Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 08:20

Cross-Country Skiing in Venabu

Cross-Country Skiing in Venabu Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Norway
  • Programmes: Winter
  • Activity Level:

    Multi-Level

  • 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 12+
  • Trip Code: K07NV

Trip Overview

This is one of our most popular cross-country skiing holidays with Headwater guests returning year after year.

It is based in central Norway, on the edge of the Rondane National Park and the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, just north of Lillehammer. The landscape is dramatic and full of contrasts from spectacular gorges and snow-capped peaks to pretty fells and valleys that extend as far as the eye can see. It’s far enough north to have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights too, especially in December and January, and throughout the winter there are spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

It has always been traditional to travel on skis here, so it’s perfect for cross-country skiing, and the guides at Venabu will help you get started. All weeks are suitable for beginners to intermediates. If you are a fit and experienced cross-country skier the hotel offers ski safaris on selected dates – the ski safaris are suitable for advanced skiers only; payable locally, subject to minimum numbers.

You can also try dog sledding, snowshoeing or go on a torch-lit, horse-drawn sleigh ride (payable locally). The hotel also offers yoga, pilates and mindfulness classes along with sports and relaxation massages. During the week you might like to take the train to Lillehammer, where there are several fascinating museums of Norwegian history, Olympic history and Norwegian culture, plus several art galleries. You can also try tobogganing here too.

 

At a Glance

  • 7 nights en suite hotel
  • 5 days guided cross-country skiing and optional snowshoe day (payable locally)
  • Cross-country skiing Grades 1-3 Beginners to Intermediates.
  • Grade 4 Advanced weeks available between 2nd March – 9th March 2024 inclusive when hotel offers ski-safaris (pay locally, subject to minimum numbers). These weeks are still suitable for grades 1-3
  • Cross-country skis, poles and boot hire included

Highlights

  • Enjoy cross-country skiing in remote wilderness
  • Ski safari weeks: all departures between 2nd March - 9th March 2024 inclusive (payable locally and subject to minimum numbers)
  • A snow-sure resort with skiing from the hotel doorstep
  • Sample traditional Norwegian dishes

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater, who offer more flexibility, so you can ski as much or as little as you like. There are some subtle differences between the way Exodus and Headwater trips run which may appeal to you:

Minimum age: children over the age of 6 are welcome to join but children under 16 are not included on the group lessons and excursions. Lessons can be booked and paid for locally.
Minimum group size of 6: departures are subject to a minimum group size of 6 in order to run, although occasionally a ‘small group’ may run and a supplement may apply.
Sole travellers: if travelling on your own a compulsory single supplement will apply (unless stated otherwise – look out for dates where there is no charge for single rooms).
Group leader/evenings: the hotel’s ski guides will ski with you in the morning, yet they may not join you in the evenings; Customers are seated together on one table but if you prefer to have a separate table please just inform the hotel. The hotel will also help you to arrange other activities.
Insurance: insurance details are required at the time of booking.

Cross-country skiing is an increasingly popular winter pastime. Compared to those used for downhill, the skis are longer, thinner and lighter with bindings that allow you to lift up your heel. Most cross-country skiing is undertaken on prepared tracks (loipe) covering flat and hillier terrain enabling you to explore the winter landscapes away from the confines of the alpine piste. Guided ski tours are usually in the mornings, arriving back before lunch so that the afternoon can be spent for people requiring extra tuition or shorter tours. Please note that ski tours will be shared with other guests staying at the Venabu Fjellhotel (non Exodus and Headwater clients).

The area is one of the best in Norway for cross-country skiing, both for families and for those who enjoy a challenge. All weeks are suitable for beginner to intermediate grade cross-country skiers; the weeks from 2nd March – 9th March 2024 inclusive are also suitable for advanced skiers (please see below).

Beginners and Intermediate:
The Venabu Fjellhotel will provide two to three ski guides each week (depending on group size) to cater for different ability levels; these tours are shared with other clients from Venabu Fjellhotel and are suitable for beginners to intermediate.

There will be an accompanied ski tour every day (excluding the free day – usually Wednesday and the arrival/departure day, usually Saturday). You can switch between groups mid-week as you progress. The first two days (usually Sun and Mon) are a chance for beginners to learn the basic technique and for intermediate and advanced skiers to find their ski legs again, as well as for the ski guides to assess your ability and group you accordingly. There will be optional ski tours every day, except Wednesday which you can join as you please. On Wednesday snowshoe tours will be offered.

Advanced:
Departures between 2nd March – 9th March 2024 inclusive, in addition to the normal cross-country skiing programme optional ski safaris will be available for more advanced skiers which can be booked and paid for locally (subject to minimum numbers).

