XC Skiing In Norway
Imagine putting on a pair of skies and heading off into the mountains surrounded only by snow covered trees and raw nature.
Cross-country skiing is a way of life for Norwegians and the best way of experiencing the full beauty of the Norwegian winter countryside.
The 1994 Olympic Games were held in Lillehammer and the area is peppered with hundreds of frozen lakes. Prepared trails and a range of hotels, mountain lodges, chalets and apartments can be found at Sjusjøen, which lies about 20 km northeast of Lillehammer. Sjusjøen is a traditional mountain resort which has gradually developed into a modern winter destination, with over 300 km of well prepared ski-tracks through the surrounding forest and mountain terrain.
The Rondane National Park consists of narrow canyons and great rock terraces set around white plateaux and 10 peaks of more than 2000m. One of the highlights of the extensive network of trails is the 170km Troll track from Høvringen to Lillehammer.
The Peer Gynt region is one of Norway’s most historical and there are 630 km connecting places such as Espedalen, Fefor and Gålå with views of the spectacular Jotunheimen mountains.
Cross country trails in Norway are well maintained and organised and several companies offer guided or organised tours. You will also find cross-country trails at most Norwegian ski resorts, so you can combine cross-country with alpine skiing and other winter activities.
Click here for further information on cross-country skiing in Norway and how to get there.
WHERE TO STAY:
Lillehammer Rustad Hotell & Fjellstue - The old, log-walled interior of this hotel provides an excellent atmosphere with a high standard of modern comfort and a focus on good food. Find out more about Rustad Hotell & Fjellstue
Sjusjøen Høyfjellshotell - The hotel is peacefully located on the outskirts Sjusjøen itself with beautiful views of Lake Sjusjøen and the surrounding mountains. It is within direct access to the cross country ski tracks, and lies about 6km from the new alpine centre Sjusjøen Skisenter. Find out more about Sjusjøen Høyfjellshotell
Rondane National Park
Høvringen Fjellstue - Run by the same family for more than 100 years. Keeps up the good, old traditions of offering good food and a homely atmosphere. Self catering cabins also available. Find out more about Høvringen Fjellstue
Rondablikk Høyfjellshotell - A modern and comfortable hotel located at Kvamsfjellet with a fine view of Rondane National Park and a number of mountain lakes. 120km of cross country tracks nearby, including the famous Troll track, which runs just past the hotel. Find out more about Rondablikk Høyfjellshotell
Rondane Haukliseter Fjellhotell - Started as a traditional summer dairy for one of the farms down in the valley, and now has a long tradition as a tourist facility and has developed into an attractive and modern mountain lodge. Self-catering cabins may also be rented year round. Find out more about Rondane Haukliseter Fjellhotell
Venabu Fjellhotell - Run by the Tvete family welcoming visitors for more than 50 years. A homely hotel with a relaxed atmosphere, good food and guests from many countries. Also offers variety of outdoor activities in the surrounding terrrain. Find out more about Venabu Fjellhotell
The Peer Gynt region
Dalseter Høyfjellshotell - A family-run hotel located in beautiful surroundings at the top of Espedalen with stunning views of Jotunheimen. Dalseter is a family-friendly and comfortable hotel with fireplace lounges, excellent cuisine, a swimming pool and large playroom. Find out more about Dalseter Høyfjellshotell
Gålå booking - Gålå Høgfjellshotell has a truly Norwegian atmosphere, with hospitality rooted in good, old-fashioned Gudbrandsdalen valley culture. With spectacular views over Lake Gålå and the peaks of Jotunheimen, it lies in close proximity to the wide network of cross country trails. Find out more about staying in Gålå
Ruten Fjellstue - Ruten Fjellstue’s cosy lodges are located in Espedalen, also known as “the friendly wilderness”, where you will find trails for all ages and levels of skiing proficiency. Find out more about Ruten Fjellstue
ORGANISED TOURS
Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) – DNT is Norway's biggest outdoor activities organisation established over 140 years, and working to promote trekking and to improve conditions for all who enjoy the country's broad range of outdoor attractions. All DNT routes are clearly waymarked at intervals sufficiently short so you can see from one waymark to the next, even in fog and rain. In all, there are some 20,000 km of T-marked routes. It is one of Europe's larger marked hiking trail networks and arguably the world's most extensive cross-country skiing track network.
Fjellferie - A small travel organising company specialising in tours for individuals in the Norwegian mountains since 1982, such as guided hiking tours with high standard accommodation and luggage transportation. Find out more about Fjellferie
Norske Bygdeopplevelser - The event supplier Norske Bygdeopplevelser specialises in ski tours, bicycle trips and rambling tours, and you can spice up some of the trips with unique cultural events and attractions. Offer ski touring in the Olympic Part of Norway, ski from hotel to hotel, individually or in groups with or without a guide. Find out more about Norske Bygdeopplevelser
