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

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.

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 (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