Icefalls at Rondvassbu DNT Hut
'Weasels' at Smuksjoseter
On track and 'off track' in the Rondane
Waffles for energy in Norway
Arranging skis at Rondvassbu DNT
Meeting up at the Peer Gynt Hut

Rondane Off-Track Ski Touring & Skills


Rondane Off-Track Ski Touring & Skills

A week of Nordic off-track skiing and skills based in a cosy mountain hotel on the edge of the Rondane National Park, in Norway. Imagine skiing through a winter wilderness, experiencing the solitude and silence of a snow covered world, while benefiting from gentle ski coaching. Improve your technique and learn how to negotiate the terrain while having the most fun possible on skis.

Highlights

  • Explore the stunning Rondane mountains on Nordic skis 
  • Enjoy learning off-track technique under guidance
  • Cosy & comfortable accommodation in mountain lodges 
  • Spend a night in the legendary DNT cabins
  • Experience the true wilderness of Norway in winter 

The Rondane is a well known mountain range in Norway where wild herds of reindeer roam the snowy valleys and summits. This is the perfect trip to consolidate off-track skills acquired on our Kvitåvatn: Off Track Skills & Touring week. Embrace the 'off-track' and an entire new world of skiing will open up for those with an adventurous spirit who enjoy wilderness and fabulous mountains. 


Itinerary

  • Today you will arrive in Otta, Norway. We will have organised a group transfer from Otta to your hotel at a specific time.  For details refer to 'Arrival & Departure' under 'Trip Information'. Tonight your guide will brief you on the days ahead. This will most likely take place after dinner over coffee/tea in the lounge.

  • After a hearty buffet style Norwegian breakfast we will head for the hills surrounding our mountain hotel. The aim today is to allow you to find your 'ski legs' and get used to the off-track skis. These have metal edges and make snowploughing and controlling speed and direction so much easier than when using normal 'track' skis. There are various small summits to the north-east of our hotel and we will explore this area while allowing time for your ski instructor to offer up tips on technique. Part of the day will be spent also discussing ski equipment and the options available for off-track, as well as looking at what to pack in your rucksack to ensure safety while not over-loading with too much unnecessary weight. 

    Each day you can expect to spend between 5 - 6 hours on your skis, covering approximately 10-20 km (6.2-10.4 miles) per day. This entirely depends on the snow conditions, weather, and the group ability, and is intended only as an approximate guide to the amount of activity each day. There will still be plenty of time to enjoy a sauna back at your hotel at the end of the day.  

  • This morning we will head towards the summit of Formokampen which sits at 1428m (4683ft) and offers stunning view into the Rondane mountains. As we make our way to Formokampen we have the choice today of spending some time on the tracks and some time off-track which is useful in terms of understanding the differences in the terrain and how that affects speed and technique. Once on the summit we can see the route of the Trolls Trail, an epic ski journey, which makes its way from Høvringen all the way to Lillehammer to our south-east. Then it is a swooping descent back to the plateau and a gentle journey back to our hotel. Each day we encourage you to take time to ask for advice and tips on how to handle your skis more efficiently and therefore enjoy and develop your skiing. 

  • Today we being the journeying element of your adventure. One of the aims to this trip is to allow you to experience a ski journey and all that it involves. While your ski guide will make all the necessary decisions, you are on holiday, you are welcome to take part and learn from the decision making process. We will ski just a short distance to the wonderful lodge at Smuksjøseter which has been in the same family for several generations. After dropping off a few overnight items, not required during the day, we will ski on with the intention of climbing one of the nearby tops. We will have now entered the famous Rondane National Park, the first park to be set up in Norway in 1962. For thousands of years wild reindeer have roamed the Rondane, and many writers and artists have been inspired by the nature. Our accommodation at Smuksjøseter is very cosy and there is a sauna to relax your ski legs. 

  • This morning we head off further into the wilderness of the Rondane with the wonderful cabin at Rondvassbu as our goal. This DNT hut offers excellent cosy accommodation in an incredible landscape with the nearby ice falls just begging to be photographed. The route to Rondvassbu is relatively easy with just a gentle climb into the high valley at the end of Lake Rondvatnet. There are two possible routes into the valley either soon the lower hard packed marked ski trail or over a nearby small mountains. Once at the cabin you can choose to either relax for the rest of the afternoon in a comfy armchair by the fire with a nice glass of wine, beer or hot chocolate, or your ski guide might suggest a short tour from the hut. It is a great place to savour the wilderness that makes up so much of the Norwegian landscape. 

