If you are one of those who would rather leave the tracks and head up onto the mountains, Jotunheimen offers some of most varied terrain in Norway. Here you will find more than 200 peaks higher than 6,500 feet, which you can explore with or without guide. Prepared cross-country skiing tracks are also available in the Sjodalen Valley and around Lake Lemonsjøen in Vågå, as well as at Pollfoss and Grotli in Skjåk. Tracks in the mountains are prepared right up to the Easter holidays, and you can travel from cabin to cabin. Frozen rivers and waterfalls offer opportunities for exciting activities such as ice canyoning and ice climbing along the way.
When
Tracks are prepared as soon as snow appears and weather conditions are good enough, usually from November to April. High up in the mountains, outside of prepared tracks, the best time to ski is between February and May. Summer skiing is also possible in Jotunheimen – tracks in Sognefjellet can be used well into July. Snow conditions vary locally.
Terrain
There are around 520 kilometres of prepared tracks in the Jotunheimen area. Many of those are concentrated around the Sjodalen Valley (between Gjende and Hindsæter) and Lake Lemonsjøen.You will also find 60 kilometres of tracks in the Sota Sæter area, Pollfoss and in Grotli in Lom. They prepare more tracks when weather conditions are good.
Ski after dark
There are six illuminated tracks, covering a distance of 18 kilometres. The longest one can be found in Dønfoss , Skjåk (starts behind the Coop Bruvoll shop).
Off-piste skiing
Jotunheimen is a unique area for randonnée skiing and for mountain skiing well into spring. Off-piste competitions are arranged here every year.
Local companies such as Naturopplevingar, Aktiv Lom and Lom & Skjåk Adventure arrange guided tours.
Accessibility
There are ski lifts by Lemonsjøen Resort and Lemonsjøen Alpinsenter, at Grotli Høyfjellshotell and at Galdhøpiggen Sommerskisenter.
Ski hire
Available at Bessheim Fjellstue & Hytter (they also have snow shoes).
Accommodation
Many of the DNT cabins in the mountains are open in winter. Check Visit Jotunheimen for opening times and online booking.
You will find several mountain lodges, hotels and cabins in the Jotunheimen region. Bessheim Fjellstue & Hytter offers accommodation in a mountain lodge, cabins or apartments. Hotel accommodation is available at Røisheim Skysstasjon.
Further information
Other winter activities available in Jotunheimen include snow-shoeing, ice climbing, ice canyoning, Alpine skiing, snowboarding and sledging, snow rafting/snow tubing and peak tours.