Arrive by 7pm at Gjendesheim lodge. Meet your guide and fellow skiers and do a gear check. After that, enjoy a dinner in great company before retreating to your bed.
Meals: Dinner
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Get ready for a 6-day backcountry ski tour along the Haute Route that goes through the stunning Jotunheimen mountains. Led by an experienced IFMGA guide, summit the highest Norwegian peaks, traverse eight glaciers, and unwind in cozy mountain lodges. With accommodation, meals, and ground transportation provided, immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain landscapes of Norway on this unforgettable adventure.
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The itinerary outlined below assumes favorable weather conditions. In case of adverse weather, the itinerary will be modified.
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On the first skiing day, your group will embark on a thrilling journey covering approximately 9.3 miles (15 km) with an altitude gain of 3937 ft (1,200 meters). The day unfolds with a scenic car ride to Krossbu, marking the beginning of an ascent over Leirbrean to Bjørnebreen and Storbjørn (7,290 ft / 2,222 m). Traverse the Smørstabbre massif, where portions of the adventure lead through a glacier. The specific route may vary, influenced by weather and overall conditions.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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Weather permitting, this stage offers a longer day in the mountains, possibly including the mighty Galdhøpiggen (8,097 ft / 2,468 m) and up to three other 2000-meter peaks. The shortest alternative covers approximately 11.8 miles (19 km) with a cumulative elevation gain of 3,937 ft (1,600 meters). A challenging day is on the horizon. In case of adverse weather conditions, a direct route to Bukkeholsbandet from Leirvassbu becomes the alternative.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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Spanning around 10.6 miles (17 km) with an altitude gain of 3,609 ft (1,100 m), the day promises an adventurous climb over Norway’s second-highest peak, the mighty Glittertind. The journey begins from Spiterstulen and Visdalen, with a prolonged uphill climb and a subsequent descent leading to an overnight stay at the renowned Glitterheim.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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Prepare for a demanding day covering approximately 14.9 miles (24 km) with an elevation gain of 3,937 ft (1,600 m). The primary objective is to summit Store Surtnigssue at 2,368 meters, ranking as Norway’s 7th highest peak. Anticipate significant ascent and occasional longer transportation segments throughout this challenging day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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Concluding the adventure, the final day navigates through the glacier massif of Smørstabbren. Ascend to Bjørnbreen Glacier and the summit of Mt. Storebjørn before returning to Sognefjellsroad for a convenient bus pickup. After covering approximately 9.3 miles (15 km) with a 3,937 ft (1,200 meters) ascent, get transferred back to Gjendesheim Lodge and bid farewell to the breathtaking landscapes of this memorable journey.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
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What you get on this adventure:
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- An experienced, IFMGA guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- 5 days of backcountry ski touring along the Jotunheimen Haute Route
- Accommodation in mountain huts in dormitories*
- All meals during the tour (breakfasts, packed lunches, and three-course dinners)
- All transportation during the tour
*Double rooms are available for an added fee, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
What’s not included:
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- Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
- Alcohol, beverages, and snacks
- Transportation to Gjendesheim lodge
- Travel and medical/rescue insurance
- Guide gratuities — optional
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To fully enjoy the backcountry skiing tour along the Jotunheimen Haute Route, participants need excellent skiing skills, the ability to control descents, and a good physical condition. The tour involves varying difficulty levels, including some unavoidable steep slopes, variable snow conditions, and skiing on glaciers with potential avalanche terrain. With up to 5,570 ft (1,700 m) ascent and 15 miles (24 km) daily, participants must be physically fit and experienced in steep skiing on different snow conditions. Familiarity with ice axe and crampons is essential.
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This tour is designed for experienced backcountry skiers. If you’ve never engaged in backcountry skiing or lack extensive experience in steep and varied terrains, this tour may not be suitable. It involves navigating glaciers, potentially dangerous avalanche terrain, and demanding snow conditions. Beginners are encouraged to gain substantial backcountry skiing experience, including proficiency in steep skiing, use of ice axe, and familiarity with crampons, before considering participation. Safety and enjoyment are paramount, making prior experience crucial for all participants.
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For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
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- Skis (can be rented)
- Ski helmet
- Lightweight, touring bindings
- Ski strap
- Ski crampons and climbing skins (need to be a light setup)
- Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
- Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
- Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
- Lightweight snow shovel
- Avalanche probe
For clothes, we recommend bringing:
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- Wool or synthetic socks and liner socks
- Light fleece or wool sweater
- Wind and waterproof breathable shell — Jacket and pants( feks Gore tex)
- Warm insulated jacket — down or synthetic
- Long underwear top and bottoms — synthetic or wool
- Warm hat
- Brimmed cap for sun protection
- Face warmer — scarf, neck tube or balaclava (optional)
- Light gloves — wool, synthetic or leather
- Insulated gloves or mitts with waterproof outer shell
- Spare gloves or mitts
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
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- Baypack (40-50 L)
- Sunglasses
- Ski goggles
- Sunscreen and lip cream (SPF 30+)
- Head lamp with good batteries
- Insulated water bottle or thermos (1-2 L)
- Personal blister kit (i.e: Leukotape-P and Compeed/Second Skin blister pads)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Personal medication
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
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Even though it’s recommended to bring your own, equipment can be rented from your guide during booking. You can rent touring skis, boots, poles, crampons, ice axe, and avalanche equipment. You can rent the equipment separately or choose one comprehensive package.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
- It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
- The cost is per person and doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
Ski touring along the Jotunheimen Haute Route can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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To get to the Gjendesheim lodge near the town of Otta, where the tour starts, most people fly into Oslo Airport. From there, we recommend renting a car. The ride between Oslo and Gjendesheim lodge will take you around 4 hours. You will meet your guide at the lodge in the evening of Day 1.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
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