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  • RONDANE BACKCOUNTRY EXPEDITION

    For those with some previous skiing experience, we can offer a multiday backcountry skiing expedition in Rondane National Park. All the material (skis, boots and pulks) can be rented from us and we can arrange transport to the starting point and back from your final destination.

     

    This itinerary is an example of how an expedition can look like and can be either fully guided or done on your own. We recommend in any case to have a backcountry introduction on the first day in order to get acquainted with the terrain and the material. We can also help you with the planning and give useful tips dependent on the season and weather circumstances.

     

    It’s a quite challenging trip during which you ski from hut to hut and encounter dramatic scenery all the way. 3 nights are spend at Rondane River Lodge which serves as your cosy basecamp. The other 4 nights will be spend at simple but cosy mountain refuges in the middle of nowhere.

     

    Day 1: arrival

    Arrival with your private car or transfer from Atna train station to Sollia. The hosts welcome you at Rondane River Lodge. For sure you will be charmed instantly by the cosy lodge and the snowy forest around. Relax in your comfortable hotel room or log cabin and enjoy a home-made 3 courses welcome dinner in the restaurant.

     

    Day 2: backcountry training day

    After a tasty breakfast you meet your guide and get information about the program. He handpicks the perfect location for an exciting training day, taking into account the weather conditions. Test your equipment and improve your technique of backcountry skiing. Those who want can pull a pulk to get used to the extra weight and how to balance with it. There will also be included an avalanche course during which you get yourself familiar with beacon, probe and shovel. Upon return at Rondane River Lodge there will be served a freshly prepared 3 courses dinner.

     

    Day 3: Venabygdsfjellet-Veslefjellbue

    Everyone prepares themselves for a 5 days expedition through Rondane National Park. Food and extra material will be divided and packed in the pulks before you get driven onto the Venabygdfjellet. From there you start climbing to Veslefjellbue. Enjoy the snow desert and spectacular views on prominent Mount Muen all the way. Upon arrival at the mountain cabin everyone helps out to heat the cabin, boil water and prepare dinner in the evening. Overnight in shared rooms at the recently built Veslefjellbue.

     

    Day 4: Veslefjellbue-Eldåbu

    After breakfast the expedition continues to Eldåbu Mountain Cabin in the heart of Rondane National Park. The trail goes through open landscapes and along Ramstindan before gently winding down to Eldåbu where you stay in shared accommodation. The cabin is situated right on the tree level and has nice views in all directions.

     

    Day 5: Eldåbu-Bjørnhollia

    Today there is covered a large distance from Eldåbu to Bjørnhollia Mountain Cabin. You cross the Bågåskardshøgdin and have lunch in the upper Vuludalen. You continue northwards into Steindalen followed by a rather steep descent to Bjørnhollia. It’s definitely one of the most picturesque huts in Rondane at the feet of many famous mountain tops like Storronden, Vinjeronden and Rondeslottet. Dinner and last overnight in shared accommodation.

     

    Day 6: Bjørnhollia-Dørålseter

    Another long skiing day is waiting but probably the most epic too. You will cross the entire Langglupdalen which is surrounded by all the highest summits in Rondane National Park. On days with good visibility, the views are simply breathtaking. After passing the base of Rondeslottet, the tallest mountain (2.178m), the landscape somewhat opens up on the way to Dørålseter, your next cosy mountain refuge.

     

    It’s also possible to shorten the expedition and ski from Bjørnhollia to Furulund:

    First the frozen Musvoltjønna lake will be crossed before going down in the birch and pinetrees again. With nice weather you enjoy spectacular views with pyramid shaped Høgronden in the background. Last but not least you cross the large Atnsjøen Lake which is about 1km wide and 8km long. It’s an amazing feeling to ski over the frozen surface before climbing to the inhabited world again. Transfer back to Rondane River Lodge from Furulund.

     

    Day 7: Døralseter-Stadsbuøyen

    You ski in eastern direction during the entire the last day. The first part is caracterized by long stretched moraines and birch forests. More dense pine and spruce forest dominates the last part. There is good chances to spot moose or even a flock of wild reindeer in this part of the national park. After reaching the parking place at Stadsbyøyen, you will be picked up for a transfer back to the lodge. Why not enjoy our wood-fired sauna and hot-tub to relax the muscles before the 3 courses farewell dinner will be served?

     

    Day 8: departure

    After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to the Norwegian mountains. Transfer to Atna train station if not having private transportation.

     

    Included:

    Transfers to the starting point and back to the lodge

    3 nights in a cosy log cabin or hotel room

    4 nights in simple but cosy mountain cabins

    3 x breakfast

    3 x self-prepared lunch package

    3 x three courses dinner

    Guiding (training day or during the entire expedition)

    All sports equipment needed for the various activities

     

    Prices 2023/2024:

    Contact us for a tailormade offer.

     

    Optional:

    Meals during the expedition

    Use of the sauna = 500 NOK

    Use of the hot-tub in combination with sauna = 1500 NOK

    Travel insurance

     

    Transport:

    We recommend to fly to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Here you can pick-up a rental car and drive to Rondane River Lodge in about 3-4 hours. Alternatively you can also take the train to Atna where we can pick you up for 900 NOK one way (up to 8 persons). It’s also possible to come by ferry from mainland Europe with your own car. Make sure your car is winter proof and has winter tires / snow chains in that case.

     

    Clothing:

    We recommend to bring winter sports clothing and to dress in layers as much as possible. For sure it can be freezing cold, but you might also get very warm while being active outdoors. Thermal underwear in merino wool is the best investment in order to stay comfortable in all kind of weather circumstances. And don’t forget a pair of sturdy/waterproof hiking or snow boots.

    It’s also possible to rent winter dresses (400 NOK per week) and boots (300 NOK per week) from us. Please inform us about the required sizes in advance.

     

    Participants:

    This program can be offered on request throughout the winter season for a minimum of 2 persons.

    This expedition requires some previous knowledge of skiing and a good physical condition.

    Good navigation skills are necessary when doing this trip self-guided.

    We don’t recommend to bring children under 16 years on this trip.

    We reserve for changes in the program due to weather conditions.

     

    Deposit:

    When booking for this trip, a 30% deposit is payable upon confirmation. This deposit is non-refundable unless the program would be cancelled from our side due to insufficient snow.

     

    Contact us for prices, availability and more information.