Cross-country skiing

Find the perfect trails

Cross-country skiing at Sjusjøen .
Photo: Visit Sjusjøen

Cross-country skiing at Sjusjøen .
Photo: Video: Visit Sjusjøen Photo: Geir Olsen

That feeling.

Mile after mile. Or maybe it's your first go?

Cross-country skiing at Sjusjøen .
Photo: Visit Sjusjøen

Cross-country skiing at Sjusjøen .
Photo: Video: Visit Sjusjøen Photo: Geir Olsen

Fairy-tale forests. White views.

Preparing cross-country tracks at Sjusjøen .
Photo: Visit Sjusjøen

Preparing cross-country tracks at Sjusjøen .
Photo: Video: Visit Sjusjøen Photo: Geir Olsen

Archaeological finds indicate that people in the Nordic countries have used skis for more than 5,000 years, which shows that the old saying “Norwegians are born with skis on their feet” isn't that far from the truth.

Skiing is considered Norway's national sport and it's our favourite pastime in the winter. At this time of year, the country turns into a ski paradise with a myriad of well-groomed trails.

Skiing in Valdres, Eastern Norway .
Photo: Gomobu Fjellstue

Cross-country skiing is a good workout, regardless of your pace. No matter how fast or slow you make it up the hill ...

Cross-country skiing at Birkebeineren ski stadium .
Photo: Baardseth Media / Visit Lillehammer

… you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at the top.

Winter in Valdres .
Photo: Gomobu Fjellstue

In Norway, you can go cross-country skiing almost anywhere. Still, some destinations have made it extra convenient and fun for ski enthusiasts – hardcore athletes, families and beginners alike.

Here, you can experience the best of Norwegian winter – both with and without skis. Join guided tours or a ski school, and rest your legs the following day. Maybe on a dog sledging trip or in a toboggan run?

A group is snowshoeing to Trolltunga in Fjord Norway in winter, and one woman is sliding down the hill on her butt, smiling.

Snowshoeing in the Hardangerfjord region.
Photo: Trolltunga Active

The major alpine ski resorts in Norway also offer fantastic opportunities for cross-country skiing. They have an impressive network of groomed trails, which means you can easily combine different activities.

Several of the country's most visited cross-country destinations are easily accessible, located in the mountain areas of Eastern Norway.

In Lillehammer and the Gudbrandsdalen valley, you'll find no less than eleven popular cross-country areas! These include Venabygdsfjellet, Gålå, Rondablikk in the Kvamsfjellet area, Skeikampen and Sjusjøen, which is known as one of Norway's best cross-country skiing destinations.

In Hallingdal, more than 2,000 kilometres of groomed trails await, many centred around Geilo, Golsfjellet, Hemsedal and Nesbyen.

Hovden, Beitostølen, Trysil, and Oppdal also offer superb conditions for cross-country. And from the capital, you can take the subway straight to the fantastic Oslomarka forest.

Elderly couple cross-country skiing at Mount Fløyen in Bergen, Fjord Norway

Skiing at Mount Fløyen.
Photo: Fløyen

You can also find ski trails in dreamlike terrain in Fjord Norway and Northern Norway.

In Fjord Norway, you can check out the lighted ski trails in Nordfjordeid, Voss Resort and Årmotslia by Myrkdalen Fjellandsby in Voss. Or take your skis up Mount Fløyen in Bergen for a cross-country experience close to the city.

North of the Arctic Circle, almost every small town and city offers networks of groomed trail. Go on a cross-country adventure in Alta, Harstad, Mo i Rana, Vesterålen, Bardufoss or the mountain resort Måselv Fjellandsby. If you want to try the ski tracks where the Norwegian cross-country star Vegard Ulvang grew up, Kirkenes is the place to go.

Combine a city holiday with ski adventures in Bodø and Tromsø, or visit Jakobsbakken in Sulitjelma, where the Norwegian national team sometimes go to train. Svalbard is also - unsurprisingly – a skier's white dream.

Who knows, maybe you'll get the chance to go on a ski trip while the northern lights dance across the night sky?

