Mountain Adventure Holidays
The Trolls Trail, or 'Troll-løypa', is a point-to-point cross country ski trip across the Rondane mountains of Norway. Revered as one of Europe's finest cross country ski tours, the 165 km (103 miles) journey passes through a beautiful winter landscape of frozen lakes, plateaus and forests. It's the perfect environment for a multi-day adventure on cross country skis. We begin in the north at Høvringen in the Rondane National Park, and ski south to the Olympic town of Lillehammer. The terrain is not steep, yet offers views of the biggest peaks in the area.
This is without doubt a fabulous cross country ski journey through a wonderful mountain landscape. It is challenging, but also hugely rewarding to ski into the Olympic Stadium at Lillehammer on the last day. The trip includes the chance to spend a night in a remote mountain hut where we can enjoy an evening by the log fire, with candlelight. A true escape to the wilderness!
Today you will most likely have arrived at Oslo Gardermoen airport, where you will take the train north to travel to our start point at the mountain village of Høvringen. The train station at Oslo is in the main airport building. Please refer to the notes on 'Arrival & Departure' under the Trip Information section. It is also possible to arrive at Torp airport, but this does require a bus journey to get to the main train station at Gardermoen airport.
Your guide will meet you at approximately 1800 hrs to go through the itinerary and answer any questions you may have.
We put our skis on right beside our hotel to begin our epic journey along the Trolls Trail. The terrain is gentle and undulating, in other words the perfect Norwegian landscape for allowing our skis to do what they were designed to do! Mid morning we have the chance to stop for coffee and cake at the wonderful traditional Smuksjoseter lodge. The Rondane National Park entrance is marked here by standing stones and we have the chance to read about the reindeer herds living in this environment. The mountains are home to the most genetically pure wild reindeer herd in Norway. We then have a great swooping descent down to the tiny hamlet of Mysuseter, and then it is on to Furusjoen where we ski across the frozen lake to Rondablikk.
Ascent: 495m (1623ft) Descent: 635m (2082ft) Distance: 29km (18 miles) Duration: 6-7 hrs
A long tough day today as we leave Rondablikk and start our climb onto the plateau above the village. Much of today is off-track on relatively easy terrain, and a joy to be away from the trails for this one day. There is definitely a real wild feeling to the route today as we work our way across the mountainside past the DNT hut at Eldabu. Eventually, we reach the tracks coming from Venabu and wind our way among the small hills and eventually down the valley with a great descent to our overnight at the lovely hotel at Venabu. This family run hotel has been welcoming skiers for several generations and our hosts are superb, with a wealth of knowledge about the flora and fauna of the area. It is also the starting point for the famous Troll Ski Marathon which is held each winter. The hotel is the start line for the 120km and 95km classes. In 2018 the 120km was won by Havard Taugbol from Lillehammer Ski Club who completed the distance in a staggering 6:44:48. We will be take four days to cover the same ground!
Ascent: 565m (1853ft) Descent: 554m (1817ft) Distance: 32km (20 miles) Duration: 8-9 hrs
An easier day as we leave Venabu and continue through open high mountain terrain, skiing through the birch woods. There are some hills though, and quite a pull up towards the plateau above Øksendalen. Some great 'swoops' also as we work our way over the ridge line and down into the next valley. We spend the night at the small community of Friisvegen where the hospitality is always excellent, and good Norwegian cooking is on offer. Also a chance to buy the compulsory 'Troll' at the tourist centre shop! Trolls are part of Norwegian folklore and are usually rather unattractive looking creatures who dwell in isolated rocks, mountains, or caves, and are rarely helpful to human beings.
Ascent: 513m (1682ft) Descent: 609m (1997ft) Distance: 26km 16.3 miles) Duration: 5-6 hrs
A great trip through the open birch forest on partly prepared trails bringing us to the cosy little DNT hut at Vetåbua. The DNT huts are brilliant, stocked with food, and logs for the fire, and it's a great experience to spend a night in a remote location like this. This hut is not staffed so you can expect to do some of the chores, such as collecting water, and lighting the fire, and preparing dinner, all good fun and part of the mountain experience. We have no luggage tonight, and we will ask you to share in carrying some food for your meals, along with a few extra items for your overnight.
Ascent: 268m (879ft) Descent: 231m (757ft) Distance: 21km (13 miles) Duration: 5-6 hrs
We rise at first light to put the log fire on, and cook an early breakfast as we prepare for a long day on our skis. Setting off we head steadily south through birch woodland and past hamlets and farmsteads, many of these are abandoned in the winter months. We also have good views behind us to the mountains of the Rondane and it's a chance to note our progress across the Norwegian landscape. This is a long day and we pace the day so that we take a break every 10 km's (6.25 miles) which helps keep a steady pace with the prospect of a hot drink and snack from our rucksacks at the end of each section. We will make our way from Vetåbua DNT hut to our hotel at Hafjell which is built on the foundations of an old farm from the 17th century.
