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
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.
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Experience Jotunheimen with us!