Mountain Adventure Holidays
A week of cross-country skiing in Norway in the wonderful landscape that surrounds the mountain community of Gålå. This trip is ideal for those who have done a 'Beginners' course in 'classic style' skiing and now want to work at technique in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere while enjoying a vast networks of trails. With access to 230 km (156 miles) of groomed ski tracks there is more than enough to keep you occupied! And if skiing by day is not enough there is also an illuminated trail where you can enjoy some evening skiing.
Our base sits at the top of the mountain overlooking the lake of Gålåvatnet where the Peer Gynt spectacular theatre performances take place each summer. From here we have distant views of the alpine summits of the stunning mountains of the Jotunheimen and Rondane National Parks.
We can normally ski straight from the door of our hotel, and it really doesn't get much more convenient than that! The area around our hotel offers access to several hundred km's of trails with the possibility to ski in different areas each day.
Gålå lies to the north of the Olympic town of Lillehammer and immediately east of the main railway from Oslo to Trondheim. In this respect it is easily accessible by train, direct from Oslo airport. In other words a perfect base for an excellent week of nordic skiing.
Today you will meet your group at Vinstra Railway Station for the short drive to your hotel. Please refer to 'Arrival & Departure' in the Trip Information section for further details.
Our day begins with a leisurely breakfast served Norwegian buffet style, which means you can eat as much as you like. There is no excuse not to 'fuel up' for the day ahead. We then head to the hotel ski room to collect our cross-country skis and prepare for a day out in a winter wonderland. This trip is done on track skis, and is the 'classic' style of skiing, it is not 'skate' skiing.
With 230 kms (144 miles) of trails to explore we have plenty to choose from, and with a variety of terrain from birch woodlands, to plateau, and mountains, we can choose the best tracks for the weather on the day. As this week is for 'Improver' level skiers we expect that you already have a reasonable grip of the basics in terms of controlling speed and direction. We will, however, spend time in the stadium area working on specific ski skills that will allow you to go away from this trip with new found confidence and improved technique and able to embrace more challenging trips in future. The stadium, which is floodlit in the evening, is an excellent training area as it is used for various national and international competitions.
Each day we take a packed lunch with us, and will take time to stop for a few breaks during our ski journey. The normal pattern is to leave around 0930-1000 hrs, and ski for between 4 - 5 hours, covering between 10-15 km (6-9.4 miles) per day, with the possibility for one longer day taken at a relaxed pace of between 15-20 km (9.4-12.5 miles). While very active, anyone with good fitness should enjoy this holiday. We return to the hotel mid-afternoon when you can relax with a sauna, or simply sit in the lounge and take in the mountain views while the sun goes down.
If you feel you need more exercise you can always enjoy a night time ski in the floodlit stadium adjacent to your hotel.
After breakfast you will take a private group transfer to Vinstra station for your onward journey. Many of our guests opt to spend an extra night in Oslo to enjoy this cosmopolitan city. You could, of course, choose to begin with a night in Oslo at the start of your journey.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. All of our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. In many cases a single room is available for a supplementary fee, but these can be in short supply and require early booking. Note that it is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and most bedrooms do not have this facility. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
We will be staying at Gålå Hotel in Gålå, with easy access from the cross-country ski tracks which go nearly to the hotel door. The hotel is built in traditional Norwegian style, and has simple, but cosy bedrooms. It is run by Trygve and his team who provide a warm welcome. There is a sauna for your use. The hotel is conveniently placed for the store and supermarket.
Arrival
Norway is easily reached, with various international airlines offering direct flights from the UK and Europe to Oslo Gardermoen airport. Flights can also be taken to Torp, but note you will need to allow enough time to transfer to Oslo Gardermoen for your train journey north. The train station at Gardermoen is located inside the airport terminal and is just a few minutes from the arrivals area. It makes connecting to your train for your journey to Vinstra very easy. You should aim to catch the 1429 hrs train from Oslo Gardermoen airport to Vinstra, arriving at Vinstra at 1712 hrs. (Timetables are published three months before the date of departure and will not be confirmed until then.) The group pick-up at Vinstra is included in your trip fee. You can, of course, take alternative trains both on the arrival and departure days, but this will incur a supplementary payment as you will need to order a taxi.
