Trip Guide: Improvers Cross Country Ski Weekend in Norway

You’ve tried cross-country skiing and you’re hooked. Now it’s time to level up.

This long weekend picks up where your first cross-country ski trip left off. We start with a technique refresh, then take you off the prepared tracks for the first time and out on full-day tours across open mountain plateaus. Your instructor works on the things that make the long days easier: efficient gliding, controlling your speed on the downs, and reading the terrain in front of you.

Between the skiing there’s yoga to ease tired legs, a lakeside sauna, and an ice dip if you fancy it, all based at a traditional family-run mountain hotel on the edge of Rondane National Park.

Read on for everything you need to know before this adventure starts.

Women cross-country skiing on a snowy trail in Norway, with ski poles in winter landscape

Woman cross-country skiing in snowy Norway under a clear blue sky, gliding along groomed tracks

Getting There

Getting to our Norwegian mountain base means flying into Oslo Gardermoen (lufthavn), then a two-and-a-half hour train through Nordic countryside to Ringebu, where we pick you up. The railway station is downstairs in the same building as the airport arrivals terminal, so you won’t have far to haul your bags.

We’ll pick you up at Ringebu station at either 16:53 or 18:49 for a twenty-minute transfer to the hotel. These times align with our recommended train connections from Oslo Gardermoen Airport. On the way back you’ll be dropped off in time to meet the 09:56 or 12:06 trains back to Oslo Gardermoen.

What flights should I book?

We schedule our transfer around the train between Oslo and Ringebu, so please book flights that meet these trains.

Arrival: Book a morning flight into Oslo Gardermoen, then book one of these trains to Ringebu as these are the ones our transfer meets:

14:29, arriving Ringebu 16:53
16:29, arriving Ringebu 18:49
Some Saturdays, 15:59, arriving Ringebu 18:35

Leave at least an hour between landing and your train. The station is downstairs from arrivals so there isn’t much transit time to worry about, but always factor in possible delays.

Departure: Book one of these trains back to Gardermoen, then an afternoon or evening flight with at least two hours between the train arriving and your flight leaving:

09:56, arrive at Oslo Gardermoen 12:17
12:06, arriving Gardermoen 14:21

What time are the transfers?

We run two transfers each way from Ringebu Station up to the hotel.

Arrival day pick up:

Ringebu Station – 16:53
Ringebu Station – 18:49

Departure day drop off:

Ringebu Station – 09:56 train
Ringebu Station – 12:06 train

Which airport should I fly into?

Oslo Gardermoen, not Oslo Torp. Torp is well over an hour south of the city and turns an easy afternoon on the train into a long day of connections. If you’d like to add a night or two in Oslo first, you can pick the train up from Oslo Central Station instead as it’s the same line, with the same arrival times into Ringebu.

How do I book train tickets to Ringebu?

Book directly through vy.no/en, the Norwegian national rail operator. Tickets cost around £30 each way and aren’t included in your trip price.

Tickets are released roughly 60 to 90 days before travel. Until then the site usually says the train is unavailable or sold out, which looks alarming and means nothing, they simply aren’t on sale yet. Search again as your dates fall into that window. If you’re still seeing that message around 30 days out, drop us a message and we’ll help you work out an alternative.

It’s safest to book as soon as your date opens up as trains do book out.

What if I catch a later train?

If you arrive or leave outside the scheduled transfer times, we can arrange a taxi between Ringebu station and the hotel:

8am to 8pm: 300 NOK each way per person (roughly £22 / €25)
8pm to 8am: 790 NOK each way per person (roughly £58 / €65)

Email us to book. Bear in mind that a later train on arrival day means you’ll miss dinner, which we can’t refund. Travel insurance covering delays is strongly recommended.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

Group transfers run on schedule and can’t wait for late arrivals. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to meet the group, and we’ll support you with local information. Comprehensive travel insurance covering delays and missed connections is essential.