Ascent: 491m (1610ft) Descent: 540m (1771ft) Distance: 36.5 km (22.5 miles) Duration: 8-9 hrs
The finale today as we head for our destination at the Olympic town of Lillehammer. Our day beings with a ski to the east until we reach the lake of Reinsvatnet, enjoying the views of this famous cross country ski area. In winter cross country ski teams from around the world train here for the World Cup. The terrain this morning is gently undulating, and nothing too strenous for our last day. Late morning we arrive at Nordseter cafe and ski shop where we can enjoy a coffee and waffle. At Nordseter we will decide either to take the bus down to Lillehammer, or if the tracks are complete then we aim to ski all the way down to the Olympic stadium at Lillehammer.
Ascent: 428m (1403ft) Descent: 1031m (3381ft) Distance: 20.6 km (12.87 miles) Duration: 5-6 hrs
Today you can take the train from Lillehammer to Oslo Gardermoen airport for your flights home. Trains run throughout the day from 0526 hrs onwards. Our accommodation is in the station building and could not be more convenient for the trains. NB. No, the accommodation is not noisy! Often our guests choose to spend an extra night in Oslo for sightseeing. Please let us know if you wish to include this option, which will be at an additional charge.
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 always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. All of our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. In many cases a single room is available for a supplementary fee, but these can be in short supply and require early booking. Note that it is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and most bedrooms do not have this facility. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
On this tour you will stay in comfortable and cosy hotels, some have saunas. Our guests are usually very pleasantly surprised by the standard of the hotels in Norway and this trip is no exception. Do not expect luxury, but you will get character and good Norwegian hospitality. You will only need to carry a daysack whilst skiing and your main baggage will be transferred every day between accommodation points, except for one night when we stay at the self service DNT cabin at Vetabua. This also is very comfortable, and a genuine Norwegian hut experience. The huts do operate on a first come, first served basis, so be prepared to share space if there are others arriving ahead of us. A good reason to get started early on that morning!
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!
Rondablikk does indeed have a remote feel to it, and the setting is beautiful. It is one of those large Norwegian hotels built to cater to the home market in the days before everyone went overseas in search of sun and snow. The bedrooms are very comfortable and there is a sauna and swimming pool available. All rooms are en suite. There is a large seating area with views to the mountains where you can relax.
The Spidsbergseter Hotel has a great 'ski' atmosphere along with very comfortable rooms, lovely facilities including; a spa with swimming pool, jacuzzi and saunas. The dining room serves delicious meals making good use of local produce. Breakfasts are served Norwegian buffet style with much to choose from. The decor is traditional Norwegian featuring wood, and natural products.
The hotel has a 'cafe' which is open all day for coffee and cakes. Adjacent is a gift shop with a wide range of Norwegian products, and cross country ski waxes, and clothing. It is possible to organise optional extras here such as husky dog sledding. The hotel also has a cosy 'waxing' room for preparing our skis each morning, where hot fruit juice is free to guests.
Tonight we stay at the traditional Friisvegen Mountain Lodge which is situated by a small lake amid the birch trees. The Lodge has a main building where we eat our meals, and a number of log cabins. We will normally sleep in the main guest accommodation a few minutes walk from the restaurant. The Lodge is run by Dutch couple, Renée and Maaike, who always give a warm welcome and a good dinner.
Their love of Norway began in 2003, when they stayed at Måsåplassen. Attracted by the peace, space and nature they acquired the Lodge in 2012. There is also a small shop at Friisvegen. We will stock up here with extra food items for our night in the DNT hut at Vetabua. Each member of the team will be expected to carry a few items for the group meal.
The DNT huts are a fantastic experience; stocked with food, logs for the fire, and in wonderful remote locations. The hut at Vetåbua is not staffed so you can expect to do some of the chores, such as collecting water, lighting the fire, and preparing dinner, all good fun and part of the mountain experience.
The sleeping arrangements are dormitory style. There are two huts at Vetåbua, one sleeps 8 people in 2 small dorms, and the other sleeps about 8 people in 2 larger dorms. The accommodation is based on first arrivals claiming the beds they wish, for this reason we always aim to start as early as possible to get to Vetåbua ahead of any other groups.
