Alpine terrain, cloud-capped peaks and untouched runs await in Scandinavia’s most mountainous region, Jotunheimen – the home of the giants.
Located three to four hours from Oslo, access to the Jotunheimen National Park is a breeze, making it one of the most popular ski touring destinations in the country – particularly in spring when the snow conditions are at their best.
Jotunheimen (which means "the home of the giants" in Norwegian) is characterised by a varied landscape of beautiful glaciers and expansive mountain plateaus. Here, you will find the highest mountains in Norway and Northern Europe, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertinden, and most of the country’s more than 300 peaks above 2,000 meters. The region’s glaciers help extend the spring skiing season, making it a favourite for ski tourers well into the months of May and June.
Jotunheimen offers an accessible challenge for alpine ski touring enthusiasts of every level. Its diverse terrain also makes it a popular destination for Nordic skiing, kite skiing and cross-country skiing. Marked winter trails make it ideal for using traditional fjellski (mountain skis). For those who prefer groomed trails, Sognefjellet and Valdresflye feature extensive networks of high-mountain cross-country trails. For families, the mountain lodges are perfect bases for short, varied outdoor activities throughout the winter holidays.
Classic Ski Touring Areas
Popular areas for ski touring include Sognefjellet with Smørstabbtindan, and peaks like Storebjørn, Veslbreatinden, Sokse and Loftet. These mountains offer a wide range of routes for both experienced skiers and those looking for guided adventures.
Private roads into Visdalen, Leirdalen and Veodalen open when the mountain lodges begin their season, giving skiers easier access to trailheads and reducing approach times.
The Haute Route – Høgruta in Jotunheimen
For those seeking a multi-day ski adventure, Høgruta i Jotunheimen (The Haute Route of Jotunheimen) offers a spectacular high-alpine traverse through some of Norway’s most dramatic terrain. The route typically takes 5–6 days and passes several mountain lodges, allowing skiers to travel light while enjoying warm meals and comfortable beds each night. The tour includes ascents of iconic peaks and glacier crossings, and is best done with a certified guide.
Each stage is approximately 15 kilometres long with elevation gains of 1,000–1,500 metres over some of the country’s most iconic peaks – including Norway’s highest summits, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertinden.
Stay the night
The region is known for its long traditions of hospitality, with lodges and cabins that cater to both comfort-seeking and adventure-loving guests. The mountain lodges are located right at the foot of the mountains, offering ski-in/ski-out access and a wide selection of 2,000-meter peaks nearby.
Guided tours and equipment rental
If you're unfamiliar with the terrain or want to find the best snow and views, local mountain guides are available to lead safe and rewarding tours. Equipment rental is also available in the area, offering skis, avalanche safety gear, and other essentials.
Ski touring
Located in the heart of Norway’s mountain region, Lom is a natural hub between east and west. This charming National Park Village is an ideal base for mountain adventures, with easy access to bakeries, shops, restaurants, and well-marked local hiking trails – all within walking distance. From Lom, it’s just a short drive to some of the country’s most spectacular ski touring terrain.
The route includes five overnight stays in a selection of mountain cabins. Offering a warm welcome and an authentic taste of mountain culture, many guests are surprised by the size and comfort of the accommodation. Jotunheimen also has a wide selection of full-service hotels and mountain lodges, so this region is a great option even if you are not ready to take on the Haute Route.
Last but not least: Stay safe and check the avalanche risk before setting out. Read more about safety in the mountains and about local conditions at varsom.no.
Quick facts about Jotunheimen
Jotunheimen Haute Route is a five-day randonée ski tour into the heart of Jotunheimen National Park. The route crosses up to eight glaciers and seven 2,000-meter summits, including the highest peaks in Norway and Northern Europe, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertinden. Each leg is approx. 15 kilometres long, with 1,000–1,500-meter elevation gains.
Main ski touring season
March, April and May
Recommended level
Beginner to expert
Epic run
Dyrhaugstinden (2,147 metres): A Hurrungane classic along a ridge with many vertical metres and a beautifully exposed summit. Crampons and ice axe are needed to reach the top, so an option is to turn at the smaller Nordre Dyrhaugstind.
Types of skiing terrain
Alpine peaks
Open mountain plateaus
Glaciers
Types of accommodation
DNT cabins (self catered or staffed)
Mountain lodges and hotels
Camp sites and B&Bs in the lowlands/valleys
Restaurants and bars
Jotunheimen is a big and somewhat desolate area, and eateries and bars are both few and far between.
