Photo: Cathrine Dokken
The Classic Backcountry Skiing Round Trip in Jotunheimen
8 Days | Self-Guided | Winter | Backcountry Skiing | Jotunheimen
Follow 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
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.
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.
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.
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
Difficulty levels for backcountry skiing tours, Jotunheimen Travel
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.
Hard
Daily Distance: up to 30 kilometres
Ascent: up to 1500 ascent meter
Terrain: Well-marked winter routes that can include longer daily distances with a big amount of ascent metres
On these trips, we spend a lot of time in demanding terrain, and there might be long ascents and descents. The daily stages are usually around 6-8 hours with long distances on several consecutive days with limited opportunities to drop out.
Therefore, trips classified with hard are not recommended for beginners. You need sufficient winter outdoor experience, a good physical shape and good backcountry skiing skills to ensure a safe and enjoyable tour!
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.
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!