Ilsetra is built on the foundations of an old farm from the 17th century, and consists of several buildings that form a separate yard. They have used timber, slate and soapstone, in the design and have furnished with a combination of antiques and modern furniture. The owners describe the apartments and hotel as sporty and modern, mixed with good Norwegian tradition. The restaurant in the main house is divided into two departments - Rødstua and Finstua. With the crackling of the fireplace and the smell of birch wood, the pleasant bar area with comfortable seating is a great chill out space at the end of a ski day.
Your accommodation at Ilsetra is in cosy 2 bedroom apartments, that have a bathroom, living space and kitchen. The whole of Ilsetra is constructed like a yard, and all the apartments are located in four different buildings that surround the main building. The hotel is prefect for our Trolls Trail as it lies just beside the route. There is an outdoor swimming pool, and sauna.
Our accommodation is ideally placed for onward travel on your departure day. We stay at the spotlessly clean and comfortable Stasjonen Hotel which is literally right on the station platform, and only a short walk from the town centre. Do not worry we have never been kept awake by the trains! Their website often describes this accommodation as a 'hostel' but we can assure you it is not like any other hostel we know. It's a lovely place, and the rooms all have en suite facilities.
Our location means that it is very easy just to hop on a train to the airport in Oslo the following morning. There are many shops and cafes in Lillehammer and you may wish to spend some time browsing after we have checked-in to our hotel.
Important Update: Due to a landslide in August 2023 the train services are disrupted between Fåvang, and Ringebu with a bus replacing this section, representing a journey of about 15 minutes by bus.
Arrival
We recommend flying to Gardermoen airport, Oslo. This is the main airport and is easily accessible from Oslo city. It is also possible to fly to Oslo Torp or Oslo Rygge with Ryanair, but you will need to allow more time between Olso city centre and these airports. Transfer links to Oslo are to be found on the Torp airport website.
To take advantage of the group transfer to your hotel, which is included in your fee, we ask you to plan your flights to take the train from Oslo Gardermoen airport at 1429hrs, arriving at Otta at 1754hrs. This train is normally displayed on the departure board as Trondheim S. This can be done at vy.no, and the ticket downloaded to your phone.
Due to the landslide you will take a replacement bus from Fåvang to Ringebu, then get back on the train for the rest of the journey to Otta.
Note that our hosts at Høvringen take a typically Norwegian laid-back approach to picking up guests at the station. Normally, your ski guide will be arriving on the same train, however, if they are not then it is worth pointing out that you will have to actively 'look' for your transfer driver. It would be unusual if the vehicle has a 'taxi' sign as it will often be the hotel staff who will collect you. However, if you are in any doubt ring the hotel, and ask them where your driver is. The hotel telephone number is 0047 61 23 37 17. Many of the drivers will not speak English and we ask that you aim to be sure you are getting into the hotel vehicle! We have had guests who have taken a commercial taxi and been charged. You just have to consider the rather chaotic situation as part of the adventure.
Travelling to Oslo by Train: There are options for travel to Norway from all major European cities by train all giving you an opportunity to explore another city on your journey to the start of the holiday. For example from the UK you can overnight in Copenhagen, however there are many possibilities.
The easiest way to book is via www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. If you're travelling from the UK or US then take a look at the multiday pass based travel system provided by Eurail.
If you would like to book the individual journeys yourself then using the UK to Copenhagen example here is how.
Travel from London to Brussels using the Eurostar www.eurostar.com these tickets can be purchased up to 6 months ahead of your travel date. From here you can book at train from Brussels to Gothenburg (Gotëborg) adding a stopover in Copenhagen using the German Railway website int.bahn.de. A full day on the train sees you arriving in Copenhagen for an evening walk around the city before dinner.
The final leg of your journey is from Gothenburg Central Station to Oslo and this can be booked using Vy the Norwegian rail network website www.vy.no.
All the trains have Wi-Fi, charging points and restaurant cars, not to mention the stunning scenery that you will travel through.
Departure
At the end of the trip we stay overnight in Lillehammer, normally very close to or at the railway station. You have a wide choice of trains times from Lillehammer to Oslo beginning in the early morning.
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.
King Bore - 'King of Winter' from Nordic mythology says he can't promise anything, but in this area they begin to prepare the tracks as soon as they have enough snow in December and continue until mid-April or after Easter.
The skiing on the Trolls Trail can range from perfect groomed snow to icy/rutted tracks. In Norway they groom the tracks after snowfall, and if there has not been any fresh snowfall for a few weeks, then it may be several weeks since the tracks were groomed. Having said that there are sections where the local hotels will groom each day regardless of the snowfall and we can have many miles of wonderful skiing!
For this tour you can use either a fish scale ski, waxing ski, or skis with integrated 'skins', but we do request that you have metal or half-metal edges for extra control on descents.
