The Classic Backcounty Skiing Round Trip in Jotunheimen

Disclaimer for Tour Cancellation Due to Insufficient Participants

We reserve the right to cancel scheduled tours up to 30 days before departure if the minimum required number of participants is not met. In such cases, all confirmed participants will receive a full refund or the option to rebook on an alternative tour or date, subject to availability. We recommend travel insurance to cover any additional expenses that may arise due to this cancellation policy.

Extra Night in Oslo (or Bergen)

Si vous souhaitez explorer la capitale norvégienne ou si votre vol arrive tard, vous pouvez ajouter une nuit supplémentaire à Oslo, petit-déjeuner compris. Cette option est également disponible à la fin de votre voyage.

Prix ​​: Sur demande

Important details

Tour description and equipment list

To fully enjoy your skiing adventure in the mountainous areas, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and local temperatures. For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we will send you the necessary information beforehand, like a detailed tour description and equipment list.

General notice about necessary experience

Embarking on a multi-day backcountry ski tour is achievable for anyone in normal to good shape and eager to learn and be active. Beginners can quickly pick up backcountry skiing, and since backcountry skiing tours often have few technical challenges, most people can even complete more demanding trips with a guide.

However, winter conditions can make any tour more demanding than it appears in sunny, picturesque winter photos. Be prepared for tough weather, including strong winds and deep snow, which can make the cold feel very uncomfortable.

With the right preparation, including the knowledge of the correct use of equipment (that can be conveyed by a guide), these challenges can be managed, transforming a tough winter tour into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Please get in contact with us if you are not sure about your personal level.

Guide

Our guide, an expert in the region with a background in guiding and skiing, is dedicated to fulfilling your dream holiday and ensuring you enjoy your time safely. Details about the specific guide will be announced later.

Participants

We require a minimum of 4 guests to guarantee the departure. We will inform you of the booking status, and if there are not enough guests, we may cancel the departure up to one month in advance. The maximum number of guests is 8.

Accommodation

You will stay in the following accommodations:

Gjendesheim DNT-cabin

Gjendesheim Turisthytte has a history dating back to 1878, ten years after DnT was established. The hut is run by DNT and is located in the heart of the Norwegian mountains. Across the water from the restaurant you will see some old log cabins, one of them is Jo Gjende´s cabin. Jo Gjende (1794 – 27 February 1884) was a Norwegian outdoorsman and freethinker. He is believed to have been the model for Henrik Ibsen´s Peer Gynt. A famous photo of Jo is in the picture book.

Memurubu Turisthytte

Memurubu is a tourist hut at the end or start of the famous Besseggen hiking trail. Memurubu is originally an old mountain pasture dating back to 1872 but has had tourists for just as long. Cows are still grazing around the tourist hut, which lies at the mouth of the river Muru in the valley Memurudalen. In 1880, three young Englishmen went on a hunting and fishing trip and had camp in Memurubu. Two years later, they published a book about their experiences. It was published anonymously in London in 1882, and they called it “Three on Norway. By two of them.”

Gjendebu DNT-cabin

At 990 m.a.s.l. at the west end of Gjende Lake, you will find Gjendebu totally remote except for access by hiking or boat. The DNT accommodation consists of several cabins and a main house with a beautiful dining room, with good local food – This is the oldest cabin of DNT, built in 1871.

For our arrival, this cabin will not be staffed and we will use the unstaffed part to stay for the night.

Leirvassbu DNT-cabin

Leirvassbu stands out for its stunning location in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park, surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The hut offers a cozy and comfortable retreat for hikers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts, with excellent food and accommodations. Leirvassbu is also a hub for guided tours and outdoor activities, such as glacier walks and summit hikes, making it a perfect base for exploring the wilderness of Norway.

Spiterstulen Turisthytte

Spiterstulen is a mountain hut located in Jotunheimen National Park, Norway, and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks, as well as being a popular starting point for hikers climbing Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Norway.

Glitterheim DNT-cabin

Glitterheim is a Norwegian mountain lodge situated in a scenic location and accessible only by hiking or skiing. It offers stunning views, a peaceful atmosphere, and a unique experience for those seeking adventure in nature.

Meals

At the mountain lodges, we provide delicious meals to fuel your all-day adventures. Breakfast is served as a buffet, where you can also prepare a packed lunch for the day. In the evening, enjoy a 2-3-course dinner. Please inform us of any dietary requirements. Water is always available for free, and alcoholic and other beverages can be purchased on-site. At Gjendebu, we will make our food by ourselfe.

Ski tracks

The trails you will follow are well-marked with branch sticks placed every 20 meters. These tracks are not groomed like cross-country trails. Sometimes, you may find that snowmobiles and other skiers have used the track, but in cases of snowfall and wind, the tracks may disappear, and you will need to follow the markers.

Using backcountry skis, which are wider than cross-country skis, is essential for a good skiing experience. We recommend backcountry skis that are at least 55 mm wide.

Difficulty

Hard

Daily Distance: up to 30 kilometres Ascent: up to 1500 ascent meter Terrain: Well-marked winter routes that can include longer daily distances with a big amount of ascent metres

On these trips, we spend a lot of time in demanding terrain, and there might be long ascents and descents. The daily stages are usually around 6-8 hours with long distances on several consecutive days with limited opportunities to drop out.

Therefore, trips classified with hard are not recommended for beginners. You need sufficient winter outdoor experience, a good physical shape and good backcountry skiing skills to ensure a safe and enjoyable tour!

Please get in contact with us if you are not sure about your personal level.  

Transport

You will travel eco-friendly by train to Otta, from where we will pick you up and drive you into Jotunheimen and the start destination Gjendesheim.

There can be several departure times to choose from. Please contact us with your travel needs.