Nordic Ski Training
Join us in the Norwegian mountains of Gaustatoppen and Kvitavatn, to learn all about the skills you need to enjoy the snow and the mountains, and also to spend three nights out camping in ‘relative comfort’. This part of Norway, adjoining and with access to the Hardanger plateau where Amundsen trained for his Antarctic expedition, is well known for plenty of snow and very good conditions for winter training.
This is the ideal trip for those who have never used cross country skis or slept outdoors in winter conditions before now. You’ll also have the opportunity to make snow shelters. It is a great introduction to taking part in a full-scale ski expedition in the future.
This training and challenge will help you prepare for a Svalbard crossing, Greenland crossing and possible Polar exploration to the poles, or just enjoy a winter trip to Norway. We run these trips in February and March each year.
Daily Distances
Day 1: Arrival in Norway at Oslo Gardermoen airport
Transfer by airport bus into the mountains (approx 4 hours). We will be staying the first three nights and the last night at Kvitavatn Fjellstue, which has excellent facilities and fantastic food. Evening: dinner and itinerary briefing.
Day 2: Introduction to the Course
Introduction to use of personal clothing, how to avoid cold weather injuries…and then we’re outside for our first cross country skiing session. Our goal is to teach you how to ski on cross country skis, and be able to use the equipment in a correct and energy-saving way. Lunch back at the fjellstue before a short ski tour. Evening: cover some of the tricks and tips about how to spend a night in a tent in winter in relative comfort, learning about polar routines, and equipment.
Day 3: Skiing of Track
This morning we explore skiing off-track and take on some steeper ground, back to the fjellstue for lunch, before setting off on our first journey taking with us our pulks (sledge) but at this stage they’re not fully laden! Winter campcraft session, and then in the evening we start to prepare the equipment ready for our three nights out on expedition.
Day 4: Ski Expedition
we will practice winter navigation as we go – using the sun, wind, snow and the GPS/compass We won’t travel far, however, on the first day before we set up camp for the night. On one of the days, we will stop and set up camp a little earlier in the afternoon before learning about and building a variety of snow shelters. Evening: information about the importance of correct nutrition – what to eat and drink, and how often, whilst on ski expeditions.
Day 5: Ski Expedition
we will practice winter navigation as we go – using the sun, wind, snow and the GPS/compass We won’t travel far, however, on the first day before we set up camp for the night. On one of the days, we will stop and set up camp a little earlier in the afternoon before learning about and building a variety of snow shelters. Evening: information about the importance of correct nutrition – what to eat and drink, and how often, whilst on ski expeditions.
Day 6: Ski Expedition
We will wake in the morning and have our final meal together as a team. We will then have to clean up all of our items and make sure the cabin is left as it was when we arrived. The team will have a morning transfer back to Kongsberg, before taking the train journey again to Oslo Gardermoen Airport to catch your evening flight or for your onward journey. If you plan to stay on in Oslo for longer, we can definitely help you with different ideas of what else to see and do!
Day 7: Ski Expedition
Complete our journey back to the fjellstue with time to improve our downhill technique using ‘freeheel’ skis. We sort out all of the equipment and then well-earned hot showers/saunas, our final dinner, and an evening presentation ‘What next?’ regarding future trips and expeditions.
Day 8: Transfer back to the Airport
Morning transfer back to Oslo Gardermoen airport for onward travel home the same day.
Ready to go?
Does this information excite you to take the next step towards challenging yourself Nordic ski training in Norway. If so, get in touch today.
We pride ourselves on making sure that our clients have every opportunity to succeed in the mountains, including professional training advice and gear lists. We are always available to answer any questions you may have by email or phone so contact us today!
