Discover Cross Country Skiing in Rondane, Norway

Description »

Learn to cross country ski or develop your skills surrounded by the beauty of Rondane

Winter 2025/26: We recommend booking immediately if you wish to travel this winter. Availability for this experienced is typically limited far in advance.

There is really no better way to experience the tranquility of the Norwegian mountains on your own terms than on cross country skis.

This flexible experience offers a wonderful introduction to the freedom and adventure of cross country skiing. The week features six days of skiing, combining day tours from fixed location with point-to-point days and making it possible for even complete beginners to experience the thrill of a ski tour moving between locations!

If you already have previous experience of cross country skiing, the itinerary offers plenty of options to extend the minimum distances and increase the level of challenge.

Whether you're a complete novice or have previous experience, Rondane offers wonderful skiing and majestic scenery. Photo: MON.

Backcountry skiing, classic cross country skiing or skating style?

Whatever your preferred style, Rondane offers wonderful possibilities. You should choose your ski equipment depending on the type of skiing you would like to do during your tour.

The prepared trails in the area are in general most suitable for classic style, but can also be used for skating. The trails are prepared with a width of 3.10 metres with two "classic" tracks. Skate skiers can use the area between the tracks.

Well-marked trails and manageable daily distances make the wilderness of Rondane accessible even to beginners. The prepared tracks can be used for both "classic" and "skating" style. Photo: Nature Travels.

Backcountry skis: The recommended option. Slightly wider and more stable than "classic" cross country skis and with more grip, backcountry skis have steel edges and are the ideal choice for the terrain, particularly if you are new to cross country skiing or if you want to be able to ski away from the prepared tracks. Backcountry skis can be used for "classic" cross country style in the tracks and also for going "off-track". They are not suitable for skating style.
Classic touring skis: Cross country skis ideal for "classic" style (skiing in the prepared grooves). They are thinner than backcountry skis and glide more easily, but are less stable and a little harder to control than backcountry skis. You may wish to choose these skis if you are confident cross country skier and intend to keep to the prepared tracks during your tour. They can also be used "off-track", but will be less suitable than backcountry skis and also less suitable for skating.
Lightweight touring skis: Dedicated skis for skating style are not available, but if you have previous experience of skating style and wish to skate during your tour, these are the most suitable option and are also suitable for "classic" style. They are not suitable for use away from the prepared tracks.

Traditional Norwegian mountain hospitality along the way

During your tour, you will be staying at two traditional mountain lodges:

Smuksjøseter, a remote and atmospheric lodge inaccessible by road during the winter.
Putten Seter, once a mountain farm and now a cosy and welcoming lodge.

The mountain lodges are full of character and tradition and will be as much a part of the memories of your stay as the skiing! Photo: MON.

Both offer a traditional Norwegian welcome, with accommodation in comfortable rooms with en-suite bathroom. Sauna is also included - the perfect way to relax and ease those tired muscles after a day in the mountains.

The Norwegians know that food is an important part of any outdoor experience, and there is a focus on hearty, local cuisine throughout the tour. Full board is included, with breakfast and dinner served at the lodges each night, and packed lunch made from the breakfast buffet to maintain your energy levels and keep you smiling through the day!

A day tour to the Per Gynt cabin will be one of the many highlights of the week. Photo: Nature Travels.

Instruction available before your self-guided adventure begins

You can choose an optional instruction session (in the morning of Day 2) to get you on the way to developing your confidence and technique, and the rest of the tour offers the perfect opportunity to work on your skills. For those who would like additional guiding or instruction during the week, guided elements are available to add.

You will be skiing on clearly marked trails between the cabins. Day tours can be as challenging or relaxing as you wish, and the minimum skiing distances when skiing point-to-point are very manageable (between 6-8km).

Your luggage is transported between the mountain lodges, so you never need to ski with more than a day pack.

A week filled with variety and adventure

The first "point-to-point" element of your tour takes you from Høvringen, where you collect your equipment, up to Smuksjøseter, minimum distance to ski 6km.

