Cross-country skiing in Oppdal

**Miles of skiing bliss**

From a historical perspective, Oppdal residents have never had a winter without skiing conditions. Never. This predictably makes it a great deal for cross-country people. But where does the ski trail run?

STORLIDALEN

Storlidalen is spectacular and certain to have snow. This cross-country area sits all the way to the west in Oppdal and offers a fantastic mountain area that attracts both summit and cross-country skiers. Lønset and Storlidalen offer a trail network of approx. 70 kilometres. Which trails are prepared will vary throughout the season. See Skiappen.no - a fresh trail status can be found here.

Magnificent alpine scenery provides for some truly memorable ski trips. An extra bonus is that Storlidalen is generally certain to have snow throughout the entire winter season - from November to April.

SKARET

If you want the proper mountain experience, go skiing in Skaret. You’re guaranteed snow in this beautiful valley, and there are plenty of cross-country ski trails from as early as November and far into April. Skiers of all ages use these trails. The main trail network is connected with central Oppdal, and further north towards Nerskogen. There are many possible trails in Skaret - along Skarvatnet Lake, up to Lundalen, or out to Gjevilvassdalsporten. Or ski on down to Grøtsætra, where you will find a café and sledding slope for the kids. The trails start from the parking lot at Skaret (cash payment only) or Grøtsetra (toll road).

GRØTSETRA SKI RESORT

A great starting point for cross-country skiing trips in Oppdal. The main trail network from Grøtsetra is connected with trails leading to Skaret, Nerskogen, around Raudhovden, Gjevilvassdalen, and towards Oppdal town center. At the start of the trail network, you will find a warming hut with a café and toilet facilities. The café is open on weekends and during holidays, and sleds can also be borrowed here – there is also a sledding hill inside the stadium that is popular for all ages.

STØLEN AND FAGERHAUG

From Oppdal centre the cross-country trail winds its way northeast towards Stølen and Fagerhaug. There are infinite opportunities for wonderful cross-country experiences here. Alone - or with others. Enjoy grilling hot dogs in sheltered forest terrain, or simply take in the experience of being far into the mountains. The Stølen and Fagerhaug area offers a wide range of nature experiences.

Along this trail you’ll find Guriberget, Oppdal’s most visited gapahuk (lean-to) during the winter season. A very popular trip for kids in gentle terrain, just north of Stølen Ski Centre. Some excellent, but longer, skiing destinations are Stavsjøen or Fjellskolen. The Vora Rundt round trip is also recommended.

OPPDAL SKI STADIUM

Easily accessible ski stadium at central Oppdal with biathlon facilities and an illuminated ski trail. Oppdal Ski Stadium was built through many volunteer hours by tireless members of the Oppdal Athletics League. The stadium was completed for the winter season of 2014/2015, and has since been expanded. Thanks to artificial snow production, Oppdal Ski Stadium typically first opens in November. The trail network is divided into several well-marked km-loops, the longest of which is 4 kilometres with a 3.3-km illuminated trail. The stadium also features a site with 30 shooting targets.

GJEVILVASSDALEN

There is no doubt that Gjevilvassdalen is beautiful in winter, and here you will find a total of 28 km of ski trails. To use the ski trails in Gjevilvassdalen, you can choose to park either at Grøtsætra, which is located a bit inside Skardalen, or at Osen, considered the start of Gjevilvatnet. From both starting points, you can ski all the way to Gjevilvasshytta, approximately 8 km each way. You can also go to Ormberget – a nice viewpoint with a beautiful view over the valley and a shelter (gapahuk) that is open to everyone. Gjevilvassdalen has trails suitable for all ages. See more options here.

NERSKOGEN

Nerskogen offers a varied and family-friendly trail network of approximately 20 km main trails, with connecting and loop trails suitable for both classic and skate skiing. The main trail runs from Svahøkrysset in the south to Bløtslettet in the north. Some of the trails include Skrikdalsløypa, Gapahukrunden, Ørnkjellhaugan, and the trails to Vaulan and Bløtslettet. There are several parking areas in the region, but a good starting point is Nerskogen Ski Center.

KONGSVOLD FJELDSTUE AND DOVRE

“Hjerkinnhøe rundt” is a loop trail of about 20 km, suitable for both experienced hikers and families used to winter outdoor life. It is also possible to make a 30 km round depending on which trails are combined. The trails are marked with plastic poles and regularly groomed with a snowmobile, making them easier to follow even under challenging snow conditions. You can start at either Kongsvold Fjeldstue or Hjerkinn Fjellstue, as the trails are in the area between them. You can either choose to ski only from one Fjellstue to the other, or complete the whole loop – depending on transport. Remember that the weather changes quickly in Dovrefjell – bring enough clothing. Also show consideration and respect for the musk ox.

DRIVDALEN AND VINSTRADALEN

Drivdalen Sports Club grooms ski trails in its local area and into Vinstradalen. Drivdalen IL also has a recently renovated lighted trail. A total of 9 km of trails. The lighted trail of Drivdalen Sports Club has a great location in the pine forest down by the river Driva, in a popular hiking area used extensively in both summer and winter. The lighted trail starts at Skoresbrua and loops southwards through the forest to Rishaugen. For the youngest, it is possible to go the “small round” of about 500 m or the “medium round” of about 800 m. If you want a longer trip, you can continue along the ski trail between Skoresbrua and Gottemsbrua – this is a loop of about 4 km.