Rondane National Park cross country skiing traverse
An epic journey for experienced Nordic off-track skiers seeking the challenge and satisfaction of traversing a mountainous winter wilderness. If you want an adventure crossing a snow-covered landscape far from the crowds this is the trip for you.
We begin in the north at Dovrefjell and ski south toward Rondane, crossing pristine plateaus and rugged valleys. Along the way, we travel through a unique ecosystem home to Northern Europe’s only genetically pure wild reindeer herd, offering unforgettable encounters with wildlife in a truly remote setting.
Highlights
- Experience a landscape where wild reindeer herds roam
- Enjoy off-track skiing through two Norwegian National Parks
- Savour a digital detox and leave behind everyday life
- Relax and chill out in cosy & remote traditional mountain lodges
This adventure combines Nordic skiing, breathtaking scenery, and the thrill of exploring Norway’s wild winter landscapes - an unforgettable journey for adventurous Nordic skiers.
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.
Grade: Expert
READ GRADE DESCRIPTIONAt a Glance
| Holiday Type | Cross Country Skiing, Nordic Off Track Skiing |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-8 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2000m (6560ft) |
| Countries Visited | Norway |
| Meet In | Høvringen, Norway |
Dates and Prices
2027 Departures
| Code | Start Date | Return Date | Duration | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROS1 |
28 Mar 2027
Sunday |
04 Apr 2027
Sunday |
8 days |
£2,395
Deposit: £700 |
Spaces Available | Book Now |
What's Included
- Two nights accommodation in a mountain hotel, with dinner, bed and breakfast and packed lunch
- Five nights accommodation in a DNT mountain lodge, with dinner, bed and breakfast and packed lunch
- Return Transfers from Otta train station to your hotel
- Transfer to the start of ski tour to the north
- Six days professional ski guiding/instruction
What's Not Included
- Ski hire
- Travel Insurance - required
- Miscellaneous personal spending
- Travel to meeting point & from departure point
Itinerary
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. We 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 on Gravhøe 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
Tracks and Trails services end after the transfer to join your onward travel.
It is 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 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 there are several nights when we will be in rooms for 4 people, possibly mixed gender. We cannot rule out having to use a larger dormitory style room with mixed gender. 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. You do not need DNT membership for the accommodation 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 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.
Rondane Haukliseter Fjellhotell, Høvringen - Winter
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 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! 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.
Grimsdalshytta DNT, Dovre
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!
Øvre Dørålseter Turisthytte, Folldal
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, Folldal
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.
Rondvassbu DNT, Otta - Winter
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.
Trip Information
Arrival
Travel to Meeting Point: Take the train from Oslo to Otta, arriving at approximately 1735 hrs. A transfer will meet this train arrival in Otta and take you to our first accommodation. Book tickets early as trains can be sold out. Generally tickets are available 115 days in advance. EnTur is a great App for Norwegian transport options. Details of discounts, including those for Senior Citizens, can be found here
Travel to Norway by Train: Options from all major European cities with tickets from Eurail, Rail Europe or The Trainline. For example - from London, England, to Brussels, Belgium using Eurostar, these tickets can be purchased up to 6 months in advance. Then use German Rail for trains from Brussels, Belgium to (Gotëborg) Gothenburg, in Sweden, with a stopover in Copenhagen, Denmark. From Gothenburg Central Station, in Sweden, to Oslo, Norway you can book with Norwegian Rail.
Travel to Norway by Air: Fly to Oslo Gardermoen Airport or to Torp. Buses from Torp to Gardermoen Airport (1h45) every hour to connect to the train to Otta. Transfer links from Torp.
Departure
We have included a transfer from your accommodation to Otta station for the 1131 hrs train to Oslo. It would be possible to depart on the evening of the last day of skiing if your flight options dictated this, however, this cost is not included in your trip fee.
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you may encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. Further general information about kit can be found in this blog.
Group Kit We share the following amongst the group - emergency lightweight shelters, 1 snow shovel between 2, spare ski pole, snow probe, first aid kit, and any repair kit.
Equipment
Skis - for the type of skis, boots and poles required for this trip and for ski hire consult 'Ski Equipment and Ski Pass' on this page.
Rucksack - 40 to 50 litres with waist and chest strap. Recommended maximum weight of 10-11 kgs (22–24 lbs) when loaded with fluid, food etc. Recommendation varies depending on physical frame and strength. A larger powerful skier can carry more, and a smaller lighter skier will find 10 kgs (22 lbs) the maximum to still be able to ski safely. You need space to carry your kit for the duration of the trip, plus an item of group kit.