Tickets are easily purchased on line at Vy.no and if you book in advance there is a considerable discount for the return journey. You can choose to tickets on the train which makes taking the train north very easy.
Travelling to Oslo by Train: There are options for travel to Norway from all major European cities by train all giving you an opportunity to explore another city on your journey to the start of the holiday. For example from the UK you can overnight in Copenhagen, however there are many possibilities.
The easiest way to book is via www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. If you're travelling from the UK or US then take a look at the multiday pass based travel system provided by Eurail.
If you would like to book the individual journeys yourself then using the UK to Copenhagen example here is how.
Travel from London to Brussels using the Eurostar www.eurostar.com these tickets can be purchased up to 6 months ahead of your travel date. From here you can book at train from Brussels to Gothenburg (Gotëborg) adding a stopover in Copenhagen using the German Railway website int.bahn.de. A full day on the train sees you arriving in Copenhagen for an evening walk around the city before dinner.
The final leg of your journey is from Gothenburg Central Station to Oslo and this can be booked using Vy the Norwegian rail network website www.vy.no.
All the trains have Wi-Fi, charging points and restaurant cars, not to mention the stunning scenery that you will travel through.
Departure
Today you will transfer to Vinstra station for the train journey to Oslo airport. The group transfer included in your trip fee will arrive at Vinstra in time for the train departing at 1155hrs and arriving at Oslo airport at 1432hrs. There is an earlier train at 0616hrs, arriving at Oslo airport at 0901hrs.
If you wish to take the early train, you will need to order your own taxi. We are happy to help organise this on your behalf. If there are other guests also taking the early train you will be able to share this cost. Please contact us if you wish to confirm details.
Please ensure you reserve your train ticket in good time. The trains can be fully booked and you will not be permitted to travel.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Winter temperatures in Scandinavia are 'according to the locals' becoming warmer, which is why we now run trips in the months of January, and February, as well as the traditional ski touring months of March and April. Even in January when the daylight hours are short we find that we have more than enough time for skiing. We have never yet had guests feeling they were losing out in terms of ski hours by booking in January or February. There is a special pleasure to starting your ski day in the sunrise, and skiing back with the sunset.
Historically temperatures in December have averaged -8°Celsius (17.4°F), in January -9.7°Celsius (14.5°F), in February -9.2°Celsius (15.4°F), in March -6.6°Celsius (20.1°F), and in April -2.3°Celsius (27.9°). Clearly there is the potential for temperatures to drop much lower, but rarely lower than -15°C (5°F).
We have found over the years that these temperatures have not been unpleasant nor have any guests had problems dealing with the weather as it is generally a 'dry' cold, and of course this helps create great snow and therefore great ski tracks. If we do experience a cold snap where temperatures drop then we ensure that everyone is appropriately clothed and kitted out for the ski day. In this respect energy snacks and a thermos with a hot drink are a great comfort!
If you are booked on one of our 'Advanced' or 'Challenging' point-to-point journeys and we experience very cold temperatures eg -15°Celsius (5°F) then we would expect you to be able to be efficient and keep moving and to manage your comfort.
Our hotel sits at around 1000m (3280ft) and the skiing ranges from 800m (2624ft) of altitude to 1150m (3772ft). We regularly ski in this area, and so far we have only been met with good snow conditions. In Gålå they begin to prepare the tracks as soon as they have enough snow in December and continue until mid-April or after Easter. The community also has a small downhill ski area, which does mean that if you feel the urge you could do a day of alpine skiing. However, the overall 'feel' of Gålå is one of being a great cross country ski area, rather than an alpine resort.
We use 'classic' style cross country track skis for this trip. You can choose to bring your own, however, do check with us first to ensure they are the correct type of ski and boot and are suitable. At Gålå we have access to the new 'skintec' skis that offer excellent performance without the need for grip waxes. If you own 'fishscales' or 'waxing' skis it is quite acceptable for you to use them.
Your instructor will help with organising ski rental on the morning of your first ski day at Gålå. Please note that the hire skis at Gålå are NOT metal edged. The total ski hire for 2025 is expected to be around 1095 NOK for 6 days. You will make payment directly to the rental shop, and credit cards are accepted. You should book your hire skis in advance via your Tracks and Trails Account. We need to know your height, weight, normal shoe size and the measurement of your height up to your armpits for ski pole hire.
