Photo: Cathrine Dokken
6-Day Self-guided Backcountry Ski Tour in Jotunheimen National Park
6 days, self-guided
Set out on a 6-day self-guided backcountry ski tour through Jotunheimen National Park. Ski Norway’s highest mountain range, from Gjendesheim to Eidsbugarden, while enjoying breathtaking views. Designed for experienced skiers, this adventure offers pristine nature and well-marked trails, allowing you to navigate independently and experience an unforgettable journey through this majestic landscape.
Highlights
- Backcountry skiing in Jotunheimen
- Experience cozy accommodation
Included
- Bus transport from/to Oslo
- 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: April – daily arrivals
First arrival day: 01.04.2025
Last arrival day: 18.04.2025
Price:
1 person in doubbelroom:
NOK 14.600
Single room supplement:
NOK 1.800
Children 12 – 17 years
NOK 12.950
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
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 (6days)
NOK 3.000
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
Winter conditions can vary greatly, ranging from warm, pleasant weather with sunshine to sudden storms, poor visibility, cold, and heavy snowfalls that make skiing very demanding. Therefore, it is crucial to know how to handle such conditions.
We do not recommend this backcountry ski tour for beginners. Participants must have substantial outdoor experience, including proficiency with the necessary equipment, and be able to use a GPS, map, and compass. Additionally, maintaining composure in difficult weather is essential.
If you lack this experience, we suggest opting for our guided backcountry ski tour, where you can feel safe and enjoy the journey, even on bad weather days.
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.
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.
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Experience Jotunheimen with us!