  • We enjoy a leisurely breakfast today while being entertained by the early morning comings and goings from the cabin. There always seems to be someone arriving, someone leaving towing a sledge, people packing up tents, husky dogs squabbling and playing in the snow, and other people perhaps making snow structures on the lake.  Once we have our skis prepped and ready, there are various options for today from heading across Lake Rondvatnet to climbing one of the nearby summits. A popular ski tour is the climb to the summit of Fremre Illmannhøe which sits at 1602m (5254ft) and can be viewed from the cabin. This lovely summit offers a descent down the north side following a gentle gully line which drops into another valley before descending back to Rondvassbu. From the top you can see Rondemassivet, and all the area south east of the cabin. We return to Rondvassbu for a second night. 

  • Our final day is a 'ski out' from Rondvassbu. Depending on the weather we again have the option of a high route over the tops, or a low route along the marked ski trail. By now you should be feeling confident on your skis, and be gliding along the route with minimal effort and a huge smile on your face! The journey back takes us through some beautiful terrain, and en route we will pass Smuksjøseter where we can fuel up with a hot chocolate before the final few kilometres to our overnight at Høvringen. If you want to shorten the final day you can ask at Smuksjøseter for a taxi ride in one of the 'weasels', thought this will be at your own coast. These old WW2 all-terrain vehicles were later adapted into 'snow coaches' and continued to be used for many years, and still are, in the mountains of Norway. We return tonight to our hotel original hotel where our luggage will be waiting. A sauna, followed by a drink in the lounge with mountain views, and a good dinner mark the end of your ski adventure in the Rondane. 

  • This morning we will take a transfer from your hotel to the railway & bus station at Otta.  For details refer to 'Arrival & Departure' under 'Trip Information'.

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. 

Accommodation

On all of our trips we aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, comfortable, characterful, family run accommodation. We take time to research, update and view the best options available to us on every trip. Detailed below are the hotels we use on this trip. The trip fees are based on two people sharing a room, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. However, on many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee, though we advise early booking.

All the accommodation is very comfortable, whether it be in the lodges or the DNT mountain huts. On this trip we spend the first three nights and the last night in the mountain lodge at Høvringen in en suite rooms, where single rooms may be available. One night at Smuksjøseter in a traditional mountain cabin with shared toilets, showers, and saunas. Single rooms might be available here.  All the accommodation is very comfortable, including the nights in the mountain when your huts are more like mountain lodges. The DNT cabin at Rondvassbu is a staffed cabin, and all meals which are of excellent quality, and with a wine list, are prepared for you. This hut also has showers and a lovely cosy lounge with an open fire. The DNT cabin at Rondvassbu is a staffed cabin, and all meals which are of excellent quality, and with a wine list, are prepared for you. Depending on the date of the trip you might spend one night in an authentic Norwegian unserviced cabin at Rondvassbu.  This has a fully-equipped kitchen, wood-burning stoves, a stockpile of wood (ready for chopping!), chemical toilets and a food store where we help ourselves to supplies. As a group, we will share the tasks of wood-chopping, water collection, cooking, clearing up, etc. Consider it a Norwegian form of 'glamping'! It is NOT a requirement of this trip that you have to be a member of the DNT. 

 

Høvringen Fjellstue

Mountain Lodge

Høvringen Fjellstue is a traditional mountain lodge with an interior featuring antiques and paintings from past mountain life. The lounge area is expansive and has beautiful views to the mountains with a range of comfortable armchairs and tables and a log fire. The lounge is the perfect place to gather at the end of our ski day. The rooms are all en suite, and there is a mixed sauna which was newly renovated in 2024. the lodge is run by Elin whose family have lived at Høvringen for generations. The cross-country ski tracks run past the door of the hotel.  

Smuksjøseter Fjellstue

Mountain Lodge

An overnight stay at Smuksjøseter is a wonderful experience. This historic mountain lodge lies in the heart of the mountains and in winter you can only get there on skis or by the snow coach, which is also know as the 'weasel'. Smuksjøseter has been handed down generation to generation and today is run by Pål Erik who took over from his parents. Today Smuksjøseter is a modern mountain lodge with shower, toilet and broadband in all rooms. The food is all home made, and there is a cosy restaurant to enjoy. The lodge also has a drying room and two saunas for your use. 

Rondvassbu

DNT Staffed Cabin

The DNT hut at Rondvassbu is in a stunning location next to frozen ice falls that cascade down the mountainside. The hut is more like a cosy mountain hotel and offers great food, and comfort in the wilderness. Enjoy a local beer, and some waffles with cream and jam at the end of your day of off-track skiing. Rondvassbu is in the middle of Rondane National Park, next to Lake Rondevatnet. Svartnuten, the black peak, towers behind the lodge, and behind it you will find various summits at over 2000 meters, (6560ft), such as Storronden, Vinjeronden, and the highest of them all, Rondslottet at 2178m (7143ft).  Sleeping arrangements are in either room for 2 or 4 people, or large dorms. We always aim to secure rooms for a maximum of 2 people sharing, but this is not always possible.


