Cross-Country Skiing in Venabu
Experience Overview
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.
Profile
— 7 nights en suite hotel — 5 days guided cross-country skiing and optional snowshoe day (payable locally) — Cross-country skiing Grades 1-3 Beginners to Intermediates. — Grade 4 Advanced weeks available between 2nd March - 9th March 2024 inclusive when hotel offers ski-safaris (pay locally, subject to minimum numbers). These weeks are still suitable for grades 1-3 — Cross-country skis, poles and boot hire included
At a Glance
— 7 nights en suite hotel — 5 days guided cross-country skiing and optional snowshoe day (payable locally) — Cross-country skiing Grades 1-3 Beginners to Intermediates. — Grade 4 Advanced weeks available between 2nd March - 9th March 2024 inclusive when hotel offers ski-safaris (pay locally, subject to minimum numbers). These weeks are still suitable for grades 1-3 — Cross-country skis, poles and boot hire included
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.
Group Description
The group will generally be between 1 and 10 people. There is no minimum group size on this tour; please feel free to enquire as to how many other people are booked on your departure. Children are welcome to join as long as they are able to participate in the skiing. The ski representatives we use are experienced ski enthusiasts, keen to impart their knowledge and skills.
The Venabu Fjellhotel provides two to three ski guides every day (except Wednesdays) to cater for different ability levels.
The minimum age of clients on this trip is 6 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
Eating Drinking
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.
Transportation
Standard group airport transfers (at times to coordinate with the group flights) are included for all travellers. They are arranged with a local bus company who collect all customers for the three hour transfer to Venabu Fjellhotel.
Joining Instructions
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.
Flights from London
We normally use the scheduled services of SAS or British Airways (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Venabu
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Venabu in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
Transfer Details
It is a three hour transfer from Oslo Airport to the Venabu Fjellhotel, so we have included a group transfer for land only travellers and those on non-group flights in the price of the tour. The Venabu Fjellhotel arranges a transfer from Oslo Airport to the Hotel on the Saturday the tour starts at times to coordinate with the group flights; please confirm the transfer times with your Sales Consultant at the time of booking.
Please note that no representative, ski guide or driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall. On leaving Customs, please make your way to the Bus Information Desk where you will be directed to the Venabu bus waiting just outside the Terminal. If your flight arrives earlier than the standard group flight, you will need to wait for this to land before being able to find out where the bus to Venabu is parked. Please note that the transfer time in the 2020/21 season will be 13:30. Anyone arriving at a different time we recommend taking a train from Oslo airport to Ringebu train station or to Lillehammer station (pay locally). We can pre-arrange transfers from these stations to the hotel in Venabu for you (at additional cost); please enquire with your Sales Consultant for further details and prices.
Weather Information
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.
Spending Money
For any additional activities we can refer you to the local tourist office who can book any activities for you, including driving with dog sleigh, horse and sleigh ride and snow shoeing.
Highlights
— Enjoy cross-country skiing in remote wilderness — Ski safari weeks: all departures between 2nd March - 9th March 2024 inclusive (payable locally and subject to minimum numbers) — A snow-sure resort with skiing from the hotel doorstep — Sample traditional Norwegian dishes
Trip Details
Product Code: 4407
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: ellhotel.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: K07NV
Starts: Venabu, Norway
Finishes: Venabu, Norway
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Challenging
Includes
— All meals — All accommodation (see accommodation section) — Standard Airport transfers — Ski excursions — Tour leader throughout — Flights from London (if booking incl. flights) — Cross-country ski , poles, boot hire and maps — One yoga or pilates sessionAccommodation
Venabu FjellhotelThe Venabu Fjellhotel has been run by the friendly Tvete family for over 50 years, and owing to its traditional charm and quiet location, it is a relaxing place to stay. There are 20 standard rooms housed within the east wing, or if you prefer you can upgrade (for a supplement) to one of the more spacious 36 superior west wing rooms. The hotel's saunas and ski waxing centre are free for everyone to use. There’s also a bar, a games room (table tennis, pool, etc), a TV room, craft shop and two spacious sitting rooms with open fireplaces. 2022 saw the Tvete family celebrating 75 years of running Venabu Fjellhotel! Birgit and Arvid Tvete built the hotel from scratch, choosing the original plot because of its tremendous views. It has developed into a friendly, relaxing 'home from home' in a fabulous setting. The dining room affords glorious panoramic views out across the mountains. Yoga: One yoga session is held most days either in the morning or in the evening, typically 5 days a week. You are entitled to one complimentary session during your stay. After this, additional sessions are payable locally. Room Upgrades: Room upgrades may be available on request for a supplement. Please enquire at the time of booking for further details and prices.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,450 ($431 /day)
Itinerary
A private bus is sent from the hotel to Oslo Airport which collects all clients and transfers to Venabu (3hrs) in time for dinner. We recommend all clients arrive in time to join the group transfer. We have a brief introduction to the hotel and the ski room with briefing about the week's programme and equipment given to clients. Comfortable Hotel