Depending on your travel plans, you can either do this on Day 2 of your tour, after spending a night at Smuksjøseter and having transfer down in the morning to ski back, or on Day 1 when you arrive (see under "Itinerary" for details).

You spend total three nights at Smuksjøseter, with day tour options including a trip to the iconic Per Gynt cabin. You can also choose to take a husky tour to experience the mountains by dogsled (available as optional extra).

A husky tour is an exciting activity to you can add to the week to experience the mountains in a different way. Photo: MON.

You then continue to your second accommodation location at Putten Seter (8km) for the next three nights.

During your time at Putten Seter, you have two days to explore the area as you wish:

Go for a wonderful day tour (on skis or snowshoes) to the peak of Formokampen (1428m) for spectacular mountain views, either self-guided or with a guide (available as optional extra).
Plan your own trips on skis or snowshoes in the area.
Simply spend a relaxing day by the fire at the Lodge and soak up the atmosphere.

Snowshoes are a great alternative option for one of your day tours from the accommodation. Photo: MON.

Easily accessible from Norway's capital

The Rondane area is easy to reach, being just 3-3.5 hours by direct train from Oslo airport - no internal flights required! Transfers between the train station and the start/end points of the tour are included.

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Itinerary »

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive by train to Otta. Depending on your arrival time and preferences, you can do one of the following:

Option 1: Have transfer to Smuksjøseter (approx. 45 mins). You will collect your ski equipment at Høvringen on the way so this is available for self-guided tour around the accommodation this day if you wish. Check in to your accommodation and enjoy the atmosphere of the Lodge. This option should be chosen if you are arriving in Otta in the afternoon or if you don't wish to be too active this day. If you wish, you can ski the last part of the distance when the terrain is flatter.
Option 2: Have transfer to Høvringen (approx. 30 mins) to collect your ski equipment then ski to Smuksjøseter. This option should be chosen only if you are arriving in Otta by latest mid-morning. Your luggage will be transferred all the way to Smuksjøseter. You should bring a packed lunch with you for the tour.

Check-in to your room at Smuksjøseter is from 15.00. A welcome dinner is served in the evening.

Accommodation: Rooms at Smuksjøseter; Meals: Dinner; Skiing distance: Flexible (Option 1) or min. 6km (Option 2).

Day 2: Sking between Høvringen and Smuksjøseter (or other day tour from Smuksjøseter/optional dogsled tour as per Day 3)

Breakfast at the lodge, when you will also make a packed lunch to take with you for the day.

If you have booked ski instruction, this will normally take place at the ski centre in Høvringen. Guests having ski lessons will be transferred from Smuksjøseter to Høvringen (or may ski down if preferred) to have instruction there and then ski back to Smuksjøseter (or arrange transfer back with your local hosts at Smuksjøseter if preferred – please discuss with your local hosts on arrival, additional charge may apply for extra transfer).
If you are not having instruction, you may still wish to ski down to (or have transfer down to) Høvringen and ski back to Smuksjøseter as a day tour.
Alternatively, you may wish to do a different day ski tour from Smuksjøseter (and can also choose optional dogsled tour as per Day 3).

After your day of skiing, you can warm up by the fire or enjoy a relaxing session in the sauna defore dinner.

Dinner in the evening followed by your second night at Smuksjøseter.

Accommodation: Rooms at Smuksjøseter; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Skiing distance: Flexible (min. 6km if skiing from Høvrningen to Smuksjøseter this day).

When skiing from Høvringen to Smuksjøseter (Day 1 or Day 2):

You will be skiing a short distance along a well-marked trail through the beautiful Rondane mountains to Smuksjøseter.

The minimum distance is 6km, with a height gain of total 130m. This is an ideal way to start your tour, but of course for the more experienced or energetic skiers, there are also plenty of trails in the area to extend the skiing distance if you wish.

Your main luggage will be transported (if skiing the route on Day 1), meaning you only need to ski with a day pack. Bring your packed lunch with you.

