RÉGION
NorwayTHÉMATIQUE
Hiking, HutACTIVITÉS
Nordic skiDURÉE
8 daysNIVEAU
DemandingSki in a guided group across frozen lake Gjende, pass Norway’s highest peaks, and stay in cozy mountain lodges like Leirvassbu and Glitterheim.
Suitable for medium to skilled skiers, this unforgettable adventure includes transport from/to Oslo, offering a seamless and safe way to experience Norway’s stunning winter landscapes.
Programme détaillé
Explore “The Classic Route” in Jotunheimen National Park, Norway’s highest mountain range. This roundtrip starts from Gjendesheim and highlights the region’s best features. Our meticulously designed 8-day guided backcountry skiing tour offers an unforgettable experience. Stay in iconic, cozy cabins and relax after days spent skiing along well-marked, yet unprepared tracks through valleys and over frozen lakes, surrounded by breathtaking winter scenery.
This guided tour is suitable for beginners with good endurance and advanced skiers capable of skiing for six consecutive days. The distances range from 10 to 22 km, with up to 700 meters of climbing each day. While good winter weather makes this a dream adventure, changing conditions with deep snow, poor visibility, and strong winds can turn it into a challenge. Our guide will help you navigate these conditions but be prepared to push beyond your comfort zone.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The classic Route in Jotunheimen
- Experience cozy accommodation
DAY 1 | OSLO
Transport
You will take the train from Oslo to Otta, where we will pick you up and drive you to Gjendesheim.
Meet the guide
Upon arrival, meet your guide who will check your equipment and arrange everything needed to prepare you for a week of backcountry skiing in Jotunheimen.
Accommodation
Upon arrival, check in at Gjendesheim, a traditional mountain lodge operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT).
Meals: Dinner.
DAY 2 | BACKCOUNTRY SKIING: GJENDESHEIM TO MEMURUBU
Distance: 10 km, Duration: 3 hours, Ascent meters: 0m
Today marks the beginning of our Jotunheimen crossing. This is a relatively short day to the next accommodation, giving us plenty of time to prepare the gear and get accustomed to backcountry skiing in Norway.
Ski across the frozen Gjende Lake, following the marked track for a 10 km journey to Memurubu. Upon arrival, check in and relax by the fireplace with a warm coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Those seeking additional activities can try ice fishing. The host will provide the necessary equipment and guidance. If successful, you might enjoy your catch for dinner.
Accommodation: Memurubu.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner.
DAY 3 | BACKCOUNTRY SKIING: MEMURUBU TO GJENDEBU
Distance: 11 km, Duration: 3 hours, Ascent meters: 0m
We continue our adventure by skiing along the Gjende Lake to its end, where we find Gjendebu, one of the oldest and most unique mountain lodges operated by the DNT. The easy skiing route offers stunning views of towering, steep mountains in an awe-inspiring natural setting.
Accommodation: Gjendebu.
Today, you will experience the real DNT spirit, with this oldest cabin from DNT. When we arrive, the cabin isn’t staffed and we will help ourselves with making food together and sleep in a more open-style cabin with dorms. A more rustic but in the same time special experience.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner.
DAY 4 | BACKCOUNTRY SKIING: GJENDEBU TO LEIRVASSBU
Distance : 19 km, Duration : 6-8 hours, Ascent meters : 650 m
Today, the first long and challenging stage awaits you. We will climb steadily up the mountain to over 1400 meters above sea level, surrounded by beautiful winter scenery. This day requires focus to reach our goal, but also offers the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding day out in the mountains.
Accommodation: Fondsbu DNT.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner.
DAY 5 | BACKCOUNTRY SKIIN: LEIRVASSBU TO SPITERSULEN
Distance: 15 km, Duration: 5-7 hours, Ascent meters: 120 m
Today, we will follow a mostly downhill valley route to Spiterstulen. Aside from a small ascent, the trail is generally flat or descending. In good weather, you can enjoy the wonderful winter landscape, far away from civilization in Norway.
Accommodation: Spiterstulen.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner.
DAY 6 | SPITERSULEN TO GLITTERHEILM
Distance : 17 km, Duration : 6-7 hours, Ascent meters : 600 m
A long climb awaits us at the start of the day, taking us up to 1600 meters above sea level. This effort rewards us with stunning views of Norway’s highest mountains, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. However, in bad weather, this climb can be quite demanding due to the high altitude. After reaching the saddle, a long, slightly descending track will lead us to our accommodation for the night, Glitterheim.
Accommodation: Glitterheim DNT.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner.
DAY 7 | GLITTERHEILM – GLITTERHEILM
Distance: 22 km, Duratio : 6-8 hours, Ascent meters : 580 m
Our last skiing day is also the longest one. Today, we will cover 22 km, starting with a steep ascent before skiing down to Russvatnet. Then, we will climb up a small saddle and enjoy a steep downhill to Gjendesheim, where we can celebrate our achievement of circumnavigating Jotunheimen along the Classic Route. Congratulations !
Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT.
Meal: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner.
DAY 8 | DEPARTURE Bus to Otta and train to
After a week in the mountains, enjoy a comfortable ride back to civilization.
We will bring you to Otta, from where you can take the train to Oslo.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch.
End of our services
Périodes de voyage
Départs du 23/03/2025 au 30/03/2025Tarifs
À partir de 3,085€Demander un devis
Informations sur les prix
Minimum 4, maximum 8.
The recommended age limit is 12 years
Other departures on request.
OUR RATE INCLUDE:
- Bus transport from/to Oslo
- 7 x Accommodation
- 7 x Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
- Guide
- Map and detailed tour description
- Beeswax wrap
- 24/7 Premium O-Nord assistance in case of emergency
OUR RATE DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Ski rental (6 days): Boots, Back-Country-ski
(wax or no-wax ski, skins), poles 265 euros - Personal expenses
- Premium Multi-risk cancellation insurance (contact us)
Bon à savoir
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.