Women-only winter adventure: kayaking, snowshoeing and hiking holiday in Norway
Ideal for beginners: no kayaking or snowshoe experience needed
Journey through fjords and majestic snow-capped mountains
Brave icy fjord swims and unwind in a unique steam tent experience!
Ideal for solo travellers: join like-minded adventurers
Unwind in a cosy waterfront cabin with breathtaking views
Master the art of open-fire cooking in the great outdoors.
Embark on a 6 day adventure in Norway's enchanting winter on our unique kayak, snowshoe and hiking holiday. Find tranquillity kayaking on Lysefjord’s placid waters, surrounded by snow-draped mountains and cascading waterfalls. Swap paddles for snowshoes as you explore the serene, snowy expanses of the Sirdal mountains, treading softly through frozen forests.
Perfect for both beginners and the experienced, our seasoned kayak guide will build your confidence on water as we explore. Even as temperatures dip below freezing, our winter drysuits will keep you toasty as you paddle in very stable double kayaks, so no need for any concerns about capsizing!
For those new to snowshoeing, it's an intuitive and rewarding way to navigate winter landscapes, requiring no prior experience!
Staying in a cosy waterside cabin, you'll have the prime spot to dare a plunge into the fjord's icy waters for a wild swim. Spend evenings chatting with new friends over hearty home-cooked meals, and try cooking outdoors over an open fire.
Join us for a memorable winter retreat where you’ll immerse in nature, meet new friends and truly embrace the Norwegian winter.
location
On this adventure holiday you'll explore awe-inspiring locations, Lysefjord and the Sidral mountains in southwest Norway. Lysefjord is 42km long and Norway's largest fjord with mountains towering over it reaching 1000m. It's a beautiful place to explore by kayak and in winter we'll have the fjord all to ourselves!
The Sidral mountains are a 2 hour transfer from our base, but worth the drive through stunning scenery for a chance to snowshoe in fluffy snow discovering frozen forests and breathing in that crisp mountain air.
Kayaking
This kayaking holiday is created for beginners, if you've already got some paddling experience you'll still have a fantastic time exploring this stunning location.
We'll kayak for 2 of the 5 days exploring different sections for the fjord led by a local kayaking guide.
You'll be in a double kayak with another Gutsy Girl, these are very stable and very difficult to capsize or flip! With two of you paddling together, it's easier work to cover longer distances. We’ll paddle up to 6 hours each day with plenty of breaks.
The temperatures might be below freezing but you'll be kept nice and toasty in a drysuit.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great winter activity, it requires no previous experience or technical skills, it's simply hiking! Snowshoes are worn over hiking boots and their wide frame spreads your weight across the snow surface preventing you from sinking in to deep snow. It's a great way to access snow covered terrains and explore during winter.
HIKING
On this adventure we'll ascend the towering peaks overlooking the fjord. Depending on the snow conditions, we might find it necessary to don snowshoes for these mountain hikes as well!
OUTdoor Cooking
We'll ignite open fires and delve into an outdoor cooking experience, preparing mouth-watering dishes using locally sourced ingredients like deer, fish, veggies, and seaweed.
All dietary requirements catered for!
ACCOMMODATION
We'll be staying in a comfortable cabin on the edge of the fjord, you can enjoy some early morning sunrises with coffee of the deck or maybe brave the icy water for a wakeup swim!
Choose between a twin room or private double room, there's shared communal lounge and dining room.
There are two bathrooms with showers that will be shared by all 8 guests.
It's not luxury but it's cosy and comfortable and the perfect base for a winter adventure.
FOOD
All meals are provided and we can cater for all dietary requirements! Food is simple, hearty and homemade, using local produce whenever possible and will provide plenty of fuel for the adventure.
Why Gutsy Girls?
We create super fun, welcoming and supportive spaces for our guests to try new sports, challenge themselves with new wild experiences and connect you with likeminded new friends.
A Gutsy Girls host will join you on this adventure, along with an excellent kayaking guide to ensure you have the best possible experience!
