For those with previous backcountry skiing experience, we offer a multiday backcountry ski expedition in Rondane National Park. The expedition can either be fully guided (on selected departure dates) or be undertaken self-guided from end of February to the beginning of April. The itinerary underneath is an example of how the expedition can look like. Please notice the program sometimes needs to be adapted depending on the weather conditions and opening times of the mountain cabins. We can also recommend shorter routes upon request.

3 nights are spent at Rondane River Lodge which serves as our cosy basecamp. The other 4 nights will be spent at DNT mountain refuges within the national park. The luggage is transported in pulks (sleds) which are pulled behind us. We always include a backcountry introduction on the first day in order to get acquainted with the terrain, skiing equipment and pulk. Be aware this can be a quite challenging expedition in high mountain terrain and though weather conditions. An adventurous mindset is definitely required.

Day 1: arrival

Arrival by private car or transfer from Atna train station to Sollia. The hosts welcome us at Rondane River Lodge. For sure you will be charmed instantly by the cosy lodge and the snowy forest around. Relax in a 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 we gather for an information session about the program. The guide handpicks the perfect location for an exciting training day, taking into account the weather conditions. Test the equipment and improve your technique of backcountry skiing. Those who want can pull a pulk already to get used to the extra weight and how to balance it while skiing. There will also be included a basic avalanche course during which we get familiar with beacon, probe and shovel. Upon return at Rondane River Lodge there will be served a freshly prepared 3 courses dinner.

Day 3: Stadsbuøyen-Dørålseter (13km)

Prepare yourself for a 5 days expedition through Rondane National Park. Food and extra material will be divided and packed in the pulks before driving to the starting point in Stadsbuøyen (30 minutes). Of course we make a short stop at the panoramic viewpoint of Sohlbergplassen on the way there. The first part goes mainly through dense pine and spruce forest, the second part is caracterized by long stretched moraines and birch forests. There are good chances to spot moose or even a flock of wild reindeer in this part of the national park. 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 Dørålseter.

Day 4: Dørålseter-Rondvassbu (15km)

A long skiing day is waiting and maybe the most epic one too. We follow Bergedalen in southern direction. It’s surrounded by some of the highest summits in Rondane National Park and the views are simply breathtaking. After passing the base of Rondeslottet, the tallest mountain (2.178m), we decend to Rondvatnet, the largest lake within the national park. We have to cross its entire length to reach Rondvassbu on the opposite shore. Here we enjoy a comfortable stay in the staffed mountain hut including full board. Overnight in shared rooms.

Day 5: Rondvassbu-Bjørnhollia (12km)

Today we turn east into the long stretched Illmanndalen, another famous valley in Rondane National Park. The terrain is quite gentle and we have to cross a lot of smaller lakes. The last part is more challenging with a decent into a picturesque valley. Here we have to find our way in between trees and small rivers to Bjørnhollia. It’s definitely one of the most charming huts in Rondane. Overnight in shared rooms.

Day 6: Bjørnhollia-Eldåbu (16km)

Today we cover a longer distance again from Bjørnhollia to Eldåbu. We start with a steep climb on the flank of Blåkollen before descending again into Steindalen. After lunchtime, in upper Vuludalen, we cross the Bågåskardshøgdin and continue south to Eldåbu. The cabin is beautifully situated right on the tree level with nice views in all directions. Overnight in shared rooms.

Day 7: Eldåbu-Spidsbergseter (12km)

The last day goes through vast open landscapes and along Ramstindan before gently winding down to Spidsbergseter on the Venabu plateau. Here we can enjoy a well deserved drink while waiting for our transfer back to the lodge. Enjoy our wood-fired sauna and hot-tub to relax your muscles in the late afternoon before being served a 3 courses farewell dinner. Overnight at Rondane River Lodge.

Day 8: departure

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

Included in the guided trip:

Transfers from/to Atna station

Transfers to the starting point of the expedition and back to the lodge

3 nights in a fully equipped log cabin (shared with other participants)

Bed linen and towels while staying at the lodge

Final cleaning of the log cabin

2 nights in shared rooms at simple but cosy self-serviced DNT mountain cabins (Dørålseter and Eldåbu)

2 nights in shared rooms at staffed and fully-serviced DNT mountain cabins (Rondvassbu and Dørålseter)

3 x breakfast at the lodge

2 x self-prepared lunch package from the lodge

3 x three courses dinner at the lodge

2 x breakfast at the DNT mountain cabins (Rondvassbu and Bjørnhollia)

2 x self-prepared lunch package from the DNT mountain cabins (Rondvassbu and Bjørnhollia)

2 x three courses dinner at the DNT mountain cabins (Rondvassbu and Bjørnhollia)

Real Turmat (freeze dried meals) during the rest of the expedition

Guide during the entire program

Rental of backcountry ski equipment and pulk

One time use of the sauna and hot-tub including bathrobe and towel

Selected guided departure date 2027:

14.03.27

Price 2027:

27.500 NOK per person

Contact us for a tailormade offer when you want to undertake this expedition self-guided.

We can also recommend shorter routes upon request.

Optional:

Travel insurance

Transport:

We recommend to fly to Oslo Gardermoen Airport from where you take the train to Atna. Here we pick you up for the last transfer to the lodge (40 minutes). The pick-up time will be confirmed once the minimum number of participants has been reached and the timetable of the train is known. We try to adapt to the time which suits most participants.

Alternatively you can also hire a rental car from Oslo airport and drive to Rondane River Lodge in about 3-4 hours. 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 (500 NOK per week) and boots (400 NOK per week) from us. Please inform us about the required sizes in advance.

Participants:

The guided program is offered on selected dates only for a minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 participants.

This program can be offered self-guided on request from the end of February to the beginning of April for a minimum of 2 persons.

This expedition requires previous knowledge of backcountry skiing, a good physical condition and adventurous mindset.

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

We don’t recommend to bring children under 14 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.