Cross-country skiing in Norway: the Gudbrandsdal valley
Norway has an astonishingly large number of cross-country ski resorts. If you are contemplating a trip there, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. This article offers a guide for first-time visitors and suggests that you consider the Gudbrandsdal Valley. On and near its high flanks, usually at around 900m altitude, there are several very good spots with excellent snow reliability.
Most international flights arrive in Oslo Gardermoen airport, which is located almost 50 km north of the city of Oslo. The Gudbrandsdal Valley is north of the airport and is traversed by a main railway line, with a station at the airport itself. Rail services are frequent into the city of Lillehammer and less frequent outside of it.
From your arrival station, continue to your accommodation by road. Most hotels will help you arrange transportation and, if booked in advance, will pick you up in your own vehicle.
Traveling north through the valley, you pass the following ski resorts in turn.
EAST OF THE GUDBRANDSDAL VALLEY
Nordseter–Sjusjoen
Get off the train at Lillehammer, about 1 hour 45 minutes from Gardermoen. Then take the public bus or taxi (about 20 km) to Nordseter or Sjusjoen. These small towns are about 6 km apart and there are hotels in both.
At the 1994 Winter Olympics, cross country races were held here. There are about 300 km of ski slopes. Some go through the forest, some along frozen lakes, and some go above the tree line. At first glance, the landscape appears gently undulating. But there are some stiff hills, especially near Nordseter. This area is suitable for beginners as there is flat terrain close to both towns.
Venabu
Get off the train at Ringebu, about 2 hours 30 minutes from Gardermoen. Then take the hotel shuttle or a taxi (about 12-15 km) to one of the two hotels. These are Venabu Fjellhotell and Spidsbergseter Gudbrandsdal Hotell.
There are about 140 km of track. Some are below the treeline, but most are above. This area is very good for beginners as there is a lot of flat terrain near the hotels.
Hovringen
Get off the train at Otta, about 3 hours from Gardermoen. Then you need a taxi for the 25 km trip to Hovringen. Expect to pay around NOK700.
Some Saturdays the resort runs a direct bus from Gardermoen Airport.
There are several hotels in Hovringen. Oigardseter Fjellstue is particularly good. And if you like wild places, you will enjoy the charming and remote Smuksjoseter Fjellstue, which you will travel the 6 km from Hovringen in the hotel’s snowcat.
There are about 100 km of track. Some are below the treeline, but most are above. This area is not the best option for beginners as there is not much flat terrain.
ON THE WEST SIDE FROM THE GUDBRANDSDAL VALLEY
Skeikampen
Get off the train at Lillehammer. Continue by bus to Skeikampen (about 40 km). There is only one hotel, the Thon Hotel Skeikampen.
There are about 200 km of track. About half is below the tree line and the other half is above. The high slopes are very rough in places. But this area is suitable for beginners as there is flat terrain near the town.
Gala-Wadahl
Get off the train at Vinstra, about 2 hours 45 minutes from Gardermoen. Continue from there by hotel bus or taxi (about 15-20 km). There is hotel accommodation in Wadahl Hogfjellshotell and Gala Hogfjellshotell.
There are about 250 km of track. About half is below the tree line and the other half is above. Wadahl is the best option for beginners as there is flatter terrain.
Fefor
Get off the train at Vinstra. Continue by hotel bus or taxi (about 13 km) to Fefor Hoyfjellshotell, a historic site with Scott of the Antarctic associations.
There are about 200 km of track. Most are below the treeline, but some are above. It is not a good option for beginners as there is no flat terrain near the hotel.
Espedalen-Dalseter
Get off the train at Vinstra. The hotelier (from Dalseter Hoyfjellshotell) will take you to the hotel (about 35 km).
In the Espedalen area there are about 200 km of track. About two-thirds is below treeline, one-third above. On the higher roads, the hotel maintains two heated picnic huts. Dalseter is good for beginners as there is flat terrain near the hotel.
SKI RENTAL
In all these areas you can rent cross-country ski equipment, either in shops or hotels. Most venues only have equipment and rinks for classic technique, not skating. Only at Gala-Wadahl, Nordseter-Sjusjoen and Skeikampen are there a significant number of rinks prepared for skating technique.
Mountain skis with metal edges (with BC bindings) can be rented in Dalseter and Hovringen.