Snowy winter landscape with a winding stream through a forested valley and evergreen trees

Fitness & Skill Level

Difficulty: Moderate
Skill level: Improver

This trip is for women who already have some cross-country skiing behind them and are ready to push further. You need a minimum of 5–10 days of cross-country ski experience before you join and be comfortable with the basics; snow ploughing to control your speed, moving in and out of the tracks, and handling gentle downhills.
During this trip there will be long hours outdoors, your first taste of off-track skiing, and full-day tours that mean you’re working hard every day. If you’re ready to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and level up, this is for you.

What to Expect

Duration: 6–7 hours of activity on ski days, including full-day tours. At improver level we’re talking real distance.
Distance: Expect to cover roughly 14–20km a day as the trip builds, sometimes further where conditions allow.
Off-track skiing: The big step up from a beginner trip. Off the prepared tracks the snow is variable and there’s no set line to follow, so you’re reading the terrain and working harder for it.
Technical development: We’ll refine diagonal stride efficiency, double poling power, hill-climbing technique and downhill control. You should be comfortable with the basics already, this trip develops them.
The reality: You already know that cross-country skiing is closer to running with skis on than gliding along. The long flat sections and climbs are demanding, and there are no rest days.
Not for beginners: This picks up where your beginner trip left off. Never cross-country skied? Do our beginner trip first. Experienced downhill skier? It doesn’t matter, cross-country is a completely different sport, so you’ll still need a beginner trip under your belt first.

Who This Suits

This trip is for adventurous women with prior cross-country ski experience, ready to cover more distance, ski off the tracks, and sharpen their technique. If you’re still finding your feet on skis, start with the beginner trip.

How can I prepare physically?

Build cardio endurance through running, cycling or swimming, then add hill work, squats, lunges and core strength. The fitter you arrive, the more you’ll enjoy pushing your limits.

What if I can't keep up?

Your instructor adjusts the pace and routes to the group, but this is an improver trip, so expectations are higher. Come with the fitness the trip asks for, rather than plan to build it once you’re here.

Woman in red beanie bathing in icy water beside snow and ice in a winter outdoor scene

Woman cross-country skiing in snowy Norway mountains, wearing red hat and goggles with ski poles and backpack

Sleep & Eat

We’re based in a traditional, family-run Norwegian mountain hotel that sits right on the ski trails at around 1,200m, with views over the surrounding lakes, mountains and forest. It’s cosy and welcoming, exactly what you want after long days out.

Private and twin rooms come with ensuite bathrooms and mountain views. The hotel has a lounge with an open fire, a bar, a drying room and ski storage, a yoga studio for your sessions, an indoor sauna, a gym, and free tea and coffee in the lounge.

Expect a generous breakfast buffet, packed lunches for the trails, and three-course dinners built around local Norwegian ingredients.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes, with advance notice. Dinner is a three-course set menu, so if there are things you can’t eat, tell us well before you arrive – sourcing speciality ingredients in the mountains takes planning. We’ll request detailed dietary information before your trip.

What are the rooms like?

Simple, light and airy with mountain-style decor and superb views from many bedrooms. They’re comfortable, with private bathrooms.

Is there WiFi?

Yes, WiFi can be found throughout the hotel.

Are there resident dogs?

Yes, this is a dog-friendly hotel with at least three gentle resident dogs in the communal areas.

Are there laundry facilities?

There are no washing machines, but you can hand-wash base layers in your room. The drying room is excellent for wet ski kit, with plenty of space to air things overnight.

Snowy lodge in Norway at night, lit by warm lights beside frost-covered trees and fresh snow

Smoked salmon scrambled eggs open sandwich with herbs and salad garnish on a wooden table

Weather

The Norwegian mountains in winter mean proper winter conditions. In deep winter (January–February) temperatures sit around -10°C, sometimes dropping to -20°C. By March they’re milder, roughly -5°C to 5°C, and the snow sticks around. It’s a “dry” cold that feels less harsh than damp UK conditions, especially when you’re generating heat by skiing.
This is one of the snowiest corners of southern Norway, with a reliable season from December through April.

Will I be warm enough while skiing?

Cross-country skiing is an active sport, so you’ll generate heat (and get sweaty) on the move, then cool down fast when you stop. That’s why layering matters. We recommend merino or synthetic base layers, a windproof breathable shell, and a warm insulated jacket to throw on at rest stops.

