Photo: Cathrine Dokken
Explore Jotunheimen on Backcounty Skis from Lodge to Lodge
6 Days | Self-Guided | Winter | Backcountry Skiing | Jotunheimen
Set out on Backcountry-Ski along 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
General notice about necessary experience
Embarking on a multi-day backcountry ski tour is achievable for anyone in normal to good shape and who is eager to learn skiing and be active outdoors in winter. Beginners can quickly pick up backcountry skiing, and since backcountry skiing tours often have few technical challenges, most people can even complete more demanding trips with a guide.
However, winter conditions can make any tour more demanding than it appears in sunny, picturesque winter photos. Be prepared for tough weather, including strong (head-) winds and deep snow, which can make the cold feel very uncomfortable.
With the right preparation, including the knowledge of the correct use of equipment (that can be conveyed by a guide), these challenges can be managed, transforming a tough winter tour into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Luggage transport
For backcountry skiing trips you need to take the luggage you need during the trip on you own. The luggage you need for travelling to and from the start/end of the trip can be stored at the starting point or will be brought to the final accommodation of your trip.
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 and your thermos 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
Note: Please keep in mind, that the difficulty level can be more demanding and higher on a multi-day tour than stated. The daily stages are rated to the stated general classification – but being out on tours like this for multiple days may change the level to higher levels since the cumulated exhaustion can increase over several days without resting day. Please get in contact with us if you are not sure about your personal level.
Medium
Daily Distance: 10 to 20 kilometres
Ascent: up to 1000 ascent meter
Terrain: Well-marked winter routes where longer sections can collect ascent meters over a longer distance
On these ski stages there can be long ascents and descents. The tours are usually around 4-7 hours with a remarkable number of kilometres. It can include longer up- and downhills, which require that you are in good physical shape and have basic backcountry skiing skills.
Backcountry Skis and Ski tracks
We recommend backcountry skis with steel edges. For an easy use under all conditions, we recommend waxless skis in combination with short skins for going easy on uphill sections.
The trails you will follow are well-marked with branch sticks (so called “kvister”) placed every 20 meters. These tracks are not groomed like cross-country trails. Sometimes, you may find firm tracks when skiers have used the tracks, 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 under these conditions.
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
Experience Jotunheimen with us!