Nordic ski touring in Jotunheimen

Arrival

By Plane: We recommend flying to Gardermoen airport, Oslo. This is the main airport and is easily accessible from Oslo city. It is also possible to fly to Oslo Torp or Oslo Rygge with Ryanair, but you will need to allow more time between Olso city centre and these airports. Transfer links to Oslo are to be found on the Torp airport website. Arrival times should give sufficient time before the departure of the train to Vinstra to allow you to prepare your kit and to store any excess luggage at the airport.

To take advantage of the group transfer to your hotel, which is included in your fee, we ask you to plan your flights to take the train from Oslo Gardermoen airport at 1429hrs to Lillehammer, arriving at Lillehammer at 1641 hrs. This train is normally displayed on the departure board as Trondheim S. This can be done at vy.no, and the ticket downloaded to your phone. Details of discounts, including those for Senior Citizens, can be found here

Travelling to Oslo by Train: There are options for rail travel to Norway from all major European cities. For example from the UK you can overnight in Copenhagen, Denmark, 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 multi-day pass travel system provided by Eurail.

If you would like to book each stage as an individual journey then using the UK to Copenhagen, Denmark, as an example here is how.

Travel from London, England, to Brussels, Belgium 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 a train from Brussels, Belgium to Gothenburg, in Sweden, (Gotëborg) adding a stopover in Copenhagen, Denmark. For this you can use 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 if you would like to use this as a stop over. 

The final leg of your journey is from Gothenburg Central Station, in Sweden, to Oslo, Norway, and this can be booked using Vy the Norwegian rail network website www.vy.no.

All the trains have Wi-Fi, charging points and a restaurant car.

Departure

We leave Fondsbu DNT Cabin early as we will take the snowcoach or ‘weasel’ to the main road at the southern end of the Tyin lake. We then take the scheduled bus departing from Tyin at 0952 hrs to Oslo city centre, arriving at Oslo Gardermoen airport at 1421 hrs, and Oslo central bus station at approximately 1445 hrs. The cost of your bus ticket is included and we will book this for you. At this point you are free to make your own plans to return home. We advise an evening flight or an extra night in Oslo.

From Oslo city centre you can make your way to Gardermoen airport by bus or train:  

By Train

The “Flytoget” airport express train takes twenty minutes from the city centre to Gardermoen airport. You can also take the normal train operated by Vy which is cheaper, but takes a little longer. 

By Bus

There are various bus services between the city centre and the various airports. Gardermoen airport can be reached by bus with Ruter. Transfer links to Torp are to be found on the airport website. 

It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate. 

Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page. 

Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.

Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.

All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.

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. 

When you leave Oslo you will take everything you need for the trip in your rucksack. Allow sufficient time between your arrival in Oslo and connecting travel to ensure you have your rucksack packed and ready for the week.

You can leave any extra luggage in Oslo in the left luggage lockers at the airport, for more information refer to the 'Left Luggage' section of the Trip Information page. For example you might want to fly wearing footwear other than your ski boots and leave those and a fresh change of clothing in the left luggage lockers? However, you can leave home ready to ski and arrive at Oslo ready to go. It has been done many times, and it works. To avoid the need to pay to leave a ski bag at the airport you can arrive with your skis simply taped together. Or you can overnight at one of the local hotels, most of whom will store ski bags free of charge until you return. 

Group equipment - we share out waxes, 1 snow shovel between 2, emergency lightweight shelters, spare ski pole, snow probe, first aid kit, and any repair kit amongst the group members. 

Read our Blog for extra tips and advice on packing for a Nordic ski trip.

Equipment

For information on the type of skis required for this trip ski consult the 'Skis - type, rental & ski pass' section of the Trip Information page. Skis, boots, and poles - can be hired in the UK. They cannot be easily hired in Norway.

For buying Nordic ski equipment online; in the UK we recommend Braemar Mountain Sports and in France we recommend Telemark Pyrenees.

