Overview
Explore the winter landscape in Norway
The shores of frozen Lake Mosvatn, on the edge of the Hardangervidda National
Park, is our beautiful base for this week of isolated off track skiing. All
from the doorstep of our historic accommodation. Setting out across the
frozen lake, we explore the winter landscape and have the chance to develop
both confidence and skill while discovering new routes and trails every day.
The skiing will be off-track, the only tracks you are likely to see will be
those of elk or reindeer. Highlights * Fantastic variety of terrain
* Stunning remote scenery
* Unique accommodation ItineraryDay 1
Fly to Oslo; transfer to MosstrondFly to Oslo transfer by road to Varland, then by multi passenger snowmobile
to Mosstrond (approx. 4 hours). 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. 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. 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. 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.
** Day 6
Tours similar to previous daysFor the next two days we will continue to tour the surrounding area. Day 7 Tours similar to previous daysFinal day of skiing.
** Day 8
Transfer to Oslo airport. Fly to LondonTransfer to Oslo airport. Fly to London |
