Norway
Cross Country Ski & Yoga Weekend
FAQS
Travel
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Step 1: Book Your Flights
Arrival Flight: Book a morning flight to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Aim to arrive at least 1 hour before the train departure at the latest.
Departure Flight: Book an afternoon or evening flight from Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Allow at least 2 hours between the train arrival and your flight departure.
Step 2: Book Your Train to Ringebu
Arrival Day: Take one of the following trains from Oslo Gardermoen to Ringebu. Ensure at least 1 hour between your flight landing and the train departure, preferably more.
Depart 14:29, Arrive 16:53
Depart 16:29, Arrive 18:49
On Saturdays:
Depart 14:29, Arrive 16:53
Depart 15:59, Arrive 18:35 (This is a train to Lillehammer and then an easy change to bus VY710 to Ringebu)
Booking: Use the Vy website (https://www.vy.no/en) or SJ website (https://www.sj.no) to book your tickets. Tickets are available 60-90 days before travel.
Step 3: Transfer to Hotel
We will pick you up from Ringebu train station at the arrival time you state in your Booking Portal and transfer you to the hotel (20 minute drive).
Step 4: Departure from Ringebu
Departure Day: We will transfer you to Ringebu. Take one of the following trains from Ringebu to Oslo Gardermoen. Ensure your flight departure is at least 2 hours after the train arrival time.
Depart 12:06, Arrive 14:21
Depart 14:27, Arrive 17:04
On some departure days the second train departs at 13.57 from Ringebu, arriving 16:48 at Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)
Important Notes:
Train Station Location: The railway station is in the same building as Oslo Gardermoen Arrivals Terminal, downstairs.
Timetable Check: Train and bus timetables are finalized 60 days before travel. Verify the schedule for your dates before booking flights.
Web Check-in: Let us know your train details through your Web Check-in in the Booking Portal.
This information is intended as a guide only. Flights and travel to Ringebu are not included in our packages. You are responsible for getting to Ringebu station, where we will meet you.
What If I Miss the Recommended Trains?
If you arrive too late for the recommended trains, check https://www.vy.no/en for later options.
Note: Arriving later means you may miss dinner and need to pay for a taxi from Ringebu to the hotel (approx. NOK 275). We can book this taxi for you; email bookings@gutsygirls.co.uk.
Contact Information:
Train Tickets: Vy website (https://www.vy.no/en) or SJ website (https://www.sj.no)
Taxi Booking: bookings@gutsygirls.co.uk
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We don't have recommended flights for these trips, you just need to book a flight to Oslo Gardermoen which lines up with our recommended train times (see "Arrival day and recommended train timings" and "Departure day and recommended train timings").
You will need a morning flight to Oslo, to give you plenty of time to get the train to Ringebu, and an evening flight back from Oslo on the way home.
On arrival day, we usually recommend a minimum of an hour between your plane landing and your train departing. The airport is efficient and the train station is right in the terminal. Guests have managed with less time but we don't advise it unless necessary in case of flight delays.
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You are responsible for getting to Ringebu train station, where we will meet you.
Ringebu is easily accessible from from Oslo Gardermoen airport. Travelling by train is straightforward and rail services in Norway are excellent.
Once your trip is confirmed and you know your flights please book your rail journey as soon as possible because the trains can become booked up. Tickets go on sale 60 - 90 days before travel.
We will collect you from a choice of two departures from Oslo Gardermoen airport (these trains originate in Oslo Sentral so you can catch the same train from there if you wish). Please look at "Arrival day and recommended train timings" and "Departure day and recommended train timings" for the details of which trains we recommend.
Book your tickets on the Vy website (https://www.vy.no/en) - which is easy to use and has an English version. Alternatively you can also use https://www.sj.no.
At Oslo Gardermoen airport (lufthavn) the railway station is in the same building as the airport, downstairs. You’ll find that the station staff speak excellent English and everything is well signposted.
Take the train to Ringebu on the Dovre railway line. It’s a scenic journey of about two and a half hours from Oslo Gardermoen. Oslo city centre (in Norway this is called Oslo S or Oslo Sentralstasjon) and Lillehammer are on the same rail line (in opposite directions).