  • Adventure Lightly, Leave Only Footprints

    • Carry your own kit – it's all part of the adventure, no support vans
    • Cozy hut stays – escape to peaceful, hidden trails
    • Green travel – take a train from anywhere in Europe and use local public transport upon arrival
    • Eco-friendly skiing – we use non-fluor ski waxes and rent skis from local businesses
    • Local produce – enjoy meals made with locally sourced ingredients
    • Keep it green – our stays are big on recycling!
    • Say no to single-use – help us cut down on plastic waste
    • Leave no trace – everything, even tissues, comes off the mountain with you
    • Low-carbon destination –Norway has a low carbon footprint, using hydroelectric power & energy-efficient buildings 
  • Arrival

    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.

    Travelling to Oslo by Air: 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

    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, arriving at Otta at 1754hrs. 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.

    Departure

    At the end of the trip we have included a transfer back to Otta station, where you can then take connecting trains to Oslo. The train arrives at Oslo Gardermoen at 1301hrs which should allow time for flights booked from around 1500hrs.   

  • 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.

  • The great news is that in Norway there is no ski pass to buy, the tracks are free to everyone.

    With regard to the skis for this trip we use metal edged or half metal edged skis which makes it easier to control your speed and direction. The skis are in general waxing skis and grip wax is used. The hire skis were new in 2024 and are from the Norwegian Åsnes range. 

    The cost of ski hire will be 950 NOK for winter 2025 for 6 days hire. Payment for this can be made by credit card or in cash. If you have your own NNN boots the cost will be 750 NOK. 

  • 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. You will carry all your kit for the hut to hut tour in your rucksack. Extra luggage can be left at Bessheim Fjellstue for our return. 

    Group equipment - we share out waxes, 2/3 snow shovels, emergency lightweight shelters, a snow probe, and any repair kit amongst the group members. 

    Equipment

    The preferred skis and boots required for this trip are metal-edged Nordic touring skis similar in width to the Fischer E109, side cut 82-60-70. The 'sidecut' refers to the width of the ski in millimetres; at the tip, the middle, and the tail. You should avoid any skis that are narrower than the E99, side cut 66-54-61, so less than 54mm in the middle or 'waist'. Any narrower and the skis are not appropriate for off-track skiing.

    Boots should be leather or soft plastic, such as the Garment Excursion, with vibram soles.  Poles should be of touring length and fit snugly into the armpit with the basket on the snow surface. If in doubt about the suitability of your own skis please contact us.

    Skis, boots, and poles - can be hired on arrival, you should have notified us upon booking if you require to hire. If you are hiring boots we strongly recommend that you tape up your heels and any areas which are possible issues, such as a bunion, BEFORE skiing in the boots. Do not take any chances and risk ruining your holiday. We recommend Tensoplast as a tape that can help avoid blisters. It should be applied the night before and left to 'set' into the shape of your foot. 

    • 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
    • Rucksack - 40 to 50 litres with waist and chest strap. You need space to carry your kit for 6 days of touring, and an item of group kit
    • Rucksack waterproof cover or liner to keep contents dry
    • 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
    • Climbing skins - long
    • Kick skins if appropriate - newer skis have the ability to attach a short skin under foot
    • Head torch - plus spare batteries
    • Carry mat - rolled up

    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
    • Thin fleece - long sleeves
    • Waistcoat - fleece/wind stopper 
    • Gloves x 2 (one thick and one thin)
    • 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 
    • Ski Goggles
    • Snack bars/chocolate
    • Anti-bacterial hand wash
    • Tissues - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish
    • Sleeping bag liner, also known as a 'sheet sleeping bag' - compulsory
    • Small 'Pack' towel 
    • Slippers for use at accommodation

    Personal First Aid

    • Personal medication 
    • Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)
    • Tape for strapping feet - Strappal or Tensoplast
    • 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
    • DNT Membership Number (still to be confirmed if necessary)
    • Cash - Norwegian Kroner - most places now take cards
    • GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover 

    Additional Items

    • Camera/ Book/Music
    • Minimalist Toiletries – soap/toothpaste etc
    • Ear plugs 
    • Small thermos for hot drinks
    • Padlock for any luggage stored while on tour

    **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.

  • This trip is designed as a continuation from our trip at Kvitåvatn: Off Track Skills & Touring where the focus is on introducing track skiers to the joys of off-track skiing. You can read all our grades HERE. But for convenience we have given the ski grade of this trip below:

    Previous Experience:  You should have completed at least one week of 'classic' skiing on prepared tracks at an Intermediate level with instruction.

