Norway

Improver and Intermediate Cross Country Ski and Yoga Retreat

7 nights from £2050 • €2380 • $2630

Activities

6 days guided adventures

Accommodation

7 nights traditional mountain hotel

Level

Previous experience required

Food

Top quality restaurant meals

Difficulty

Group Size

Moderate

Transfers

12 new friends

Dates

Fly into Oslo, Norway

January and March

  • Improvers Cross Country Skiing

    Progress in your cross country ski journey and glide over pristine snow-covered landscapes

  • Yoga

    Unwind and relax with three evenings of yoga

  • Dog Sledding

    Learn to drive your own team of huskies

  • Snowshoeing

    Take a day off skiing and explore deep into snow covered forest on snowshoes

  • Northern Lights

    Have the chance to see the Northern Lights!

  • Norwegian Mountain Hotel

    Stay in a cosy Norwegian Mountain Hotel with Sauna, Bar and Sledges!

Join Gutsy Girls on our week-long retreat in Norway, tailored for those looking to progress in their cross country ski journey. Set against the backdrop of Norway's pristine snow-covered landscapes, this trip offers the perfect blend of skill development, exploration, and relaxation.

Whether you've experienced beginner cross country ski holidays and yearn to cover longer distances, or are at an intermediate level and keen to sharpen your skills, this cross country ski holiday fits the bill. Explore the snowy terrains of Norway while improving your techniques under the guidance of our expert instructors.

With a group size of up to 12 guests and 2 dedicated instructors, our retreat ensures tailored coaching to match your skills. Our daily excursions range from 15km - 30 km across diverse terrains, integrating skill-building workshops amidst our exploration. While we do focus on improving skills and will cover longer distances, the emphasis is also on enjoying the stunning landscapes and the company of fellow skiers.

Our retreat offers more than just skiing. Experience a day of snowshoeing to a frozen waterfall, take the reins of your own husky team, and enjoy a peaceful candlelit horse sleigh ride across snowy landscapes. As each adventurous day wraps up, find balance with yoga sessions and unwind in traditional saunas, a perfect blend of activity and relaxation on this active winter retreat. 

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 the oldest National Park in Norway and a beautiful spot in the heart of the country - with 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

  • Intermediate Skiers

    This trip is tailored for improvers and intermediate cross country skiers eager to hone their skills, both on and off track. Over the week, we'll delve into cross country skiing techniques, covering distances up to 30 km.

    If you've previously embarked on a beginner skiing holiday, this journey offers a seamless transition to challenge yourself further and navigate longer terrains.

    More intermediate skiers seeking comprehensive coaching and curated daily tours will also have a great experience on this adventure!

  • Hiking

    Cross Country Ski Skill Requirements

    - Minimum experience of 3 full days cross country skiing.

    - Able to snow plough both in and out of the track.

    - Able to move effectively in and out of the tracks.

    - Confident in managing speed and direction during downhill skiing.

    - Comfortable with skiing distances of 15 km to 30 km in a day.

    - Good to high level of fitness

    Important to note: Previous alpine/downhill skiing is not enough to join this trip, you must join a beginner cross country ski trip to learn the technique.

  • Snowshoeing

    Yoga

    To compliment our long active days, we’ll unwind on three evenings with yoga classes lead by our brilliant in house instructor.

    We’ll also have the opportunity to unwind in the sauna post ski!

  • Dog Sledding

    We are thrilled to offer an husky sledding activity on this adventure. We’ll be heading to a local kennel to meet the dogs, before heading out to drive your own dog team through the wilderness.

    Each guest will have the opportunity to drive and be a passenger on this hour tour!

  • Snowshoeing

    For one day during the adventure, we’ll be getting away from the ski tracks to explore deep into snow covered forest on snowshoes. Winding through the snow-covered trees, we’ll delve deep into the nordic wilderness, creating our own tracks in the crisp snow. If the conditions are right, we’ll visit the spectacular frozen waterfall Myfallet.

Intermediate Skiers

This trip is tailored for improvers and intermediate cross country skiers eager to hone their skills, both on and off track. Over the week, we'll delve into cross country skiing techniques, covering distances up to 30 km.

If you've previously embarked on a beginner skiing holiday, this journey offers a seamless transition to challenge yourself further and navigate longer terrains.

More intermediate skiers seeking comprehensive coaching and curated daily tours will also have a great experience on this adventure!

Cross Country Ski Skill Requirements

  • Minimum experience of 3 full days cross country skiing.

  • Able to snow plough both in and out of the track.

  • Able to move effectively in and out of the tracks.

  • Confident in managing speed and direction during downhill skiing.

  • Comfortable with skiing distances of 15 km to 30 km in a day.

  • Good to high level of fitness

Important to note: Previous alpine/downhill skiing is not enough to join this trip, you must join a beginner cross country ski trip to learn the technique.

Yoga

To compliment our long active days, we’ll unwind on three evenings with yoga classes lead by our brilliant in house instructor.

We’ll also have the opportunity to unwind in the sauna post ski!

Dog Sledding

We are thrilled to offer an husky sledding activity on this adventure. We’ll be heading to a local kennel to meet the dogs, before heading out to drive your own dog team through the wilderness.

Each guest will have the opportunity to drive and be a passenger on this hour tour!

Snowshoeing

For one day during the adventure, we’ll be getting away from the ski tracks to explore deep into snow covered forest on snowshoes. Winding through the snow-covered trees, we’ll delve deep into the nordic wilderness, creating our own tracks in the crisp snow. If the conditions are right, we’ll visit the spectacular frozen waterfall Myfallet.

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This trip is rated moderate

    You take part in medium to high-intensity cardio exercise 3 times a week, for around 45 minutes each time.

