Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing in Norway
Explore the winter landscapes of Valdres and Jotunheimen on snowshoes. Walk through snow-covered birch forests, across open mountain plateaus and beneath the peaks of Jotunheimen National Park. Our winter hiking trips range from short outings to multi-day holidays, with guided and self-guided options.
Snowshoeing is a practical way to enjoy winter hiking in Norway without skiing. Snowshoes help you move through deep snow, opening up opportunities to explore beyond groomed trails. Choose a trip that suits your experience and enjoy time outdoors in the Norwegian mountains.
Winter Hiking in Valdres and Jotunheimen
Valdres and Jotunheimen offer varied terrain for winter walks, from sheltered forests to open slopes with wide mountain views. Around Kamben, you can explore the rolling mountain landscapes of Valdres, while Filefjell offers a base for snowshoeing near the western mountains of Jotunheimen.
For a different mountain experience, choose a trip that combines snowshoeing with a snowcoach journey from Tyin to Eidsbugarden. Here, beside Lake Bygdin, you are surrounded by the peaks of Jotunheimen National Park.
The landscape changes throughout winter. Midwinter brings short days and soft light, while later in the season you have longer daylight hours for exploring. Routes depend on snow and weather conditions.
Snowshoeing Multi-Day Trips
Experience the winter in Norway on one of our multi-day snowshoe trips! These trips include a super cozy basecamp, which provides you with a comfy home to unwind und rest next to your exciting daily snowshoe hikes. This can be a cozy mountain lodge or a traditional Norwegian mountain village. Choose self-guided hikes on your own or book one of our guided showshoeing holidays.
Snowshoeing Daytrips
Snowshoeing is the perfect way to experience the winter in Norway! Being active outdoors in the north in winter is really an experience when using snowshoes. You can walk offtrack and enjoy peace and quietness – either on you own or together with a guide. You can combine snowshoeing perfectly with a ride on one of our snow coaches or with other outdoor activities like ice fishing or dog sledding!
Snowshoeing Explained
Snowshoeing is an extension of hiking, perfect for exploring winter landscapes like Jotunheimen. It involves walking on snow with snowshoes, which distribute your weight over a larger area to prevent sinking. This makes it easier to move through snowy terrain.
Snowshoes fit over regular hiking boots and have sturdy frames with fabric straps for maneuverability. Their lightweight design prevents snow buildup and ensures even weight distribution.
This growing winter hobby is accessible to all ages and fitness levels. Requiring minimal skills and experience, it’s a safe and enjoyable way to explore snowy environments.
Give Snowshoeing a Go?
› Easy to Learn
Snowshoeing is simple and requires little to no training, making it ideal for beginners and families.
› Explore Winter Landscapes
Discover beautiful snow-covered trails in places like Jotunheimen that may be inaccessible to skiers.
› Low-Impact Activity
Snowshoeing is gentle on the joints, making it a great option for people of all fitness levels.
› Affordable
Compared to skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing requires less equipment and no expensive lessons.
› Burns Calories
It’s a fantastic cardiovascular workout, known for burning more calories than hiking or walking on flat terrain.
› Accessible for All Ages
Whether young or old, snowshoeing is a fun winter activity everyone can enjoy.
› No Crowded Slopes
Enjoy the peace and serenity of nature without the crowds typical of ski resorts.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. PERSONAL ADVICE.
Get ready for winter with Ann Kristin Berget – Booking Manager and local expert
Not sure what to pack for an active winter holiday in Norway? Our team shares practical advice on dressing for days outdoors in Valdres and Jotunheimen.
Learn how to combine layers, protect yourself from the wind and adjust your clothing to your activity level. From wool base layers to gloves and extra warmth for breaks, our guide helps you prepare for your winter trip.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SNOWSHOEING
You probably have some questions about snowshoes and snowshoeing. Here, we have gathered the most frequently asked questions along with their answers. If you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Do I need special footwear to use snowshoes?
Waterproof and insulated hiking boots work best. The boots should provide good ankle support and be comfortable for long walks.
How difficult is it for beginners to snowshoe?
Snowshoeing is quite intuitive, and most people learn the basic techniques quickly. However, it’s a good idea to start on easy terrain to become comfortable with the equipment.
How long does it take to learn to use snowshoes effectively?
Most people can learn to walk comfortably on snowshoes within one trip, but more advanced techniques for steep terrain may require additional experience.
What are the main benefits of using snowshoes on winter hikes?
Snowshoes provide stability and prevent you from sinking into deep snow, making it easier to move through rugged terrain in winter.