Photo: Cathrine Dokken
Backcountry Skiing – The Classic Round Trip in Jotunheimen with guide
8 days, guided
Join us for an 8-day guided ski tour through Jotunheimen National Park. Ski across frozen Lake Gjende, pass Norway’s highest peaks, and stay in cozy mountain lodges like Leirvassbu and Glitterheim. Suitable for medium to skilled skiers, this unforgettable adventure includes transport from/to Oslo, offering a seamless way to experience Norway’s stunning winter landscapes.
Highlights
- The classic lodge to lodge winter route
- Backcountry skiing in Jotunheimen
- Experience cozy accommodation
Included
- Bus transport from/to Oslo
- Guide
- 7x Accommodation incl. breakfast
- 7x Packed lunch and dinner
- Map and detailed tour description
- Beeswax wrap
Season and Price 2025
Date:
23.03.2025 to 30.03.2025
Other departures on request
Participants: Min. 4, max. 8
Price:
1 person in doubbelroom:
NOK 29.500
Single room supplement:
NOK 2.800
Children 12 – 17 years
NOK 28.200
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
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
Ski rental (8 days)
NOK 3.300
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.
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.
Guide
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.
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 eco-friendly by train to Otta, from where we will pick you up and drive you into Jotunheimen and the start destination Gjendesheim.
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Experience Jotunheimen with us!