What if the weather affects activities?

Mountain weather is unpredictable, so guides adjust the daily plan for the best and safest skiing. You’ll still get your full adventure, just potentially on different terrain or at different times.

How should I check the forecast?

An up-to-date forecast is available in your customer booking portal. Use it to fine-tune your packing, but trust the packing list.

Snowy cross-country ski trail through a wintry forest and rolling hills under a clear blue sky

Cross-country skier on a snowy trail through open Norwegian hills in clear winter conditions

Good to Know

Money

Cards are accepted everywhere, so you don’t need Norwegian Krone cash. Budget for drinks and personal extras – alcohol is expensive in Norway. All meals, activities and equipment are included in your trip price.

Tipping

Not compulsory, but if you’ve had a great trip a tip for your guide is always appreciated. We recommend around 200–300 NOK, or whatever feels right.

Communication

There’s WiFi throughout the hotel and mobile coverage is generally good, though you’ll be offline while skiing in remote areas. Emergency communication is always available through guides and hotel staff.

What if I get injured?

Guides are first-aid trained. Minor issues are treated on the trail or at the hotel, and anything more serious means evacuation to the nearest medical facility. This is why travel insurance with winter sports cover is mandatory.

Are the guides always female?

We use female instructors and guides whenever possible, but can’t always guarantee it, as unfortunately there are fewer women in the industry. Our priority is experienced, patient instructors who are passionate about building women’s confidence outdoors.

How many guests are on this trip?

We run these trips with a maximum of eight guests per group. On very rare occasions this may also stretch to nine.

Women cross-country skiing on a snowy track at sunrise in a winter landscape

Woman cross-country skiing in snowy Norway under northern lights, standing with arms out on tracked snow

Packing List

What we provide

Cross-country skis, ski boots and poles

What You Need to Bring

Cross-country ski kit
25 litre daypack
Base layer tops, merino or synthetic. Bring a selection, as you may want to layer two on colder days
Long johns, merino or synthetic
Fleece mid-layer
Breathable, waterproof shell jacket. A hiking waterproof works well
Soft shell winter hiking trousers: windproof, water-repellent and breathable
Warm packable insulated or down jacket, for stops and cold days
Waterproof trousers, optional but worth having for cold or snowy conditions
Selection of wool socks in different thicknesses, for getting the right fit in hire boots
Warm hat
Sunglasses, polarised if you have them
Buff, two if you can: one for your neck, one as a headband
Ski gloves, two pairs in case one gets wet. Warm mittens are best if you run cold
Thin gloves for warmer sessions when you are generating heat
Glove liners or hand warmers if you suffer from cold hands

Off the skis

Yoga wear for evening sessions
Casual evening clothes
Nightwear
Slippers for the hotel
Sturdy shoes or boots for evenings. The ski boots cover everything else
Swimwear for the sauna

Personal kit

Insulated water bottle, not a Camelbak-style bladder, as the tube will freeze
Thermos for hot drinks on the trails
Snacks for the trails
High-SPF sunscreen, as snow reflects UV even on grey days
Toiletries and any prescription medication
Paracetamol and ibuprofen, significantly more expensive in Norway
Compeed or Moleskin blister plasters
Dry bags for inside your daypack
Soap flakes for hand-washing base layers if you are packing light
Waterproof phone case, optional
Camera, optional

Packing Tips

Short trip, same kit: You will be on skis for three days, two of them full days of six to seven hours, so what you wear matters as much as it would on a longer trip. Do not underpack on layers just because it is only four nights.

Layering does the work: Cross-country skiing generates real heat on the climbs and flat sections, then you cool down fast the moment you stop. A base layer, a fleece mid-layer and a windproof waterproof shell cover most conditions. The insulated jacket is for lunch stops and cold starts, not for when you are working hard.

Gloves will get wet: Bring two pairs: warm mittens or thick gloves for cold starts and rest stops, and a thinner pair for when you are moving. If you run cold, add glove liners and hand warmers.

Sock thickness matter: Bring a selection of wool socks in different thicknesses so you can dial in the fit of your hire boots on day one. A good fit makes the whole weekend more comfortable.