The first two days are usually to help learn the principles of gliding on snow, and extra tuition is available on selected departures. Tuition is given by our local ski guide in the morning, followed by a short ski tour in the local area before returning for late lunch (at 2-3 pm). The late afternoon is free for independent skiing. Maps are provided so you won't get lost. Comfortable Hotel
This morning we head out on another ski tour around Venabu, our guide will observe what we have mastered and see where techniques can be improved. During the ski tour there will be further tuition to help us improve on what we have learnt. The late afternoon is free for independent practice and you can also book extra private lessons with one of the local instructors (paid locally). On one afternoon there will also be a group lesson with focus on hill techniques available (booked and paid locally). Comfortable Hotel
Another day of cross-county skiing, either independently or on one of our ski tours. Comfortable Hotel
Wednesday is a free day, when most guests choose to take part in the snowshoeing tour (payable locally). Equipment is provided and it is a great way to relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the Norwegian forest. Alternatively you may choose to head out and ski independently. Remember maps are provided so you won't get lost. Comfortable Hotel
After breakfast, we transfer to Oslo Airport.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
James D - Traveled, December 2016
Best Holiday Ever Hotel is run by a family. I cannot overstate how well they treated us. Buffet meals three times per day. Free WiFi. The snow was amazing. We had no cross country skiing experience before. Tour guides were excellent and coached us around 3-4 hours per day. Massage / Pilates / Yoga classes helped greatly with muscle soreness. I thought I was relatively fit, but I found by the end of the morning session I was happy to relax for the rest of the day. Despite eating well, I think I have lost a couple of kg on the trip! Most Inspirational Moment Being able to ski 10k by myself. Advice for Potential Travellers The fitter you are the more fun you will have. Rooms are comfortable but not luxurious. There is plenty of space to relax in the lobby of the hotel. The hotel has a gym, billiard table, sauna and table-tennis table. If you are looking to ski and then relax it is fantastic. If you want to party and dance all night, this is not the right place to go. Suggestions From what I could observe, the hotel gets a lot of repeat business, and for good reason.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/17/2018
Alison Brind - Traveled, February 2017
Venabu cross country skiing Well organised easy going cross country skiing in really friendly hotel with excellent food and facilities. Excellent cross country ski guides – highly adaptable to needs of group. Most Inspirational Moment Snow shoe trip to wonderful frozen waterfall Thoughts on Group Leader No one leader. Ski guides organised us with no fuss Advice for Potential Travellers Go on this trip for relaxing cross country skiing Suggestions If you want challenging skiing don't go on beginners week
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2017
Hugh Price - Traveled, January 2017
Lovely area, great Hotel, excellent food and great gudes If you are into cross country skiing or want to learn this is a great choice. The guides are very good and extremely helpful. The atmosphere is excellent and the fact the guides return so often speaks volumes. The hotel is comfortable and warm, the rooms are not stylish but are good, upgrade id you want a bigger one. The food is very good and a wide variety available for all tastes. The staff are very friendly and helping the environment and love of the area is as important as profit at this family run hotel. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the sunrise on the Rondane NP Mountains Thoughts on Group Leader There wasn't one! All the guides helped the guests and no specific leader was needed. There are guests from Germany, Norway, Netherlands and GB and it worked just fine. Advice for Potential Travellers Mitts not Gloves definitely. Take layers but you don't need too much kit as you exercise so much. Buffs are good Suggestions The guides are really flexible and we had 3 days of snowshoeing one being a full day ascent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2017
Alison Raynes - Traveled, February 2016
Alison - Venabu Cross Country skiing A great introduction to cross country skiing in Scandinavia. The hotel ski guides were really helpful and sorted us out on the waxing which we had never done before. The hotel was good – free tea and coffee at all times made it feel very homely. Buffets were excellent with plenty of choice. Most Inspirational Moment Probably 2 inspirational moments - we had good displays of the Northern Lights - which was a real bonus & also on a ski safari the guide persuaded us to "climb" on skis to a hill top 300 feet above the ski track. We had fantastic views and a great ski back down - which I had not thought I would be able to do. Thoughts on Group Leader There was not a Group Leader as the holiday was via Headwater but the ski guides from the hotel were very good - they were great leaders and also considered conditions on the day and the abilities of the group. Advice for Potential Travellers We really enjoyed having booked a week when there were ski safaris as well as the guiding. The ski safaris were longer days and had more off track. Suggestions This was our first time in Scandinavia & we really liked that there was a mix of track skiing (which we are familiar with) and off track skiing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2016
Carol Sweet - Traveled, June 2016
Off track at Venabu First day “off track” was daunting but by the last day it was fantastic and so so much more exciting. We had great guides from whom I learnt new skills. We were relieved we could cope with the temperatures at the end of March which were perfect for X country skiing. The hotel provided us with plenty of entertainment and was “the” place to be for many other tourists. Most Inspirational Moment Being able to ski on open snow across the side of mountains. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers Go for it! Suggestions Nothing that comes to mind.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/02/2015
Anne Crowter - Traveled, February 2015