The route offers wonderful views over the surrounding mountain ranges of Jotunheimen, Dovre and Rondane.

Day 3: Cross Country Skiing Day Tour to the Per Gynt Cabin (and/or optional dog sledding)

After breakfast, set out for an iconic Norwegian day out - skiing on marked trails to the Per Gynt cabin (4km each way). This route is straightforward to do as a self-guided tour with relatively flat terrain, or you can also hire a guide, both for additional tips on improving your ski technique during the day and to tell you more about the area with its rich natural and cultural heritage.

The Per Gynt cabin makes for a wonderful day tour and, when open, serves waffles which are famous far and wide!

Return to Smuksjøseter for sauna and dinner.

Another wonderful activity option for today (or Day 2 if you have skied to Smukjøseter Day 1) is to choose a dogsled tour. The huskies will meet you at the lodge for a 3-hour experience sledding in the surrounding mountains (two persons per sled).

Accommodation: Rooms at Smuksjøseter; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Skiing distance: Flexible (min. 8km if going to Peer Gynt cabin).

Day 4: Cross Country Skiing from Smuksjøseter to Putten Seter

After breakfast, you ski to your second accommodation at Putten Seter, where you will spend the next three nights.

With the Rondane massif as a backdrop, the route today is 8km, with around 260m elevation gain. Novices should find that by now there's a noticeable improvement in your skiing technique and you'll be gliding along more efficiently than at the start of the week!

Putten Seter is an atmospheric spot, a former family farm now converted to a mountain lodge. Try some of their sour cream waffles on arrival to replenish your energy levels!

Dinner in the evening.

Accommodation: Rooms at Putten Seter; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Skiing distance: Flexible (min. 8km).

Day 5 and/or Day 6: Peak tour to Formokampen or flexible tour days/rest days

You have two days to spend at Putten Seter, when you have the choice of an adventurous day tour or to take things as easy as you wish.

The peak of Formokampen (1428m) makes a wonderful day tour from Putten Seter. This can be done either on skis or, if you'd like a change for today, on snowshoes (available as optional extra).

Total distance is around 8km (2 x 4km) and the peak offers spectacular panoramic mountain views. From here you can see Norway's highest mountains, Galhøpiggen and Glittertinden. This tour can be done self-guided, or you can also hire a guide.

Alternatively, relax for the day and enjoy the hospitality and atmosphere of the lodge, or take a shorter ski or snowshoe tour in the surrounding area.

Accommodation: Rooms at Putten Seter; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Skiing/snowshoeing distance: Flexible (min. 8km if doing Formokampen peak tour).

Day 7: Cross Country Skiing from Putten Seter to Høvringen and departure

Your last day of skiing brings you back to your start point at Høvringen, skiing on marked tracks down from the mountains (distance 6.3km, height difference 130m).

At Høvringen, return your ski equipment before transfer to Otta train station (approx. 30 mins) for onward travel.

You will need to allow time for this and so should normally plan departure from Otta from early afternoon onwards. If you particularly need to take an earlier train, it is also possible to arrange a transfer with your local hosts at Putten Seter (no additional payment required, as there will already be a transfer operating for your luggage) rather than skiing.

NB: On your last evening, please speak to your local hosts at your accommodation to ensure that you and they are clear regarding arrangements and timings for the next day (skiing down to the end point at Høvringen, or perhaps taking a transfer if you prefer, and for transfer from Høvringen to Otta train station for your onward travel). Depending on the expected time for you to reach Høvringen, they will discuss practicalities such as the best time to leave from the accommodation and what time transfer from Høvringen to Otta will take place.

Accommodation: None; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch; Skiing distance: 6.3km.

Dates & Prices»

Dates 2026

Start days flexible by arrangement from 5th February to latest start 14th April.

Prices 2026

Standard Prices
Per adult (based on 2 persons sharing)	GBP
Supplement for single occupancy (per adult)	GBP
Per child under 16 (sharing room with 2 adults)	GBP

NB: Ski equipment is not included - see "Optional extras" below.

