Itinerary Expand all Fly to Oslo; transfer to MosstrondFly to Oslo transfer by road to Varland, then by multi passenger snowmobile to Mosstrond (approx. 4 hours). Meals included: Dinner Day 1 Start Mosstrond.Start Mosstrond. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Start of six days of cross-country skiingWe prefer not to specify in advance where we will ski each day. This is to enhance the flexibility and adapt to weather and snow conditions and to some extent the ability of each group. Six days cross-country skiing, exploring the vast and varied terrain accessible from our accommodation on Hovden Island. Starting out across the lake, the possibilities are endless, with hills and valleys offering delightful skiing both below and above the tree line. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Tour to DalstuddenWhen choosing routes, the leader's priority will be to take in a variety of scenery and to ensure that participants become better and more confident skiers as the week progresses. However, below are examples of some of the best local routes. Todays tour takes us to the hills and valleys under Kvamsfjellet, where the undulating terrain provides for some delightful skiing. Crossing north east, about 1km, over Mosvatn to the farm of Fornes, a settlement dating back to the Middle Ages, we ski north west and up into a valley with a string of small tarns, past some huts towards Gardar. The track then takes us up a steep and narrow incline on to the hills above the lake of Store Hovstjorni. Keeping on the hills to the west, we ski to the northern end of the lake. Here with some spectacular views, looking down on to the farms and settlements spread out along the shores of Mosvatn, we take a break. Keeping to the east of Hovstjorni, under the steep cliffs of Kvamsfjellet, we then head due south into Dalstauldalen but skiing along the undulating ridges on the west side of the valley. At the lower end of Dalstauldalen we turn west and return to Hovdeoyi and the lodge via Fornes. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Tour to LaksanutenSkiing due west from the lodge, and crossing 300 metres of lake to the mainland, this tour takes us up to our nearest top, Laksanuten, 1,353 m. Taking a small trail through the woods on Vaddodden, we continue west above the Laksai stream, then turning south, gradually climbing above the treeline to reach the col above the tarn of Tippetorn. From here we take the ridge north west with a final steep ascent to the first of the two tops on Laksanuten. Crossing to the main top takes another 15 mins. and depending on conditions, we take a break here. There are fine views over the Hardangervidda and east to the impressive mount Gausta. This is also a point where, if we are lucky, we may also see reindeer. The route off the top gives a wonderful descent into the upper Komdalen valley and from here we again make an easy climb to the highest point on Himmelsynnettane, 1,260m, under the imposing cliffs of Eggeskardnuten. The descent takes us down to the tarn, Eggetjorni and initially follows the Astaul stream before we turn north east for the final descent to Mosvatn. This is a wonderful 3km long downhill run! Crossing the 1km. of lake to the island of Mellomoyi, we return to Hovden and the lodge. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Tour to TjorndalenThis trip takes us into the high wilderness above vestre Skindalen, an area of deep gorges, vertical rock faces and classic steep sided hanging valleys. Over Hovdeoyi to the north west, we descend off the island and make a short crossing of Mosvatn. Then ascending through open woods, over marshes and rounded hills we reach an open area known as Laksabotn. This is where Vonskinai drains the Vonskingjuvet Gorge. We make tracks south into the gorge and then traverse up the ridge on its west side. Here, the scenery is quite impressive. Turning north west again, we climb in under Magnusgronutan, a steep sided mountain on our right and onwards into the valley of Tjorndalen - 'Tarn valley'. Following a string of tarns, we make tracks deeper into this steep sided valley where, provided there are suitable conditions, we take a break. Continuing north west, the valley suddenly opens out high above the Skinndalen valley and we see vertical rock faces in every direction. High above us is the Skinfjell Mountain and across the valley, the isolated Skindalen farm, where Anne lives with her four cows. We return the same way, with a long descent, this time looking directly into the gorge, down to Laksatjorn but this time reaching Hovden and the lodge via a route through the woods above Vaddodden. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Tours similar to previous daysFor the next two days we will continue to tour the surrounding area. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Tours similar to previous daysFinal day of skiing. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Transfer to Oslo airport. Fly to LondonTransfer to Oslo airport. Fly to London Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End MosstrondEnd Mosstrond. Meals included: Breakfast
Mosstrond Turisthytte The Mosstrond Turisthytte was first built 140 years ago as a boarding school for the local area. It was taken over by a group of friends and now offers a charming base for visitors. The three main buildings, the teacher's house, the pupils' accommodation and the school itself have been improved to offer comfortable twin bunk rooms and a large lounge and kitchen area. Most rooms offer panoramic views across the lake and towards the Hardangervidda National Park. Facilities are shared.