Delicious Norway A superb location for sampling the delights of winter in Norway. The hotel was authentically Norwegian – lots of wood and candles, excellent smoked/marinaded/baked fish and meat, with a few veggie options, mouth-watering desserts (several of us “bagged” our faves before the earlybirds – aka The Germans – scraped the plates), good skis, help with waxing and great tuition and group leading. The sauna was very welcome after the day’s battering – sorry “getting to grips with XC skiing” and the West Wing room was unusually spacious for a ski holiday. Most Inspirational Moment The slideshow from Lars on Venabu and the mountains gave us a bigger picture of the area and the Norwegian buffet on Wednesdays was delightful. Thoughts on Group Leader Robert, Richard and Siobhan went the extra mile to help us, both on and off the skis. Robert was excellent at tailoring the routes to the changing conditions, Richard was the waxing guru and his wife Siobhan mentored us newbies like a Pro. Advice for Potential Travellers Practice your balance! Yoga or Pilates are good. XC skis are a lot more nervous than downhill and tip you off far more frequently, forwards and backwards as well as sidewards. If the snow is soft it's OK but it got icy towards the end of our stay and my coccyx hasn't forgiven me yet.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2015
Anonymous - Traveled, January 2014
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: VENABU This is a great location to get away from the daily frustrations of work, commuting etc. The location is absolutely stunning when the sun is out. This holiday is suitable for cross country skiiers of all levels from beginners to more advanced. Most Inspirational Moment We had a week when it snowed a lot so the most inspirational moment was the day we had sun and could finally get an idea of the beautiful mountain location all around. We were lucky enough to spot with Robert, the local ski guide, a herd of reindeer moving up the mountain, they were far away but still exciting! Thoughts on Group Leader There was no group leader on this trip, however, the hotel has two great ski guides who take out the hotel guests on cross country ski tours. Wenche and Robert are very nice and open to any questions someone may have, it was a pleasure spending time skiing with them. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for some fun days in the snow regardless of weather, even if it snows during the week the surroundings are magical. Suggestions I think I will come back to Venau at some point, it was a great holiday!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2014
Anonymous - Traveled, January 2014
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: VENABU It was very nice hotel with excellent food, bus connection to the airport is comfortable. Our ski instructor are all very helpful and nice. Feeling like going again next year ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2014
Anonymous - Traveled, February 2013
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: VENABU Excellent, professional and friendly set up, with comprehensive tuition and guiding. The full board option is very good value for money in what can be an eye-wateringly expensive (in GBP terms) country. Most Inspirational Moment Placing my skis in the parallel tracks and realising that I can glide; Heading out on my own in the afternoon round the hotel and finally 'getting' the rhythm right; Snowshoeing through the woods and coming out onto a viewpoint over the frozen waterfall. Thoughts on Group Leader Not really a group leader as such (it's managed by the hotel) but Robert and his team of giudes / instructors were really friendly, helpful and patient. Instruction and tours were tailored to the group experience, with alternatives offered and there were extra training sessions in the afternoons focusing on specific skills, if you wanted to practise. Advice for Potential Travellers If you want a drink in the evenings, bring some duty free with you and don't expect alpine style apres ski! Suggestions Really enjoyable holiday, good value with all the food included, great fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, February 2019
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: VENABU This is an excellent mountain hotel. There is plenty of variety from new to x-country ski to off track mountain skiing Thoughts on Group Leader Although there is no resident Exodus rep the hotel guides (Robert and Wenka pronounced Venka) made us very welcome. They are both skilled skiers and knowledgable about the tracks and mountain terrain. Advice for Potential Travellers The brochure understates the ski potential by a long way. The hotel Ski Safari trips are worth the holiday in their own right.The leaders were able to accomodate guest with litterally no x-country ski experiance to those of us with 30 years skiing.This hotel is also the start and finish point for some DNT hut to hut routes so for those who would like longer trips there are DNT huts within easy day skiing Suggestions As with every where in Norway alcohol is expensive by UK standards (at least N of England and Scotland).The tradational Norweigan buffet mid week will not be to every ones taste and tradationally they are not as veggie as many UK veggies would like. The horse, whale and raw fish dishes are intersting to try. More familiar reindeer, beef and lamb dishes were popular.Fish eating veggies are well catered for with a different fish every evening, there were also pure veggie options with chick peas and beans on the cold buffet.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, February 2013
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: VENABU Extremely enjoyable, very challenging if you’ve never done any skiing before but great exercise! Tour guides were great and very knowledgable. Hotel rooms were basic but food was really good. Only negative is there was not a lot to do at night for younger (20-40) group members.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2012
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: VENABU Venabu is a great addition to the Exodus brochure. Good range of skiing, great leaders, effective instruction, very good hotel. This would also be a good base for some overnught(s) in the huts that are within reach. A must do trip! Most Inspirational Moment Just being out there travelling through the chilly lands Thoughts on Group Leader Robert and Venke were both excellent in their own ways. Thanks to both for a great week. Advice for Potential Travellers Go!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2013
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