Norway
Cross Country Ski and Yoga Weekend
4 nights from £1150 • €1330 • $1470
Activities
3 full days guided adventures
Accommodation
4 nights mountain hotel
Level
Beginner friendly
Food
Delicious restaurant meals
Difficulty
Group Size
Moderate
Transfers
8 new friends
Dates
Fly into Oslo, Norway
December - April
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Cross Country Skiing
Skii over the snow covered mountain plateau of Venabydsfjellet
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Yoga
Relax after an active day of skiing with daily yoga classes!
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Horse Sleigh
Horse drawn sleigh ride through snowy landscapes
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Cozy Mountain Hotel
Stay in a cosy traditional mountain hotel with sauna and bar!
This winter we are excited to host our exclusive women only cross country ski and yoga weekend in Norway. Created for beginners, join us for an active long weekend, learning a new winter sport, getting out into nature and exploring a remote location!
Our learn to cross country ski weekend requires no previous experience and we can’t wait to share the joys of cross country skiing with you. Working with fantastic ski instructors and guides, you’ll receive excellent tuition in our small group tour.
Cross country skiing is a great way to get into nature, discover wild locations away from the crowds and opens up a range of fantastic adventure opportunities in snow covered locations!
We’re excited to get more women into cross country skiing this winter, and we’ll be creating new cross country ski adventures and expeditions to get you off the grid and out into remote and beautiful locations.
Join in Norway for 3 full days, learning to cross-country ski. We’ll start with the basics and over the 3 days we’ll increase our mileage to discover incredible locations in the Norwegian wilderness. Our fantastic instructors will build your skills and confidence and soon you’ll be gliding through the snowy landscapes.
Each evening we’ll unwind with relaxing yoga sessions, tailored to stretch out tired muscles and calm the mind. This dynamic class is perfect for all level yogis! Working on balance, flexibility and strength, it’ll be the perfect way to unwind after a day breathing in the crisp mountain air!
Location
We’ll be heading to Venabydsfjellet, the snow covered mountain plateau on the edge of Rondane National Park, just north of Lillehammer. This is a beautiful spot in the heart of Norway, which has a fantastic snow record and a great climate for cross country skiing. With over 140km of marked and prepared trails and a varied mountain terrains and summits up to 1400m it’s the perfect location for all level cross country skiers.
As with all of our adventures, we’ve researched the best dates to work with low cost flights. Fly into Oslo, then it’s a beautiful 3 hour train journey through the Nordic countryside to our remote wilderness location.
Activities
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Cross Country Skiing
We’ve chosen cross country skiing as Gutsy Girls’ winter sport of choice and are excited to get more women into cross country skiing this winter. One of the oldest forms of skiing, cross country skiing is done on flatter ground with rolling terrain*, and it allows you to get into incredible remote locations away from the crowds of the ski resorts.
With a much faster learning curve than downhill skiing, over the course of a weekend you’ll progress quickly and discover a new winter sport that allows you to access beautiful wild locations.
*There are still downhill sections!
Our cross country ski adventures include ski and boot hire, expert tuition and guiding from experienced instructors. It’s a great full body workout, and we’ll be active throughout the day exploring stunning wilderness locations away other tourists!
We’ve created itineraries that will build your cross country skills and get the most out of your holiday with us!
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![Hiking]()
Yoga
To compliment our long active days, we’ll unwind each evening with yoga lead by our brilliant in house instructor.
We’ve chosen this mountain hotel for it’s sunny yoga space and sauna!
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![Snowshoeing]()
Horse Sleigh
Cosy up under blankets as we weave through snowy landscapes on our horse sleigh ride. Passing through snow covered forests on a tranquil short tour.
After we’ll enjoy biscuits and glögg (non-alcoholic mulled wine) in the lavu around an open fire.
Cross Country Skiing
We’ve chosen cross country skiing as Gutsy Girls’ winter sport of choice and are excited to get more women into cross country skiing this winter. One of the oldest forms of skiing, cross country skiing is done on flatter ground with rolling terrain*, and it allows you to get into incredible remote locations away from the crowds of the ski resorts.
With a much faster learning curve than downhill skiing, over the course of a weekend you’ll progress quickly and discover a new winter sport that allows you to access beautiful wild locations.
*There are still downhill sections!
Our cross country ski adventures include ski and boot hire, expert tuition and guiding from experienced instructors. It’s a great full body workout, and we’ll be active throughout the day exploring stunning wilderness locations away other tourists!
We’ve created itineraries that will build your cross country skills and get the most out of your holiday with us!
Yoga
To compliment our long active days, we’ll unwind each evening with yoga lead by our brilliant in house instructor.
We’ve chosen this mountain hotel for it’s sunny yoga space and sauna!
Horse Sleigh
Cosy up under blankets as we weave through snowy landscapes on our horse sleigh ride. Passing through snow covered forests on a tranquil short tour.