Safety in the mountains

Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.

Read the mountain code

Sustainability in Norway

Take only pictures, keep only memories

Norway is a country of outstanding natural beauty. Preserving this landscape, its communities, and the way of life, is essential for locals and visitors alike.

Norwegian philosophy is very much that conservation is everyone’s responsibility.

The locals try to leave as small a footprint as possible. Leave it as you would like to find it is the mantra, regardless of where you are.

It is all about the quality of life. Not only now, but for the time to come as well.

Travel green in Norway

Skiing is not just for professional athletes like Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Marit Bjørgen. Although some put on their first ski boots as soon as they learn to walk, others try it for the first time as grown-ups. Everything is allowed!

Cross-country skiing at Nordseter .
Photo: Jørgen Skaug

And if you get hooked, the good news is that you don't have to wait for the winter to arrive …

Sun, summer – and skiing? Yes, it's actually possible!

Visit the trails at the Folgefonna glacier in Hardanger, Stryn Summer Ski Centre and Sognefjellet Summer Ski Centre.

Skiing at the Fonna glacier ski resort .
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord

Or head to SNØ outside Oslo – a huge indoor arena for snow experiences.

Here, you're guaranteed prime skiing conditions all year round!

Skiing at the indoors arena SNØ .
Photo: Jørgen Fallet Mosand

Up for a challenge?

Every year, almost ten thousand ski enthusiasts participate in the 54-kilometre ski marathon called Birkebeinerrennet, which runs over the mountain between Rena and Lillehammer.

Skiers competing at the Birkebeiner ski race .
Photo: Birken / Geir Olsen

Go team!

Norwegians are masters at creating a good vibe along the trails. Not only during Birkebeinerrennet but also during the many international competitions held around the country.

If you're inspired to embark on a long trip without the competition …

Spectators at the Birkebeiner ski race .
Photo: Birken / Geir Olsen

… try the Troll Trail!

One week. 170 kilometres on skis.

A young Petter Northug would probably call it a "children's race", but the week-long trip from Høvringen to Lillehammer is best suited for well-trained skiers.

However, this is just one of the routes where you can ski from place to place. And if you don't like planning, don't worry - several providers offer organised package tours.

Skiing the Trolløypa trail .
Photo: Visit Lillehammer

But skiing holidays are not just about chasing kilometres. Treat yourself to a few nights in a mountain hotel and use it as a base for various day trips.

Or maybe you'd like to stay in a cosy cabin where you can start your skiing trip just outside the door?

Skiing at Høvringen in the Rondane mountains .
Photo: Yngve Ask / Mountainsofnorway.com

Just remember the mountain code. Especially rule number two: Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.

You can check the avalanche conditions where you are going in the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute’s avalanche map.

Cross-country skiing at Høvringen .
Photo: Yngve Ask / Mountains of Norwa

After a day of skiing, you should of course spend your afternoon like the Scandinavians: in wool underwear and with something good to drink by the fireplace.

Relaxing at the Smuksjøseter mountain cabin .
Photo: Yngve Ask / Mountains of Norway

Now it's your turn!

Start planning your ski adventure today.

Cross-country skiing at Sjusjøen, Eastern Norway .
Photo: Geir Olsen

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Cross-country skiing offers

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Cross-country skiing - A traditional Norwegian Experience

We offer traditional cross-country skiing where we focus on learning how to ski, the Norwegian culture of skiing and enjoying the spectacular nature.… Read more

Cross-country skiing - A traditional Norwegian Experience

Nordenskiöld Ski expedition 5 days: Cross country skiing and overnight in tent - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

Join us on a 5-day classical ski adventure in Svalbard. Read more

Nordenskiöld Ski expedition 5 days: Cross country skiing and overnight in tent - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

Cross-country skiing and courses in the Lyngen Alps

Lyngen Adventure will guide you on a cross-country ski tour or beginners' course in the amazing Lyngen Alps. The groups are small (max. 6 people) and… Read more