In Norway it is not necessary to purchase a ski pass as there is no charge to use the tracks.
Your safety while skiing is our top priority. All skiers are requested to adhere to the Code of Conduct published by the International Ski Federation, or FIS. The aim is to make you, the skier, aware of how to avoid risks, take responsibility and act thoughtfully while on the cross-country ski tracks.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you will encounter and accommodation you will be staying in.
Equipment
This trip uses ‘classic’ style track skis. If you are bringing your own skis they must fit in the tracks, so should be a maximum of 66mm at their widest point. You can use track skis which are 'waxing', 'fishscale' or 'skintec'. You can also use track skis with a metal edge, or half metal edge. If in doubt about the suitability of your own skis please contact us.
Skis, boots, and poles - can be hired at the start of the trip. The cost of hire is indicated in 'Trip Information'. If you are intending to hire you must inform us as soon as possible as equipment must be booked in advance. The type of ski supplied by the hire shop is provided in the 'Ski Rental' section of the Trip Information page.
Clothing
Comfort
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Additional Items
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £230.
We go to great lengths to work with first class ski instructors who are passionate about their work.
Your ski instructor will be a BASI qualified, or equivalent, Nordic Ski Instructor. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors and is one of Europe's leading examining boards for those choosing a career in snow sports. For some countries your ski instructor will hold the national qualification required for the country you are visiting. All are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
In the majority of cases your instructor will also be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting.
Please note your instructor has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
Designed as a continuation from our ‘Beginner’ classic track ski holidays or for those with at least 3 full days of classic style ski experience with professional instruction. We start with re-visiting the basic travelling techniques, skills to control speed and direction, and how to snowplough to bring your skis to a stop. Expect to ski on a mixture of flat and gently undulating terrain, all on prepared trails with parallel grooves. Time will be spent each day practising specific exercises and drills designed to improve your overall 'classic' cross country technique. We will help you develop the skills to allow you to confidently travel on a variety of terrain, both uphill and downhill learning how to go through the classic ski 'gears'. Each day we aim to do a short journey to give you time to consolidate your technique and skills practised. At all times you can expect a high level of instruction and support to ensure that you make the most out of your week and see progression. The time on skis will be between 4-5 hours covering between 10-15 km (6-9.4 miles) per day, with the possibility for one longer day taken at a relaxed pace of between 15-20 km (9.4-12.5 miles). While very active, anyone with average fitness should be able to enjoy this holiday. Please be aware there is a risk of falling while cross-country skiing, particularly when developing the skills to tackle more challenging terrain.
For this trip where you are centre-based, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation all week, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, please note that not all the hotels we use have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We would suggest that luggage with wheels is generally a good idea.
On this trip your lunches are included in your trip fee. In Norway it is traditional to make up your own packed lunch from the breakfast ingredients. Breakfast is normally a buffet with a large range of food on offer with more than enough interesting items to prepare a tasty sandwich. You will be supplied with paper to wrap them in. You can also ask to have a thermos flask filled with a hot drink.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
There are currency exchange facilities/banks in Oslo Airport or you can obtain Norwegian Kroner prior to your arrival. Norway is increasingly moving towards a cashless society and most places now accept credit cards, but not all.
Food
On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
New European Travel Regulations from mid 2025
If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays you may be impacted by a significant change to travel regulations expected to be in place from the middle of 2025. The new EITAS scheme will start operating this year and, whilst a start date is not yet confirmed, it is likely to affect our summer holidays in 2025 and any winter holiday thereafter. As your holiday approaches we recommend that you check for updates on the website HERE.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
As the winter season approaches, it's time to embrace the beauty of snowy landscapes and outdoor adventures. To help you make the most of your holiday, we've put together some essential tips and suggestions on how to prepare for your winter getaway. Click here to find some suggestions on how to prepare for both cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 08 Mar - Sat 15 Mar Code: SGA2 |
Price: £2155 | Guaranteed | Book |
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 07 Feb - Sat 14 Feb Code: SGA1 |
Price: £2245 | Spaces available | Book |
| From Price | £2155 |
| Holiday Type | Cross Country Ski Instruction |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 8 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 1150m (3772ft) |
| Countries Visited | Norway |
| Meet In | Vinstra, Norway |
