Troll Trail Cross Country Ski
Glide through 165 km of well-marked and groomed trails
Ski through the heart of Rondane National Park, a pristine wilderness
Experience the unique blend of hiking and skiing, covering large distances each day
Revel in the Olympic allure of Lillehammer
Test your skills on varying terrains, from flatlands to gentle uphills
Experience Norway’s hospitality at cosy mountain lodges and hotels
Glide through Norway's pristine winter wonderland
Discover the natural beauty of Rondane National Park
Ski through birch forests and serene plateaus
Cover large distances on groomed pistes
Focus solely on the adventure at hand
Stay in waypoints that offer a window into Norway's soul
Itinerary
Your adventure begins the moment you set foot in Høvringen, a quaint village that serves as your gateway to the awe-inspiring Rondane National Park. A sumptuous dinner awaits you, offering a taste of local cuisine. The village is a living postcard of Norway’s natural beauty, making it the perfect starting point for your ski tour.
Today is all about acclimation and exploration. Høvringen offers an extensive network of over 150 km of marked trails that meander through forest and mountain terrain. It’s an ideal setting to test your ski equipment and get a feel for the snow underfoot. As you glide through the trails, you’ll be surrounded by the pristine wilderness that makes this region so special. It’s a day to familiarise yourself with your surroundings and build excitement for the adventure that awaits.
This day promises a fulfilling journey covering a distance of 28 km. The trail starts with a challenging uphill climb but soon levels out to offer panoramic views of the iconic Rondane massif. As you make your way, you’ll pass by landmarks like Smuksjøseter Mountain Lodge and the Peer Gynt Hut. These are opportunities to pause, catch your breath, and soak in the breathtaking surroundings.
Prepare for a challenging yet rewarding day covering 33 km. The route takes you past Furusjøen lake and into the heart of Rondane National Park. Here, groomed tracks give way to untouched trails marked only by bamboo sticks. The wilderness calls as you navigate through valleys and high mountain plateaus. A notable stop is the Eldåbu self-service hut, a rustic retreat offering a momentary respite.
Today’s 23 km journey takes you through a diverse landscape including an open high mountain terrain and patches of birch forest. The tracks are mostly groomed but not always, adding a touch of rugged authenticity to your experience. As you ski, you’ll feel a sense of solitude and connection with nature that’s both humbling and exhilarating. The day concludes at Friisvegen Mountain Lodge, offering a cosy setting to relax and recharge.
This 20 km leg offers a unique experience as you’ll carry only the essentials for an overnight stay at Vetåbua, a DNT self-service cabin. The trail takes you through open high mountain terrain, offering vistas that are nothing short of spectacular. It boasts a genuine Norwegian experience, stocked with provisions and offering a communal atmosphere perfect for sharing stories and making new friends.
Today’s 35 km journey is long but fulfilling, taking you through a mix of marshes and open woodland. The trail is groomed but not regularly, adding an element of unpredictability and adventure. As you ski, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment with each kilometre covered. The day ends in Hafjell, a welcoming haven where you can relax and prepare for the final leg of your journey.
The final leg of your journey is a 25-30 km stretch that offers a bit of everything: flat open terrain, downhill thrills, and a touch of history as you pass through the 1994 Olympic Ski Stadium. The trail leads you to Nordseter before descending through woodland to Lillehammer. It’s a fitting end to an epic journey.
As you enjoy your final breakfast, you’ll have a moment to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed. A train ride to Oslo marks the end of your adventure, but the memories and connections you’ve made will last a lifetime.
Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organization
Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
Service and support during your tour
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
8x accommodation with breakfast as per itinerary
Luggage transfer
Description
Nine days in Norway’s winter wonderland offer an experience that transcends the ordinary. From the pristine wilderness of Rondane National Park to the Olympic allure of Lillehammer, this journey stitches together the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness into a tapestry of unforgettable memories.
The Troll Trail serves as the backbone of this adventure, a well-marked ski route that stretches approximately 165 km. It’s a path that takes you through high mountains, serene plateaus, and birch forests, each day presenting a new facet of Norway’s diverse landscapes.
You’ll pass landmarks like Smuksjøseter Mountain Lodge and the Peer Gynt Hut, waypoints that offer more than just a place to catch your break — they offer a window into Norway’s soul.
But what’s it like to actually ski these trails? Imagine hiking but on skis, gliding over groomed pistes that don’t demand much in terms of elevation but reward you with stunning vistas at every turn. It’s a form of skiing accessible yet profoundly satisfying, allowing you to cover large distances and immerse yourself in the landscape without the steep climbs often associated with mountain skiing.
And 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. We’ll handle your accommodation bookings and provide you with all the relevant information, ensuring that your focus remains solely on the adventure at hand.
Come and glide with us through Norway’s winter poetry, where each snowflake writes a verse, and every trail leads to a new stanza in your life’s adventure.
Location
Things to know
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.
EXPERT IFMGA GUIDES
HASSLE-FREE
TRUSTED BY MANY
UNBEATABLE SUPPORT
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