On selected dates in February and March we offer a tourskiing course guided by Trollheimen Skitouring. The first half of the week is spent at Bortistu Gjestegård in Trollheimen after which we move to Rondane River Lodge. Both family-run locations offer some of the finest tourskiing terrain in inland Norway, while being completely out of the beaten track at the same time! Every day the itinerary will be designed depending on weather/snow/avalanche conditions and the level of the participants. This trip is open for novel and more experienced tour skiers in good physical condition feeling comfortable on all kinds of snow.

 

Day 1:

Individual arrivals in Oppdal where the local expert/guide from Trollheimen Skitouring will be welcoming us. Pick-up of the rental material for those not having own tour skiing and/or avalanche equipment. Transfer to Bortistu Gjestegård (45 minutes) situated at the far end of remote Storlidalen. This traditional mountain farm was transformed into a comfortable lodge and serves as our basecamp during the first part of the week. Welcome dinner at the cosy restaurant while we go through the program for the next days.

 

Day 2:

After a tasty breakfast we prepare our packed lunches and set off for an exciting day outside. The guide handpicks the perfect location for an exciting training day, taking into account the weather and snow conditions. We test our equipment and improve our technique of tour skiing. There will also be included an avalanche course during which we get familiar with beacon, probe and shovel. Upon return at Bortistu Gjestegård there will be served a freshly prepared 3 courses dinner. Those who want can use the sauna for a small supplement.

 

Day 3-4:

Trollheimen is often considered the most varied of all mountain ranges in Norway for several reasons. The mountains in the western part are alpine in form, with pointed peaks and typical river valleys. The mountains in the east are less steep with more rounded shapes predominating, and the valleys are wider and bear the mark of being created by glaciers. The climate differs from the more oceanic climate in the west to a considerably drier, continental climate in the eastern valleys, due to being sheltered by mountains. Bortistu Gjestegård enjoys a prime location, at the far end of Storlidalen, and offers the best of both worlds: access to some of the finest tour skiing terrain while being a snow hole at the same time!

 

A suggestion of possible trips within reach of Bortistu Gjestegård:

 

Storbekkhøa (1.504m):

One of the most famous peaks in Storlidalen. We start straight from Bortistu through a steep birch forest before reaching a plateau at the treeline. From there, we follow a wide ridge leading to the top after a final steeper slope. Then, we usually drop down in the east bowl to enjoy the wind sheltered snow.

Uphill: 900m – Downhill: 900m – Distance: 11km

 

Okkla (1.580m):

A massive mountain between Storlidalen and Gjevillvassdalen. We start the tour from Bårdsgarden or from Dalen farm. After few hundred meters in the birch forest, we reach a long plateau leading to the top. Several options for skiing down.

Uphill: 1000m – Downhill: 1000m – Distance: 12km

 

Kråkvasstind (1.699m):

The highest summit of the area. After crossing Ångardsvatnet (frozen lake), we gently go towards the impressive north face of Kråkvasstind. We go around by the east or west sides to reach the top. Then we have several options to ski down the north sides where the snow conditions are usually good.

Uphill: 1200m – Downhill: 1200m – Distance: 23km

 

Storhaugen (1.414m):

A classic tour in the valley. We start in mellow terrain, going gently up through a nice birch forest. At the tree line, we have several options to reach the summit plateau. From the top, we can ski the steeper southeast bowl or find some wilder lines on the north side.

Uphill: 700m – Downhill: 700m – Distance: 7.5km

 

Day 5:

Check-out from Bortistu Gjestegård and transfer to Oppdal train station. We can still enjoy a short trip in Storlidalen, practice on forest skiing or can spend some hours at the nearby ski resort (lift passes to be bought separately). Oppdal has 56km of slopes spread over 4 mountains and several easily accessible off-piste trails where we can improve our downhill technique. We take a short but scenic train ride from Oppdal to Hjerkinn in the afternoon followed by a transfer (60 minutes) to Rondane River Lodge. En route we can enjoy the beautiful views on the Rondane mountains already which we will be exploring during the next couple of days. Check-in at Rondane River Lodge, a small and cosy lodge with newly refurbished hotel rooms and traditional log cabins. We enjoy a home-made 3 courses dinner at the excellent restaurant. The new outdoor wood-fired sauna and hot-tub can be used optionally.