Cross-country skiing and courses in the Lyngen Alps

Ørsta Ski centre - cross-country skiing

Ørsta Ski centre is located in the middle of the beautiful Alps of Sunnmore, in the western part of Norway. The ski centre is suitable for everyone,… Read more

Ørsta Ski centre - cross-country skiing

Nordseter, Cross Country Skiing

With the very edge of the mountains as starting point, visitors have every opportunity to experience cross-country skiing at its best. Read more

Nordseter, Cross Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing - Vinternatt

Untouched snow, the silence and the feeling of being far away from people! We love all this and will now take you along on a trip that give you the… Read more

Cross-country skiing - Vinternatt

Cross-country skiing in Bjorli and Lesja

Bjorli is known as one of the most snowy destinations in Norway, and offers a big network of xc trails in both high mountains and forests. Read more

Cross-country skiing in Bjorli and Lesja

Cross-country skiing in Lemonsjøen and Sjodalen

Welcome to one of Norway's longest XC skiing network, with 62 trails totaling 300 kilometers. Read more

Cross-country skiing in Lemonsjøen and Sjodalen

Fantastic cross-country skiing around Høgevarde

Around Høgevarde cabin field, there are 50 kilometers of groomed trails for cross-country skiing in the winter season. You can take long trips on the… Read more

Fantastic cross-country skiing around Høgevarde

Cross country skiing - Nordic Safari

From Adventure camp Mehamn you can set out for Cross country skiing directly from your robu / fishermans cabin. Read more

Cross country skiing - Nordic Safari

Cross country skiing in Ringerike municipality

This product is still waiting for the English translation. We apologize for the inconvenience. Read more

Cross country skiing in Ringerike municipality

Cross country skiing at Øynaheia

Øynaheia is the most popular place for cross-country skiiing in the Arendal region, about 300 metres above sea level, and about 30 kms from the coast. Read more

Cross country skiing at Øynaheia

Cross country skiing in Lyngen - XLyngen

Try skiing like Norwegians -join us and enjoy the Arctic nature on cross-country skis. We will take you out to our trails along the fjords and the… Read more

Cross country skiing in Lyngen - XLyngen

Cross country skiing day trip

Experience this traditional way of travelling on a one-day skiing excursion in the Arctic environment around Karasjok. When experiencing nature is the… Read more

Cross country skiing day trip

Cross-country skiing in Vrådal

Vrådal has cross-country tracks in the mountians and the forest, a total of 40 kilometers prepared tracks. Read more

Cross-country skiing in Vrådal

Skeikampen, Cross-country Skiing

Trails lead through a diverse and breathtaking scenery, and are designed to cater for all skill levels and weather conditions. Read more

Skeikampen, Cross-country Skiing

Cross country skiing in Asker and Bærum

Cross country and skiiing possibilities in Asker and Barum next door to Oslo. Discover the Norwegian tradition and enjoy waffel in the forest hut and… Read more

Cross country skiing in Asker and Bærum

Cross-country skiing in Oppdal

Miles of skiing bliss Read more

Cross-country skiing in Oppdal

Sjusjøen | Cross-country Skiing

Sjusjøen's trails border the trail network in the Nordseter, Øyer, Hafjell, Lillehammer, Åstadalen, Rena and Hamar region. In total, over 2,500 km of… Read more

Sjusjøen | Cross-country Skiing

Cross-country skiing in Våler

Våler municipality has three areas of groomed trails Read more

Cross-country skiing in Våler

Olalia cabin

The tourist association’s cabin at Olalia in Etne is the preferred excursion point for those who like cross-country skiing in beautiful nature.… Read more

Olalia cabin

Cross-country skiing tour to Sulebu

This tour follows groomed tracks. Please check the latest grooming status at www.skisporet.no Exposed to wind and weather. Sulebu is a self serviced… Read more

Cross-country skiing tour to Sulebu

Sogndal Skisenter - Cross country skiing

Well prepared skitracks of 5 km, 3 kilometres of which are with floodlit. 10 kilometres of well prepared crosscountrytracks, leading you to a mountain… Read more

