Cross-Country Skiing: Kvitavatn

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 34 reviews.

David Pountney

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written March 2011
In my opinion Kvitavatn remains the best choice for those interested in varied and challenging skiing in an unspoilt location. Expert tuition and leading,excellent accommodation and food also make this a memorable experience.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Setting out in the morning across the frozen lake with the crisp snow sparkling in bright sunshine and the cloudless blue sky promising a most enjoyable day.IlseIls
What did you think of your group leader?
Ilse was an inspiration . She has a vast local knowledge , keeps an understanding eye on all members of the group,encourages everyone to learn more ,and has a strong rapport with each skier In short she is a great teacher.
Ian Cockshott

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written March 2011
We decided we wanted the opportunity to try more off-track skiing with metal edged skis. Due to adverse weather (gale-force winds and high temperatures), this turned out to very challenging and, therefore, not as enjoyable as we had hoped. Unusually, the sun shone from dawn to dusk most days; this was a bonus! The variety of food available in the restaurant was lacking when compared to all of our other Waymark/Exodus cross-country skiing holidays in Norway.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
None come to mind for a trip of this nature.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leaders, Ilse and Mary were exceptionally good. They were very caring & encouraging at all times and their coaching was very clear. They gave very interesting evening presentations, which were exceptionally well prepared and delivered. Their warm-up and warm-down (stretching) sessions were very well designed.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We feel that the level of fitness required for off-track skiing is higher than that for track skiing.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
On the first day. we were advised that our own xc-ski boots were unsuitable for the off-track skiing in this area. However, unlike our boots, the hire ski-boots had very little ankle support. With the very difficult snow conditions, we both suffered severe ankle strain & brusing. This could have been minimised if more supportive boos had been available. The metal edges on the skis had not been ground recently; this made for less efficient edge control.
Catherine Marvell

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written March 2011
This was my first trip to Norway for cross country skiing and it was a step up from the track skiing I had done in Europe but great fun.   Kvitavatn is a great place to stay with a friendly informal feel.   The leaders were exceptional.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Not sure if inspirational is the word but it was exhilarating to be up on the plateau skiing in very adverse conditions (ice, high winds) but with the most beautiful views of the white wild coutryside.      To get back safely in the evening after having battled the elements!
What did you think of your group leader?
Both Ilse and Mary were great.   They helped navigate the complexities of waxing the skiis.   They were encouraging and thoughtful in their guidance.   They put a lot extra in with fun warm-ups and relaxing cool downs, evening activities and a brilliant photo show on the last night of our week's efforts.   I skiied more with Ilse who was truely inspirational and a very skilled instructor.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There is plenty of variety for vegetarians and healthy options - I found the food excellant so need to bring any extras.   The packed lunch buffet was extensive as was breakfast.   It says in the trip notes but I did not read it to take gaiters.   Also needed are lots of layers.   No need for anything fancy for dinner!   Get fit before going - I though I was reasonably fit but my arms need a lot more work before going next time (and I will go back).
Alison Kerlogue

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written February 2011
Back for another year of Kvitavatn magic and yes it just gets better. It is an infectious place, keeps pulling you back.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Ilse and Mary are the greatest team, they are both a pleasure to ski with. Teaching is gold star standard.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just go, you will not be dissapointed.
Jane Bellinger

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN MARCH 2011

Written January 2011
Relaxed informal base with great tuition and variety.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting to the top of Onapeia (excuse spelling!) was a high point in terms of views and the challenge of aiming for a summit. I equally enjoyed the off track routes dodging, or not!, the trees and overhanging branches through the forest. I had a birthday whilst on holiday and Ilse had noticed this and made an effort to make sure I felt special that day which was a lovely quite unexpected gesture.
What did you think of your group leader?
Ilse and Mary led the group. Mary's patience with technique coaching saw me get my first ski award. Ilse knows the area and local snow conditions better than the back of her hand and is a natural teacher inspiring confidence in the most fretful amateur. The morning warm ups are ridiculously fun, and worth the effort for jiggling aching muscles into action.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be aware that this is very much a centre that welcomes families and groups. If you want to have a quiet dinner for two, maybe book elsewhere, but we love the warm relaxed camaraderie of shared stories over the evening meal, comparing ever more exaggerated tales of the days events. Alcohol is expensive in Norway, there is opportunity to buy a beer at the lodge but you may want to consider calling into duty free before you leave the UK. You will need gaiters if you don't want boots full of melting powder snow. Take something to entertain you in the evening, if you're awake that long.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We booked one of the cabins for two people, which I would say is a very expensive supplement, but had fab views of Gausta. We had great cooks at the time we were there, vegetarian food was unusually good for this part of the world and the granola cereal speciality made by Mette should be available as an export!
Alison Kerlogue

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written March 2010
The combination of great teaching that stretched ability but was supportive, an excellent hostel, awesome and varied scenery and good company ensured this to be a truely excellent holiday.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Realizing that with the great teaching, your skiing had moved on a notch and seeing that happen to others on the trip was inspirational.
What did you think of your group leader?
Both leaders were fantastic, but Ilse has a real ability to inspire, motivate and support in the best possible way, she's absolute gold dust. Have to say she was the main reason I returned to Kvitavatn and if she comes back, she will be the reason I book again.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Sing a lot, it helps with rhythm and if you smile you have better posture. The more you become a group and support one another, the more you get out of it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The week at Kvitavatn was pure escapism and it gave me my bounce back. I came home more motivated and with a more positive outlook, exactly what a holiday should deliver
Heather Wood

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written February 2009
Great holiday. Good mix of on and off-track ski-ing. Wonderful location, good accommodation, excellent home-made food, brilliant instructors and good group size. Enjoyed it all and would love to go back again!
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What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take gaiters! You'll need them if you fall as much in the snow as I did!