We will pick you up from the railway station in Ringebu. The transfer time to the hotel from the station is about twenty minutes.
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Please take a morning flight to Oslo, to give you plenty of time to get the train to Ringebu, where we will meet you.
Train timetables are finalised 60 days before travel and trains cannot be booked outside of 90 days. Please arrive at Ringebu on one of these two trains. These two trains are on the timetable MOST days, but occasionally one or the other does not run. Please check the timetable for your dates before booking your flights:
Depart 14:29 Oslo lufthavn stasjon
Arrive 16:53 Ringebu stasjon
Depart 16:29 Oslo lufthavn stasjon
Arrive 18:49 Ringebu stasjon
**On Saturdays the second train times are slightly different:
Depart 15:59 Oslo lufthavn stasjon
Arrive 18:35 Ringebu stasjon
(This is a train to Lillehammer and then an easy change to bus VY710 to Ringebu)
Please see "How to book your train to Ringebu" for information on how to book your trains. You are responsible for ensuring that there is enough time between your flight arriving and train departing. The train station is in the terminal and the airport is efficient. We usually recommend leaving at least an hour your flight landing and train departing.
We will ask you to let us know which train you will be on in your Web Check-in in your Booking Portal. We will meet both trains, and it is a 20 minute transfer to the hotel.
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If you don't land in Oslo early enough for our recommended trains, there are usually some later trains or train / bus combinations to Ringebu from Oslo Gardermoen airport. Please check https://www.vy.no/en for your dates to confirm this - remember it is your responsibility to make your own way to Ringebu!
You are welcome to arrive on one of these later trains or buses, but you will miss dinner on the first night (no refund possible) and you will need to pay for a taxi from the station at Ringebu to the hotel as we are only able to collect from the two recommended trains; the cost of a taxi will be in the region of NOK 275 one way.
We can book this taxi for you in advance and you can pay directly at the hotel on arrival - please email bookings@gutsygirls.co.uk to arrange this (we will not see requests in your web check in form).
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Please book an afternoon or evening flight out of Oslo, to give you plenty of time to get the train from Ringebu back to the airport.
We will transfer you back to the train station at Ringebu in time for one of these two rail replacement bus departures. These two buses are on the timetable MOST days, but occasionally one or the other does not run. Please check the timetable for your dates before booking your flights:
Depart 12:06 Ringebu stasjon
Arrive 14:21 Oslo lufthavn stasjon
Depart 14:27 Ringebu stasjon
Arrive 17:04 Oslo lufthavn stasjon
On some departure days the second train departs at 13.57 from Ringebu, arriving 16:48 at Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)
Please see "How to book your train to Ringebu" for information on how to book your trains. You are responsible for ensuring that there is enough time between your train arriving and flight departing on your departure day.
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We will connect you with others on the trip via WhatsApp, so you may be able to arrange to travel together.
Accommodation
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The hotel we stay at is a family run hotel, known in Norway as a "fjellhotell". This term conjures the image of a warm, cosy cabin in the mountains, down to earth and with a focus on its place in nature. It has a reputation for friendly hospitality and excellent food. The views of an open landscape of lakes, mountains and forest are spectacular. You can ski right from the door!
The rooms are simple, light and airy with a mountain style and there are superb mountain views from the dining room and many of the bedrooms.There is a spacious lounge or ‘stua’ with an open fire and a bar. Complimentary teas and coffee are always available in the lounge. There's also a drying room and dedicated skistall for expert advice and recommendations.
For those of you who may have dog allergies or simply don’t like dogs, please be aware that this hotel is dog friendly and there are at least three resident (very gentle) dogs. They won’t enter any bedrooms, but you are likely to encounter them in the lounge area, which is big and airy. There is no obligation to engage with them at all if you would rather not, but please be aware of this.
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Yes!
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No - you could bring some soap flakes / travel wash to wash your base layers if you think this will be necessary!
Food
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The delicious, traditional homemade food on this trip is a real highlight. We will have a three course meal (set menu) every evening, a sumptuous breakfast buffet and a plentiful packed lunch for our days out.
Good quality, local ingredients sourced from local producers and healthy, homemade food are important values in the kitchen. Chefs use quality ingredients where the flavours speak for themselves.