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Reviewed February 2019 Pete McLeodAway from it all The snow conditions for the week I was there were not conducive to great cross-country skiing - deep powder and rising temperatures, which made for arduous progress. Even so, we were taken on full-day tours on every day and the visibility was usually excellent, so we got some wonderful views of the area. I hope to be able to return in the near future to ski up and explore the beautiful mountains surrounding the lake. I have to make some mention of the catering at Mosstrond: it was quite simply wonderful and despite the daily exertion I am pretty sure I have lost no weight!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I loved the quiet location and the informality of the set-up at Mosstrond. A truly unique place.What did you think of your group leader? Neil and Philip have a great love for the place and considerable knowledge of the area, which they are happy to share. They both gave freely of their time to those of us there and went out of their way to make sure we were both well looked after.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a wine box or a few beers! There is no other way to get a drink at Mosstrond.Is there anything else you would like to add? Having come from a background of hut-to-hut ski touring in Norway and Sweden (over many years), some of which have been self-organised and others with hut-to-hut tour providers, I was surprised not to be asked by Exodus about my previous ski experience when I booked this trip. The grades provided do give some idea as to what skills are expected, but this self-vetting appears to be the only check on suitability. I can appreciate that client choice is important, but groups need to have a fairly similar range of skills and stamina for group day tours to be a success for all.
Reviewed March 2017 Richard SelbyMosstrond Cross-country skiiing Fantastic scenery in a remote area, making our own tracks through the snow each day. The accommodation was clean, comfortable and, most of all, very welcoming, friendly and informal. The group sat down together around a table together for dinner each evening with the guides and the two young ladies who cooked and cleaned, which gave a lovely family feel to it. The food was very good, especially the locally caught/shot Arctic Char and Reindeer and I enjoyed the cake that was served when we returned each afternoon.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I think the best bits for me was simply the breathtaking scenery, both across the lake and from the hills that we went up. And the feeling of the skis gliding across the snow.What did you think of your group leader? Neil was extremely helpful, encouraging and friendly; and very knowledgeable about the area.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Ski waxes, cork and scraper - which you will need - is not included in the ski hire so take what you already have or be prepared to buy some there (about £15 for one wax, cork and scraper). You make sandwiches at breakfast for lunch but there is no chocolate bars or anything similar so if I went again I would take my own supply. After discussing what grade skier I was with an Exodus agent when I was booking we decided I was probably grade 3 - but I struggled technically on this trip and would say you should be at least grade 4 (and proficient at kick-turns, side stepping up and down steep slopes, herringbone and even probably Telemark turns in the deep sugary snow). Also, I got bad blisters on my heels from my heels sliding up and down in the stiff ski boots so in case you suffer with this as well take plenty of blister pads/plasters plus something like duct tape to keep them in place for the whole day.
Reviewed March 2016 Rob MilnerMosstrond Turisthytte My 4th trip to Mosstrand and I enjoy it more every time I go. The skiing is off track and in some of the most spectacular scenery you will see; often you see no-one else the whole week you are there. The host Philip & his team of family and friends make the whole experience like you are staying in a relatives house with friends around. The team guide you during the day and eat/socialise with you for all 3 meals. The meals are also prepared by the team fresh that day and using local ingredients and dishes. Once you have visited you will find it difficult to go anywhere else. I'm already planning next year's trip. Rob MilnerWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Scenery Feeling part of the 'family'.What did you think of your group leader? The team are extremely relaxed and want everyone to enjoy their trip regardless of capabilityDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Go
Reviewed February 2016 Mary LucasMosstrond This was my third visit to Mosstrond. Snow conditions were excellent - deep powder and little wind. A good mix of days bagging peaks, leading up to the magnificent Magnusgronutane which hadn't been climbed by an Exodus group for about 4 years (due to snow conditions), with sporty descents through birch woods. Philip and Maiken Yatman treated us like family and Neil led us each day and shared his knowledge of the history of this part of Telemark. I was sad to leave .... but hope to be back.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Wednesday, 10 February started with a parhelion at breakfast. We watched the 'second sun' and rainbows for about 30 minutes and then the 'glitter' falling through the rays of the sun. The day was cold and magical ice crystals had grown everywhere. The air was so clear that day we also got views of Gausta without its hat of clouds!What did you think of your group leader? Neil led us most days and Philip led us on one day. Both are perfect gentlemen, knowledgeable about the area (history, community) as well as being thoroughly familiar with the terrain. Neil was able to bring out our hidden skiing talents and we were all swooping down the slopes in style (mostly thanks to the snow conditions). He was able to tailor each day's skiing programme to suit the adventurous or more laid back among us. He encouraged us to stretch ourselves and certainly helped me get my confidence on skis back.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Mosstrond is not a place for beginners. You require a certain amount of fitness and a few miles under your skis of experience, certainly if you want to go up high. If you love swishing down through birch trees, getting high for the views and are prepared for a few stretches across lakes (where the temperature can be a few degrees colder, there is more wind and could be tricky if there is not much snow on top of the ice) then you will love it.Is there anything else you would like to add? Mosstrond turisthytte is a very comfortable and special place with a comfy lounge, books, photos of the area. You feel like you're a guest in someone's home. I'm vegetarian and had great food all week with more variety than I would cook for myself. Meiken is a fantastic cook. Mosstrond is one of those places where you wish you could stay forever!
