Peer Gynt Trail Cross Country Ski

Discover a symphony of snow and silence on the Peer Gynt Trail, where Norway's pristine landscapes become the notes to your winter melody in Scandinavia.

Starting point

Espedalen

Finish point

Lilehammer

Duration

8 days / 7 nights

Tour type

Self-guided

Season

Feb - Apr

Technical level

Fitness level

Price

From: 1,595€/person

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Peer Gynt Trail Cross Country Ski

Glide through birch woodlands and frozen lakes

Take in panoramic vistas from Mount Ruten and Mount Feforkampen

Ski along the serene shores of Lake Gålå

Challenge yourself on varied terrains, from gentle slopes to thrilling downhills

Immerse in the local culture at well-known ski resorts like Espedalen and Skeikampen

Experience the “friendly” mountains of Norway, offering a blend of challenge and enjoyment

Glide through a storybook landscape

Discover vistas of Jotunheimen and Rondane

Enjoy well-marked and groomed trails

autumn mountain landscape of Rondane National Park in Norway, Peer Gynt hytta

Focus solely on the experience with pre-booked stays

Experience hiking on skis in Norway

Start your adventure in scenic Lillehammer

Some tales are best experienced on skis

Day 1: Arrival at Espedalen

Your adventure begins in Vinstra. From there, you’ll enter the serene Espedalen valley, where you’ll check into your hotel. This day is all about settling in and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll around the property, familiarise yourself with the amenities, and perhaps even meet some fellow adventurers. As the sun sets, enjoy a hearty Norwegian dinner at the hotel and get a good night’s sleep — you’ll need it for the days ahead.

Day 2: Skiing around Espedalen

Wake up to a hearty breakfast before stepping out into a snowy paradise. Espedalen offers an extensive network of groomed ski tracks — 220 km to be exact. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced skier, there’s a trail that’s just right for you. Opt for a family-friendly round trip or challenge yourself on high-terrain tracks. The views of the National Parks Rondane and Jotunheimen are simply breathtaking, providing a perfect backdrop for your day on the slopes.

Day 3: Espedalen to Fefor

Today’s journey takes you along the Peer Gynt Road, connecting Espedalen and Fefor. The 18 km trail offers a balanced mix of terrains, making it an ideal choice for skiers of all levels. If the weather is on your side, consider extending your trip across Mount Ruten, standing tall at 1517 metres above sea level. The day concludes at Fefor Høifjellshotell, a charming mountain lodge where you can relax and recount the day’s adventures.

Day 4: Exploring Fefor

Fefor is a hidden gem, offering a range of ski tracks right outside your door. The area is secluded, allowing you to truly connect with nature. We recommend the trail around Mount Feforkampen, a route that offers both challenge and serenity. The hotel staff can provide suggestions, ensuring you make the most of your day. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Day 5: Fefor to Gålå

Today’s route is a scenic 13 km stretch along Lake Gålå. The trail is relatively easy but concludes with a rewarding uphill climb. Once you reach Gålå, you’ll check into Wadahl Mountain Lodge. The lodge is known for its cosy atmosphere and excellent amenities, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of skiing.

Day 6: Skiing in Gålå

Gålå is a winter sports haven, boasting 600 km of groomed ski trails. Whether you’re into classic cross-country or alpine skiing, there’s something for everyone. The area is close to Jotunheimen National Park, offering yet another day of awe-inspiring views. Take your time to explore the trails, perhaps even venturing into the heart of ‘Peer Gynt Country.’

Day 7: Gålå to Skeikampen

Brace yourself for the longest day trip of the tour. The 28 km trail takes you through light birch forests, past idyllic summer farms, and private huts. The terrain is varied, featuring some uphill stretches that will test your stamina. But worry not — the final one offers a thrilling downhill towards Skei, where you’ll check into your last hotel on the route.

Day 8: Departure

As all good things must come to an end, so does your adventure. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred from Skeikampen to Lillehammer. If your schedule allows, spend a few hours exploring this charming town before heading to the airport. Trains to Oslo Airport depart every hour, ensuring a hassle-free conclusion to your journey.

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Included in price

Tour design and organization

Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions

Service and support during your hike

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

7x accommodation with breakfast as per itinerary

Luggage transfer

From:

1,595€

/person

Inquiry

As you glide through the snow-covered landscapes of Norway, the Peer Gynt Trail unfolds like a storybook, each turn revealing a new chapter of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Named after the local Norwegian hero immortalised by Henrik Ibsen, the trail stretches from Espedalen to Skeikampen, offering a tapestry of distant horizons, birch tree woodlands, and frozen lakes.

The skiing experience here is akin to hiking on skis. The trails are groomed and well-marked, making them accessible for families and individuals seeking a moderately challenging yet enjoyable adventure.

