Guided Backcountry Ski Tour in Jotunheimen National Park

Disclaimer for Tour Cancellation Due to Insufficient Participants

Jotunheimen Travel reserves 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)

If you’d like to explore Norway’s capital or your flight arrives late, you can add an extra night in Oslo, including breakfast. This option is also available at the end of your trip.

Price: On request

Go to Bergen Instead of Oslo

You can choose to end your trip in Bergen instead of Oslo. Skip the last cruise to Bygdin and take a bus from your last accommodation. For a full experience of Norway’s west coast, add a Fjord Cruise from Flåm to Bergen, including bus transfer from Jotunheimen to Flåm.

Price:

Bus to Bergen instead Oslo: + € 20

Fjord Cruise (incl. Bus): € 170

Necessary experience

Embarking on a multi-day backcountry ski tour is achievable for anyone in good shape and eager to learn and be active. Beginners can quickly pick up backcountry skiing, and since this tour has few technical challenges, most people can complete it with a guide.

However, winter conditions can make the 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 a guide and proper preparation, including the correct use of equipment, these challenges can be managed, transforming a tough winter tour into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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.

Luggage transport

You likely have some luggage that you won’t need on your backcountry ski tour to Eidsbugarden. We will transport this luggage to Eidsbugarden, where it will be waiting for you on your arrival day (Day 5).

Other détails

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, including a detailed tour description and equipment list. At the start of the tour, the guide will also review your equipment to ensure everything is in order for a successful journey.

Accommodation

You will stay in the following accommodations:

Cabine DNT de Gjendesheim

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.

Fondsbu DNT-cabin:

Fondsbu is located in beautiful Eidsbugarden. The cottage is widely known for its good atmosphere, hosts, and great location. A popular place for hikers.Traditional mountain hotel with large swimming pool, restaurant, lovely lobby area with large fireplace.

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.

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. 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

Medium

This backcountry ski tour is suitable for most skiers in average shape. The daily distances are generally around 10 km, with one day extending to 17 km. The climbs are minimal, making the skiing relatively easy.

However, winter weather conditions can make this tour more demanding, when strong wind, white-out, and deep snow make skiing more demanding than expected. However, the guide will ensure that everybody will make it safely to the next accommodation.

Transport

You will travel with our buses from Oslo (or Bergen) to Jotunheimen. This eco-friendly and comfortable mode of transport ensures a pleasant journey. Our bus drivers are available to assist you with reaching your destination and answering any questions you may have. All buses are equipped with USB/C ports, comfortable seats, toilets, and WiFi.

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