Journey on skis along the Trolls Trail marathon route

Arrival

To reach the start of the tour in Norway you will travel north by train from Oslo to the town of Otta. At Otta we have one group transfer from Otta train station to our first accommodation which is included in your trip fee and refers only to the train arriving at approximately 1735hrs. Details of discounts, including those for Senior Citizens, can be found here

Travelling to Norway 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 Rail Europe or The Train Line. If you're travelling from the UK or USA 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 you can view the example given below which shows how to get from the UK to Copenhagen, in Denmark.

Travel from London, England, to Brussels, Belgium using the Eurostar. These tickets can be purchased up to 6 months ahead of your travel date. Then book a train from Brussels, in Belgium to Gothenburg, in Sweden, (Gotëborg) adding a stopover in Copenhagen, Denmark. For this you can use the German Railway website. A full day on the train sees you arriving in Copenhagen in the evening. 

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

Travelling to Oslo by Air:  You can fly 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 reach the start of the tour in Norway you will travel north by train from Oslo to the town of Otta. 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 1735hrs. At Otta we have one group transfer from Otta train station to our first accommodation which is included in your trip fee and refers only to the train arriving at approximately 1735hrs.

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. Train tickets should be purchased as soon as possible as they can be 'sold out'. Some services may not be available for purchase until 60 days before departure. 

Departure

At the end of the trip we stay overnight in Lillehammer, normally very close to or at the railway station. You have a wide choice of trains times from Lillehammer to Oslo beginning in the early morning.

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. 

Equipment

Skis, boots, and poles - can be hired at the start of the trip. The cost of hire is indicated in 'Trip Information'. This trips uses Nordic touring skis with half-metal edges and NNN BC bindings. If you are bringing your own skis they must fit in the tracks. Ideally no wider than 60mm, but an absolute maximum of 66mm otherwise your skis will 'catch' in the tracks and you will not have a good experience. Boots also need to fit in the tracks. If in doubt about the suitability of your own skis please contact us.

• Rucksack - 30 to 35 litres with waist and chest strap. You need space to carry your kit, an item of group kit and food for the hut night 

• 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

• Emergency foil survival/blanket bag

• Sit mat - to isolate you from the ground

• Ski ties - useful, but not essential

• Ski scraper - to remove ice from your skis

• Grip waxes & Cork - if you are using waxing skis

• Whistle

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

Comfort

• Lip salve

• Sunscreen - essential

• Sunglasses - essential

• Goggles - or Nordic Ski Visor

• Snack bars/chocolate

• Tissues 

• Anti-bacterial hand wash

Personal First Aid

• Personal medication 

• Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)

• Painkillers/anti-inflammatory

• Glucose tablets/Energy gel

• 2 x Re-hydration sachets - eg Dioralyte

• Throat lozenges

• Antiseptic cream/spray

Documentation

• Mountain Rescue/Ski Insurance documents - compulsory

• Passport

• Credit card

• Cash - Norwegian Kroner

• GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover

Additional Items

• Slippers for use at accommodation

• Clothing for use at accommodation

• Hair dryer if required (it is not standard for Norwegian hotels to provide one)

• Travel Kettle if required (it is not standard for Norwegian hotels to provide one)

• Swimwear for when a sauna is available

• Camera/ Book/Music

• Toiletries - soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these

• Toiletries - mini versions - for Vetabua hut night

• Ear plugs for hut night

• Small thermos for hot drinks

• Short gaiters for snowy days

• Head torch - plus spare batteries

• Sheet sleeping bag - for Vetabua hut night. Either ‘silk’ which is lighter, but expensive, or ‘cotton’ which is cheaper but heavier

• Small travel towel for Vetabua hut night

• Padlock - for luggage being transferred

• Microspikes/boot grippers - optional, for icy conditions on the street/car park

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

Medium sized kitbag – you must be able to lift your luggage as not all hotels have elevators. Your luggage will be transported each day by taxi and therefore we ask that you restrict your luggage to ONE item.

Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit

Skis You can use either a fish scale ski, waxing ski, or skis with integrated 'skins', but we do request that you have metal or half-metal edges for extra control on descents. 

Rental Ski Packs The skis are 'skintec' skis with a half-metal edge, such as the Åsnes Mountain Race 48 Skin and are mounted with a Rottefellar NNN-binding. Skis, poles and boots, will be 1400 NOK for winter 2027 for 6 days hire. There will be a small increase for winter 2028. We ask that you book your equipment directly from the Rondane Ski Centre and a link, with instructions for booking these, will be sent to you once the holiday is confirmed. The ski centre charges 600 NOK to collect the skis from the end of your tour. This service can be booked at the time of booking your ski pack. The ski centre does have a small number of half-metal edged Åsnes skis with NNN BC bindings.

