Cross-Country Skiing: Espedalen, Norway

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 6 reviews.

Mike Linehan

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: ESPEDALEN

Written March 2013
Holiday with a difference
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The food by Surina was amazing & walking the lake at dawn is something not to be missed. If you want a romantic location in an outdoor setting this is it!
What did you think of your group leader?
Albert as per usual is a gentle genial guide. He is one of Exodus's best. This is my second trip with Albert.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If this is your first time skiing think before doing this holiday. I ended up snowshoeing for the week. You need to get your balance on Skiis fast or else you will not be able to keep up with the group. If that happens you will end up snowshoeing by yourself or thinking about heading home. I bought a flight home & almost left the group, this not a cheap option.This location is not in a village location & has limited other opportunities. If you can skii or ice or roller skate great. If not get lessons before you leave. It will greatly enhance your holiday. Bring a weatherproof camera with spare battery. The views will blow you away.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you do end up up snowshoeing then two things are worth doing. Climbing Ruten is amazing & the ridge opposite the the hotel across the lake has not only fantastic views but a great descent. The Stout which is really a dark ale is not only great for settling your tummy but has a wonderful character as well (I am Irish & visit Germany regularly!). The hotel is so cosy you could walk around in your stockings & Surina's little girls make it home fom home. If you need souvenirs on the last day, if you can ski fast or take the option Albert gives you the other hotel in the valley has a souvenir shop plus wonderful coffee. Never refuse the hot chocolates anywhere, they love cream & you will well have earned it. An English lady sometimes calls in & gives a slide show on local flora & fauna. It's really, really good. Helveta or hell is well worth the visit. Frozen potholes are interesting. The restaurant is closed so no sour porridge, sorry!
Alison Elding

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: ESPEDALEN

Written March 2013
A great week learning how to cross country ski with a competent and relaxed leader and a very comfortable hotel with excellent food and welcoming hosts.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being on our own on the tracks out in the wilderness with snow as far as the eye could see. The whole area is so big and quiet that you rarely see anyone else out skiing especially during the week, and yet the tracks are cut regularly and are in very good condition.
Also the feeling of accomplishment once you finally grasp the techniques is great.
What did you think of your group leader?
An excellent instructor, Albert was very patient and skilled at teaching us and coped well with the different levels in the group. He gave freedom to the members who picked up the techniques quicker than the rest to go on ahead and looked after those of us who took a bit longer. He had a good knowledge of the area and gave us the confidence to take on longer routes each day whilst arranging pickups for people who wanted to finish earlier.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Get fit before you go. It is hard work and you will enjoy it more.
Take lots of layers that are easy to put on and off. Once you start going uphill you get hot, as soon as you stop you cool down fast and need to put on more clothes quickly.
The hotel rooms don't have tea and coffee facilities but Surina and Stefan are quite happy to fill flasks etc.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We really enjoyed this holiday and it is a great way to learn how to cross country ski. It is easy to go out on your own skiing from the hotel on the free day as all the trails are signposted. The hotel was warm and comfortable, and Surina makes wonderful food whether you choose Thai or Norwegian cuisine. We will definitely be back!
Malcolm Newlyn

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: ESPEDALEN

Written February 2013
Outstanding skiing in a wonderful Winter wilderness . . . with very enjoyable local sightseeing and snow-shoe option on free day. Exceptional cuisine and hospitality from Surina and Stefan.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The sheer silence of the area is deafening!
What did you think of your group leader?
First class . . . as usual!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Lodge accommodation is comfortable but 'no frills' and rooms are not serviced.
But there's always plenty of hot water!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thoroughly recommended!
jeremy mortimer

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: ESPEDALEN

Written February 2013
Comfortable hotel, great (mainly, by choice, Thai) food, wonderful hosts and loads of snow made for a great inaugural week of skiing here. Quiet location with skiing either from the hotel or no more than a short mini-bus drive away. Our hosts, Surina and Stefan, looked after us exceptionally well.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Although it was cold we had a good few days up on the mountains with blue skies (and diamond dust) and great views; we pretty much had the mountains to ourselves.
We had an interesting (non skiing) morning where we went to Hell and found it frozen over.

What did you think of your group leader?
My first trip with Albert - hugley experienced, professional and patient. This being a new trip he had spent the previous week researching the area with Stefan from the hotel to put together a good programme for us.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
As a the trip notes state, this is quiet location - there was about one car an hour on the road outside the hotel.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Unique operatunity to enjoy Thai food (other options are available) AND skiing.
Murray Dee

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: ESPEDALEN

Written February 2013
A wonderful trip into the wilderness of central Norway. A homely mountain lodge with extremely hospitable owners.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I really enjoyed the descent on the final day from the Dalsetter hotel to Espedalen Fjellstue. 4km of steep hills, sweeping bends and the sun shining through the trees.
What did you think of your group leader?
Albert was a great leader. A really friendly man with a vast knowledge of cross country skiing in Norway. Nothing is every too much and even on the free day he was happy to lead the snow shoeing trek.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you take plenty of layers for the colder months, January and February.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food prepared by Surina was absolutely excellent. We chose to have Thai food most nights and it was superb. A large mix of different dishes appeard every night. Lots of food to re-fuel after a hard day's skiing.
Gary Geal

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: ESPEDALEN

Written February 2013
A fantastic week in a beautiful area, good company, great skiing & very well looked after by stefan & surina. The food both thai & non thai was very good.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Difficult to single out one thing from a week of highlights but the quality of the skiing & the lack of crowds (we saw one other skier in the first four days) gave a feeling of adventure & having the area to ourselves.
What did you think of your group leader?
My first trip with albert & he was very good, great local knowledge he spent the previous week putting together a great program for the weeks skiing & also the free day. He was also good company & helped to make it a great week.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Layers good gloves & hat we had -25 one day. Go to hell & back on the free day, the potholes localy known as hell are well worth a visit, also try the hot chocolate.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Highly recommended. If you want great skiing in stunning scenery, lovely food & great hosts this is a great choice.