørålen. The main house, the actual tourist lodge, was completed in 1940, and since then hikers and mountain lovers have been able to stay here. Until the summer of 2006, it was still a dairy farm. Today, Øvre Dørålseter Turisthytte is run by Marius Rindal, in the same spirit as his great-great-grandfather who built the lodge. In 2017 the accommodation was renovated and the showers and toilets upgraded. It now has 100 beds, in a range of rooms from singles, to family rooms. Like all these mountain lodges it is in a lovely situation.
The hut has a drying room as well as showers, and toilets. The shower block is in the main building. There is also a small infrared sauna in the toilet block which is free of charge. There is a small shop area selling snacks, and essential items, such as sunglasses, foot tape etc.
Bjørnhollia DNT lodge is one of our favourites with a stunning lounge area with central fireplace overlooking the valley. Bjørnhollia lies in the south of the Rondane range, with its sheltered valleys and wonderful scenery. The lodge is a true gem and in 1984 it was awarded the Muncipality of Sel Architecture Prize for the best trekker facility in the mountains. Enjoy chilling out in the lounge, and indulging in the excellent food.
The hut has a drying room, showers, and toilets. There is a small shop area selling snacks, and essential items, such as sunglasses, foot tape etc.
The DNT hut at Rondvassbu is in a stunning location next to frozen ice falls that cascade down the mountainside. The hut is more like a cosy mountain hotel and offers great food, and comfort in the wilderness. Enjoy a local beer, and some waffles with cream and jam at the end of your day of off-track skiing. Rondvassbu is in the middle of Rondane National Park, next to Lake Rondevatnet. Svartnuten, the black peak, towers behind the lodge, and behind it you will find various summits at over 2000 meters, (6560ft), such as Storronden, Vinjeronden, and the highest of them all, Rondslottet at 2178m (7143ft). Sleeping arrangements are in either room for 2 or 4 people, or large dorms. We always aim to secure rooms for a maximum of 2 people sharing, but this is not always possible.
Arrival
To reach the start of the tour in Norway you will travel north by train from Oslo to the town of Otta. Tickets are easily booked on line, with reduced prices available if booked in advance at Norwegian Trains.
Plan to take the train departing Oslo Sentrum at 1402 hrs to Otta, or the train from Gardermoen Airport which leaves at 1429 hrs. The route is likely to be on the Departure Board as the line to Trondheim S. Train tickets should be purchased as soon as possible as they can be 'sold out'. Some services may not be available for purchase until 60 days before departure.
At Otta you will be collected by a private taxi, and driven to your accommodation which will take between 0h35 to 1h15 depending on road conditions.
Travelling to Norway by Train: There are options for rail travel to Norway from all major European cities. For example from the UK you can overnight in Copenhagen, Denmark, however, there are many possibilities.
The easiest way to book is via www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. If you're travelling from the UK or US then take a look at the multi-day pass travel system provided by Eurail.
If you would like to book each stage as an individual journey then using the UK to Copenhagen, Denmark, as an example here is how.
Travel from London, England, to Brussels, Belgium 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 a train from Brussels, Belgium to Gothenburg, in Sweden, (Gotëborg) adding a stopover in Copenhagen, Denmark. For this you can use 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 if you would like to use this as a stop over.
The final leg of your journey is from Gothenburg Central Station, in Sweden, to Oslo, Norway, and this can be booked using Vy the Norwegian rail network website www.vy.no.
All the trains have Wi-Fi, charging points and a restaurant car.
Travelling to Norway by Air: You can either fly to Oslo Gardermoen Airport which then has connections from the airport building to Otta by rail. Or fly to Torp which is about 1h45 from Oslo by public transport. Buses run from Torp to Gardermoen Airport every hour which allows you to connect to the train to Otta.
