Jotunheimen Trail Norway Cross Country Ski
Jotunheimen Trail Norway
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Explore the stunning Jotunheimen National Park
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Norway's 'Home of the Giants'
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Hotel-based daytrips plus point-to-point days
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Very well maintained cross-country trails
Why Choose Cloud 9 Adventure
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Fully qualified and expert guide
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Carefully selected local hotels
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Full luggage support
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All meals included
Jotunheimen Trail Norway Cross Country Ski: Dates and Prices
AT A GLANCE
7 nights
6 days' skiing
Full luggage delivery
Group size 4-8
Join: Lemonsjøen
End: Bessheim
Nearest Airport: Oslo Gardermoen Airport
ACCOMMODATION
6 nights in hotels
1 mountain hut night
DIFFICULTY GRADING
8
Tough
Jotunheimen Trail Norway Cross Country Ski: Overview
Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park is Scandinavia’s most mountainous region. It’s known as the Home of the Giants - with good reason. It’s home to glaciers, lakes, Norway’s Høgruta (‘haute route’) and the country’s two highest peaks, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. Jotunheimen is therefore a huge magnet for fans of ski-touring and cross-country skiing and it’s just a few hours northwest of Oslo. Its terrain ranges from remote, serious mountains and dramatic couloirs to broad plateaux, lakes and gentle forests. The equally impressive peaks of nearby Rondane National Park can also often be seen from the trails.
From December to April the tracks in this established cross-country region are well prepared, marked and maintained. In many places there are double tracks with some sections suitable for skate-styled skiing. With generally good going underfoot, enjoy looking out for local wildlife including moose and reindeer. We’ll stay in authentic mountain lodges, cabins and an historic hotel en route, enjoying regional specialities such as deer, reindeer and trout.
What to expect
Each day we will cover between 12km and 22km of trails (approximately). Participants need to be able to ski for several hours per day, at a good pace. This trip is suitable for those with previous cross-country or Nordic skiing experience, and a good knowledge of cross-country skiing techniques. If you have any questions at all about whether this trip is right for you, just ask.
Jotunheimen Trail Norway Cross Country Ski: Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Lemonsjøen
Make your way to the group hotel in Lemonsjøen in readiness to meet your fully qualified guide for the week. (One single-timed group transfer from Oslo to the resort is included. For those arriving separately, Lemonsjøen is easily accessible via train from Oslo.) There will be a trip briefing and opportunity to ask questions followed by a group meal. This will be our base for the first two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Day 2 - Explore Lemonsjøen's trails
Today is your first day out on the excellent cross-country tracks around Lemonsjøen. It’s a stunning area and is home to a unique style of curling called ‘mountain curling’ (which can be sampled for an additional fee, time permitting). We’ll do a 14km lakeside route to put our kit to the test and to get a feel for Jotunheimen’s winter terrain.
Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Distance: approx 14km
Day 3 - Ski from Lemonsjøen to Hindsæter
Today we’ll ski through quintessentially Norwegian terrain, often under cover of pine and birch forests. We’ll follow tracks and trails up the valley and through Sjodalen. We’ll be parallel to the main road (which is very quiet in winter) which our route will criss-cross at times. At Randsverk we’ll pass through a cluster of small farms and there’s a shop, cafe and tourist information point there. We’ll head on to overnight at the Hindsæter Fjellhotell (with sauna and hot tub). Built in 1898, it’s known for its heritage as well as the innovative local food served in its historic dining rooms.
Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Distance: approx 20km
Days 4 and 5 - Explore the Hindsæter region
The Hindsæter area bursts with cross-country skiing options, right from the hotel’s doorstep. Choices range from tree-lined forest tracks, to routes alongside the river Sjoa, to more open mountain paths with expansive and dramatic views. Your professional guide will lead full-day cross-country circuits on days 4 and 5. Snowshoeing and dog-sledding are available as optional extras. Enjoy another night at the Hindsæter Fjellhotell.
Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Distance: route dependent
Day 6 - Ski from Hindsæter to Bessheim
Today’s skiing begins alongside the river Sjoa as we follow the east side of the valley towards Bessheim. The terrain will open up before us, with views towards the tremendous peaks of Jotunheimen National Park. When we hit lake Nedre Sjodalsvatnet, we can skirt it on either shore; the western side is quicker. We’ll then continue past Øvre Sjodalsvatnet and, at Storhaugen, will cross the lake to reach Bessheim.
Accommodation: Hotel or cabin, dinner included
Luggage access
Distance: 22km
Day 7 - Bessheim and the Besseggen mountain ridge
Today is our final full day on the trails and includes a 12km round-trip to Gjendesheim. We’ll ski to the Besseggen mountain ridge, a highlight of Jotunheimen National Park’s most beautiful and celebrated route.
Accommodation: Hotel or cabin, dinner included
Luggage access
Distance: 12km
Day 8 - Departure day
Today is the last day of your Cloud 9 adventure. Your trip officially ends after breakfast. One single-timed group transfer back to Oslo is included.
Included
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7 nights' accommodation on twin-share basis
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All breakfasts, lunches and evening meals
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Any transport in the itinerary
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Fully qualified & experienced Nordic ski guide/ instructor
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Luggage access on all 7 nights
Not Included
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Flights
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Airport transfers
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Travel insurance
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Personal drinks & snacks
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Tips
Jotunheimen Trail Norway Cross Country Ski: Book Online