Cross-Country Skiing in Venabu

This is one of our most popular cross-country skiing holidays with Headwater guests returning year after year.

It is based in central Norway, on the edge of the Rondane National Park and the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, just north of Lillehammer. The landscape is dramatic and full of contrasts from spectacular gorges and snow-capped peaks to pretty fells and valleys that extend as far as the eye can see. It’s far enough north to have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights too, especially in December and January, and throughout the winter there are spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

It has always been traditional to travel on skis here, so it’s perfect for cross-country skiing, and the guides at Venabu will help you get started. All weeks are suitable for beginners to intermediates. If you are a fit and experienced cross-country skier the hotel offers ski safaris on selected dates – the ski safaris are suitable for advanced skiers only; payable locally, subject to minimum numbers.

You can also try dog sledding, snowshoeing or go on a torch-lit, horse-drawn sleigh ride (payable locally). The hotel also offers yoga, pilates and mindfulness classes along with sports and relaxation massages. During the week you might like to take the train to Lillehammer, where there are several fascinating museums of Norwegian history, Olympic history and Norwegian culture, plus several art galleries. You can also try tobogganing here too.

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater, who offer more flexibility, so you can ski as much or as little as you like. There are some subtle differences between the way Exodus and Headwater trips run which may appeal to you:

Minimum age: children over the age of 6 are welcome to join but children under 16 are not included on the group lessons and excursions. Lessons can be booked and paid for locally.
Minimum group size of 6: departures are subject to a minimum group size of 6 in order to run, although occasionally a ‘small group’ may run and a supplement may apply.
Sole travellers: if travelling on your own a compulsory single supplement will apply (unless stated otherwise – look out for dates where there is no charge for single rooms).
Group leader/evenings: the hotel’s ski guides will ski with you in the morning, yet they may not join you in the evenings; Customers are seated together on one table but if you prefer to have a separate table please just inform the hotel. The hotel will also help you to arrange other activities.
Insurance: insurance details are required at the time of booking.

Cross-country skiing is an increasingly popular winter pastime. Compared to those used for downhill, the skis are longer, thinner and lighter with bindings that allow you to lift up your heel. Most cross-country skiing is undertaken on prepared tracks (loipe) covering flat and hillier terrain enabling you to explore the winter landscapes away from the confines of the alpine piste. Guided ski tours are usually in the mornings, arriving back before lunch so that the afternoon can be spent for people requiring extra tuition or shorter tours. Please note that ski tours will be shared with other guests staying at the Venabu Fjellhotel (non Exodus and Headwater clients).

The area is one of the best in Norway for cross-country skiing, both for families and for those who enjoy a challenge. All weeks are suitable for beginner to intermediate grade cross-country skiers; the weeks from 2nd March – 9th March 2024 inclusive are also suitable for advanced skiers (please see below).

Beginners and Intermediate:
The Venabu Fjellhotel will provide two to three ski guides each week (depending on group size) to cater for different ability levels; these tours are shared with other clients from Venabu Fjellhotel and are suitable for beginners to intermediate.

There will be an accompanied ski tour every day (excluding the free day – usually Wednesday and the arrival/departure day, usually Saturday). You can switch between groups mid-week as you progress. The first two days (usually Sun and Mon) are a chance for beginners to learn the basic technique and for intermediate and advanced skiers to find their ski legs again, as well as for the ski guides to assess your ability and group you accordingly. There will be optional ski tours every day, except Wednesday which you can join as you please. On Wednesday snowshoe tours will be offered.

Advanced:
Departures between 2nd March – 9th March 2024 inclusive, in addition to the normal cross-country skiing programme optional ski safaris will be available for more advanced skiers which can be booked and paid for locally (subject to minimum numbers).

These guided ski safari tours are entirely optional and comprise roughly 50% off-track skiing, covering 20-30km over 6-8hours, enabling you to reach more remote areas.

Vaccinations and Health

Norway

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Norway

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Norway. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/norway
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/norway
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Norway.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included.
The healthy yet hearty, homemade food is traditional Norwegian cuisine, with most of the food sourced from local suppliers. Vegetarians are particularly well catered for here. Breakfast is a continental buffet with the highlight being the selection of tasty local cheeses. You can have the choice of a buffet lunch with a hot option or a picnic lunch to have whilst you take in the spectacular scenery. Dinner will be a 3-course set dinner, with a special ‘A taste of Norwegian Tradition’ meal on Wednesday with accompanying talk from your host about the food served.

For New Year’s Eve champagne and a special four-course meal with cheese and dessert buffet will be served.

Weather

Venabu is a snow sure destination. It is situated at 932m and the maximum height in which we ski is at 1200m. The average snow depths varies from 70cm – 120cm. Winter temperatures in Venabu can be cold (as low as minus 15/20°C or more), particularly between mid-December and mid-February, and whilst you won’t feel this as much when exercising, you must bring appropriate clothing and equipment to keep you warm and comfortable.

Weather Charts