Description »
Ski across Rondane National Park overnighting in mountain cabins along the way
Winter 2026: Bookings are now open for winter 2026. We recommend booking immediately if you wish to travel next winter. There are just two tour dates for this experience and availability may be limited far in advance.
If you have previous experience of backcountry skiing and/or cross country skiing and are looking for a multi-day, point-to-point tour in majestic mountain scenery, Hut to Hut Skiing in Rondane National Park may be the ideal adventure.
Beginning from Statsbuøyen at the northern end of the park, you will traverse the park from north to south to end at Spidsbergseter, staying in four different mountain cabins along the way. The cabins are managed by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) and offer simple but comfortable and cosy accommodation in beautiful settings.
Before and after your tour, accommodation is at a charming, family-run lodge where three-course dinners made from local ingredients are served, and there's even a sauna and hot tub to round off the week when you return from your expedition!
This is an ideal "next step" tour if you already have previous experience of backcountry and/or cross country skiing. Photo: RRL.
Ski equipment, pulks and guiding included
Backcountry ski equipment (skis, boots, poles and skins) are included, as well as use of pulks. The pulks will be used to transport the most bulky/heavy equipment for the tour. Max. group size is 6 persons and the group will typically share 2-3 pulks, taking turns to pull as appropriate.
You will ski with a daypack for items you need easy access to during the day such as lunch and extra layers.
Pulks are used to carry the main equipment for the tour. Photo: RRL.
Your first day of skiing will be a training day from the lodge base, which is a chance to test your equipment and get accustomed to pulling the pulks, and which will also feature some basic safety training and advice on safety in the mountains.
On Day 3, you then set off for your expedition across Rondane National Park, returning to the lodge on Day 7 for your final evening.
DNT cabins along the way offer simple but comfortable accommodation for the four nights of the expedition. Photo: RRL.
Spectacular terrain with some technical ups and downs
Rondane is a stunning area of imposing mountains, wide plateaus and scenic valleys. You will be skiing both below and above the treeline, with typical daily distances from 12-16km.
You will typically be skiing on a mix prepared tracks and off-trail sections. The tour largely follows official winter routes between the cabins, but these are only signposted during a short period of the winter.
There are several ascents and descents which can be both physically challenging and require good control on skis in a variety of snow conditions, so it is essential for this tour that participants have previous experience of backcountry and/or cross country skiing (experience of downhill or randonée skiing only is not sufficient). It's not necessary to have skied with a pulk before.
You'll be skiing through varied terrain requiring good control in a range of conditions. Photo: RRL.
In the evenings, you can relax at the simple but comfortable mountain cabins along the route, and on the last evening enjoy a luxurious sauna and outdoor hot tub experience back at the lodge to soothe your tired muscles after your tour!
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Itinerary »
The itinerary below may be subject to change depending on weather and snow conditions. Alternative routes and/or accommodation during the expedition may be used to offer the best experience.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive by train to Atna (or possibly Ringebu*), where you will be met for transfer (approx. 30 mins) to the lodge:
- Transfer is included in connection with the afternoon train from Oslo/Oslo airport (normally departing Oslo Gardermoen airport 14.59 arriving Atna 18.01).
- Transfer at earlier times may also be possible by arrangement at additional cost - see "Prices > Optional extras".
*Transfer will be included to/from one of these locations only. Whether Atna or Ringebu is the most suitable travel point for arrival and/or departure will be confirmed later depending on arrangements of other members of the group. Please contact us to confirm arrangements for your tour dates before making arrangements for train travel.
You will have access to your cabin or room accommodation at the lodge from 15.00.
A three-course dinner is served in the lodge restaurant. There is also a relaxation and socialising area with books, games, and bar service available.
Day 2: Introductory ski tour and safety training
After breakfast, you will meet to be fitted for your ski equipment before setting off for a day tour to test your equipment and prepare for the expedition ahead. There are a number of routes in the local area which may be chosen for today's tour.
You can also practise pulling the pulk to get accustomed to the extra weight and how this affects your ski technique and balance. Lunch outdoors with packed lunch prepared from the breakfast buffet.
The tour will also include some information on safety considerations in the mountains and for the tour ahead.