For 2024 the following skis are available to hire at Hovringen. Skintec, half metal edged Åsnes skis with NNN bindings, for 1100 NOK, this includes collection in Lillehammer and the return of the skis to Hovringen hire shop. Or you can hire waxing fjell skis, half metal edged Åsnes skis with NNN BC bindings for 1000 NOK, and again this includes pick up from Lillehammer.
If you would like to hire just skis and poles, it will be 900 NOK for the skintec skis, and 800 NOK for the waxing skis. Payment can be made by credit card or in cash.
There is no charge for using the ski tracks in Norway, and therefore no ski pass is required.
Your safety while skiing is our top priority. All skiers are requested to adhere to the Code of Conduct published by the International Ski Federation, or FIS. The aim is to make you, the skier, aware of how to avoid risks, take responsibility and act thoughtfully while on the cross-country ski tracks.
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
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. This trips uses Nordic touring skis with metal edges and NNN BC bindings. If you are bringing your own skis they must fit in the tracks. Ideally no wider than 60mm, but an absolute maximum of 66mm otherwise your skis will 'catch' in the tracks and you will not have a good experience. Boots also need to fit in the tracks. Metal edged ‘fish-scales’ are acceptable. If in doubt about the suitability of your own skis please contact us.
Clothing
Comfort
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Additional Items
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Medium sized kitbag – you must be able to lift your luggage as not all hotels have elevators. Your luggage will be transported each day by taxi and therefore we ask that you restrict your luggage to ONE item.
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £400.
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.
On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support every night except one, which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required.
As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.
On the night we are in Vetabua DNT hut there is no access to your luggage and you will be required to carry a few extra overnight items, including some of the food which is required for dinner and breakfast.
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.
Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you will find that those listed below cover the route:
Nordeca: Høvringen - Kvamsfjellet 1:50,000
Nordeca 2509: Ringebu 1:50,000
Nordeca 2495: Øyer - Lillehammer 1:50,000
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
The DNT system of cabins in Norway is a wonderful concept. 'DNT' stands for Den Norske Turistforening, which translates to the 'Norwegian Trekking Association'.
According to the DNT local member associations operate 550 cabins across Norway. They maintain a network of about 22,000 km (13,730 miles) of marked hiking trails and about 7000 km (4375 miles) of branch-marked ski tracks. Each year, volunteers work a total of more than 800,000 hours maintaining this system.
A number of our trips require you to be a member of the DNT. Please check the 'Dates & Prices' section of the your trip itinerary. To become a member click here.
DNT Cabins are either 'staffed' or 'self-service':
Staffed cabins
Staffed cabins serve all meals; breakfast, dinner and a picnic lunch which you make yourself from the breakfast buffet. Meals are excellent in both quality and quantity! Many have showers and electricity, either from the power grid or from a local generator. They are very cosy and traditional in style and are just as comfortable as a rustic hotel. Staffed cabins are open only in certain seasons.
Self-service cabins
The self-service cabins are equipped with all that we need for cooking and sleeping. Firewood, gas, kitchen utensils, table linen and bunks with blanks or duvets and pillows. We do require you to bring a 'sheet sleeping bag liner' for reasons of hygiene. The cabins are also stocked with tinned and dried food which means we do not have to carry provisions! It is not possible to 'reserve' beds in self-service cabins and it is a case of 'first come, first served'. We aim to arrive in good time to secure the necessary number of beds which are usually in rooms with between 2 - 8 bunk beds. If we arrive late in the day and the cabin is already crowded then as 'members of the DNT' you will have priority over non-members in terms of acquiring a mattress. Please note this may be a mattress on the floor, think of it as camping, but with a roof!
In the self-service cabins we look after ourselves: fetch water, cook food, wash up and chop wood. At the cabin we fill out a payment form which details everything we have used. The DNT then contact us on our email addresses and we make payment for your stay.
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 and where the menu reflects the best that the region provides.
The hotels to there best to accommodate the dietary needs of our guest . If you are vegetarian this is not a problem as the hotel is used to being asked for vegetarian meals. 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 but we would ask that you make it clear on your booking form of any food intolerance so that we can discuss your needs with the hotel at the earliest point possible. When using remote mountain huts the staff are usually able to offer breakfast and dinner which meet with the clients needs. Packed lunches can be more problematic and so we do suggest that, if you do have a specific dietary requirement, you bring a range of suitable snacks to supplement the lunches. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
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.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 22 Mar - Sat 29 Mar Code: TRT1 |
Price: £2260 | Spaces available | Book |
| From Price | £2260 |
| Holiday Type | Point to Point Track Skiing |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-8 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 1100m (3608ft) |
| Countries Visited | Norway |
| Meet In | Høvringen, Norway |