Museums and art galleries
You can also find something in the Jotunheimen area if you are interested in art and culture, including stave churches, chapels, art galleries, and museums.
Excursions and other winter activities
Try something more than just ski touring while you are in Jotunheimen – winter options include dog sledding, snow shoeing and visits to the regional museums.
Book a ski touring holiday
Go ski touring, ski & sail, or book an all-in-one SkiTicket with our partners.
4 Days ・ January - AprilBook nowSki down the fjords
Ski on peaks and plunging fjordsExperience the snow-covered Sunnmøre Alps, known for their world-class towering peaks and majestic fjord views. We guarantee you will return with batteries fully recharged. / Up NorwayPrice From 20 350 NOK
4 Days ・ February - MarchBook nowExpedition course in Jotunheimen
Learn all about ski expeditionsThis long weekend features ski-expedition training for safer adventures. Learn route planning, gear selection, camp routines and risk management. Stay at Bygdin, have a 2-course dinner, then two nights in a tent. / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 8 500 NOK
4 Days ・ February - MarchBook nowA weekend in the Lyngen alps
One of Norway's best ski touring destinationsFour wonderful days await you in one of Norway's most beautiful mountain areas. Experience mountain peaks, après ski, tasty food and drink, and good company.What more can you ask for? / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 17 500 NOK
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4 Days ・ MayBook nowJuvet and Sunnmøre
World-class skiing and architectureEnd the ski season with a few wonderful spring days at the Juvet Landscape Hotel and summit tours in Valldalen valley! One of Norway´s most spectacular and beautiful spots. / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 16 500 NOK
Discover Jotunheimen
TessandenThe Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen
There is a reason for the Besseggen being one of the most popular mountain hikes in Norway. The spectacular panoramic view over Jotunheimen's peaks and the two lakes - the deep blue Bessvatnet and the turquoise Gjende - draws more than 60 000 hikers during the short season that lasts from late June to early September. Tour information: The 14 km long trail leads between the two DNT cabins Gjendesheim and Memurubu. It climbs/falls 1200 m in total and is quite demanding over its entire length, so you need to be in a good physical shape to hike it. The Besseggen ridge, approx. one kilometer long and 250 meters in elevation, is located midways along the trail. It involves some scrambling, and people sensitive to heights should mentally prepare for a challenge. For most people, it takes approx. 7-8 hrs to complete the hike. Parkering is at Reinsvangen, 1.5 km before Gjendesheim. From there, a shuttle takes the hikers to the trailhead and the boat (https://gjendepark.no). There’s a kiosk and toilets at Gjendeosen. Choice of route: The most popular way to hike the Besseggen is to take the boat from Gjendesheim to Memurubu and walk back. Many may experience the ridge easier to climb up than down, especially if one is afraid of heights. Another advantage is that you don’t have to rush in order to reach a boat. The disadvantages of this direction, however, are that there is no good way out in case you need to break and that you’re walking away from the view. The greatest advantage of hiking in the opposite direction, from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, is that you can start at any time and don't share the trail with a boat load of people. Early birds may even reach over the ridge before the meeting traffic starts. Later during the day when it gets crowded you may have to wait your turn at the narrowest passages. Plus, you don’t have to remember to turn around to take in the view. Should you be in doubt whether you can accomplish the Besseggen, we recommend that you start at Gjendesheim. That way you can turn around at any time and you can even walk to the viewpoint on top of the ridge and back without having to accomplish the ridge itself. This is also the best way to experience Besseggen outside the boat season. On the return, you can choose the trail towards Bessheim that exits on Veslefjellet and return to Gjendesheim on the trail from Glitterheim which you meet at Bessosen. This is a less steep and demanding return, but a little farther than the direct descend to Gjendesheim. Boat information Since most people take the boat in and walk back from Memurubu, the departures from Gjendesheim in the mornings tend to be more crowded than the afternoon departures from Memurubu. It is highly recommended that you book the boat trip in advance. For timetables, terms and booking, visit www.gjende.no The boat service runs daily from the middle of June to the middle of September and during the weekends before and after the season until the first week in October. In peak periods and weekends there are often extra departures, so check online before travelling. Equipment Remember to wear solid hiking shoes with profile soles. Bring warm and weatherproof clothing even in nice weather, enough food and drink for the entire hike and on warm summer days, a small towel and some swim wear for a refreshing dip in Lake Bessvatnet. Erosion The heavy traffic has left its toll on the trail, leading to erosion and destroyed vegetation. An enormous effort has been put into repairing the trail and revegetating the worst sections on both the Gjendesheim and the Memurubu side. Please keep on the trail when walking the Besseggen!