After we’ll enjoy biscuits and glögg (non-alcoholic mulled wine) in the lavu around an open fire.
Fitness and Experience Level
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This trip is rated moderate.
It’s perfect for beginners, with no previous ski or winter sport experience, however you’ll need a good level of fitness to get the most from this experience.
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Downhill & Speed: Expect gentle slopes, they aren't very steep, but you will pick up speed. If past downhill skiing experiences left you apprehensive, this sport might not be for you.
Gliding Motion: Cross country skiing is all about the glide, you’ll be aiming to generate speed and momentum! If sliding isn't your thing, this sport might not be for you.
Falling: You’ll likely to take a few tumbles when learning to ski, though these falls are generally softer than in alpine skiing, you’ll need to be comfortable with the idea of falling!
Intensity: Cross country skiing often feels like "running with skis on" long flat sections uphill climbs can be physically demanding, so you do need a good level of fitness.
Duration: Daily, you'll be active for 6-7 hours, split into 2-3 hour sessions or occasionally full-day tours.
Distance: We'll cover between 8km to 25km daily. Consider if you can comfortably walk these distances and on consecutive days.
Consecutive Activity: This trip involves several days of back to back activity, which can be tiring.
Comparison with Alpine Skiing:
Cross country and alpine skiing are very different sports. Any prior ski experience can help, but foundational training for cross country is essential. Even experienced alpine skiers start as beginners here!
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We’re here to support you out of your comfort zone as you learn something new, by creating fun and supportive environments. We recognise everyone’s journey in trying new sports is different, so we’ve developed different level weeks to help you get the most out of the experience!
We believe cross-country skiing is a fantastic sport for beginners with no previous skiing experience, but it may not be the sport for everyone. We encourage you to be kind to yourself when deciding if this is the sport for you, there are loads more winter adventures coming your way!
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Spending 4 nights in a traditional mountain hotel boasting lovely spacious rooms with fantastic views over the snow covered landscapes. We’ve chosen this great family run hotel for it’s fantastic welcoming vibes and unforgettable food!
With a yoga studio, games room, bar and cosy lounge with open fire, it’s the perfect wilderness retreat.
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We’ll be treated to delicious food for breakfast, lunch and a 3 course dinner, including your chance to sample delicious Norwegian dishes! We can cater for all dietary requirements.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Your adventure will begin with us once you arrive at Ringebu train station. Fly into Oslo on a morning flight and hop on a train to Ringebu. A beautiful scenic route through snow covered landscapes.
We’ll connect you up with all those on the trip, so you’ll likely have someone to travel with!
This evening you’ll have dinner at the hotel followed by a holiday briefing and ski boot fitting!
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Day 2
After breakfast , you’ll have an introduction to ski waxing at the skistall followed by a beginners’ lesson and morning ski tour!
After a hearty lunch, you’ll be heading back out for some more skiing.
On your return to the hotel this afternoon there’ll be a relaxing yoga session before dinner is served.
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Day 3
We’ll have an early morning yoga session this morning before breakfast, which will really set us up for the day!
After breakfast we’ll start with a lesson teaching you uphill and downhill techniques for cross country skiing.
A well-deserved lunch will be served before your afternoon ski tour where you can practise some of the techniques you learnt earlier!
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Day 4
After starting the day with a good breakfast, we’ll start our full day ski tour, with a packed lunch to enjoy en route.
A relaxing yoga session will once again feature this afternoon at the hotel and as it’s our last night, we’ll enjoy a farewell aperitif this evening before our last delicious dinner.
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Day 5
After breakfast you’ll have a free morning where you can choose to ski and explore the trails independently until your transfer to the train station in Ringebu.
Depending on timings of your flight you may be able to squeeze in an afternoon exploring Oslo!
Join for a Week!
Our weeklong retreat is a chance to immerse yourself into your new favourite winter sport! You’ll build your cross country skiing skills, cover greater distances and leave prepared to take on our cross-country ski expeditions!
You’ll also have a day of snow shoeing to a frozen waterfall and drive your own husky team through the winter landscapes.
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Sun 22 - Thu 26 December - 1 spot left (twin spot)
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Thu 2 - Mon 6 January - 2 spots left!
Sun 5 - Thu 9 January - 2 spots left!
Mon 6 - Fri 10 January
Thu 9 - Mon 13 January
Mon 13 - Fri 17 January
Mon 27 - Fri 31 January
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Thu 30 January - Mon 3 February - FULLY BOOKED
Mon 3 - Fri 7 February
Fri 7 - Tue 11 February - FULLY BOOKED
Wed 12 - Sun 16 February - FULLY BOOKED
Thu 20 - Mon 24 February - 1 spot left (twin spot)
Mon 24 - Fri 28 February
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Tue 4 - Sat 8 March
Tue 18 - Sat 22 March
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Sat 29 March - Wed 2 April
Wed 2 - Sun 6 April
Thu 10 - Mon 14 April
Dates
Price
Christmas
Twin Room Ensuite: £1250 (approx. €1450 / $1600)
Private Room Ensuite: £1375 (approx. €1600 / $1750)
Before 20 January
Twin Room Ensuite: £1150 (approx. €1330 / $1470)
Private Room Ensuite: £1275 (approx. €1475 / $1630)
After 20 January
Twin Room Ensuite: £1250 (approx. €1450 / $1600)
Private Room Ensuite: £1375 (approx. €1600 / $1750)
All prices are in pounds (£). Prices in dollars ($) and euros (€) are estimates; your card provider’s conversion rate will apply at the time of payment.
