Cross-Country Skiing Holiday in Norway

The best time to go cross country skiing in Norway typically falls during the winter season, which is generally from November to April. However, the ideal time for your trip can vary depending on your preferences and the specific experience you’re seeking. Here’s a breakdown of the different periods within the winter season:

Early Winter (November – December):
– Early winter is a great time for cross country skiing in Norway, especially for those who enjoy quiet trails and fresh snow. While daylight hours are limited, the landscapes are often covered in a pristine blanket of snow, creating a magical and peaceful atmosphere. Be aware that some areas may not have fully groomed trails in the very early season.

Mid-Winter (January – February):
– Mid-winter is the heart of the cross country skiing season in Norway. The trails are well-maintained, and you can enjoy a mix of daylight and twilight skiing. This period is ideal for those who want a balance between excellent snow conditions and more daylight for skiing and exploring.

Late Winter (March – April):
– Late winter can be a fantastic time for cross country skiing in Norway, especially if you prefer longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. While the snow may begin to melt in some lower-altitude areas, the higher mountains and plateaus usually still offer good skiing conditions. It’s an excellent time for spring skiing.

Ultimately, the “best” time to go cross country skiing in Norway depends on your personal preferences for snow conditions, daylight, and the specific activities you want to enjoy during your trip.

Cross country skiing in Norway requires specific equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a list of the essential gear you’ll need for cross-country skiing in Norway. When you book with us, you will receive an equipment list from us with your travel documents.

Cross Country Skis:
The type of skis you choose will depend on your skill level and the type of terrain you plan to ski on. Classic skis are ideal for groomed trails and tracks, while skate skis are designed for skating on machine-groomed trails. You can rent ski from us when booking one of our packages.

Ski Boots:
Properly fitting ski boots are crucial for comfort and control. Ensure they are compatible with your chosen ski type (classic, skate and binding system).

Ski Poles:
Poles help with balance and propulsion. The length of your poles should be appropriate for your height and skiing style.

Ski Bindings:
Make sure your bindings are compatible with your skis and boots. They should allow your boots to securely attach to the skis.

Clothing:
Layering is essential to stay warm while regulating your body temperature. Opt for moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a windproof outer layer. Don’t forget a warm hat, gloves, and a buff or neck gaiter to protect against the cold. Bring some extra clothing along your tour, so that you can stay warm even with changing weather situations.

Ski Goggles:
Ski goggles are useful to protect your eyes from wind, snow, and sun. They’re especially important in variable weather conditions.

Backpack:
A small backpack is handy for carrying essentials like water, snacks, a map, and extra clothing layers.

Wax and Tuning Kit:
If you’re using traditional waxable skis, you’ll need a waxing kit to maintain your skis and optimize grip and glide. Waxless skis may require occasional maintenance as well.

Navigation Tools:
Bring a map, compass, and GPS device or smartphone with GPS capability to help you navigate the trails. You will receive from us tour descriptions with your travel documents.

First Aid Kit:
It’s essential to have a basic first aid kit for any minor injuries or emergencies.

Water and Snacks:
Stay hydrated and energized by carrying warm tea and snacks like trail mix or energy bars.

Before heading out on your cross country skiing adventure in Norway, it’s important to ensure that your equipment is in good condition and fits properly. If you’re a beginner or unsure about your gear, consider seeking guidance from us to help you make the right choices and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the trails.

During your cross country skiing holiday in Valdres, you can enjoy a variety of other winter activities, including snowshoeing, ice fishing, dog sledding – please check our website for more inspiration.

Please have a look at our holiday packages where we offer a wide range of different guided and self-guided holiday packages..

Classic skis that need waxing: 

These skis require waxing to ensure both grip and glide. You apply grip wax or klister under the middle part of the ski for grip, depending on the snow conditions. Additionally, glide wax is applied to the tip and tail of the skis for optimal glide. This requires more knowledge but offers the best performance under specific conditions. 

Skin skis: 

Skin skis have a skin strip under the middle part of the ski instead of wax. The skin, often made of mohair or synthetic material, provides good grip uphill without the need for waxing. They are very popular because they require little maintenance and perform well under varying snow conditions. 

Wax-less skis: 

Wax-free skis have a pattern or structure under the middle part that provides grip without needing wax. These skis are easy to use and require little maintenance. They work well in many conditions but may offer less glide compared to waxed skis or skin skis in certain snow conditions. 

Often, the most popular trails are wide enough for skate skiing between the classic tracks. However, most trails are narrower, making classic skiing the recommended option.