Optional extras (see description below)

Skis, boots and poles/person/week	GBP
Skis and poles only (if bringing own boots)/person/week	GBP

2-day cross country skiing course, 3 x 90 mins (Beginners)	GBP
2-day cross country skiing course, 2 x 90 mins (Intermediate)	GBP
Private ski lesson (90 mins), first person	GBP
Private ski lesson (90 mins), each extra person	GBP
Private ski lesson (120 mins), first person	GBP
Private ski lesson (120 mins), each extra person	GBP
Private ski lesson (180 mins), first person	GBP
Private ski lesson (180 mins), each extra person	GBP

Guiding (pay locally)	From NOK
Snowshoes/person/day (pay locally)	From NOK
Dogsled tour/person (min. 2 persons)	GBP

Ski equipment (skis, boots and poles or skis and poles only, if bringing own boots): Choose between backcountry skis, classic cross country touring skis or lightweight touring skis (please specify preference and sizes on booking). Backcountry skis are the recommended option for this tour unless you are an experienced cross country skier and are ideal for the mountain terrain. See * below for more information. You will collect your equipment on arrival on Day 1 and return on Day 7 at the end of your tour. Skis used are normally from Åsnes. NB: Requirements for skis (with sizes) must be advised latest 14 days before arrival to ensure availability of suitable equipment.
Ski courses and private lessons: Recommended for novice skiers or those wishing to refresh their skills. Instruction takes place at the ski centre in Høvringen. You can choose to ski between Smuksjøseter and Høvringen for the lessons or arrange transfer with your local hosts at Smuksjøseter in one or both directions.
- Two-day courses (suitable for Saturday tour arrivals only): Offered on the following dates: 15.02-16.02.26, 22.02-23.02.26 and 01.03-02.02.26. If total group size for 2-day courses is fewer than 3 persons, the course will still take place, but the duration of lessons may be shorter.
- Private lessons: Offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (subject to availability) from 15.02.26 onwards, timings TBC depending on availability. Basic price is for first person in the group, with a supplementary price for each additional person up to max. group size 8 persons. If there is no availability for the ski centre to offer lessons, or lessons are required on other days, it may sometimes be possible for lessons to take place with your hosts at Smuksjøseter or Puttenseter. Please contact to discuss your requirements and for price information.
Guiding: Booked in advance but paid locally on arrival. Possible during your days at Smuksjøseter or Putten Seter, subject to availability. Price given is minimum cost for guide services. Please contact us to confirm price for your chosen options. Please specify when booking which day(s) you would like guiding. This tour is self-guided and no guiding is required, but you may wish to choose to have guided elements for one or more days during the tour and arrangements are flexible (subject to availability). Hiring a guide is an ideal way to give you greater confidence for your tour, to improve your technique and also to learn more about the area. Days for which you may like to hire a guide are:
- Day 3 (for day trip to Per Gynt cabin) - this is also very straightforward to do as a self-guided tour
- Day 5 or 6 (for day trip to peak of Formokampen) - this may be a particularly good option to choose as a guided component
- Day 4 (when skiing between overnight locations)
Snowshoes: An alternative to use for day tours while at Smuksjøseter (for day tour to Per Gynt cabin) and/or Putten Seter (for the peak tour to Formokampen). Arrangements and payment to be made locally. NB: Boots are not included but may be available to hire depending on sizes. Alternatively, if you do not have your own winter boots suitable for use with snowshoes, it is also possible to use snowshoes with the boots provided as part of hired ski equipment if you are hiring skis for your tour. Please discuss best arrangements with your local hosts.
Dogsled tour: This 3-hour husky adventure is a perfect extra day activity during your time at Smuksjøseter on Day 3 (or Day 2 if you have skied to Smukjøseter Day 1). Minimum 2 persons required. Exact arrangements depend on the number of persons in the group, but for a tour with two persons, the guide will drive a larger sled at the front with one guest as passenger, and the second guest will drive own dogsled with smaller team behind, with an opportunity to change driver/passenger roles during the tour.