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Gutsy Girls is a UK-based adventure company welcoming women worldwide. Prices are in pounds (£) with estimates in euros (€) and US dollars ($). The final amount dependant on your card provider’s conversion rate at time of payment and may fluctuate.
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Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.
Included
4 nights accommodation in a mountain hotel
3 full days of cross-country skiing
Cross-country ski lessons and guiding from an expert instructor
Horse sleigh ride
3 yoga sessions
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day
Unlimited coffee and teas in the lounge
Pre-dinner aperitif on the final evening
Transfers to and from Ringebu train station
Skis, ski boots and pole hire
Expert ski guides
Gutsy Girl host
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Flights
Train tickets (approx £30 each way)
Drinks
Travel Insurance
Personal clothing
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Cancellations are effective from the date we receive your written notice via email. The following fees apply:
100% of the trip cost if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip.
30% of the trip cost if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip.
Full terms and conditions are available for review before you book and make payment
Travel
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Ringebu train station
You are responsible for booking flights and trains to Ringebu.
We will pick you up from Ringebu train station at either 16:53 or 18:49 (or 18:35 on Saturdays). These transfer times line up with our recommended trains below. The transfer to the hotel is a 20-minute drive.
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Arrival Flight to Oslo Gardermoen:
Book a morning flight to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Aim to arrive at least 1 hour before your train departure time to Ringebu, preferably more.
Train from Oslo Gardermoen to RingebuBook one of the following trains:
Depart 14:29 Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen), Arrive 16:53 at Ringebu Station
Depart 16:29 Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen), Arrive 18:49 at Ringebu StationOn some Saturdays the train times are slightly different:
Depart 14:29 Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen), Arrive 16:53 at Ringebu Station
Depart 15:59 Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen), Arrive 18:35 at Ringebu Station (Train to Lillehammer, then change to bus VY710 to Ringebu)
For details on booking your trains please read our FAQs. -
We will transfer you from the hotel to Ringebu station in time for the following trains: 12:06 or 14:27.
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Train from Ringebu to Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)
Book one of the following trains:
Depart 12:06 Ringebu Station, Arrive 14:21 at Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)
Depart 14:27 Ringebu Station, Arrive 17:04 at Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)For details on booking your trains please read our FAQs.
Departure Flight from Oslo Gardermoen to home:
Book an afternoon or evening flight from Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Ensure there’s at least 2 hours between your train arrival from Ringebu and your flight departure.
Packing List
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Cross country skis
Ski boots
Ski poles
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Cross country ski kit:
25 litre backpack
Base layers (a selection - you might want to wear more than one on a cold day)
Long johns
Fleece
A breathable, waterproof shell jacket - a hiking waterproof is ideal
Soft shell winter hiking trousers (windproof, water repellent, breathable)
A warm packable insulated / down jacket
A selection of socks of different thicknesses to help you get the best fit in your hire boots (wool is best)
Sunglasses (ideally polarised)
Warm hat
Buff (you might want two - one for your neck, one as a headband)
Ski gloves (2 pairs, ideally, in case one gets wet - normal ski gloves will do - warm mittens are best if you are prone to getting cold)
Thinner gloves in case it is warm (you will get hot if you’re working hard!)
Glove liners and/or disposable hand warmers if you suffer from cold hands
Waterproof trousers (optional - recommended for a cold / snowy week or to keep your legs warm if you have thin trousers)
Off the skis:
Yoga wear
Casual evening clothes
Night wear
Toiletries
Swimwear for the sauna if you wish (Norwegians will happily go nude!)
Sunscreen (high factor)
Any prescription medication
Other medication (paracetamol/ibuprofen) is significantly more expensive in Norway so bring some if you need to
Compeed or moleskin for blisters, just in case!
Slippers for the hotel
Sturdy shoes / hiking boots / snow boots (you can wear the warm xc ski boots we provide for snowshoeing / sledging / all other activities so no need for investing in special footwear)
Other Stuff
Camera
Dry bags for inside your day pack to keep stuff dry
Waterproof case for your phone might be handy
Snacks
Medium sized tupperware for carrying your lunch out on the trails
Thermos so you can take hot drinks out on the trails
Water bottle (not a camelbak style bladder which will freeze)
If you’re packing light, you could bring soap flakes/wash to hand wash thermals if required
Questions?
If you have any questions, check our FAQs or drop us a message below!