THE PLAN
How will each day of this adventure play out? Here’s a little taster!
See it as a rough guide as we may make changes to suit the weather conditions to get the best experience.
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Meet us at Stavanger Airport at 14:30 (or 15:30 if you are arriving on 5th April), from where we'll journey 45 minutes to our cosy cabin in Vika. Once there, immerse yourself in the beauty you'll enjoy for the next five nights, and if you're feeling brave, take a rejuvenating plunge into the fjord.
Come evening, we'll gather for an overview of the exciting days that lie ahead. It's the perfect opportunity to bond with fellow travellers and savour a delicious home-cooked dinner.
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Following a hearty breakfast, we'll gear up for a day of exhilarating paddling on the fjord, setting our sights on the stunning Hengjane Waterfall, a testament to the fjords' unspoiled beauty.
Our lunch spot is a quaint "gapahuk" – a log cabin with one open side and a central fireplace – where we'll ignite a cosy fire and enjoy hot soup. The day's paddle, approximately 6 hours including our meal break, will see us returning to Vika before dusk, leaving just enough time for a refreshing wild swim before dinner.
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We'll set out early for the Sirdal mountains, renowned for their untouched snowscapes and serene atmosphere. Here, we'll spend the day snowshoeing, navigating the region's snowy terrains and appreciating its rugged beauty. During lunch, we'll kindle a small fire, providing a warm break amidst the cold, allowing us to refuel before continuing our exploration.
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Today offers a laid-back pace. You can choose to join us on a morning guided hike (or snowshoe if conditions allow) or relax in the cabin taking in the great views.
Post-lunch, the focus shifts to culinary delights. We'll ignite open fires and delve into an outdoor cooking experience, preparing mouth-watering dishes using locally sourced ingredients like deer, fish, veggies, and seaweed.
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Our day kicks off with a hike/snowshoe up to Solifjell, a vantage point offering panoramic views of the sprawling fjord below. It's a sight that reinforces the majestic beauty of Norway, allowing us to soak in the vast expanses from an elevated perspective. After descending, we'll retreat to the cabin for a hearty lunch.
The afternoon promises a unique experience. We'll stoke a fire to heat up rocks until they radiate a deep, glowing warmth. These heated stones set the stage for our steam tent, creating a sauna-like ambiance. Once it's primed, you can alternate between refreshing dips in the fjord and rejuvenating sessions inside the steam tent.
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We'll set out for a memorable morning kayaking on the fjord, charting a course from Vika to Forsand and back. The expansive waters and towering cliffs provide a serene backdrop for our final aquatic adventure. Once back at the cabin, we'll gather for a concluding lunch.
Over tea, coffee, and cake, we'll reminisce about our shared experiences before heading to the airport for departures.
PRICE
Twin Room £1100
Private Room £1250
DATES
FULLY BOOKED for 2024 - Back in 2025
Fri 2 - Wed 7 February
Fri 9 - Wed 14 February
Fri 16 - Wed 21 February
Fri 8 - Wed 13 March
Fri 5 - Wed 10 April
What’s Included
4 days of guided activities:
2 days kayaking
2 days guided snowshoeing and hiking
5 nights accommodation in cabin
Qualified Kayak Guide and Gutsy Girls host
Kayak equipment, dry suit and safety kit
Outdoor cooking experience
Snowshoes and pole hire
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
Airport transport*
*Single timed transfer
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Flights
Personal travel insurance
Personal gear - You’ll need hiking boots!
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The Gutsy Girls community is filled with bold and badass women from 18-70+ years old, 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 olds, with around 60% in their 30s-40s.
We can’t stress enough that your age doesn’t matter for our adventures! You’ll leave our trips with a group of great new friends, whatever your age.
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Over 95% of our guests join our trips solo. With activity-filled days and group dinners you’ll be in great company throughout the trip.
Once you’ve booked your spot, you’ll be invited to a WhatsApp group, and many guests arrange to meet at the airport before flying to us, some choose to share a hotel at the airport.
If you book a twin room, you’ll be sharing with another Gutsy Girl.