*Which skis should I choose?

Backcountry Skis (the recommended option): These can be used for skiing both on and off tracks. They are slightly wider, have steel edges (meaning there is more grip when going downhill in "snowplough" positiion, for example) and partial skins, so they grip more when going both uphill and downhill. They do not glide quite as much as cross country skis do, so are a little less efficient. However, they are a more stable option and easier to control and can also be used for skiing on tracks all the time as an alternative to classic cross country skis. The general technique is very similar, so they are still a very good introduction to cross country skiing and will help you to build confidence and improve your technique.
Classic Cross Country Touring Skis: These skis are for skiing on prepared tracks. They are narrow and have no edges or skins, so glide more and are more efficient for skiing on tracks than backcountry skis, but are harder to balance on and control when doing downhill and also have less grip when going uphill. If you have previous experience of using cross country skis in a range of conditions and are comfortable with them being harder to control, this is a good option for the tour.
Lightweight Touring Skis: If you have previous exprience and wish to do skate-style skiing during the tour, these are a suitable option (dedicated skating skis are not available to hire) and will also be suitable for classic style. While the trails are in general most suitable for classic style, skiers who wish to skate can do so in the area between the prepared tracks - the trails are prepared with a width of 3.10m with two "classic" tracks and an area suitable for skating between.

What's Included »

Included

Accommodation:

Days 1-3: Accommodation in 2-person rooms or private apartment rooms at Smuksjøseter.
Days 4-6: Accommodation in 2-person rooms or private cabins at Putten Seter.
Rooms/cabins will usually have twin beds or sometimes bunk beds depending on availability.
Both accommodation locations have sauna (free to use) and all rooms/cabins have own WC/shower. Bedding and towels provided.

Smuksjøseter Mountain Lodge. Photos: MON/Nature Travels.

Putten Seter Mountain Lodge. Photos: Nature Travels.

Meals:

All meals from dinner Day 1 to lunch Day 7. Lunch is packed lunch prepared from breakfast buffet. Thermos is provided.

Additional snacks and light meals are also available to purchase at the accommodation.

Tour information:

Ski touring map and information for self-guided day tours from the accommodation and when moving between overnight locations.

Transfers:

Local transfers on arrival and departure between Otta train station and start/end points of the tour as per itinerary.
Transfer of main luggage when changing overnight locations.

"Snow-cat" for transfer between Høvringen and Smuksjøseter. Photo: Nature Travels.

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.
Instruction/Guiding (available to add as optional extra - see itinerary for details):
- Introductory instruction session on morning of Day 1 or Day 2.
- Additional guiding/instruction during the week.
Ski equipment (available to hire as optional extra).
Snowshoe equipment (available to hire as optional extra if required).
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase locally).

Good To Know »

Required

Health requirements/experience:

Guests should have general good health and fitness and be used to the outdoors. Some previous experience of skiing (e.g. downhill) or other winter activities is an advantage but is not essential.

No previous experience of cross country skiing is required. This tour is ideal for beginners wishing to learn cross country skiing. Guests with previous experience can extend the minimum distance and level of challenge with additional tours in the area.

Recommended minimum age 12 (for children of active families who are used to the outdoors - children under 16 are recommended to have some previous experience of skiing and winter activities and you should be confident that your children will enjoy an experience of this kind).

What makes this "Medium"?

Minimum skiing distances are short, and the itinerary offers flexibility to further reduce the level of challenge (by choosing optional transfer to Smuksjøster on Day 3 and taking a rest day on Day 6) if required.

Trails are well-marked and main luggage is transferred between overnight locations. Accommodation is comfortable with modern facilities.

As a self-guided tour, guests should have some independence and general confidence in the outdoors. This tour takes place in a remote area and weather conditions in the mountains can be changeable.

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:

As a self-guided tour, minimum 2 adults are required for safety reasons.

Groups

This experience is ideal for groups - please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Eco Info

This provider has a written environmental policy. Accommodation during the tour is traditional, small scale and family owned.