    Skills Set: On groomed tracks you should be confident about controlling speed and direction, have a solid ‘snowplough’ and be able to competently make snowplough turns. You should be able to ski under control on a variety of terrain both uphill, and downhill. The most important skill is the ability to stay upright while skiing with a rucksack. If your trip includes a trip to a hut you will be expected to carry a medium sized daypack, but no more than 10 kgs (22 lbs). Repeated falling leads quickly to exhaustion and jeopordises the group safety. Descending slopes most commonly involves traversing then a stem, or kick turn, followed by another traverse and so on. A telemark turn is not necessary although you may have an understanding of the telemark turn. 

    Terrain: You should enjoy being in remote and wild mountain areas and have a good fitness level. You should be comfortable with winter weather, which may include snowfall and cold winds. For this reason we expect a degree of self-sufficiency in terms of keeping yourself warm, and dry. You should be happy to ski on a variety of snow including snow that is less than perfect which may be firm, crusty or icy. This trip may include some steep sections with bends, as well as narrow tracks.

    Fitness: Time on skis will be 5-6 hours per day covering approximately 10-20 km (6.2-10.4 miles) per day.  

  • 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.

  • There is the possibility of booking a single room on this trip for the first three nights at Høvringen Fjellstue and on the last night, again at Høvringen. It also might be possible at Smuksjoseter, but this requires us to check first of all with the accommodation. If all 5 nights are available with single rooms the supplement will be £135 per person and if only 4 nights are available it will be £80. Please contact us if you want more information with regard to the availability of single rooms. 

  • We go to great lengths to work with first class ski instructors who are passionate about their work. 

    Your ski guide/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. 

  • On this trip you will have access to your luggage while staying at Høvringen at the beginning and end of your adventure. The days we ski to Smuksjøseter and then on to Rondvassbu you will be carrying a few extra items for your overnight stays in the cabins in your rucksack, but you will not have access to your main luggage. Our accommodation does not have a lift, and you should be able to carry your luggage up several flights of stairs to your bedroom.

  • Lunches are included in your trip fee. In Norway it is traditional to prepare your packed lunch from the items in the breakfast buffet. The accommodation supplies paper and a bag to put your sandwiches in. This also includes a thermos fill up of coffee/tea/juice.

  • 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. 

  • Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have a map detailing the entire trip you can refer to the one below:

    Calazo - Rondane 1:50,000

    Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have a map detailing the entire trip you can refer to the one below:

    Calazo - Rondane 1:50,000

  • The DNT system of cabins in Norway is a wonderful concept. 'DNT' stands for Den Norske Turistforening, which translates to the 'Norwegian Trekking Association'.  

    According to the DNT local member associations operate 550 cabins across Norway. They maintain a network of about 22,000 km (13,730 miles) of marked hiking trails and about 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 usually have showers, and drying rooms for damp clothing. They also have a licence to serve alcohol and normally sell a few basic items such as snacks, batteries, first aid items etc. If you wish further details about your particular trip and the accommodation please look at the individual accommodation items which have a hyperlink to the cabin website for further information. 

    Staffed cabins

    Staffed cabins serve all meals; breakfast, dinner and a picnic lunch which you make yourself from the breakfast buffet. Meals are excellent in both quality and quantity. Almost all of them have showers and electricity, either from the power grid or from a local generator and you will be able to charge electrical items. They are very cosy and traditional in style and are just as comfortable as a rustic hotel. Staffed cabins are open only in certain seasons.

    Self-service cabins

    The self-service cabins are equipped with all that we need for cooking and sleeping. Firewood, gas, kitchen utensils, table linen and bunks with blanks or duvets and pillows. We do require you to bring a 'sheet sleeping bag liner' for reasons of hygiene. The cabins are also stocked with tinned and dried food which means we do not have to carry provisions! It is not possible to 'reserve' beds in self-service cabins and it is a case of 'first come, first served'. We aim to arrive in good time to secure the necessary number of beds which are usually in rooms with between 2 - 8 bunk beds. If we arrive late in the day and the cabin is already crowded then as 'members of the DNT' you will have priority over non-members in terms of acquiring a mattress. Please note this may be a mattress on the floor, think of it as camping, but with a roof!

    In the self-service cabins we look after ourselves: fetch water, cook food, wash up and chop wood. At the cabin we fill out a payment form which details everything we have used. The DNT then contact us on our email addresses and we make payment for your stay. 

    You can read more about the DNT system and what to expect in terms of accommodation at the cabins in our Blog.

  • 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.  

    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. 

  • 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.

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Grade: Intermediate

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At a Glance

From Price £2195
Holiday Type Low Impact
Duration 8 Days
Group Size 4-8
Minimum Age 18
Maximum Altitude 2500m (8200ft)
Countries Visited Norway
Meet In Otta, Norway
View all Low Impact Holidays

Why book with T&T?

  • Highly professional guides
  • Personal service guaranteed 
  • Attention to detail throughout
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Single rooms on request
  • No surcharge guaranteed
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