These guided ski safari tours are entirely optional and comprise roughly 50% off-track skiing, covering 20-30km over 6-8hours, enabling you to reach more remote areas.

Group

The group will generally be between 1 and 10 people. There is no minimum group size on this tour; please feel free to enquire as to how many other people are booked on your departure. Children are welcome to join as long as they are able to participate in the skiing. The ski representatives we use are experienced ski enthusiasts, keen to impart their knowledge and skills.

The Venabu Fjellhotel provides two to three ski guides every day (except Wednesdays) to cater for different ability levels.

The minimum age of clients on this trip is 6 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.

Adult min age: 12

Min group size: 2

Max group size: 30

Itinerary

Cross-Country Skiing in Venabu

Land Only

  • Start City: Venabu
  • End City: Venabu

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Venabu

A private bus is sent from the hotel to Oslo Airport which collects all clients and transfers to Venabu (3hrs) in time for dinner. We recommend all clients arrive in time to join the group transfer. We have a brief introduction to the hotel and the ski room with briefing about the week’s programme and equipment given to clients.
Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2
Morning tuition with our local instructors. The afternoon is free to practise on your own

The first two days are usually to help learn the principles of gliding on snow, and extra tuition is available on selected departures. Tuition is given by our local ski guide in the morning, followed by a short ski tour in the local area before returning for late lunch (at 2-3 pm). The late afternoon is free for independent skiing. Maps are provided so you won’t get lost.
Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3
Cross-country ski tour with tuition.

This morning we head out on another ski tour around Venabu, our guide will observe what we have mastered and see where techniques can be improved. During the ski tour there will be further tuition to help us improve on what we have learnt. The late afternoon is free for independent practice and you can also book extra private lessons with one of the local instructors (paid locally). On one afternoon there will also be a group lesson with focus on hill techniques available (booked and paid locally).
Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
Ski tour with our instructors. Choose between shorter or longer tours. You can also ski independently.

Another day of cross-county skiing, either independently or on one of our ski tours.
Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Wednesday is a free day, when most guests choose to take part in the snowshoeing tour (payable locally).

Wednesday is a free day, when most guests choose to take part in the snowshoeing tour (payable locally). Equipment is provided and it is a great way to relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the Norwegian forest. Alternatively you may choose to head out and ski independently. Remember maps are provided so you won’t get lost.
Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6 - 7
Ski independently or with the group on one of our ski tours.

For the last two days of the week we ski out with our guides to explore the beautiful Norwegian landscape. Afternoons are free to travel further as your confidence grows.
Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8
End Venabu

After breakfast, we transfer to Oslo Airport.

Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary listed above will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.

Accommodation

Venabu Fjellhotel

Cross-Country Skiing in Venabu

The Venabu Fjellhotel has been run by the friendly Tvete family for over 50 years, and owing to its traditional charm and quiet location, it is a relaxing place to stay. There are 20 standard rooms housed within the east wing, or if you prefer you can upgrade (for a supplement) to one of the more spacious 36 superior west wing rooms. The hotel’s saunas and ski waxing centre are free for everyone to use. There’s also a bar, a games room (table tennis, pool, etc), a TV room, craft shop and two spacious sitting rooms with open fireplaces.

2022 saw the Tvete family celebrating 75 years of running Venabu Fjellhotel! Birgit and Arvid Tvete built the hotel from scratch, choosing the original plot because of its tremendous views. It has developed into a friendly, relaxing ‘home from home’ in a fabulous setting. The dining room affords glorious panoramic views out across the mountains.

Yoga:
One yoga session is held most days either in the morning or in the evening, typically 5 days a week. You are entitled to one complimentary session during your stay. After this, additional sessions are payable locally.

Room Upgrades:
Room upgrades may be available on request for a supplement. Please enquire at the time of booking for further details and prices.

Single supplement from £ 161

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included.
The healthy yet hearty, homemade food is traditional Norwegian cuisine, with most of the food sourced from local suppliers. Vegetarians are particularly well catered for here. Breakfast is a continental buffet with the highlight being the selection of tasty local cheeses. You can have the choice of a buffet lunch with a hot option or a picnic lunch to have whilst you take in the spectacular scenery. Dinner will be a 3-course set dinner, with a special ‘A taste of Norwegian Tradition’ meal on Wednesday with accompanying talk from your host about the food served.

For New Year’s Eve champagne and a special four-course meal with cheese and dessert buffet will be served.

Transport

Standard group airport transfers (at times to coordinate with the group flights) are included for all travellers. They are arranged with a local bus company who collect all customers for the three hour transfer to Venabu Fjellhotel.

