Photo: Cathrine Dokken

6-Day guided Backcountry Ski Tour in Jotunheimen National Park

6 days, guided

Embark on a 6-day guided backcountry ski tour through Jotunheimen National Park. Ski from Gjendesheim to Eidsbugarden, conquering Norway’s highest mountains while enjoying stunning views. Ideal for all skill levels, this winter adventure offers the perfect introduction to backcountry skiing, with expert guidance ensuring a safe and unforgettable journey through Norway’s majestic landscapes.

 

 

Highlights

  • Backcountry skiing in Jotunheimen
  • Experience cozy accommodation
  • Guided tour for beginners and advanced

Included

  • Bus transport from/to Oslo
  • Guide
  • 5x Accommodation incl. breakfast
  • 5x Packed lunch and dinner
  • Snowcoach ride
  • Luggage transport (from the start in Gjendesheim to the end in Fondsbu)
  • Map and detailed tour description
  • Beeswax wrap

Season and Price 2025

Date: 06. – 11.04.2025

Other dates on request

Participants: Min. 4, max. 8

Price:
1 person in doubbelroom:
NOK  22.300

Single room supplement:
NOK 1.850

Children 12 – 17 years
NOK 21.100 

Map

Below you will find practical information about this trip.
Can not find what you are looking for? See our frequently asked questions page, or send us an email – we will help you!

Day to day

Day 1: Transport from Oslo to Gjendesheim

Transport

Bus, Valdresekspressen from Oslo to Gjendesheim

Start your adventure with a morning bus from Oslo. Enjoy a scenic 4-hour journey through the winter wonderland of Valdres, gradually ascending to the majestic mountains of Jotunheimen. En route, you’ll traverse Valdresflye, Norway’s second highest road.

Guide
You will meet our guide at Gjendesheim, where they will hold a meeting with all participants to review the ski tour, check equipment, and ensure everyone is prepared for an incredible week-long backcountry ski adventure.

Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT cabin

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Backcountry Skiing arround Gjendesheim

Activity: Backcountry Skiing arround Gjendesheim

Time: 2-4 hours, Distance: 5-15 kilometers

Today, embark on your first ski tour exploring the picturesque surroundings of Gjendesheim. The diverse landscape features mountains, forests, and breathtaking views. Our guide will provide advice and assistance to ensure everyone gets accustomed to their skis and equipment, allowing us all to enjoy a wonderful winter ski tour through Jotunheimen.

Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT cabin

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

 

 

Day 3: Backcountry Skiing Gjendesheim to Memurubu

Activity: Backcountry Skiing Gjendesheim to Gjendebu

Time: 3 hours, Distance: 10 kilometers, ↑ 100 meters

Today marks the beginning of your Jotunheimen crossing. We ski across the frozen Gjende Lake, following the marked track for a 10 km journey to Memurubu. Upon arrival, check-in and relax by the fireplace with a warm coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
In the afternoon, we will try ice fishing on lake Gjende. If successful, you might enjoy your catch for dinner

Accommodation: Memurubu cabin

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

 

 

Dag 4: Backcountry skiing Memurubu - Gjendebu

Activity: Backcountry skiing Memurubu – Gjendebu 

Time: 3 hours, Distance: 11 kilometers, ↑ 100 meters

We continue our adventure by skiing along the Gjende Lake to its end, where we find Gjendebu, one of the oldest and most unique mountain lodges operated by the DNT. The easy skiing route offers stunning views of towering, steep mountains in an awe-inspiring natural setting.
If you’re up for more skiing, it is possible to do an extra tour up the Storådalen

Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT cabin

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Dag 5: Backcountry skiing Gjendebu – Eidsbugarden

Activity: Backcountry skiing Gjendebu – Eidsbugarden

Time: 5-6 hours, Distance: 17 kilometers, ↑ 610 meters

Today’s journey takes you away from Gjende Lake and up into the mountains. With a climb of about 500 altitude meters, this day will be more challenging, yet equally rewarding, requiring you to utilize your skiing skills to navigate the stunning mountain terrain. After a while, you’ll descend to Bygdin Lake, heading towards your final overnight stay at Eidsbugarden.

Accommodation: Fondsbu DNT cabin

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 6: Departure day to Oslo or Bergen

Snowcoaches to Tyin

Depart the remote village of Eidsbugarden in a historical Bombardier snowcoach, heading to the next road where your bus awaits.

 Bus to Oslo

After almost a week in the mountains, enjoy a comfortable ride back to civilization.

Alternative: Want to visit Bergen? Opt for the bus to Bergen instead of Oslo. You can even combine this transfer with a fjord cruise to Bergen. Contact us for more information.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

Practical information

Below you will find practical information about this trip.
Can not find what you are looking for? See our frequently asked questions page, or send us an email – we will help you!