The hotel is committed to catering for all dietary requirements and allergies and offering safe – and tasty – food.
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We can cater for all dietary requirements and we will request information prior to your arrival.
Please note the dinner is a three course set menu, so if there are foods you can't eat or dislike eating, please makes sure this is clear well in advance of your arrival!
Activities
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Our cross country ski holidays are rated moderate.
The trip is 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.
Fitness Requirements
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.
What to Expect
Duration: Each day You’ll be active for 6-7 hours, some days will consist of two sessions, each lasting 2-3 hours. Some days may have longer full-day tours.
Distance: We'll cover between 8km to 25km daily. Consider if you can comfortably walk these distances and on consecutive days.
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!
Downhill: The trails are not overly steep, but you will need to be comfortable gaining speed on a slope.
Sliding Motion: Being comfortable with a gliding sensation is essential.
Falling: Expect a few tumbles while learning cross country skiing. Though these falls are generally softer than in alpine skiing, you’ll need to be comfortable with the idea of falling!
Cold Exposure: While activity generates warmth, January and February often see temperatures dip below freezing. We'll advise you on effective layering to stay warm.
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 before booking, we're happy to help!
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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.
The Movement & Terrain
Cross country skiing is a gliding and sliding motion. If you do not like the sensation of sliding or are nervous about falling, this winter sport might not be for you.
Cross country skiing does have downhill sections, they aren’t super steep, but you will learn to go down them and control your speed. If you do not like the sensation of going downhill, maybe from previous skiing experiences, then you may not enjoy cross country skiing.
You need to be prepared to fall over a bit while learning! Usually, the soft snow makes these falls relatively painless.
Fitness
Cross country skiing is a physically demanding sport at times! It does get described as ‘running with skis on’. In as far as cardio fitness goes, this is true - it can be hard work! We do recommend you have a good base fitness level to get the most out of the experience. Each day we will have 2 x 2-3 hour lessons and tours and on some occasions full day tours.
If you do physical activity that gets your heart rate up a minimum of 3 times a week for at least 45 minutes, you’ll have a great time on skis!
We encourage you to be kind to yourself when deciding if this is the sport for you, if not, there are loads more winter adventures coming your way!
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No! This trip is designed for complete beginners. We can’t wait to share the joys of nordic and cross country skiing with you! Working with fantastic ski instructors and guides, you’ll receive excellent tuition progressing your skills throughout the week, learning new techniques and building your mileage to explore incredible remote and snowy landscapes.
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Have a read of our blog post here for why we have chosen cross country skiing!
For cross country skiing we use light-weight skis and boots. There are no ski lifts and instead we glide across the snow, powered by our own effort. Cross country ski areas have prepared tracks where the snow has been pressed to create a smooth gliding surface. The terrain is gently rolling, for the most part. We will teach you the techniques you need to travel across the snow, and up and down gentle gradients.
You can also go further afield - away from the prepared tracks, exploring more of the wilderness, still in gentle rolling terrain. This is done at a gentle and appropriate pace, to suit the group.
Cross country skiing is an activity enjoyed by a variety of people and for different reasons: it can be a way to explore and take in the winter landscape away from the crowds and it is also an exciting sport which combines learning ski technique with great exercise.
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Most people find learning to cross country ski much easier than alpine skiing. If you are active in daily life and have a good fitness level, then you'll be well on your way to exploring a good portion of the ski area surrounding our hotel after a few days.
The great thing is that skiers of different abilities can ski the same tracks - the only difference is that they may be travelling at a different pace. This means you feel like you're making rapid progress and gives you a great sense of achievement!
Cross country skiing is a gliding and sliding motion. If you do not like the sensation of sliding, or are nervous about falling then this winter sport might not be for you - We have snowshoeing adventures!
Cross country skiing does have downhill sections, they aren’t super steep, but you will learn to go down them and control your speed. If you do not like the sensation of going downhill, maybe from previous skiing experiences, then you may not enjoy cross country skiing.
You do need to be prepared to fall over a bit while you’re learning! Usually the soft snow makes these falls fairly painless.
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Very quickly, skiers of different abilities can ski the same tracks (although they may be travelling at a different pace), so you won't be stuck on the baby tracks!