• Rucksack - 40 to 50 litres with waist and chest strap. Recommended maximum weight of 10-11 kgs when loaded with fluid, food etc. This recommendation varies depending on physical frame and strength. A larger powerful skier can carry more, and a smaller lighter skier will find 10 kgs the absolute maximum to still be able to ski safely. You need space to carry your kit for the duration of the trip,  plus an item of group kit. We recommend you test the weight in good time so that you can contact us to discuss any weight issues

• Rucksack waterproof cover or liner to keep contents dry

• Wax cork and ski scraper - only if using 'waxing' skis

• Ski ties - to hold your skis together

• Waxes - if required, these will be supplied by Tracks and Trails

• Water container - 1 litre, drink tubes and bottles stowed on the outside of your rucksack usually freeze in winter

• Snow shovel - check with us before packing one as we may already have sufficient within the group

• Whistle

• Full length climbing skins - if hiring from Braemar Mountain Sports then 'skins' are included in the package, be sure that they are included. 

• Kick skins - this refers to the new short skins which can be attached to newer waxing skis and are very useful for days when waxing is challenging, worth bringing

• Head torch - plus spare batteries

• Carry mat - min. 1 metre length, to isolate your core from the ground in emergency - a sit mat is not enough

• Small foil emergency blanket

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket - essential, this must keep you dry during a day of continuous snowfall or at least as dry as any waterproof jacket ever keeps you!

• Waterproof trousers - in case of heavy snowfall

• Trousers - lightweight, windproof and warm

• Thermal top - long sleeves

• Thermal leggings

• Thin fleece - long sleeves

• Waistcoat - fleece/wind stopper 

• Gloves x 2 (one thick and one thin)

• Mittens for colder conditions - ideally woollen

• Over-mittens for colder days can be useful

• Warm hat

• Sun hat

• Head/ear band 

• Duvet jacket (or second warm layer)

• Scarf or 'Buff' for neck

• Socks - 2 or 3 pairs

• Gaiters - to deal with fresh snow

Comfort

• Lip salve

• Sunscreen 

• Sunglasses

• Hand warmers x 4

• Goggles 

• Snack bars/chocolate

• Anti-bacterial hand wash for self-service huts, often no running water

• Tissues - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish

• Sleeping bag liner, also known as a 'sheet sleeping bag'. Sleeping BAGS are NOT allowed. 

• Small 'Pack' towel 

• Slippers for use at accommodation

• Small thermos for hot drinks - recommended

Personal First Aid

• Personal medication 

• Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)

• Painkillers/anti-inflammatory

• Glucose tablets/Energy gel

• 2 x Rehydration sachets - eg Dioralyte

• Throat lozenges

• Antiseptic cream/spray

Documentation

• Mountain Rescue/Ski Insurance documents - compulsory

• Passport

• Credit card - most outlets now accept a card

• Cash - Norwegian Kroner for incidentals

• GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover

Additional Items

• Camera/ Book/Music

• Minimalist Toiletries – soap/toothpaste etc

• Ear plugs 

**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

Leaders are all first aid trained and carry a first aid kit

Skis Metal-edged Nordic backcountry skis similar to the Fischer Transnordic 82 Easy Skin Xtralite with NNN BC bindings or equivalent, with a sidecut of around 82-60-70 mm. The term 'sidecut' refers to the width at the tip, waist, and tail. The wider the sidecut the more stability, but less glide. The narrower the ski, more glide, but less stability. If you have waxing skis you should have your own grip waxes and be confident/competent at making your own daily decisions on which grip wax to apply to ensure efficient travel.

New Developments There are now wider and shorter off-track skis available and for 'once a year skiers' they offer more control and easier descents. Examples include Fischer S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite or if you want a ski which uses grip wax, but can also take a short skin there is the Åsnes Falketind 62 Xplore ski with Rottefella Xplore bindings and Alfa Free Xplore boots.

Boots Leather or soft plastic off-track boots, with Vibram soles. If hiring we recommend you tape up your heels and any areas of potential issue, BEFORE skiing. We recommend Tensoplast as a tape which can help avoid blisters.

Poles Length approximately 25-30 cm less than your height with large baskets for touring - a ski pole with adjustable length preferred.

Skins You require full-length climbing skins. If you have a ski which allows a short 'kick' skin to be attached you should also bring these.

Purchasing Buying Nordic ski equipment from the UK; we suggest Braemar Mountain Sports or Telemark Pyrenees. Buying Nordic ski equipment from the USA; we suggest REI Co-Op or Evo.

Ski Pass There is no ski pass required to use the tracks or mountain trails in Norway.