Three-course dinner at the lodge in the evening.
Day 3: Stadsbuøyen-Dørålseter (approx. 13km)
The day begins with readying for the expedition by dividing the food and equipment into the pulks before a 30-minute vehicle transfer to the start point of the tour at Stadsbuøyen.
The route takes you through spruce and pine forest before passing into a landscape of long moraines and birch forest. You may spot moose or perhaps wild reindeer during your tour today.
You reach the first of your mountain cabins, Dørålseter, in the afternoon. At the cabin, everyone assists with tasks such as cooking, boiling water and preparing food.
Day 4: Dørålseter to Rondvassbu (approx. 15km)
Today may be long and tiring - but also dramatic and inspiring! Beginning in the valley of Bergedalen, you head south with some of the highest peaks in Rondane around you. Passing the base of Rondeslottet, Rondane's highest peak at 2178m, you drop town to the lake of Rondvatnet. This is the largest lake in Rondane National Park, which you need to cross to reach the cabin at Rondvassbu on the other side.
Day 5: Rondvassbu to Bjørnhollia (approx. 12km)
Turning east, you ski through the long valley of Illmanndalen, with relatively easy terrain crossing a number of small lakes. The second part of the day will be the most challenging, as you descend into a scenic valley and below the treeline towards Bjørnhollia, one of the most picturesque cabins in the area.
Day 6: Bjørnhollia to Eldåbu (approx. 16km)
A longer distance to cover today, as you begin with a steep ascent on Blåkollen before dropping down into the valley of Steindalen. In the afternoon, you cross the mountain of Bågåskardshøgdin to reach the cabin at Eldåbu, located right on the tree line and with spectacular views.
Day 7: Eldåbu to Spidsbergseter (approx. 12km)
Your final day of skiing offers wide views as you ski on the mountain of Ramstinden before a gentle descent to the Venabu plateau and your end point at Spidsbergseter. Relax with a drink here as you await the transfer vehicle for the return to the lodge.
An evening of relative luxury awaits for your last night to round off your Rondane experience, with three-course dinner in the lodge restaurant and the lovely riverside sauna and hot tub available to soothe your muscles - the pampering will be well deserved!
Day 8: Departure
Breakfast followed by transfer (for guests without own vehicle) to Atna (or possibly Ringebu*) train station for onward travel.
- Transfer is included in connection with the afternoon train to Oslo/Oslo airport (normally leaving Atna at 14.03 arriving Oslo Gardermoen airport 17.01).
*Transfer will be included to/from one of these locations only. Whether Atna or Ringebu is the most suitable travel point for arrival and/or departure will be confirmed later depending on arrangements of other members of the group. Please contact us to confirm arrangements for your tour dates before making arrangements for train travel.
Please check out of your cabin/room by 11.00. Time for departure transfer is flexible depending on your travel plans, but you should plan earliest train departure from Atna at 10.00.
Dates & Prices»
Dates 2026
- March: 15.03-22.03.26
- April: 12.04-19.04.26
Prices 2026
| Standard Prices | |
|---|---|
| Per person | GBP |
| Optional extras (see description below) | |
|---|---|
| Transfer from/to Atna at non-standard times (pay locally) | Max. NOK 900 |
- Transfer from/to Atna at non-standard times: Transfers are included in connection with train arrivals/departures as per itinerary. Transfer cost applies only for guests wishing to arrange transfer at other times. Payment for transfer is made locally on arrival. Price given is for transfer one-way per group of up to 8 persons. If transfer can be shared with other guests having the same arrival and/or departure times, this cost can be shared between the persons travelling. Note that possibilities to share transfer cannot be known at time of booking, so we recommend you assume that the cost will be the maximum price given.
What's Included »
Included
Accommodation:
- Days 1, 2 and 7: Shared rooms (2-3 persons) in log cabin adjacent to the lodge. Bed linen and end cleaning are included. Use of sauna and hot tub (including robe and towel) is included on Day 7. Luggage can be left at the lodge when on the expedition.
