Cross-Country Skiing Holidays, Tours & Courses
Tel: +44 (0)1969 663388
Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Norwegians are justly proud of their homeland, making maximum use of its natural wilderness areas throughout the summer and winter. It is a country of only 4.5 million people inhabiting an area of 385,000 sq kms. Only 3% of this area is suitable for cultivation, though 25% of the country is covered in forest. From north to south it stretches for about 1752 kms and it has an amazing 2650 kms of coastline. Much of the country is north of the Arctic Circle and sees little daylight during the winter.
Skiing has its roots in Norway and therefore, not surprisingly, most Norwegians spend much of the winter skiing in one form or another. The season can start as early as October and continue right through until the following May (or all the year round on some glaciers).
For more information on Norway:
www.visitnorway.com (opens in new browser window)
Gålå is situated 950 metres above sea level in the Gudbrandsdal valley with stunning views of both the Rondane and Jotunheimen National Parks. It offers activities for all ages and has an extensive network of Cross-Country Skiing tracks as well as downhill slopes. It sits on the Peer Gynt Trail and is linked to Skeikampen and Fefor by ski tracks. It is one of the oldest and most traditional Norwegian tourist areas.
For further information on the Gålå area:
www.gala.no (opens in new browser window)
One of the best ski areas in Norway can be found around Lillehammer, where the 1994 Winter Olympic Games were held. It has a selection of outstanding winter sports facilities and boasts one of the best Cross-Country Skiing arenas in Europe . It is a lively, attractive town with an international flavour and some excellent restaurants. The villages of Sjusjøen and Nordseter, which are located above Lillehammer, and where Nordic Challenge Schools' Courses are run, were originally mountain farming areas, but now play host to a huge number of skiers from all over the world from November to May.
For more information on Lillehammer:
www.lillehammerturist.no (opens in new browser window)
Hint: select the GB flag at top left of the home page to view the site in English
The Ruten Fjellstue lies at the western end of Espedalen, a Norwegian valley renowned for its beauty and striking natural phenomena, not least the huge pot holes known locally as the 'Cauldrons of the Giants'.
At 1515m, the Ruten summit dominates the northern side of the valley and is a vantage point from which it is possible to identify 93 peaks in the Jotunheim National Park, which lies to the south-west.
Known locally as 'Our Friendly Wilderness', the area around Espedalen is ideal for 'getting away from it all'. The terrain above the tree line is easily accessible and is excellent for off-track touring and for learning the skills necessary for more demanding tours in, say, the Jotunheim itself.