 

Day 6-7:

Rondane is a typical Norwegian high mountain area with long stretched mountain plateaus and 10 tops over 2.000m above sea level. It’s the oldest national park in Norway created in 1962 to protect some of the last herds of wild reindeer on the Scandinavian peninsula. Here you will hardly encounter anyone else and just be surrounded by pristine wilderness. Although Rondane has not yet opened up for a lot of commercial tour skiing, it offers a great diversity of tour skiing options from easy to challenging. The average weather is considerably more stable/colder than in the western parts of Norway.

 

A suggestion of possible trips within reach of Rondane River Lodge:

 

Saukampen (1.343m):

Through the wonderful Vuludalen to the eastern side of Gråhøgda. After passing birch forests, several lakes and crossing swamps, you get on the Gråhøgda-plateau. From here the top of Saukampen is within easy reach offering a perfect downhill experience.

Uphill: 600m – Downhill: 600m – Distance: 18km

 

Gravskardhøgda (1.767m):

From Atnbrua through nordic forests and over vast plateaus with panoramic views over the national park and the highest peak within its borders (Rondeslottet – 2.178m). Then you climb the magnificent double peak of Gravskardhøgda before descending almost 1.000m back to the valley.

Uphill: 980m – Downhill: 980m – Distance: 16.5km

 

Blåkollen (1.580m):

You start by crossing the frozen Atnsjø-lake to Fagerholl. Then through birch forests until you reach the tree level. Over wide ridges further to the summit.

Uphill: 1.000m – Downhill: 1000m – Distance: 16.5km

 

Stor Elgevasshøe (1.608m):

From the hamlet of Elgevassli ascent through the Storbekken to a huge plateau. The further route over the northern flank of the summit becomes a little steeper. Promising for a good descent.

Uphill: 850m – Downhill: 850m – Distance: 12km

 

Høgronden (2.115m):

From Strømbu it goes towards the mountain cabin of Bjørnhollia. Through the Veslkolldalen it goes over a wide ridge up to the Sore Oksle (1.779m). The last 350 height meters are tough, but you are rewarded with a dreamy view from the second highest peak in Rondane.

Uphill: 1.370m – Downhill: 1370m – Distance: 18km

 

Day 8:

Last breakfast and check-out from Rondane River Lodge. Transfer to Atna or Ringebu station (45 minutes). The guide will take care of bringing back the rental equipment. Time to say goodbye to the Norwegian mountains.

 

Departure dates:

12.02.23 (fully booked) & 12.03.23

Minimum 4 and maximum 6 participants.

 

Prices:

Package in standard double room = 25.900 NOK per person

Package in standard single room = 29.900 NOK per person

 

Included:

6 days professional guiding in English by Trollheimen Skitouring

4 nights at Bortistu Gjestegård (single or double rooms with shared facilities)

3 nights at Rondane River Lodge (single or double superior rooms with private facilities)

Full board (breakfast – self-made lunch packs – 3 courses dinner)

All transfers according to the program

 

Optional:

Rental of tour skiing equipment = 2.500 NOK for 1 week

Rental of avalanche equipment = 550 NOK for 1 week

Lift pass on day 5

Use of the sauna in Bortistu Gjestegård

Use of the sauna in Rondane River Lodge

 

Not included:

Transport to Oppdal / from Atna or Ringebu

Drinks

Personal expenses

Insurances

 

Level:

This trip is open for novel tour skiers as well as those with more experience. The main prerequisites are that participants must be able to ski correctly in all kinds of snow and have the minimum fitness to be able to climb 800 to 1000m vertical per day.

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

 

Weather:

We reserve for changes in the program due to weather conditions. In case of insufficient snow, we reserve the right to change/cancel the program. We do whatever we can to propose customized alternatives.

 

Deposit:

When booking for this trip, a 30% deposit is payable upon confirmation. This deposit is non-refundable unless the minimum number of participants would not be reached latest 4 weeks before departure. Or in case the program would be cancelled due to insufficient snow.

 

Contact us for more information or booking.