Reviewed February 2016 Daniel SmithVaried skiing and a friendly welcome Mosstrond offers good variety of off track skiing terrain - mountains, hills, gentler hills and of course the flat frozen lake - so I enjoyed the variation in technique and landscape. The hut itself is comfortable and the hosts friendly, producing good home cooked meals with some nice local ingredients (char from the lake, local reindeer & elk).What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The 360 panorama from the top of Magnusgronnuten is spectacular and reveals many more peaks to try!What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader had a great deal of local knowledge he was happy to share and an easygoing manner.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring Blue Extra wax!
Reviewed February 2014 AnonymousCROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: MOSSTROND Snow, snow, snow, trees and tops. Excellent food and accomodation. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Being able to stay upright (most of the time) in the wonderful snow conditions. It had been two years since my last ski trip, but its like riding a bike you don't forget how but you may wobble at first.Getting back at dusk after a long day knowing there was tea and cake waiting.Setting off across the lake in a blizzard on the last day, re-enacting Scotts trip to the pole (without the ponies)!What did you think of your group leader? The three leaders on site were all very knowledgeable about the area and able to adapt the group makeup and routes taken to suit the groups capabilities and the weather conditions. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you have a basic grasp of cross country skiing before you go, tutition is limited. But most slopes are wide, gentle and when there is 2 metres of soft new snow, very forgiving.Is there anything else you would like to add? Don't go to Mosstrand to lose weight, the food is too good!
Reviewed February 2013 AnonymousCROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: MOSSTROND You know it is not going to be your ordinary ski holiday when you step out of your minibus in the dark, sit down on a piece of foam rubber on a trailer on the back of the skidoo and are whisked into nothingness at a temperature of around minus fifteen. Come morning, after sleep in a comfortable bunk, nothingness reveals itself as frozen lake surrounded by mountains that look like cumulous clouds, everything white apart from wavering charcoal strokes of birch trees. And it's all yours to ski - a real adventure.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The summit of Falcon's Ridge. A challenging ski up and an eye-watering ski down. Also the daily return to tea and cake. We'd ski home across the lake to 'our' island speculating what sort of cake today.What did you think of your group leader? Phillip is great, a ski enthusiast to his fingertips who knows the area practically rock by rock and tree by tree.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You do need to be fit. Six hours a day on ski, going up or down most of the time. It is more demanding than downhill.Is there anything else you would like to add? Take a couple of books and a bottle of Scotch. You may not finish the books but (with a little help from your friends) you will probably finish the Scotch.
Reviewed February 2013 AnonymousCROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: MOSSTROND Wonderful 'out of the way' location. Real sense of what cross-country skiing in Norway is aboutWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the top of a mountainWhat did you think of your group leader? GoodDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Be flexible and go with the flow.
Reviewed February 2011 AnonymousCROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: MOSSTROND Classic totally off-piste skiing, making our own tracks through the woods and up to higher open ground and summits. Great views to Gausta to the south and up Mósvatn to the north, fabulous descents in deep powder, finding our own way through the trees. Remote - saw only one other person all week!Food was excellent, especially the vegetarian meals which were the best we've had in Norway.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sunrises over Gausta at breakfast time. Great last day tour up to Lacksanuten summit, sunbathing on the top at lunch in spite of a cold start and a wonderful descent into the woods in the afternoon. What did you think of your group leader? Philip knows the area intimately and can tailor routes to the skills of all the party and the weather conditions. Bjorn played a major role picking the specific routes and giving technical tips. Optional telemarking coaching session mid-week. Leaders obviously knew exactly what they were doing.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Mósstrond is quite remote - no shop or bar at the hut (so bring your own!). All bedding and towels provided. A great centre if you enjoy the empty wide-open spaces. The Turisthytte has all mod cons.Lots of potential for longer days later in the season. All routes start with a (relatively) short ski across the lake; there can be a cool breeze. Make sure you take spare warm clothing for lunch stops. Is there anything else you would like to add? Good to see Exodus running off-track holidays again! The area has huge scope for touring at high grades.
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