    What That Might Look Like

    Your weekly routine regularly includes activities like running, HIIT sessions, crossfit, cycling, or spin classes. While you don’t need to be a world-class athlete or breaking records, you're accustomed to workouts that raise your heart rate and leave you breathing heavily for about 45 minutes each time.

    Engaging in low-intensity activities, like walking, yoga, and pilates will be beneficial, but these alone won't be enough to meet the cardio demands of this trip.

  • Duration: Daily, you'll be active for 6-7 hours, mostly on full day tours.

    Distance: We'll cover between 15km and 30km daily.

    Group size: There'll be up to 12 guests and 2 instructors. On some days the groups may be split, offering longer distances or more technique focused sessions.

    Tracks: Over the week, you’ll ski mainly in tracks but we may venture off track for some of the adventures!

    Coaching: You’ll receive great coaching while exploring! It’s not a bootcamp, but you will learn new skills and refine your technique.

    Falling: You’re likely to take a few tumbles skiing, though these falls are generally softer than in alpine skiing, you’ll need to be comfortable with the idea of falling!

    Consecutive Activity: This trip involves several days of consecutive skiing, which can be tiring.

    If you have any questions about this, please do get in touch, we're happy to help!

  • If you've been with us for the 4 or 7-night sessions, think back to those experiences to see if this trip is right for you.

    Movement & Technique: Did you feel you grasped the basics well? Did you start to shift your weight from one foot to the other? Were there times you felt a smooth glide?

    Downhill & Speed Control: Were you comfortable picking up speed on descents? Did you feel in control of your speed as you went downhill?

    Handling Slopes: Even if your snowplough stop wasn't perfect, were you willing to try steep downhills, knowing there's a risk of falling?

    Distance Comfort: How did you feel about the longer distances, up to 20 km? Did those days feel good?

  • Spending seven 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 its fantastic welcoming vibe and unforgettable food!

    With a yoga studio, games room, bar and cosy lounge with open fire it’s the perfect wilderness retreat.

  • Our hotel is well known in the area for its delicious cuisine and the food will be a real highlight of our weekend. We will fuel ourselves each morning from an extensive buffet, including breads and pastries, local cheeses, meats and smoked fish - as well as porridge, muesli, eggs, fruit, yoghurt, coffee and tea. We will each pack a lunch and picnic together along the route. Your thermos will even be filled by the hotel staff with your choice of hot drink to bring along!

    At the end of each day, we will enjoy a three course dinner, including local specialities. One evening during our stay, we will be treated to a multi-course Norwegian tasting menu, featuring beautifully presented local reindeer and fish dishes, whose provenance will be proudly presented by the hotel staff. 

    We can cater for all dietary requirements!

Itinerary

  • 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.

    In the evening we will have dinner at the hotel followed by a short briefing and ski boot fitting!

  • Day 2

    After breakfast, we’ll warm up and recap our technique on a morning ski tour.

    Heading back to the hotel for a packed lunch by the fire, before heading out for a second ski tour!

    In the evening, there’ll be a relaxing yoga session and time for a sauna before dinner is served.

  • Day 3

    After breakfast, we’ll head out on a longer tour, mostly on tracks. The terrain will do most of the teaching, alongside some expert coaching to progress our uphill and downhill technique. We will also progress to tackling some sections of off track.

    This afternoon you learn to be a husky musher and drive your own dog sled team through the nordic landscapes!

    In the evening there’ll be another yoga session and a delicious 3 course dinner.

  • Day 4

    After starting the day with a good breakfast, we’ll start a full day ski tour with a greater emphasis on off track technique and in a new and more remote area.

    A relaxing yoga and sauna session will once again feature this afternoon at the hotel before we are treated to a delicious Norwegian feast.

  • Day 5

    Today’s adventure willl be a whole day snowshoeing across the glorious snowy scenery with packed lunch around a fire!

    In the afternoon you’ll have another yoga session before dinner.

  • Day 6

    After a hearty breakfast, we’ll be heading jumping in a transfer to a new section of the national park.

    Today we’ll aim to build our ascent by taking in a peak and really feel the results of our progression!

    Followed by a relaxing yoga session and dinner.

  • Day 7

    Again, after breakfast we’ll head off on a longer off track adventure in a more remote area - potentially a 25km A to B section of the world renowned Trollløyp!

    And as it’s our last night, we’ll enjoy a farewell aperitif before dinner is served.

  • Day 8

    After breakfast, we’ll have a free morning to relax at the hotel - or you could choose to ski and explore the trails independently until your transfer to the train station in Ringebu.

    Depending on the timings of your flight, you may be able to squeeze in an afternoon exploring Oslo!

    • Sun 26 January - Sun 2 February

Dates

Price

Twin Ensuite Room £2050 (approx. €2380 / $2630)

Private Ensuite Room £2250 (approx. €2610 / $2880)

  • 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.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation in mountain hotel

  • 5 full days of cross country skiing

  • Cross country ski lessons and guiding from expert instructor

  • 1 full day snow shoe tour

  • 5 yoga sessions

  • Dog sledding experience (1h) Please note that this will be replaced by another activity or more skiing if there isn’t enough snow for this.

  • Breakfast and lunch buffets and 3 course dinners.

  • Free coffee and teas in lounge at all times

  • Pre dinner aperitif on the final evening

  • Transfers to and from Ringebu at the start and end of trip

  • Ski hire and waxes for skiing

  • Transfers for skiing

  • Expert ski guides

  • Gutsy Girl host

    • Flights

    • Train tickets (approx £25 each way)

    • Drinks

    • Travel Insurance

    • Personal clothing / gear (check the link below!)

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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 Ringebu

    Book 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 Station

    On Saturdays:

    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.

  • 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

    • Cross country skis

    • Ski boots

    • Ski poles

  • 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!