Rucksack waterproof cover or liner to keep contents dry
Wax cork and ski scraper - for hire skis
Grip waxes - if using waxing skis
Ski ties - to hold your skis together
Water container - 1 litre, drink tubes and bottles stowed on the outside of your rucksack usually freeze in winter
Snow shovel - check with us before packing one as we may already have sufficient within the group
Full length climbing skins
Small emergency foil survival bag - required
Carry mat - min. 1 metre length, to isolate your core from the ground in emergency - a sit mat is not enough - required
Kick skins - if your skis have this facility
Head torch - plus spare batteries
Ski goggles - required
Whistle
Clothing
Waterproof jacket - essential, this must keep you dry during a day of continuous snowfall
Waterproof trousers - in case of heavy snowfall
Trousers - lightweight, windproof and warm
Thermal top - long sleeves
Thermal leggings
Thin fleece - long sleeves
Waistcoat - fleece/wind stopper
Gloves x 2 (one thick and one thin)
Mittens for colder conditions - ideally woollen
Over-mittens for colder days are useful
Warm hat
Sun hat
Head/ear band
Duvet jacket (or second warm layer)
Scarf or 'Buff' for neck
Socks - 2 to 3 pairs
Gaiters - to deal with fresh snow
Comfort
Lip salve
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hand warmers x 4
Small 'Pack' towel
Snack bars/chocolate
Anti-bacterial hand wash for self-service huts, often no running water
Tissues - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish
Sleeping bag liner, also known as a 'sheet sleeping bag'. Sleeping BAGS are NOT allowed.
Slippers for use at accommodation
Small thermos for hot drinks - recommended
Personal First Aid
Personal medication
Blister plasters
Painkillers/anti-inflammatory
Glucose tablets/Energy gel
2 x Rehydration sachets - eg Dioralyte
Throat lozenges
Antiseptic cream/spray
Documentation
Passport
Mountain Rescue/Ski Insurance documents - compulsory
Credit card - most outlets now accept a card
Cash - Norwegian Kroner for incidentals
GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover
Additional Items
Ear plugs
Camera/ Book/Music
Minimalist Toiletries – soap/toothpaste etc
Padlock for any left luggage
Skis 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. 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. If you have waxing skis you should have your own grip waxes and be confident/competent at making your own daily decisions on which grip wax to apply to ensure efficient travel.
New Developments There are now wider and shorter off-track skis available and for 'once a year skiers' they offer more control and easier descents. Examples include Fischer S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite or if you want a ski which uses grip wax, but can also take a short skin there is the Åsnes Falketind 62 Xplore ski with Rottefella Xplore bindings and Alfa Free Xplore boots.
Hire Skis & Boots If you would like to hire skis, boots, poles and kick skins contact us and we will direct you to the hire shop on-line booking. The cost for six days hire in 2027 will be 1710NOK. The hire skis use grip wax, and are metal-edged Åsnes Nansen or Fischer E89-E99-E109. Bindings are for NNN BC boots.
Boots Leather or soft plastic off-track boots, with Vibram soles. If hiring we recommend you tape up your heels and any areas of potential issue, BEFORE skiing. We recommend Tensoplast as a tape which can help avoid blisters.
Poles Length approximately 25-30 cm less than your height, with large baskets for touring - a ski pole with adjustable length preferred.
Skins You require full-length climbing skins. If you have a ski which allows a short 'kick' skin to be attached you should also bring these.
Purchasing 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.
Ski Pass There is no ski pass required to use the tracks or mountain trails in Norway.
Your main luggage can be left at our 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.
ADVENTURE LIGHTLY, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS
Carry your own kit – it's all part of the adventure, no support vans
Cosy hut stays – escape to peaceful, hidden trails
Local produce – enjoy meals made with locally sourced ingredients.
Keep it green – our stays are big on recycling!
Say no to single-use – help us cut down on plastic waste
Leave no trace – everything, even tissues, comes off the mountain with you
Hop on a train – train travel to destination available
On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.
This is an off-track Nordic ski touring trip - a beautiful way to experience the mountains in winter. This is a form of cross-country skiing where we leave the groomed tracks behind and head off-track into forests, across rolling hills and frozen lakes, and climb to mountain plateaus. We use lighter equipment than alpine ski touring, travel longer distances and have more freedom than track skiing. The emphasis is on travel, distance and exploration. You should be prepared to deal with anything the terrain or weather throws at you.
