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We 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. The next few days is a guide. Beginners will start on a flat area of land next to lodge where it’s safe to get a feel for the skis and the basic techniques. More experienced groups will head out into the local area, just to get our ski legs back.
There is an endless range of skiing possibilities with 80km of varied tracks through forests and open country, as well as a good selection of downhill runs. The off-track touring is excellent and takes us above the tree line where there is a vast expanse of wilderness to explore - the summit of Ornenipa can be reached and the Heddersfjell moors can be explored, both at around 1300m.
By now beginners will have mastered the basics and the days are spent out exploring the rugged mountains and dense forest. More advanced skiers will venture into the stark wilderness above the treeline. Skiers of all abilities will fall in love with the sheer magnificence of the beautiful Norwegian winter landscape.
Today is free, you can either venture out with new friends to ski in the area, or you may choose to take to some downhill skis, or explore the forests by snowshoe. Ski tuition is provided for those who do not wish to take advantage of the free day on this day.
Back on the skis today for another day exploring all the beauty this area has to offer.
A final day of skiing, this will be a full day out with a picnic lunch in the Norwegian wilderness.
* 7 nights lodge with shared facilities
* 5 days guided cross-country skiing
* Group normally 4 to 14, per leader
* Travel by private bus
Breakfast, packed lunch and evening meals are included.
The food provided includes ample buffet breakfasts, from which you make up
your packed lunch, and self-service 3-course dinner. Tea and coffee are
available all day at no extra charge. Vegetarians are extremely well catered
for. Beer and wine can be purchased at the Fjellstue but alcohol in Norway
is expensive due to high taxes with 0.5ltr [approx 1 pint] of lager costing
about GBP 6 so many visitors bring their own supplies. However Norway's
strict licensing laws mean that you have to drink these in your own room, and
only alcohol purchased from the Fjellstue may be consumed in the dining room
and other public areas.
* 7 nights lodge with shared facilities
* 5 days guided cross-country skiing
* Group normally 4 to 14, per leader
* Travel by private bus
At Kvitavatn we offer two grades of skiing most weeks except where stated,
ranging from beginner grades to more advanced skiers. This varies depending
on the week, please check the dates and prices section to ensure you are
picking the right week.
For at least 4 of the 6 days skiing, you will be on full day tours, returning
only at the end of the day's skiing. At Kvitavatn we offer the below skiing
grades:
* Grade 1 Beginners* Equivalent Activity Level - leisurely/moderate-level 2.
A week for complete beginners. Inevitably we start with the basics,
including how to stop using the snowplough technique and how to turn. You
will be on skis for at least 5-6 hours a day with a focus on tuition, getting
comfortable on skis and building towards longer tours through the winter
landscape.
*Grade 2 Improvers* Equivalent Activity Level – Moderate, level 3. These
weeks are ideal for those who have enjoyed at least one grade 1 holiday and
grasped the basics. They offer tuition to refresh and improve technique and
typically will ski a little further than Grade 1 weeks, and over more varied
terrain. In some cases, these weeks are acceptable for newcomers to
cross-country skiing. Beginners on these weeks should be very fit and
proficient in sports that develop balance. Please contact us if you wish to
book a Grade 2 holiday but have not skied before.
*Grade 3 Intermediates* Equivalent Activity Level- Moderate, Level 3. A
grade 3 week is ideal for those looking to push on, tackle some slightly
steeper terrain and cover more ground each day. Typical groups will have a
few weeks skiing behind them, be very comfortable with the basics and happy
on longer day tours. There will still be tuition on these weeks, at the
required level.
*Grade 4 Advanced* Equivalent Activity Level Moderate Challenging, level 4.
Choose this level if you can tackle ‘ups and downs’ competently, manage a
controlled snowplough descent, and if you want to ski at a lively pace. You
should also be able to get up swiftly and easily by yourself after a fall.
The mix of track and off-track skiing varies.