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Cross country and alpine skiing are distinct and very different from one another. Any prior ski knowledge is certainly a help, but the techniques and equipment used in cross country skiing is not the same, and foundational training for cross country is essential. Even experienced alpine skiers should start as beginners!
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Working on your cardiovascular fitness will help you with endurance and stamina. Walking at a good pace (where you feel slightly out of breath) is really useful, or of course, running or cycling or performing other higher intensity exercise.
Improving your strength, core stability and balance really helps with cross country skiing too. Good balance is essential for weight transfer from one ski to the next. We will be balancing on one ski as it glides – so if standing one one leg is a challenge then practising will help! You could stand on one leg every time you clean your teeth! Activities and sports that challenge our balance can help us develop our balance in a progressive way, including Pilates, yoga and dancing.
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Please see our blog about cross country ski clothing here.
In a nutshell, when we are cross country skiing we are very active and generating heat while out in the cold. While moving we get hot (and sweaty!) but then when we stop in the cold, we cool down quickly. The mistake people often make is overdressing, getting too hot and sweaty whilst moving and then cooling off quickly and then feeling cold and damp at every stop. In addition, when we’re skiing with a group we may stop more frequently or for longer than you would if you were alone. Cross country skiing does NOT require the same sort of clothing as downhill skiing because the warm, padded clothing for downhill skiing takes into account long stretches sitting still on chairlifts at the mercy of the weather - not needed whilst cross country skiing!
We recommend a variety of wool or synthetic base layers, topped by a windproof, breathable waterproof hiking jacket (shell) with a hood, with a warm, insulated jacket in a backpack to put on at rest stops. On your legs, we recommend windproof, water repellent, breathable soft shell type fitted trousers or leggings.
We recommend avoiding cotton clothing as it gets wet and cold and doesn't dry fast.
Other vital items are warm socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, waterproof and insulated gloves, a buff and hat.
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Yes! You can find it here.
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Yes! Ensure you bring a daypack with you that has plenty of space for layers that you need to peel off and put away. We recommend a backpack of about 25 litres.
It is a good idea to carry a warm, insulated jacket in your bag that you can put on at rest stops to stop you from getting cold, and a spare pair of gloves because wet gloves are the worst! Make sure there is some space in your bag before you begin as you are likely to need to put layers away as you warm up.
It is a really good idea to carry a couple of smaller, lightweight dry bags to keep the clothes in your backpack from getting wet.
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The yoga sessions are slow and restorative to help you recover from a day of skiing! Wear a jumper as you won't get hot in these sessions.
Other
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Of course we cannot predict the weather on any given week, but temperatures around -10°C are considered perfect for cross country skiing, and we may sometimes have temperatures of more like -20°C. This sounds cold, however, for most of the winter in Norway it is a “dry” cold which tends to feel less cold than “damp” cold.
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On this trip, everywhere you will visit accepts cards, so you don't need to withdraw any Norwegian Krone at all!
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There is no upper age limit for our adventures - we have women up to 70 years old join us.
The Gutsy Girls community is filled with fun, friendly and supportive women from 18-70+. We never ask your age, just that you are up for an adventure!
As a rough guide, most Gutsy Girls guests are 24-60 years old, with around 60% in their 30s-40s. After a day learning to cross country ski, mountain biking over the hills, hiking to peaks for incredible views or exploring remote locations by paddleboard, age becomes irrelevant as we are all connected by our experiences.
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Definitely join alone, the vast majority of guests come along to our events and retreats solo.
Our aim is to connect you with like-minded new friends! We are a very friendly bunch, come as you are, we can’t wait to meet you!
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Whenever possible we use female instructors and guides on our day events and trips, however we cannot always guarantee this, simply because there are fewer female instructors available!
Our first priority is to work with the most highly experienced and considerate instructors and guides, who are patient, friendly and as passionate as we are about building women’s confidence in the outdoors.
Simply due to the ratio of men to women in the outdoors industry, sometimes this means our guides and instructors are male.
We keep a close eye on the feedback our guides receive from our guests as we believe that overall this is more important than their gender. We sincerely hope that as more women are introduced to adventure sports and activities, the amount of female guides and instructors in our industry will increase.