Am I suited to this sport? Nordic off-track touring suits those who love to spend full days outside, are drawn to simplicity, solitude and rhythm, and who enjoy getting somewhere under their own power. Consider Nordic off-track an adventurous form of skiing for those who want to 'belong in the landscape'. Snow conditions, route and weather are unpredictable so expect the unpredictable and embrace this.
Fitness and technique are important, but this sport is especially about mindset, and the following attributes are required:
Patience & Calm - snow conditions vary, progress may be slow, you are okay with adjusting plans
Team Spirit - in this winter environment we work as a team, supporting and helping each other
Self-reliance - comfortable being far from help and shelter, and can manage your bodily needs
Curiosity & Appreciation - you work with the terrain, while weather and daylight dictate your day
Experience - grows slowly, with an understanding that turning back is sometimes necessary
Trip Grade Ensure you have read and understood the grading level for your trip and that you meet the requirements. All off-track ski grades can be found here.
For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. 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. They will be a BASI qualified, or equivalent, Nordic Ski Instructor. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors and is one of Europe's leading examining boards for those choosing a career in snow sports. For some trips your ski instructor will hold the national qualification required for the country you are visiting. All are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
In the majority of cases your instructor will also be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culture and traditions. Your instructor has complete discretion to make a decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. You can learn more about our guides and instructors at About Us.
The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.
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
Winter temperatures in Scandinavia are 'according to the locals' becoming warmer, which is why we now run trips in the months of January, and February, as well as the traditional ski touring months of March and April. Even in January when the daylight hours are short we find that we have more than enough time for skiing. There is pleasure to starting your ski day in the sunrise, and skiing back with the sunset. Temperatures in December average -8°Celsius (17.4°F), in January -9.7°Celsius (14.5°F), in February -9.2°Celsius (15.4°F), in March -6.6°Celsius (20.1°F), and in April -2.3°Celsius (27.9°). Temperatures be lower, but rarely below -15°C (5°F).
We have found over the years that these temperatures have not been unpleasant nor have any guests had problems dealing with the weather as it is generally a 'dry' cold, and of course this helps create great snow and great ski tracks. If we experience a cold snap where temperatures drop then we ensure that everyone is appropriately clothed and kitted out for the ski day. In this respect energy snacks and a thermos with a hot drink are a great comfort.
If you are booked on one of our 'Advanced' or 'Challenging' point-to-point journeys and we experience very cold temperatures eg -15°Celsius (5°F) we would expect you to be able to be efficient and keep moving and to manage your comfort.
Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.
The DNT stands for Den Norske Turistforening, which translates to the 'Norwegian Trekking Association'. Local member associations operate 550 cabins across Norway, maintaining a network of 22,000 km (13,730 miles) of marked hiking trails and 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 Serve all meals; breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch which you make from the breakfast buffet. Meals are excellent in both quality and quantity. Almost all cabins have hot showers and electricity, either from the power grid or from a local generator. You can charge electrical items. They are cosy and traditional in style and are just as comfortable as a rustic hotel. They serve alcohol and normally sell basic items such as snacks, batteries, first aid items etc. Staffed cabins are open only in certain seasons.
Self-service cabins Equipped with all we need for cooking and sleeping. Firewood, gas, kitchen utensils, table linen and bunks with blanks or duvets and pillows. You should bring a 'sheet sleeping bag liner' for reasons of hygiene. The cabins are stocked with tinned and dried food. It is not possible to 'reserve' beds in self-service cabins and it is a case of 'first come, first served'. In the self-service cabins we look after ourselves: fetch water, cook food, wash up and chop wood.
You can read more about the DNT system and what to expect in terms of accommodation at the cabins in our Exploring Norway's Quiet Trails.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.
The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained.
If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our winter activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here.
We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel:
Best Strength Workout for XC Skiing | Physio-Approved Ski Prep Exercises
Cross-Country Ski Warm-Up Guide | Essential Mobility & Activation Exercises
Cool Down for XC Skiers | Prevent Injury & Boost Recovery
Or if you would like to read our blog on suggestions for preparing for either cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing click here
Off-track ski touring is a specialist activity that takes us into some of Norway’s most beautiful and remote wilderness areas. To make these journeys possible, we rely on the DNT mountain hut network, as there are no alternative accommodation options along the routes we ski. The DNT generally opens its hut bookings in November. Once bookings open, we will secure your accommodation and formally guarantee your trip, at which point you can go ahead and make your travel arrangements. We appreciate that you may be keen to get your travel plans organised, and we thank you for your patience. We will be in touch as soon as DNT bookings open and your accommodation is confirmed.
