The Magic of Norway – Cross Country Skiing Newcomers Plus

SUMMARY

Dates: Saturday 9th  – Saturday 16th March 2024 7 nights/6 days cross country skiing with option for a free rest day

Guide: Anita Grey and local guide

Walking Grade: 2 Goats as we have long days on the snow but at a very steady pace. This year we are encouraging those who were newcomers to return to build and develop your skills. There may also be some who want to practice and prepare for Peer Gynt next year. You will start with learning techniques and finding your cross country legs again. Watch our video below holiday to help with your fitness preparations.

Base: Dalseter Mountain Hotel- 3 hours from Oslo Gardermoen Airport. We recommend arriving latest early afternoon for a 2pm transfer as it is a 3 hour drive. You will arrive in time to settle in before the evening meal. We recommend returning on flights late afternoon on Sat 16th.The return transfer leaves the hotel at around 8am to get guests back to Oslo Gardermoen Airport for 11am for flights from 1pm onwards.

There are other options if you can’t make these times as there is a train to Lillehammer from the airport where a cab will pick you up but it is an extra cost. Some people add on a night or two, either before or after the holiday, in Oslo.

Some guests have travelled overland and this is an adventurous option. We can advise on travel and can advise  if you would like a stop over in Oslo.

Airport Transport is included from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to Dalseter return at the specific group transfer times.

Price: £1,570 per person for the holiday all inclusive:

• en-suite solo occupancy room with a stunning view ( a bath available on request)
• Extensive buffet breakfasts,
• Packed lunches self made at breakfast. There is an option to eat lunch in the hotel restaurant on a couple of days.
• ski hire and expert guiding with 2 guides all week and a tutor for ‘falling gracefully session’
• There is also free use of the pool and sauna.
• Group Airport transfer by coach from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to Dalseter return at the specified times.

Not included are flights to Oslo and any drinks from the bar.

If you are bringing a friend or partner there is a discount to £100 per person for the week

DETAILS

We are once again returning to the breathtaking landscape of Espedalen in Norway to Hotel Dalseter run by Grethe and her family. This is a firm favourite of WalkingWomen and we return again and again. This time for an exhilarating week of cross country skiing to build on skills or simply practice and have fun in the snow.Or it is for those who may want to get ski legs back after not using them for a while!

We have graded the trip as 2 Goats as you do need a certain level of fitness. Walks are 5-6 hours a day but our guide, Anita, will set the pace and challenge depending on the group. There are so many varied walks right on the doorstep. You can also rest whenever you need to as the walks are always directly from the hotel. There will be a rest day where you can relax by the pool, snow shoe or take a trip to Lillehammer.

We have two guides so can you split into groups of different abilities.

The Dalseter Mountain Hotel is right in the middle of this incredible landscape and the views are stunning. Most people who go here return for more. The food is traditional Norwegian and the Smorgasbord at breakfast is always a hit! There is a swimming pool, sauna and a cosy downstairs bar.

ITINERARY

The itinerary may change depending on the weather and always at the discretion of our experienced guides.

Sat 9th  Pick up at the airport and arrival for an evening Welcome meeting before dinner at around 7pm.

The week will start with some practice on skis to get our snow legs! On this first day we will do a shorter trail .

Each day we will walk out of the hotel and start our day taking different tracks to explore this incredible area. Anita,our guide, will explain what to expect on each trail before setting off. There will be options for plenty of breaks. Sometimes we will return for lunch at the hotel and other days we will picnic in the  huts along the routes.

For those brave wild swimmers there may even be a chance to break the ice and have a dip ! And for those loving silent walks in the snow skis can be taken off and we can walk off the beaten track on quiet paths.