Photo: Cathrine Dokken

Backcountry Skiing – The Classic Round Trip in Jotunheimen

8 days, self-guided

Embark on an 8-day self-guided backcountry ski tour, completing the classic route in Jotunheimen National Park. Starting in Gjendesheim, cross Lake Gjende, ski towards Leirvassbu, and explore the high mountains around Galdhøpiggen. Finish your adventure via Glitterheim. This impressive winter journey, including bus transport from/to Oslo, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for advanced backcountry skiers.

 

 

Highlights

  • The classic lodge to lodge winter route
  • Backcountry skiing in Jotunheimen
  • Experience cozy accommodation

Included

  • Bus transport from/to Oslo
  • 7x Accommodation incl. breakfast
  • 7x Packed lunch and dinner
  • Map and detailed tour description
  • Beeswax wrap

Season and Price 2025

Date: March – April – daily arrivals

First arrival day: 16.03.2025
Last arrival day: 15.04.2025

Price:
1 person in doubbelroom:
NOK 18.500

Single room supplement:
NOK 3.200

Children 12 – 17 years
NOK 17.200

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.

Please note:
The Valdresflye road is closed during winter until Easter, with no official opening date, making bus arrival uncertain. If you start your tour in March, we will book you a train through Gudbrandsdalen with a pickup from Otta to Gjendesheim as an alternative. There is an extra fee for this service – please check the price list.

You will have time to check your equipment and do a short test ski tour in the surroundings to ensure you are well prepared for the upcoming trip.

Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT cabin

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: 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. This is a relatively short day to your next accommodation, giving you plenty of time to prepare your gear and get accustomed to backcountry skiing in Norway.

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.

For those seeking additional activities, explore the Memuru Valley on skis or try ice fishing. If you choose ice fishing, the host will provide the necessary equipment and guidance. If successful, you might enjoy your catch for dinner.

Accommodation: Memurubu cabin

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

 

 

Day 3: 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 Veslådalen.

Accommodation: Gjendebu DNT cabin

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Please note: If you start your tour before April 1st, Gjendebu will not be staffed, and you will need to stay in the self-service cabin. You can pick food from the storage (included) to prepare your own meals, giving you a true DNT-member experience.

Day 4: Backcountry skiing Gjendebu – Leirvassbu

Activity: Backcountry skiing Gjendebu – Leirvassbu

Time: 6-8 hours, Distance: 19 kilometers, ↑ 650 meters

Today, the first long and challenging stage awaits you. You will climb steadily up the valleys to over 1400 meters above sea level, surrounded by beautiful winter scenery. This day requires focus to reach your goal, but also offers the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding day out in the mountains.

Accommodation: Leirvassbu DNT cabin

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 4: Backcountry skiing Leirvassbu - Spiterstulen

Activity: Backcountry skiing Leirvassbu – Spiterstulen

Time: 5-7 hours, Distance: 15 kilometers, ↑ 120 meters

Today, you will follow a mostly downhill valley route to Spiterstulen. Aside from a small ascent, the trail is generally flat or descending. In good weather, you can enjoy the wonderful winter landscape, far away from civilization in Norway.

Accommodation: Spiterstulen

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 6: Backcountry skiing Spiterstulen - Glitterheim

Activity: Backcountry skiing Spiterstulen – Glitterheim

Time: 6-7 hours, Distance: 17 kilometers, ↑ 600 meters

A long climb awaits you at the start of the day, taking you up to 1600 meters above sea level. This effort rewards you with stunning views of Norway’s highest mountains, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. However, in bad weather, this climb can be quite demanding due to the high altitude. After reaching the saddle, a long, slightly descending track will lead you to your accommodation for the night, Glitterheim.

Accommodation: Glitterheim DNT cabin

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 7: Backcountry skiing Glitterheim - Gjendesheim

Activity: Backcountry skiing Glitterheim – Gjendesheim

Time: 6-8 hours, Distance: 22 kilometers, ↑ 580 meters

Your last skiing day is also the longest one. Today, you’ll cover 22 km, starting with a steep ascent before skiing down to Russvatnet. Then, you’ll climb up a small saddle and enjoy a steep downhill to Gjendesheim, where you can celebrate your achievement of circumnavigating Jotunheimen along the Classic Route. Congratulations!

Accommodation: Gjendesheim DNT cabin

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 8: Departure day to Oslo or Bergen

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 (8 days)
NOK 3.300

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

Bus/Train via Otta

+ NOK 800 per person, one way

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.

     

     

    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.

    Leirvassbu DNT-cabin
    Leirvassbu stands out for its stunning location in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park, surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The hut offers a cozy and comfortable retreat for hikers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts, with excellent food and accommodations. Leirvassbu is also a hub for guided tours and outdoor activities, such as glacier walks and summit hikes, making it a perfect base for exploring the wilderness of Norway.

    Spiterstulen Turisthytte
    Spiterstulen is a mountain hut located in Jotunheimen National Park, Norway, and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks, as well as being a popular starting point for hikers climbing Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Norway.

    Glitterheim DNT-cabin

    Glitterheim is a Norwegian mountain lodge situated in a scenic location and accessible only by hiking or skiing. It offers stunning views, a peaceful atmosphere, and a unique experience for those seeking adventure in nature.

    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

    Hard

    Necessary Experience

    This backcountry ski tour is suitable for most skiers in average shape. The daily distances range from 10 to 20 km, with up to 600 meters of climbing per day. However, winter weather conditions can make this tour very demanding. Heavy snowfalls, strong winds, and whiteouts can turn an easy day into a tough trip. Additionally, skiing for six consecutive days with limited opportunities to drop out makes it challenging. Therefore, it is not recommended for beginners. You need sufficient winter outdoor experience to ensure a safe and enjoyable tour.

    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.

    Please note:

    The Valdresflye road is closed during winter until Easter, with no official opening date, making bus arrival uncertain. If you start your tour in March, we will book you a train through Gudbrandsdalen with a pickup from Otta to Gjendesheim as an alternative. There is an extra fee for this service – please check the price list.

    You may also like