- Days 3-6: Shared sleeping accommodation in mountain cabin (usually with bunk beds, sleeping rooms are shared with other members of your group and/or perhaps other users of the mountain cabin depending on capacity - rooms at the mountain cabins cannot be privately reserved). Cabins used are usually part of the Norwegian Trekking Association network. Standard of accommodation is simple but comfortable, usually with dry outside toilet and heated with wood-burning stove. Cabins may have simple electricity (e.g. solar panels) for lighting, etc. Bed linen and towels are provided.
Dining and social areas at the Lodge (Days 1, 2 and 7). Photos: RRL.
Accommodation at the Lodge (Days 1, 2 and 7). Bottom photos show sauna and hot tub. Photos: RRL.
Example mountain cabin accommodation (Days 3-6). Photos: RRL/Nature Travels.
Meals:
Please advise any dietary requirements in advance.
- At the lodge:
- 3 x breakfast (Days 1, 2 and 8).
- 2 x packed lunch (Days 2 and 3) made from the breakfast buffet.
- 2 x 3-course dinner (Days 1 and 7).
Three-course dinners are served for nights at the lodge, with a focus on home-cooked food and local ingredients. Photos: RRL.
- During the ski tour:
- From dinner Day 2 to lunch Day 7: High-quality "Real Turmat" dehyrdrated expedition meals will be used for the tour.
You may also wish to bring some snacks (chocolate, dried fruit) for additional energy when skiing. Some items are available to purchase at the lodge if required.
Instruction, Guiding and Equipment:
- Six days of guided backcountry skiing tour as per itinerary.
- Backcountry ski equipment (skis, boots, poles, climbing skins) and pulk. The group will typically share 2-3 pulks, taking turns as appropriate.
Transfers:
- Transfer (approx. 30 mins) on arrival and departure between Atna train station and the lodge at fixed times as per itinerary.
- Local tranfers as required to/from the start/end points for skiing.
Not Included
- Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase at the lodge).
Good To Know »
Required
Health requirements/experience:
Min. age 16 years. You must have previous experience of backcountry skiing and/or cross country skiing for this tour. Experience of downhill or randonée skiing only is not sufficient. There are a number of technical uphill and downhill sections which require that participants have good control and snow conditions may also be challenging.
Previous experience of skiing with a pulk is not required.
You should have a general high level of fitness and stamina and be used to the outdoors. You should also be comfortable living in close proximity with others.
You will be skiing with a pulk, but typically pulks will be shared between the group, taking turns as appropriate. Typically pulk weight likely to be around 50kg.
Conditions in the mountains can be challenging and change quickly. You will be following official winter routes for much of the tour, skiing both on prepared tracks and in unprepared terrain. However, the routes are only signed during a short period of the winter.
What makes this "Hard"?
This is an extended hut-to-hut tour in a mountain area with some challenging terrain in parts. The daily distances are moderate, but ascents and descents will add to the level of challenge. You will need good control on downhill sections.
Accommodation during the four nights of the expedition in is in comfortable but simple mountain cabins with basic facilities.
NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.
Equipment/clothes needed:
For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".
A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.
NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.
Preparing for your trip:
For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.
Minimum number:
A minimum of total 4 persons is required for scheduled tours to be guaranteed to run. You are welcome to book as a solo traveller.
Groups
Max. group size 6 persons. This experience is also ideal as a private tour for groups of up to 6 persons - please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Eco Info
This provider has a written environmental policy. The accommodation is traditional, small scale and family owned and is Green Key certified.
Getting There »
Getting There
See below for a summary of travel options. To learn more about how to travel to this experience, please get in touch!
Detailed information on travel will be provided in response to your enquiry. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.
NB: Please ensure that you make a booking with us first and wait for confirmation that your spaces are reserved before making any travel arrangements.
Travel Summary:
By Air:
Fly to Oslo for train (3.5 hours with one change) to Atna (or possibly Ringebu), from where transfer to/from the start/end point (approx. 30 mins) is available as an optional extra (required if you do not have own transport).
Further Reading
- Compare our range of ski touring and cross country experiences.
- Read a trip report from Bob.
- Read our blog article on the difference between cross country skis and backcountry skis.
- Read our guide Backcountry Ski Touring – from Zero to Hero in Three Adventures.
Did You Know...?
- Don't have previous experience? Learn to Backcountry Ski in Rondane is an introductory-level tour at the same location.
Where Is It...?
