|  
Cross-country skiing in Trysil, Norway Photo: Utefoto

Popular areas for cross-country skiing in Norway

Cross-country skiing in Norway is free of charge. Well-prepared tracks are found in large parts of the country. Here are some recommended areas.

Jotunheimen

"The land of giants" is a mountain range and a national park covering an area of roughly 3,500 square kilometres. You can ski for days, from hut to hut, or take a day trip from one of the traditional hotels, inns or lodges. For real cross-country ski enthusiasts, Jotunheimen is even a great place in spring and summer.

The small towns of Vågå and Beitostølen are good starting points for your cross-country skiing adventure. If you want to reach high peaks, start out from Hindsæter and go for the peak of Nautgardstind (2,258 metres above sea level), or start from Valdresflya and aim for the peak of Rasletind (2,105 metres above sea level).

The Troll Trail

This is a continuous marked ski trail, which passes through miles of untouched nature from Høvringen and Rondane in the north, via Ringebufjellet, to Lillehammer in the south. It offers a large degree of variation, sometimes it goes through high mountain areas. The trail is about 170 kilometres long and is normally marked from 1 February until after Easter.

The Peer Gynt Trail

A well-marked and well-prepared trail which passes through the mountains on the west side of the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. Destinations along the way include Espedalen, Fefor, Gålå, Lauvåsen and Skei - all well known ski resorts with long traditions in winter tourism.

The trail is an excellent cross-country alternative for families who are interested in a bit more challenging – yet still enjoyable – skiing experience. An important safety feature is that there are mountain lodges and hotels at regular intervals along the trail. You will also be able to enjoy a continuous view of the national parks Jotunheimen, Rondane and Dovrefjell along the trip.

Finnmarksvidda

For a spot of Arctic skiing, travel up north and take in the vastness and wilderness of Finnmarksvidda. The undulating tundra of one of Norway’s largest mountain plateaux makes for an impressive sight. And if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

Oslo - capital of skiing

Here you can combine the buzz of the capital with skiing and fresh air. Less than 30 minutes from the busy city streets you have more than 2,000 kilometres of prepared cross-country ski-trails bringing you deep into the peaceful forests. See Oslo, ski Oslo.

Rauland

Rauland is famous for offering cross-country skiing in varied terrain. In total 150 kilometres of well groomed tracks, both mountain and forest trails, can be found in Rauland, of which 14 kilometres are lit up for night skiing.

Other resorts

You will find cross-country trails at most ski resorts, such as Geilo, Hemsedal and Trysil, enabling you to combine cross-country with alpine skiing and other fun winter activities.

Safe cross-country skiing

Bear in mind that the weather can change suddenly (especially in the mountains). Never venture out without a map and remember the Norwegian Mountain Code. You can buy maps of the trails from tourist information offices, bookshops or the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) .

Last updated:  2012-01-16
Cross-country skiing on Hardangervidda, Norway - Photo: Anders Gjengedal/Innovation Norway
Cross-country skiing on Hardangervidda, Norway
Easy access to the tracks: Take the tram to Frognerseteren in Oslo, Norway - Photo: Nancy Bundt/Innovation Norway
Easy access to the tracks: Take the tram to Frognerseteren in Oslo, Norway

Topic:  Skiing

Close
Embed this article

Copy and paste this code into your blog/website

Preview

Cross-country skiing in Trysil, Norway - Photo: Utefoto

Popular areas for cross-country skiing in Norway

Cross-country skiing in Norway is free of charge. Well-prepared tracks are found in large parts of the country. Here are some recommended areas.

Popular areas for cross-country skiing in Norway

Source: Visitnorway

Share your thoughts on cross-country skiing in Norway

Skiing in Norway

More fun, more snow, more choice. The Norwegian ski season typically lasts for six months and usually offers good snow conditions throughout.

Mountain guide

Find detailed information on the main mountain regions in Norway. Galdhøpiggen in Jotunheimen is the tallest mountain at 2,469 metres above sea level.

Sign up for skiing lessons in Norway

Get the more fun out of your skiing holiday by learning to ski at Norwegian ski schools.

Snowboarding in Norway

Vierli Snowboard Park is leading the scene. Hemsedal has good off-piste snowboarding and many parks offer high international standards.

Sponsored

Ski Fjord Norway

Head to Fjord Norway and have the winter holiday of your lifetime. The main ski resorts are located at Voss, Røldal and by the Sognefjord.

After ski and sea in Lofoten

Join an action-packed trip in the Lofoten where RIB-safari, summit skiing, deep sea fishing and culinary discoveries are all part of the experience.

ADS

Map of
Norway

Ski resorts

Related videos

Related

Skiing

ADS

TEXT ADS