Weather & Seasonality

Venabu is a snow sure destination. It is situated at 932m and the maximum height in which we ski is at 1200m. The average snow depths varies from 70cm – 120cm. Winter temperatures in Venabu can be cold (as low as minus 15/20°C or more), particularly between mid-December and mid-February, and whilst you won’t feel this as much when exercising, you must bring appropriate clothing and equipment to keep you warm and comfortable.

Weather Charts

Cross-Country Skiing in Venabu

Joining Instructions

Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days

The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.

Flights from London

We normally use the scheduled services of SAS or British Airways (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.

Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Venabu

Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Venabu in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Venabu
Location end: Venabu

Regional Flights

The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please ask about flights from local or regional airports.

If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check-in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1.5 hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays.

Transfer Details

It is a three hour transfer from Oslo Airport to the Venabu Fjellhotel, so we have included a group transfer for land only travellers and those on non-group flights in the price of the tour. The Venabu Fjellhotel arranges a transfer from Oslo Airport to the Hotel on the Saturday the tour starts at times to coordinate with the group flights; please confirm the transfer times with your Sales Consultant at the time of booking.

Please note that no representative, ski guide or driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall. On leaving Customs, please make your way to the Bus Information Desk where you will be directed to the Venabu bus waiting just outside the Terminal. If your flight arrives earlier than the standard group flight, you will need to wait for this to land before being able to find out where the bus to Venabu is parked. Please note that the transfer time in the 2020/21 season will be 13:30. Anyone arriving at a different time we recommend taking a train from Oslo airport to Ringebu train station or to Lillehammer station (pay locally). We can pre-arrange transfers from these stations to the hotel in Venabu for you (at additional cost); please enquire with your Sales Consultant for further details and prices.

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Winter temperatures in Venabu can be cold (as low as minus 15/20°C), particularly between mid-December and mid-February, and whilst you won’t feel this as much when exercising, you must bring appropriate clothing and equipment to keep you warm and comfortable.

A baggy layering system works best in cold temperatures to trap warm air around the body. Breathable materials with wicking properties such as wool are recommended for use as base layers so as not to hold too much moisture. Winters tend to be cold but dry, so breathable windproof outer layers are preferable to waterproof layers (these can create moisture inside and make you cold). Clothing should be comfortable and easy to move about in.

You will need the following:
A large bum-bag or small rucksack, large enough to carry the items you will need during the day such as extra layers and a large water bottle/thermos flask. It is more comfortable to ski without a backpack, but we suggest you take both to give you the option to choose on a daily basis depending on the weather and how many layers you wish to carry.

Outdoor/winter clothing
Walking boots for snowshoeing
Windproof anorak with hood (ideally baggy in fit to trap warm air, and a breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex)
Windproof trousers (ideally baggy in fit to trap warm air, and a breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex)
Warm fleece (2 thin fleeces are better than one thick one)
A good quality base layer is essential (breathable fabrics with high wicking properties such as wool recommended).
Sturdy waterproof walking boots (if you want to try snowshoeing or similar)
A few pairs of woollen socks.
Warm hat (which covers the ears) and mittens or gloves; mittens are much warmer than finger gloves (woollen mittens with a windproof cover are ideal).
Any creams (sunscreen, face cream, etc.) that contain water are not be suitable for cold weather; we advise to bring oil based products where possible.

Other items:
Sunglasses and high factor sun cream
Trainers/comfortable shoes for the evenings
Swimsuit (for sauna)
Headtorch

Equipment Hire

Cross-country skiing equipment:
Please advise your height, weight and shoe size when booking, so we can have the right skis and boots available for you. If you wish to bring your own skis, please advise one of our sales consultants as soon as possible. This must be added to your reservation otherwise the airline may charge you on check-in for the extra luggage.

Practical Information

Visa

Norway

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Norway. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccinations and Health

Norway

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Norway's time zone: Europe/Oslo (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Norway's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Norway's currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)

ATM Availability

We advise you to take local currency with you. There are cash machines at Oslo airport which will accept Visa, Eurocard, Amex and Diner’s cards. There is also a bank at Oslo airport – ‘Kreditkassen’. It’s open Monday – Friday 6:30am-8pm, Sat 6:30am-5pm and Sun 7am-8pm.  Traveller’s cheques are not accepted in Norway. Cash is increasingly being used less in Norway and you might find it easier to pay with credit card (Visa or Mastercard) at the hotel.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

For any additional activities we can refer you to the local tourist office who can book any activities for you, including driving with dog sleigh, horse and sleigh ride and snow shoeing.

People, Places & Planet

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.