Departure
We have included a transfer to Otta station, where you can take a bus/train to Oslo. At the time of writing (May 2025) there is a train departing Otta at 1131 hrs, arriving in Oslo at 1432 hrs. There is no guarantee that trains earlier than 1131 hrs will be scheduled for winter 2026. Timetables are confirmed 90 days before the departure date. Tickets for the train can be found here. If your journey involves the bus service from Otta to Lillehammer you can buy tickets HERE on the Innlandstrafikk website. Your transfer to Otta train station is included in your trip fee, and if there is an earlier option for travel on departure day we will organise your transfer. It would be possible to depart on the evening of the last day of skiing if your flight options dictated this. Again we will organise and pay for your transfer to Otta.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Winter temperatures in Scandinavia are 'according to the locals' becoming warmer, which is why we now run trips in the months of January, and February, as well as the traditional ski touring months of March and April. Even in January when the daylight hours are short we find that we have more than enough time for skiing. We have never yet had guests feeling they were losing out in terms of ski hours by booking in January or February. There is a special pleasure to starting your ski day in the sunrise, and skiing back with the sunset.
Historically temperatures in December have averaged -8°Celsius (17.4°F), in January -9.7°Celsius (14.5°F), in February -9.2°Celsius (15.4°F), in March -6.6°Celsius (20.1°F), and in April -2.3°Celsius (27.9°). Clearly there is the potential for temperatures to drop much lower, but rarely lower than -15°C (5°F).
We have found over the years that these temperatures have not been unpleasant nor have any guests had problems dealing with the weather as it is generally a 'dry' cold, and of course this helps create great snow and therefore great ski tracks. If we do experience a cold snap where temperatures drop then we ensure that everyone is appropriately clothed and kitted out for the ski day. In this respect energy snacks and a thermos with a hot drink are a great comfort!
If you are booked on one of our 'Advanced' or 'Expert' point-to-point journeys and we experience very cold temperatures eg -15°Celsius (5°F) then we would expect you to be able to be efficient and keep moving and to manage your comfort.
If bringing your own skis...
The skis required for this trip are metal-edged Nordic backcountry skis similar to the Fischer Transnordic 82 Easy Skin Xtralite with NNN BC bindings or equivalent, with a sidecut 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 66-54-61mm. The term 'sidecut' refers to the width at the tip, waist, and tail. The wider the sidecut the more stability, but less glide. The narrower the ski, more glide, but less stability.
Boots should be leather or soft plastic, with Vibram soles. Poles should be touring length and fit snugly under the armpit when the basket is on the snow surface - a ski pole which can be adjusted is preferred. You also require full-length climbing skins. If you have a 'waxing' ski which allows a short 'kick' skin to be attached you should also bring these for days when the waxing is challenging.
A more expensive, but excellent ski is the award-winning Åsnes Falketind 62 Xplore ski with Rottefella Xplore bindings and Alfa Free Xplore boots. This is a great setup for enjoyment, versatility and stability.
Buying Nordic ski equipment from the UK; we suggest Braemar Mountain Sports or Telemark Pyrenees.
Buying Nordic ski equipment from the USA; we suggest REI Co-Op or Evo.
If hiring skis...
The hire skis for this trip are a metal-edged Åsnes mountain ski with a sidecut of 76-56-66 mm. The boots are NNN BC. The cost of ski hire will be 1000 NOK for winter 2025 for 6 days. In addition if kick skins are required it will be no more than 100 NOK for the week, and less if they are only required for the hut tours. Payment can be made by credit card or in cash. If you have your own NNN BC boots the cost for ski & pole hire will be 900 NOK. If you would like to hire skis, boots and poles please provide your details in your Account area.
Ski pass...
There is no ski pass required to use the tracks or mountain trails in Norway.
Your safety while skiing is our top priority. All skiers are requested to adhere to the Code of Conduct published by the International Ski Federation, or FIS. The aim is to make you, the skier, aware of how to avoid risks, take responsibility and act thoughtfully while on the cross-country ski tracks.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you will encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. You will carry all your kit for the hut to hut tour in your rucksack. Extra luggage can be left at your first hotel at Høvringen until your return.
If you would like further information about the kit required for an offtrack trip please take a look at this blog.
Group equipment - we share out waxes, 2/3 snow shovels, emergency lightweight shelters, a snow probe, a spare pole, and any repair kit amongst the group members.
Equipment - refer to 'Skis and Ski Pass' for information on suitable skis.