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This trip has a maximum of 7 guests. You’ll have a highly experienced kayak guide and Gutsy Girl host leading this trip.
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Flights aren’t included in this adventure. The nearest airport is Stavanger.
We will have a single timed transfers from Stavanger Airport.
For the following trips:2nd - 7th February
9th - 14th February
16th - 21st February
1st - 6th March
8th - 13th March
15th - 20th MarchPick up: 2:30pm
Drop off: 5pmRecommended flights:
Norwegian | London Gatwick to Stavanger
LGW 11:00 ✈ SVG 13:40
SVG 19:15 ✈ LGW 20:05
For 5th - 10th April trip:Pick up: 3:30pm
Drop off: 5.30pmRecommended flights:
Norwegian | London Gatwick to Stavanger
LGW 12:15 ✈ SVG 14:55
SVG 19:30 ✈ LGW 20:35We aren’t able to collect from Stavanger city centre.
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30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot.
Remaining balance due 45 days before travel. If your trip is less than 45 days away, full balance is required at the time of booking.
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CANCELLATION FEES
The cancellation will only be effective from the date that the cancellation is received in writing by email. Cancellation charges will be payable as follows:
• Cancellation fee of 100% of the full trip cost is charged if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip
• Cancellation fee of 30% of the full trip cost is charged if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip
CANCELLATIONS DUE TO COVID
If you are unable to attend because you have tested positive or you have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Track & Trace, our normal cancellation policies apply as above.
You are strongly advised to have the appropriate travel insurance at the time of booking.
RESCHEDULING
We do not offer rescheduling on our European trips.
If you are unable to attend the date you booked, you will need to cancel your booking. Cancellation will only be effective from the date that the cancellation is received in writing by email. Cancellation charges will be payable as above.
View our full T&Cs here.
By booking in for this retreat, you agree to the terms and conditions of Gutsy Girls and our provider
Questions?
You can book your spot here with a 30% deposit.
Any questions? Drop them below and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours (Monday -Friday)
PACKING LIST & FAQS
WE PROVIDE:
Drysuits
Spraydeck
Neoprene Mittens
Neoprene boots
Dry bags
Snowshoes - You will need your own hiking boots!
Packing List
20 - 30 litre backpack
Hiking boots with a warm/wool insole
Water bottle (insulated if you want) (750ml - 1l)
Thermos flask
1 towel (microfibre or normal towel)
Base layer thermal tops (a selection) (synthetic, wool or silk)
Long johns (thermal) (synthetic, wool or silk)
Fleece
Warm sweater
Shell jacket (windproof, waterproof jacket)
Soft shell trousers (windproof, water repellent, breathable)
Waterproof trousers
A warm packable insulated / down jacket
A selection of warm socks of different thicknesses to help you get the best fit in your boots (wool is best)
Sunglasses
Warm hat
Buff (you might want two - one for your neck, one as a headband), scarf or balaclava
Ski gloves or mittens (2 pairs, ideally, in case one gets wet - normal ski gloves will do - warm mittens are best if you are prone to getting cold)
Glove liners
Disposable hand warmers (if you suffer from cold hands)
Swimwear
Slippers / shoes for the cabin
Casual warm evening clothes
Nightwear
Toiletries
Sunscreen (high factor) and lip salve
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• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
• Midlayer - Fleece
• Warm hat
• Buff
• Insulated / down jacket packed in your drybag for breaks
• Wool glove liners
• Wool socks
• Paddling outerwear (drysuit, boots etc supplied by us)
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When you snowshoe you will generate heat, the key is having different layers to change between as you warm up and cool down on breaks.
• Hiking boots - with space for warm socks!
• Thermal base layers (top and bottoms)
• Midlayer - Fleece
• Outer layer - windproof shell jacket
• Soft shell trousers (Hiking trousers which are windproof / water resistant)
• Insulated / down jacket for breaks
• Mittens or ski gloves
If you have unlined/non-insulated ski trousers / salopettes - these are fine for snowshoeing. Insulated trousers will be too warm and sweaty!