Norway

Cross Country Ski and Yoga Weekend

4 nights from £1400 • €1620 • $1870

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 - March

  • 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're taking you to the snow-covered mountains of Norway to learn cross-country skiing. Created for beginners, this is your chance to learn a sport that opens up wild, remote locations most people never reach. 

In just a weekend, you'll build your skills with expert instructors and cover some serious ground through the Norwegian national park. Each evening, we'll stretch out tired muscles with yoga sessions designed to keep you moving comfortably and ready for the next day.

Cross-country skiing is more accessible than downhill, quicker to learn, and quickly takes you away from the crowds and into the wilds. If you love being active and trying something new, this is for you.

Location

We're heading to a snow-covered mountain plateau on the edge of Rondane National Park, just north of Lillehammer. This spot has it all: reliable snow, over 140km of marked trails, and varied terrain up to 1400m. It's an excellent location for skiers of any level.

Getting there is straightforward. Fly into Oslo, then it's a scenic two and a half hour train journey through Nordic countryside to your base for the weekend. 

Activities

  • Cross Country Skiing

    Cross-country skiing is done on flatter ground with rolling terrain (yes, there are still downhill sections). It's quicker to learn than downhill skiing, and over a weekend you'll progress fast. Most importantly, it takes you to remote locations the resort crowds never reach, all under your own power.

    Cross-country skiing is a full-body workout, as you use every muscle you own to gain momentum and keep moving. Expert guides help you build your skills, teaching all the need-to-know basics; from how to get your skis on and start moving, to how to ski up and come back down hills. Yes you’ll fall over, but it’s all part of the learning curve.

  • Hiking

    Yoga

    After long days on the skis, we'll stretch out any tired muscles with much needed yoga sessions. We've chosen this mountain hotel specifically for its sunny yoga space and sauna. These sessions are about stretching, recovering, and preparing your body for the next day.

  • Snowshoeing

    Horse Sleigh

    Cosy up under blankets as we weave through snowy landscapes and snow-covered forests on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Afterwards you’ll enjoy traditional biscuits and glögg (non-alcoholic mulled wine) around the fire to warm up. It's a classic Norwegian experience and a nice break from the high-intensity action.

Cross Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is done on flatter ground with rolling terrain (yes, there are still downhill sections). It's quicker to learn than downhill skiing, and over a weekend you'll progress fast. Most importantly, it takes you to remote locations the resort crowds never reach, all under your own power.

Cross-country skiing is a full-body workout, as you use every muscle you own to gain momentum and keep moving. Expert guides help you build your skills, teaching all the need-to-know basics; from how to get your skis on and start moving, to how to ski up and come back down hills. Yes you’ll fall over, but it’s all part of the learning curve.

Yoga

After long days on the skis, we'll stretch out any tired muscles with much needed yoga sessions. We've chosen this mountain hotel specifically for its sunny yoga space and sauna. These sessions are about stretching, recovering, and preparing your body for the next day.

Horse Sleigh

Cosy up under blankets as we weave through snowy landscapes and snow-covered forests on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Afterwards you’ll enjoy traditional biscuits and glögg (non-alcoholic mulled wine) around the fire to warm up. It's a classic Norwegian experience and a nice break from the high-intensity action.

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This trip is rated moderate.

    This trip is for beginners with no previous ski or winter sport experience, but you'll need a good level of fitness to get the most from it.

  • Downhill & Speed: There are gentle slopes. They’re not very steep, but you will pick up speed. If downhill skiing experiences have left you anxious about speed, consider whether this sport is right for you.

    Gliding Motion: Cross-country skiing is all about the glide. You'll be generating momentum using a sliding action that feels weird at first, but you’ll soon settle into it.

    Falling: You'll likely take a few tumbles when learning. Falls are generally softer than in alpine skiing, but you need to be comfortable with the possibility.

    Intensity: Cross-country skiing often feels like running on skis. Long flat sections and uphill climbs are physically demanding, so a decent fitness level is essential.

    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 8km to 25km each day, with plenty of breaks. However, think about whether you can comfortably walk these distances on consecutive days.

    Consecutive Activity: Several days of back-to-back activity can be tiring. Come prepared.

    Comparison with Alpine Skiing: These are very different sports. Prior ski experience can help, but you'll still start as a beginner in cross-country. Even experienced alpine skiers need to work on the cross-country foundations.