 

Add-on

Go to Bergen instead of Oslo
NOK 150

You can choose to end your trip in Bergen instead of Oslo. Then you will skip the last cruise to Bygdin and take the bus from your last accommodation.

Ski rental (4 days)
NOK 2.450

incl. Boots, Backcountry-ski (wax or no-wax ski), poles

Extra night in Oslo
Price on request

If you are interested to see the capital of Norway, or your flight is arriving late, you can ad one extra night in Oslo, including breakfast. You can also ad it on the end of the trip.

    Important details

    Necessary experience

    Embarking on a multi-day backcountry ski tour is achievable for anyone in good shape and eager to learn and be active. Beginners can quickly pick up backcountry skiing, and since this tour has few technical challenges, most people can complete it with a guide.

    However, winter conditions can make the tour more demanding than it appears in sunny, picturesque winter photos. Be prepared for tough weather, including strong winds and deep snow, which can make the cold feel very uncomfortable. With a guide and proper preparation, including the correct use of equipment, these challenges can be managed, transforming a tough winter tour into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

    Guide

    Our guide, an expert in the region with a background in guiding and skiing, is dedicated to fulfilling your dream holiday and ensuring you enjoy your time safely. Details about the specific guide will be announced later.

    Participants

    We require a minimum of 4 guests to guarantee the departure. We will inform you of the booking status, and if there are not enough guests, we may cancel the departure up to one month in advance. The maximum number of guests is 8

    Luggage transport

    We will send your luggage from cabin to cabin, so you only need to bring a daypack.

     

    Accommodation

    Gjendesheim DNT-cabin
    Gjendesheim Turisthytte has a history dating back to 1878, ten years after DnT was established. The hut is run by DNT and is located in the heart of the Norwegian mountains. Across the water from the restaurant you will see some old log cabins, one of them is Jo Gjende´s cabin. Jo Gjende (1794 – 27 February 1884) was a Norwegian outdoorsman and freethinker. He is believed to have been the model for Henrik Ibsen´s Peer Gynt. A famous photo of Jo is in the picture book.

    Memurubu Turisthytte
    Memurubu is a tourist hut at the end or start of the famous Besseggen hiking trail. Memurubu is originally an old mountain pasture dating back to 1872, but has had tourists for just as long. Cows are still grazing around the tourist hut, which lies at the mouth of the river Muru in the valley Memurudalen. In 1880, three young Englishmen went on a hunting and fishing trip and had camp in Memurubu. Two years later, they published a book about their experiences. It was published anonymously in London in 1882, and they called it “Three on Norway. By two of them.”

    Gjendebu DNT-cabin
    At 990 m.a.s.l. at the west end of Gjende Lake, you will find Gjendebu totally remote except for access by hiking or boat. The DNT accommodation consists of several cabins and a main house with a beautiful dining room, with good local food – This is the oldest cabin of DNT, built in 1871.

    Fondsbu DNT-cabin
    Fondsbu is located in beautiful Eidsbugarden. The cottage is widely known for its good atmosphere, hosts, and great location. A popular place for hikers.Traditional mountain hotel with large swimming pool, restaurant, lovely lobby area with large fireplace.

    Meals

    At the mountain lodges, we provide delicious meals to fuel your all-day adventures. Breakfast is served as a buffet, where you can also prepare a packed lunch for the day. In the evening, enjoy a 2-3 course dinner. Please inform us of any dietary requirements. Water is always available for free, and alcoholic and other beverages can be purchased on site.

    Diffuculty

    Medium

    Necessary Experience

    This backcountry ski tour is suitable for most skiers in average shape. The daily distances are generally around 10 km, with one day extending to 17 km. The climbs are minimal, making the skiing relatively easy.

    However, winter weather conditions can make this tour more demanding, when strong wind, white-out, and deep snow make skiing more demanding than expected. However, the guide will ensure that everybody will make it safely to the next accommodation.

    Ski tracks

    The trails you will follow are well-marked with branch sticks placed every 20 meters. These tracks are not groomed like cross-country trails. Sometimes, you may find that snowmobiles and other skiers have used the track, but in cases of snowfall and wind, the tracks may disappear. Using backcountry skis, which are wider than cross-country skis, is essential for a good skiing experience. We recommend backcountry skis that are at least 55 mm wide.

    Equipmentlist

    When you book with us, we’ll provide you with a packing list to ensure you have all the necessary clothing and gear.

    Transport

    Travel green by using public transport.

    You will travel with our buses from Oslo (or Bergen) to Jotunheimen. This eco-friendly and comfortable mode of transport ensures a pleasant journey. Our bus drivers are available to assist you with reaching your destination and answering any questions you may have. All buses are equipped with USB/C ports, comfortable seats, toilets, and WiFi.

    There are several departure times to choose from. Please contact us with your travel needs.

    You may also like