Kvitavatn Fjellstoge
The traditional-style Kvitavatn Fjellstoge consists of a main building with
cosy lounge and a large dining room with free Wi-Fi. Standard accommodation
is in good quality, single-sex (unless occupying the whole room) 3 or 4 bunk
rooms with washbasin in a separate building (Arnes House). Shower, sauna,
toilets and drying room are shared. A small number of stylish twin bedded
rooms in an adjacent building (Odds House) with private facilities, are also
available at a supplement.
Breakfast, packed lunch and evening meals are included.
The food provided includes ample buffet breakfasts, from which you make up
your packed lunch, and self-service 3-course dinner. Tea and coffee are
available all day at no extra charge. Vegetarians are extremely well catered
for. Beer and wine can be purchased at the Fjellstue but alcohol in Norway
is expensive due to high taxes with 0.5ltr [approx 1 pint] of lager costing
about GBP 6 so many visitors bring their own supplies. However Norway's
strict licensing laws mean that you have to drink these in your own room, and
only alcohol purchased from the Fjellstue may be consumed in the dining room
and other public areas.
Airport transfers are carried out by private bus provided by the Fjellstoge
for its guests. As we can ski from the door it is highly unlikely there will
be local costs for transport as part of the skiing itinerary at this
centre.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
We normally use the scheduled services of Norwegian Airlines or SAS
(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.
There are two international airports in Oslo. The group fly into Oslo
Lufthavn Gardermoen.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Kvitavatn*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Kvitavatn 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.
Due to the remote location of the hotel, we strongly recommend you join the
group transfer at Oslo Airport.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details with
the Exodus office. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must
make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Kvitavatn is located at almost 1000m and at this height snow can lie from
November to May, with fresh snowfalls at any time. Average daytime
temperatures in winter range from 0º to - 10ºC, though they can fall as low
as - 25ºC. At Christmas and New Year daylight hours are limited, with about
6 hours of good light plus twilight. By mid-February this has increased to
about 8 hours and by mid-March there are about 12 hours of good daylight. At
all times of the winter you can hope for periods of clear bright weather and
in February and March it can become surprisingly warm in the sun. Equally, at
all times you need to be ready for the occasional stormy day.
* Small rucksack to carry the items you will need during the day.
Outdoor/winter clothing as follows:
* Waterproof jacket
* Waterproof trousers (ideally in a breathable fabric)
* Gaiters
* Warm fleece (2 thin fleeces that can be layered over one another are
better than one thick one)
* warm hat or balaclava
* 2 pairs of gloves, so you can change them during the day if they get wet
* Good quality base layers top and bottom, are essential.
You will be skiing in mountain weather so extra layers may be needed from
December to the end of February. In March and April days are usually warmer
and sunnier so fewer layers may be necessary however windproof outer layers
are essential throughout the season.
Other essentials:
* Large capacity water bottle
* A small head torch (for December and January) may be useful
* Ski goggles (if you have them)
* Sunglasses
* High factor sun cream
* Trainers/comfortable shoes for the evenings.
* A knife and plastic bags or containers may be useful for lunch
* Thermos flask for tea/coffee, which you can fill up at no charge
Note For Christmas and New Year: It is common for many of the Norwegian
guests at hotels to dress smartly for the evenings over the festive period.
While this is entirely optional, you may like to bring some smarter clothes
for the evenings.
If you plan to do the optional snowshoeing you will need to bring walking
boots with you.
We advise you to take local currency with you. Cards are accepted at the
lodge.
*Wax for skies*
You will be expected to buy and apply wax to your skis. The wax required
depends on the outside temperature, with different waxes ranging from
40-70NOK for one pot. You will also need a synthetic scraper and a cork for
applying and removing the wax. You may wish to share this waxing kit, which
can be purchased from the Fjellstoge reception.
Skis also need to be returned cleaned and wax free. Failure to do this could
result in a cleaning fee of 45NOK. Solvents for cleaning are available
locally.
*Optional Excursions*
Downhill skiing at Gaustablikk ski area: allow around 355NOK per day for a
ski pass.
There is also a free bus to the nearby town of Rjukan and Vemork, the
Norwegian Industrial Worker's Museum.
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly
appreciated. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a
reasonable starting point, we suggest a contribution EUR 15-20 per person
for the leader.
* Travel insurance
* Visas and vaccinations
* Single supplement
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.