While the pistes don’t demand much in terms of elevation, they more than make up for it by offering stunning vistas of national parks like Jotunheimen, Rondane, and Dovrefjell.

But worry not! You won’t be navigating this winter wonderland alone. We’ve got you covered with GPS tracks, a detailed handout filled with all the information you’ll need, and 24/7 support. Your accommodations are pre-booked, allowing you to focus solely on the experience.

So, if you’re looking for a story that unfolds with each glide and turn, the Peer Gynt Trail might be your next favourite read. After all, some tales are best experienced on skis.

Yes, we offer both guided and self-guided tours to cater to your preferences. Our guided tours are led by experienced IFMGA-licensed guides who will take you to Norway’s hidden gems, ensuring both safety and an enriching experience. For those who prefer a bit more independence, our self-guided tours come with detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and 24/7 support to help you navigate the trails on your own.

We welcome skiers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Our tours are designed to offer a variety of experiences that can be tailored to match your skill level. Whether you’re looking for challenging backcountry skiing or a more leisurely cross-country experience, we have a tour that’s right for you.

While we provide essential skiing equipment rental, you are welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. We recommend checking the specific equipment list for your chosen tour, as requirements may vary. If you’re new to ski touring, our team can assist you in selecting the appropriate gear for your adventure.

Safety is our top priority. All our tours are led by experienced IFMGA-licensed guides who are trained to make informed decisions in various conditions. For tours in avalanche-prone areas, we provide essential safety equipment and training. Additionally, we offer 24/7 support to ensure your trip runs smoothly and safely.

Preparation is key for a successful ski touring experience. We recommend that you engage in regular cardiovascular exercise leading up to your trip. Make sure to check the specific equipment list for your chosen tour and pack accordingly. If you have any medical conditions or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Our tours are generally suitable for adults and teenagers who have a reasonable level of fitness. However, some tours may have specific age or skill requirements. If you’re planning to bring younger family members, please contact us in advance to discuss suitable options.

All our tours are designed to be adaptable to varying weather conditions. In case of bad weather, we almost always have a viable alternative plan to ensure you won’t miss out on a ski day. Our experienced guides will assess the situation and make the necessary adjustments to your itinerary.

Our tours are designed to be as safe as possible. Ski touring activities are only conducted with experienced IFMGA-licensed guides who are trained to assess and manage risks. For those interested in cross-country skiing, our routes are on groomed pistes that don’t require any special knowledge regarding avalanches or other potential hazards.

Certainly! We offer the option to rent any ski equipment you might need for your tour. Just let us know what you require in advance, and we’ll make sure it’s ready for you when you arrive.

No worries at all! Our tours are designed to accommodate all skill levels. If you’re a beginner, we can adjust the tour’s difficulty to match your comfort level. Just make sure to inform us about your experience level in detail so we can plan accordingly.

Our Sail & Ski sailboat tours and cross-country skiing accommodations are popular and can fill up quickly. While some tours, like those in Sunnmøre, can sometimes be booked last minute, we highly recommend booking as early as possible to secure your spot and avoid any issues.

The weather plays a significant role in your experience. The climate can vary depending on the region you’re touring, but generally, you can expect cold, snowy conditions, which are ideal for skiing. In the northern areas, especially above the Arctic Circle, winters are long and dark, offering unique skiing experiences under the Northern Lights. Coastal areas like the Lofoten Islands tend to have milder winters but can be wetter, affecting snow quality.

Temperature inversions are common in the mountains, meaning it can sometimes be warmer at higher altitudes than at the base. This can affect snow conditions and avalanche risk, so it’s something our guides monitor closely. The best months for ski touring in Norway are typically from February to May, when the days are getting longer, and the snowpack is stable.

On our self-guided tours, you’ll have the opportunity to stay in a range of accommodations, from cosy mountain lodges to well-equipped hotels. All of these places are chosen to offer you a comfortable stay, complete with all the amenities you might need after a day of skiing.

Yes, we’ve got you covered. Luggage transport is included in the tour price. We organise the transport of your luggage each day to your next accommodation. There are some exceptions when the next stop is not easily accessible, but these are rare.

Our self-guided cross-country tours are designed to be manageable for most people. However, if you find yourself unable to complete a stage, we have contingency plans in place. In extreme cases, we can arrange for a transfer to pick you up, along with your luggage, and take you to your next accommodation.

The primary gateway is Oslo Airport (Gardermoen), which is well-equipped for collective travel. The airport is relatively easy to navigate, and is one of the busiest in Europe, offering a wide range of international and domestic flights. Once you land, the airport is well-connected to the city centre by various means, including train, bus, and taxi services. Whether flying in from another European country or overseas, you’ll find numerous flight options to Oslo.