  • Cross-country skiing is fantastic for beginners with no previous skiing experience, but it does require good fitness and patience. If falling over, gliding or powering yourself uphills doesn’t sound like your thing, then this may not be the trip for you. If moving under your own steam, heading out into the snowy wilderness and learning a new sport ticks your boxes though, get booking!

  • You'll spend four nights in a traditional mountain hotel with cosy rooms and fantastic views over snow-covered landscapes. We've chosen this family-run hotel for its welcoming atmosphere, unforgettable food and the fact you can ski right out of the front door.

    With a yoga studio, games room, bar, gym, sauna, ice dip and cosy lounge with an open fire, it's the perfect wilderness retreat.

  • Expect a delicious buffet breakfast, packed lunch, and a  three-course dinner each day, including the chance to sample Norwegian dishes. We cater to all dietary requirements-just let us know what you need.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Afternoon: Arrive at Ringebu train station. Fly into Oslo on a morning flight and hop on the train to Ringebu, a scenic route through snow-covered landscapes. 

    Evening: Dinner at the hotel, followed by a holiday briefing and ski boot fitting.

  • Day 2

    Morning: Introduction in the ski stall, followed by a beginners' lesson and morning ski tour.

    Afternoon: Lunch, then back out for more skiing.

    Evening: Yoga session, then dinner.

  • Day 3

    Morning: Early yoga session before breakfast to set you up for the day. After breakfast, we'll teach you uphill and downhill techniques to add to your cross-country ski repertoire.

    Afternoon: Lunch, then an afternoon ski tour to practice what you've learned.

    Evening: Time for a sauna, gym session or to simply chill in the lounge, followed by dinner.

  • Day 4

    Morning: Full-day ski tour begins (make sure to take your packed lunch.)

    Afternoon: Continue skiing, then return to the hotel for an ice dip and use of the outdoor sauna, followed by a yoga session.

    Evening: Farewell aperitif, then our final dinner.

  • Day 5

    Morning: Free time to ski and explore the trails independently, or relax at the hotel until your transfer to Ringebu train station. Also make your packed lunch to eat on the journey home.

    Afternoon: Say goodbye to Ringebu as you jump on the train and head back to 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.

7 night adventure

Dates

    • Fri 18 December - Tue 22 December 2026

    • Tue 22 December - Sat 26 December 2026

    • Sat 26 December - Wed 30 December 2026

    • Wed 30 December 2026 - Sun 3 January 2027

    • Sun 3 January - Thu 7 January 2027

    • Mon 11 January - Fri 15 January 2027

    • Mon 25 January - Fri 29 January 2027

    • Fri 29 January - Tue 2 February 2027

    • Tue 2 February - Sat 6 February 2027

    • Sat 27 February - Wed 3 March 2027

    • Wed 3 March - Sat 7 March 2027

    • Wed 24 March - Sat 28 March 2027

    • Sun 28 March  - Thu 1 April 2027

Price

December (Except 18 - 22 December)

  • Twin Room Ensuite: £1650 (approx.• €1910 • $2205)

  • Private Room Ensuite: £1850 (approx. €2145 • $2470)

January (Except 29 January - 2 February)

  • Twin Room Ensuite: £1400 (approx.• €1620 • $1870)

  • Private Room Ensuite: £1600 (approx. €1855 • $2140)

29 January - 2 February to  24 March - 28 March

  • Twin Room Ensuite: £1495 (approx.• €1730 • $2000)

  • Private Room Ensuite: £1695 (approx. €1965 • $2265)

18 - 22 December & 28 March - 1 April 

  • Twin Room Ensuite: £1550 (approx.• €1800 • $2070)

  • Private Room Ensuite: £1750 (approx. €2030 • $2340)

  • 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

  • All meals:

    • 4 breakfasts

    • 4 packed lunches

    • 4 dinners

  • 3 full days of cross-country skiing

  • Cross-country ski lessons and guiding from an expert instructor

  • Horse sleigh ride

  • 3 yoga sessions

  • An ice dip and outdoor sauna session

  • Unlimited indoor sauna use

  • 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

Book Now

    • 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

  • Guaranteed to run Dates marked "guaranteed" are locked in and happening, no matter what. Book your flights, we're going.

    Minimum numbers required Other dates need at least 4 people signed up to confirm the adventure. We'll keep you in the loop on numbers as they come in, and we'll give you the green light (or full refund) 30 days before departure. Just hold off on booking any flights until you hear from us.

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)

    On some Saturdays:

    • Depart 12:12 Ringebu Station, Arrive 14:32 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.

Full 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!