Ski Pass There is no charge for using the ski tracks in Norway, and therefore no ski pass is required.

This is a brilliant adventure on skis and one which is very popular with our guests due to the remote and wild nature of the landscape. BUT we cannot emphasise enough that you must have a good mental and physical attitude to dealing with varying weather and snow conditions, and a good level of fitness. You may experience everything from perfect powder snow to icy rutted tracks. On your second day of skiing you will spend the majority of the day off-track where there are no groomed trails and you will be on a wonderful high and exposed plateau. 

Your safety while skiing is our 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. 

• Respect for others
  A cross-country skier must ski in such a manner that they do does endanger or prejudice others.

• Respect for signs, direction and running style
  Trail marking signs must be respected on any trail marked with an indicated direction. A skier shall proceed only in that indicated direction and ski in the indicated running style.

• Choice of trails and tracks
  On cross-country trails with more than one packed track, a skier should choose the right-hand track. Skiers in groups must keep in the right track behind each other. With free running style, skiers shall keep to their right-hand-side of the trail.

• Overtaking
  A skier is permitted to overtake and pass another skier to the left or right. A skier ahead is not obliged to give way to an overtaking skier, but should allow a faster skier to pass whenever this is possible.

• Encounter
  Cross-country skiers meeting while skiing opposite directions shall keep to their right. A descending skier has priority.

• Poles
  A cross-country skier shall make the utmost effort to keep their poles close to their body when near another skier.

• Control of speed
  A cross-country skier, and especially going downhill, shall always adapt their speed to personal ability and to the prevailing terrain and visibility and to the traffic on the course. Every skier should keep a safe distance from the skiers ahead. As a last resort, an intentional fall should be used to avoid collision.

• Keeping trails and tracks clear
  A skier who stops must leave the trail. In the case of a fall, they shall clear the trail without delay.

• Accident
  In case of an accident, everyone should render assistance.

• Identification
  Everybody at an accident, whether witnesses, responsible parties or not, must establish their identity. 

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.

The skiing on the Trolls Trail can range from perfect groomed snow to icy/rutted tracks. In Norway they groom the tracks after snowfall, and if there has not been any fresh snowfall for a few weeks, then it may be several weeks since they were groomed. On the second day of skiing approximately one-third of the day will be off-track and the conditions can be very challenging and icy, or they can be glorious. This trip is Expert level and you should be able to ski any type of snow. You should also be competent at keeping yourself warm, hydrated, and fuelled while dealing with potentially inclement weather conditions. 

On the day we ski the off-track section, from Mysuseter to Venabygdsfjellet, your Instructor has our authority to ask you to opt out of this day and go via taxi transfer to the next accommodation.This scenario may occur if your technique and fitness during the first day of skiing proves challenging for you. As you have signed up for an Expert level trip this off-track section should be within your capability. If you have taken this day off, and travelled to the next accommodation by vehicle, you can, on arrival, enjoy ski-ing the groomed trails around our hotel. We have guided this trip for many years, and our Instructors have the experience to know when this is the best choice for you. 

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.

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 £415 in 2027 and £450 in 2028.

We go to great lengths to work with first-class ski instructors who are passionate about their work. They 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 trips your ski instructor will hold the national qualification required for the country you are visiting. All are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.

In the majority of cases your instructor will also be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's 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, culture and traditions. Your instructor has complete discretion to make a decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. You can learn more about our guides and instructors at About Us. 

On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support every night except one, which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required.

As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.

On the night we are in Vetabua DNT hut there is no access to your luggage and you will be required to carry a few extra overnight items, including some of the food which is required for dinner and breakfast. 

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.

Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you will find that those listed below cover the route: 

Nordeca: Høvringen - Kvamsfjellet 1:50,000

Nordeca 2509: Ringebu 1:50,000

Nordeca 2495: Øyer - Lillehammer 1:50,000

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. There is pleasure to starting your ski day in the sunrise, and skiing back with the sunset. Temperatures in December average -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°). Temperatures be lower, but rarely below  -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 great ski tracks. If we 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) we would expect you to be able to be efficient and keep moving and to manage your comfort.

Food On 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 ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. 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 If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.

Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.

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. 

If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our winter activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here.

We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel:

Best Strength Workout for XC Skiing | Physio-Approved Ski Prep Exercises

Cross-Country Ski Warm-Up Guide | Essential Mobility & Activation Exercises

Cool Down for XC Skiers | Prevent Injury & Boost Recovery

Or if you would like to read our blog on suggestions for preparing for either cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing click here

On this trip your lunches are included in your trip fee. In Norway it is traditional to make your own packed lunch from the breakfast ingredients. Breakfast is normally a buffet with a large range of food on offer. You will be supplied with paper to wrap your sandwiches, but you might like to bring a lunch box. Bring a thermos flask for hot drinks.