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 direct train (3-3.5 hours) to Otta, from where transfer to/from the start/end point (approx. 30 mins) is included.

Where Is It...?

Reviews »

You can also see customer photos from this experience in the Nature Travels Facebook Gallery.

Customer Reviews:

"We really loved our holiday. It was a great mix of being relaxing but also lots of great activities. The whole experience was great. We liked the fact that we were well looked after in the huts, but we still felt independent. Loved the food and the sauna tent." Kate, April 2025

"Thoroughly enjoyed our trip and the people we met, thank you and well done! We have already handed your name to others. We enjoyed skiing in a new area together with great accommodation and welcoming hosts. We liked the flexibility of start and end dates, which allowed us to get best options for travel from Scotland." Donald, March 2025

"The highlight was snowshoeing up Formokampen and wonderful 360 views from the top. Northern lights on 2 nights!" Maureen, March 2025

"The best part was doing a guided trip with our hosts from Putten Seter." Robert

"Thank you! We had a wonderful time and everything went very smoothly." Eleri

"Great trip. Looking at the website for the next adventure! There were lots of highlights - all of the staff in the destination, great food, good range of trails. Helpful information provided before the trip and quick responses." Maddie

"It was amazing and we would like to book again for next year." Bettina

"The best part was the feeling of being in the middle of nature, but not far from the hotel. The food was incredible and very respectful and creative with vegetarian options. Very nice people and everything was well organised." Florence

"Many thanks for all the arrangements. It was a wonderful trip. The two-centre cross-country trip in the Rondane area was a perfect winter getaway. Both lodges were ideally placed on the trail network, each being different in ambience from the other but each being charming in its own way. Our hosts were helpful in all ways, accommodation was very comfortable and the food was excellent.

I had a lot of XC ski experience in the past, but that was over 25 years ago, while my 18 year-old son only had a one-week Alpine school trip to draw on. We had booked an introductory or refresher lesson with the local instructor, which was an excellent investment of time for us both. The hired ski equipment was top quality, though travellers should note that this is not a ski store and the kit is left for you to pick up, so you must be happy that you size bots correctly. In our case, the boots fitted true to size and I had sized appropriately to my winter needs, and were lined with thermal materials. We were all set and enjoyed many miles of enjoyable on and off-trail day touring.

Travelling in February, we encountered a mix of weather, with some very cold days as well as some balmy bluebird ones. Snow was excellent and the cut tracks, re-drifted snow and some off-track exploring provided a range of easy and more challenging excursions. The entire area is beautiful, and the holiday location lies on the edge of the stunning higher peaks of the Rondane, which are reminiscent of a larger central area of the Cairngorm mountains (think Lairig Ghru and surrounding peaks, but rising to over 2,000m and you will get the general idea). We could easily have spent a week at each lodge, exploring new trails every day but, as devised, this week-long trip left us wanting more time in the area.

I would recommend this holiday for any fit and active outdoor person who either has some ski experience or is generally adaptable to new technical skills. The terrain is mostly suitable for raw beginners and the ski school is superb (our instructor had been working in the area for decades and was adept at making the lesson suit both my son as a pure beginner and myself as a faded old hand). For an early-season visit especially, come prepared for all weathers, including strong wind chill and buffeting conditions, which means good gloves, hats and goggles, plus a big belay jacket or similar coverall are essential. The accommodation makes it easy to dry your gear so you do not need to bring too much spare.

The ski trails were marked in various ways, though our most white-out conditions day did require use of map and compass for a period (though on this day we were the only people from the lodge who ventured far). The small peaks adjacent to the lodges were safe and sporting in both ascent and descent, with good cut tracks and, as we wanted, fun off-track skiing to practise our technique on. The area is a mountain delight and for any XC skier this is a perfect place for a winter holiday.

P.S. My son is a strict vegan and at each lodge our hosts went out of their way to cater for him most thoughtfully." Magnus

"A great mountain experience." Mike

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