Essential Information
Trip Profile
5 days guided cross-country skiing Grade 1 (beginners), Grade 2 (intermediates and confident beginners)
Price Includes
Return flights from Heathrow to Oslo with SAS or British Airways, airport transfers (for group flights only)
7 nights full board at Strand Fjellstue
5 days of cross-country skiing
Tour leader/instructor throughout
Not included:
Cross-country ski hire
Optional Activities:
Unguided snowshoeing
Ice-fishing
Accommodation
STRAND FJELLSTUE
Our base has a great position in the Espedalen Valley overlooking the lake and has the friendly feel of a mountain lodge. Run by Sefan and Surina Austheim, all rooms have been recently refurbished to offer warm, comfortable twin rooms with en suite facilities. There is also a bar lounge area where guests can relax by the fire, as well as a restaurant serving a range of cuisine, all lovingly prepared by Surina herself.
Food
All meals included.
Reality Check
We run both beginners and intermediate cross-country skiing weeks at Espedalen. Please make sure you choose the right week.
On most days we will aim to be out on skis for 4 to 6 hours - possibly longer later in the week. Mostly we will follow tracks, or 'løype', laid by special machines, but sometimes we will make our way through unbroken snow.
Cross-country skiing On the first few days of a beginner's cross-country skiing course your instructor will choose the trails and terrain carefully, and will avoid steep slopes, however, even on the flat you should expect to fall over. Unlike downhill skiing, where falls can happen at speed, most cross-country falls happen at slow speeds or from an almost static position, and cause no injury. Although it is very rare, some falls do lead to injury, in the worst cases this may include broken bones. Overall cross-country skiing is a safe sport to take part in, if properly instructed. All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While we do all we can to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday.
Your safety All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as simple as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While we do all we can to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday. Please refer to the 'risk of injury' section at the back of the Winter Activities brochure, or the online FAQs for this trip for further information.Normal group size and age
Normally 5 to 14. Minimum age 16.
Icons explained
The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together.
All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please
see our Solo Departures page.
Exodus is always looking to improve our current itineraries and to offer something different. With many new trips this year, there is something unique and different to try every year.
Cross-country skiing: will involve intensive instruction, and our groups are carefully graded to ensure participants have similar levels of experience.
Cross-country ski grades: 1 Beginners | 2 Intermediates (suitable for confident beginners) | 2+ Intermediates (not suitable for beginners) | 3 Advanced | 4 Strenuous | and for Cross-country Skating levels: 1 Beginners | 2 Intermediates - For full explanations of Cross-Country Grading and Levels please see below or check here to view the full Winter Grades page.
Winter Activities: It's about seeking out alternative ways to have fun in unspoilt locations, you won't find standard skiing or snowboarding breaks here.
Grade 1 Beginners. Recommended for beginners, or those who feel the need to improve basic techniques. We teach you the essentials and explore gently undulating terrain. All or most skiing is on prepared tracks (loipe). More experienced skiers are welcome, but the pace will be set for the beginners. Towards the end of the holiday you might ski 10-15km or more a day, at a gentle pace. Throughout the week you will be taught how to snowplough and different techniques to have you gliding along the tracks in no time.
Grade 2 Intermediates and confident beginners. A mix of flat and hillier terrain. Grade 2 weeks are for people who have enjoyed a Grade 1 holiday, grasped the snowplough and now want to improve technique. We ski a little more quickly and over more challenging ground than on a grade 1 trip.
Acceptable for newcomers to cross-country skiing, but you should be very fit and have experience of ther sports that develop balance - ice-skating, roller-skating or downhill skiing. Most of the skiing will be on tracks but there may be some off-track skiing.
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