If you would like to spend extra nights in Oslo, the capital city of Norway, we can suggest several city centre hotels. Single rooms are available in each of the following options:

The City Box Hotel, Oslo which is where our guides stay between trips. The hotel is very reasonably priced, convenient for the railway and bus stations. The hotel also offer washing facilities if you are running trips back to back and need to launder clothes.

The Thon Hotel Opera is a very short distance from the central railway station and, indeed, the Opera House. It is approximately 100 metres (328ft) from the railway station. Karl Johan high street, the main shopping thoroughfare, is a two minute walk from the hotel. 

The Thon Hotel Spectrum is also central and approximately 600 metres (1968ft) walk from the central railway station. 

These last two hotels are part of the Thon hotel chain. We would normally recommend family run hotels, but they are not easily found in central Oslo and we feel that the Thon group do provide good accommodation which is easily reached from the railway station. You will be able to book either of these online. 

On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.

This is an off-track Nordic ski touring trip - a beautiful way to experience the mountains in winter. This is a form of cross-country skiing where we leave the groomed tracks behind and head off-track into forests, across rolling hills and frozen lakes, and climb to mountain plateaus. We use lighter equipment than alpine ski touring, travel longer distances and have more freedom than track skiing. The emphasis is on travel, distance and exploration. You should be prepared to deal with anything the terrain or weather throws at you.

Am I suited to this sport? Nordic off-track touring suits those who love to spend full days outside, are drawn to simplicity, solitude and rhythm, and who enjoy getting somewhere under their own power. Consider Nordic off-track an adventurous form of skiing for those who want to 'belong in the landscape'. Snow conditions, route and weather are unpredictable so expect the unpredictable and embrace this. 

Fitness and technique are important, but this sport is especially about mindset, and the following attributes are required:

• Patience & Calm - snow conditions vary, progress may be slow, you are okay with adjusting plans

• Team Spirit - in this winter environment we work as a team, supporting and helping each other

• Self-reliance - comfortable being far from help and shelter, and can manage your bodily needs

• Curiosity & Appreciation - you work with the terrain, while weather and daylight dictate your day

• Experience - grows slowly, with an understanding that turning back is sometimes necessary

Trip Grade Ensure you have read and understood the grading level for your trip and that you meet the requirements. All off-track ski grades can be found here.

For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.

We go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.

Please note your guide/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. 

Your ski guide will be a professionally qualified BASI Nordic Instructor at the least and may also be a BASI Telemark Instructor. They will hold the Winter Mountain Leader Award, or the International Mountain Leader Award or have the ability and relevant experience to navigate in winter conditions. While in no way interfering with the tour, coaching along the way in ski technique and 'grip waxing' will help you ski more effectively and with less effort. We are always mindful of safety in cold conditions and wilderness areas. 

The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.

The DNT stands for Den Norske Turistforening, which translates to the 'Norwegian Trekking Association'.  Local member associations operate 550 cabins across Norway, maintaining a network of 22,000 km (13,730 miles) of marked hiking trails and 7000 km (4375 miles) of branch-marked ski tracks. Each year, volunteers work a total of more than 800,000 hours maintaining this system. DNT Cabins are either 'staffed' or 'self-service'.

Staffed cabins Serve all meals; breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch which you make from the breakfast buffet. Meals are excellent in both quality and quantity. Almost all cabins have hot showers and electricity, either from the power grid or from a local generator. You can charge electrical items. They are cosy and traditional in style and are just as comfortable as a rustic hotel. They serve alcohol and normally sell basic items such as snacks, batteries, first aid items etc. Staffed cabins are open only in certain seasons.

Self-service cabins Equipped with all we need for cooking and sleeping. Firewood, gas, kitchen utensils, table linen and bunks with blanks or duvets and pillows. You should bring a 'sheet sleeping bag liner' for reasons of hygiene. The cabins are stocked with tinned and dried food. It is not possible to 'reserve' beds in self-service cabins and it is a case of 'first come, first served'. In the self-service cabins we look after ourselves: fetch water, cook food, wash up and chop wood.

You can read more about the DNT system and what to expect in terms of accommodation at the cabins in our Exploring Norway's Quiet Trails.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with 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 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.

Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. 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. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

EHIC 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 should apply for a GHIC.

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 operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.

The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.

You can read our Sustainable Travel Policy here.

Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. 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.