Skis, boots, poles, and kick skins - can be hired on arrival, you should have notified us upon booking if you require to hire. If you are hiring boots we strongly recommend that you tape up your heels and any areas which are possible issues, such as a bunion, BEFORE skiing in the boots. Do not take any chances and risk ruining your holiday. We recommend Tensoplast as a tape that can help avoid blisters. It should be applied the night before and left to 'set' into the shape of your foot.
Clothing
Comfort
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Additional Items
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group. The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened. Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
This is an exciting 'Expert' ski adventure through the mountains of Norway. It will feel remote and wild and offer an escape into the wilderness in winter. You should be someone who is self-sufficient in terms of skiing and managing your fuel, hydration and warmth.
Previous Experience: You should have completed an Advanced level off-track hut-to-hut trip, or provide sufficient experience of other trips. This grade generally applies to a committing point-to-point trip using mountain huts and therefore we require you to be able to get on your skis and go. You must be a confident Nordic off-track skier.
Skills Set: You should be familiar with using metal-edged skis and touring boots; able to confidently travel over undulating terrain and maintain a reasonable and appropriate pace within a group of this level. Descending slopes most commonly involves traversing then a stem, or kick turn, followed by another traverse and so on. A telemark turn is not necessary although basic knowledge of a telemark turn is useful. You should understand the terms and be able to demonstrate a kick turn both uphill and downhill, and side slip if required. You should have experience of waxing skis in the field, (if using waxing skis) and be able to take 'skins' on and off quickly and efficiently.
Terrain: These trips will ski over ground that can involve long descents, steep climbs sometimes having to use 'skins', and long undulating sections where a good 'kick and glide' is crucial.
Fitness: This tour does demand stamina and self-reliance in a relatively remote area, skiing long and sustained days. You should be at a very good fitness level. Time on skis will be 6-7 hours per day covering approximately 20–26 km (12.4-16 miles) per day.
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. There will normally be the possibility of a single room on the first night atHøvringen, and also on the last night at Høvringen. This trip has a single supplement for those two nights of £185.
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.
Your main luggage can be left at our starting Hotel at Hovringen which will also be our end point. We can take no responsibility for any luggage you choose to leave in storage at the Hotel. We strongly advise that you padlock your bag.
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 leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have a map detailing the ski route you can refer to the one below:
Calazo.no - Rondane 1:50 000
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, Norway is moving towards being a cashless society and most places will take a credit card. We always advise that a small amount of cash is handy if visiting remote accommodation in case the phone signal is 'down' rendering the credit card machine out of action!
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.
DNT Cabins are either 'staffed' or 'self-service'. Staffed cabins usually have showers, and drying rooms for damp clothing. They also have a licence to serve alcohol and normally sell a few basic items such as snacks, batteries, first aid items etc. If you wish further details about your particular trip and the accommodation please look at the individual accommodation items which have a hyperlink to the cabin website for further information.
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. Almost all of them have showers and electricity, either from the power grid or from a local generator and you will be able to charge electrical items. 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.
You can read more about the DNT system and what to expect in terms of accommodation at the cabins in our Blog.
Food
On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
If any of the accommodation has a problem with their water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink water from the tap. Hotels - In some countries it is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
New European Travel Regulations from mid 2025
If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays you may be impacted by a significant change to travel regulations expected to be in place from the middle of 2025. The new EITAS scheme will start operating this year and, whilst a start date is not yet confirmed, it is likely to affect our summer holidays in 2025 and any winter holiday thereafter. As your holiday approaches we recommend that you check for updates on the website HERE.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
In the mountains the 'waste water' in refuges (huts) often runs into the nearby streams and rivers with potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
As the winter season approaches, it's time to embrace the beauty of snowy landscapes and outdoor adventures. To help you make the most of your holiday, we've put together some essential tips and suggestions on how to prepare for your winter getaway. Click here to find some suggestions on how to prepare for both cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sun 22 Mar - Sun 29 Mar Code: ROS1 |
Price: £2295 | 2 more to guarantee | Book |
| From Price | £2295 |
| Holiday Type | Nordic Touring 'Off Track' |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-8 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2000m (6560ft) |
| Countries Visited | Norway |
| Meet In | Høvringen, Norway |
