Norway

Cross Country Ski and Yoga Weekend

4 nights from £1350 • €1565 • $1845

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

  • Cross Country Skiing

    Ski over the snow covered mountain plateau of Venabydsfjellet

  • Yoga

    Relax after an active day of skiing with daily yoga classes!

  • Horse Sleigh

    Horse drawn sleigh ride through snowy landscapes

  • Cozy Mountain Hotel

    Stay in a cosy traditional mountain hotel with a 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 open 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 of 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 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

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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 led by our brilliant in-house instructor.

We’ve chosen this mountain hotel for its 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 lavvu around an open fire.

Fitness and Experience Level

  • 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.

  • 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 and 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!

  • 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!

  • 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 its 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.

  • 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 to 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!

    This evening, you’ll have dinner at the hotel followed by a holiday briefing and ski boot fitting!

  • 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.

  • 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 learned earlier!

  • 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.

  • 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 the 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.

Dates

    • Friday 19 December – Tuesday 23 December 2025

    • Tuesday 23 December – Saturday 27 December 2025

    • Thursday 1 January – Monday 5 January 2026

    • Monday 5 January – Friday 9 January 2026

    • Sunday 11 January – Thursday 15 January 2026

    • Sunday 18 January – Thursday 22 January 2026

    • Tuesday 27 January – Saturday 31 January 2026

    • Saturday 7 February – Wednesday 11 February 2026

    • Saturday 21 February – Wednesday 25 February 2026

    • Saturday 14 March – Wednesday 18 March 2026

    • Wednesday 18 March – Sunday 22 March 2026

    • Sunday 22 March – Thursday 26 March 2026

    • Thursday 26 March – Monday 30 March 2026

    • Monday 30 March – Friday 3 April 2026

    • Tuesday 7 April – Saturday 11 April 2026

Price

Twin Room from £1250 to £1450
(approx. €1450–€1680 / $1710–$1980)

Private Room from £1450 to £1650
(approx. €1680–€1915 / $1980–$2255)

Triple Room from £1200 to £1400
(approx. €1395–€1625 / $1640–$1915)

Prices vary by month and departure date.

  • Low Season

    £1250 Twin / £1450 Private

    • Sun 5 – Thu 9 January

    • Mon 6 – Fri 10 January

    • Mon 7 – Fri 11 April

    Mid-Season Winter Trips

    £1350 Twin / £1550 Private

    • Mon 20 – Fri 24 January

    • Mon 27 – Fri 31 January

    • Sun 30 March - Thu 3 April

    Mid-Season Winter Trips – Weekends

    £1395 Twin / £1595 Private

    • Fri 14 – Tue 18 March

    • Tue 18 – Sat 22 March

    • Sat 22 – Wed 26 March

    • Wed 26 – Sun 30 March

    • Fri 28 – Tues 1 April

    High Season – February

    £1425 Twin / £1625 Private

    • All February departures

    High Season – Christmas

    £1450 Twin / £1650 Private

    • Mon 23 – Fri 27 December

  • 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 depends 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

  • 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

    • Flights

    • Train tickets (approx £30 each way)

    • Drinks

    • Travel Insurance

    • Personal clothing

  • 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

  • Transfers run on a fixed schedule and can’t be delayed, even if your flight is listed. You’re responsible for arriving on time.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

    We include one shared transfer on both the arrival and departure days of your trip.

    • Pickup Point: Ringebu train station at either 16:53 or 18:49 (or 18:35 on Saturdays)

    • Drop-off Point: Ringebu station in time for the 12:06 or 13.57 trains

    Please note that tickets are available 60-90 days before travel.

  • You are responsible for booking flights and trains to Ringebu. Please book flights or trains that work with the transfer times.

    Transfers run on a fixed schedule and can’t be delayed, even if your flight is listed. You’re responsible for arriving on time.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

    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 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)

    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 13:57 Ringebu Station, Arrive 16:20 at Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)

    Departure Flight from Oslo Gardermoen:

    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.

    For details on booking your trains, please read our FAQs.

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

    • 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!