Sogndal Skisenter - Cross country skiing

Cross-country skiing in Elverum

Elverum Municipality has over 200 km of beautiful, groomed trails for both classic and skating. These are divided into four course areas:… Read more

Cross-country skiing in Elverum

Guided cross-country ski trip in Tromsø

This tour is conducted by Tromsø Outdoor. Once in Norway you cannot leave without trying our national sport! Read more

Guided cross-country ski trip in Tromsø

Cross Country Skiing in Grotli and Skjåk

Skjåk has good snow conditions and offers all sorts of skiing from racing, cross-country and skate-skiing trails, to backcountry skiing in the… Read more

Cross Country Skiing in Grotli and Skjåk

Cross country skiing | Gloppen

Kleivane Ski Center is a 15-minute drive from Sandane City Center. The ski center is about 480 meters above sea level and is a great starting point… Read more

Cross country skiing | Gloppen

Cross country skiing | Loen Skylift

Cross-contry skiing at mt Hoven Read more

Cross country skiing | Loen Skylift

Cross country skiing | Nordfjordeid

Harpefossen Ski Resort is situated in the Hjelmeland valley, 10 KM from the center of Eid in Sogn og Fjordane county. Harpefossen is the largest, most… Read more

Cross country skiing | Nordfjordeid

Cross-country skiing in Sirdal

Sirdal is a paradise for cross-country skiing enthusiasts with its 200 km groomed and marked winter trails. Read more

Cross-country skiing in Sirdal

Cross-country skiing in winter wonderland

This tour is conducted by Aurora Alps. Winter in the Arctic is coloured by blue light and white snow. This creates a nice setting for winter… Read more

Cross-country skiing in winter wonderland

Cross-country skiing in Tessungdalen

There are several marked trails in Tessungdalen for cross-country skiing. Roundtrips, a trail that are lit up at the evening, as well as a longer… Read more

Cross-country skiing in Tessungdalen

Espedalen, Cross Country Skiing

The trails run through a spectacular scenery ranging from pine forests down in the valley to breathtaking mountain terrain with the Ruten peak at… Read more

Espedalen, Cross Country Skiing

Gålå, Cross-country Skiing

The gentle mountain terrain surrounding Gålå is a popular training location for a number of ski clubs. A vast network of groomed trails is thus made… Read more

Gålå, Cross-country Skiing

Kvitfjell, Cross-country Skiing

The network of cross-country ski trails covers both the eastern and the western side of Kvitfjell. Read more

Kvitfjell, Cross-country Skiing

Lillehammer | a destination for Cross-country Skiing

Lillehammer's trails are linked to the Sjusjøen and Nordseter network which continues further into the mountains. Read more

Lillehammer | a destination for Cross-country Skiing

Rondablikk, Cross-country Skiing

Set in a spectacular scenery and in close proximity to Rondane National Park, Kvamsfjellet can offer machine-groomed trails which connect to the trail… Read more

Rondablikk, Cross-country Skiing

Venabygdsfjellet, Cross-country Skiing

Venabygdsfjellet forms part of a network comprising some 2,500 km of trails. Read more

Venabygdsfjellet, Cross-country Skiing

Haute Route Jotunheimen

Travel between cabins in Jotunheimen while summiting classical 2000 meter high peaks! This trip was done by Stian Hagen and friends during the spring… Read more

Haute Route Jotunheimen

Cross-country skiing in Skirvedalen

During winter there is a well developed network of trails both down in the valley and up in the mountains in Skirvedalen Read more

Cross-country skiing in Skirvedalen

Kvæfjordløyper - cross country skiing

The trail network which is prepared by the Cooperation Kvæfjord Tracks have become quite extensive and total it concerns about 38 km pistes. Read more

Kvæfjordløyper - cross country skiing

Cross-Country Skiing on the Edge of Tromsø – Daytime – Aurora Alps

Winter in the Arctic is coloured by blue light and white snow. This creates a nice setting for winter activities. Read more

Cross-Country Skiing on the Edge of Tromsø – Daytime – Aurora Alps

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