Cross country skiing holidays at Venabu

Cross country skiing holidays in stunning Norwegian nature

Venabu Fjellhotell and Cabins are on a mountain plateau on the edge of the spectacular Rondane National Park, just three hours north of Oslo. The scenery is stunning and the snow record is good. The extensive network of ski tracks makes this one of the best cross country ski areas in Norway. Our winter ski season extends from December into April.

With cross country skiing holidays at Venabu you can progress from your first time on skis to expeditions you will want to tell your friends about.

Explore our winter wonderland on your skis.

We offer a range of cross country skiing holidays for all levels, solo travellers, couples and groups are welcome. Our Classic Cross Country Ski Holiday is a favourite for groups with skiers of different levels.

Learn to cross country ski with us.

Beginners are welcome!

Guests new to cross country skiing have a choice of two holidays and plenty of dates at Venabu. We offer two different holidays for beginners because we find that our guests enjoy different styles of holiday and learning. These are our Classic Cross Country Ski Holiday and Learn to Cross Country Ski Holiday.

Our skiing holidays offer variety and progression.

Our Classic Cross Country Ski Holiday suits skiers from beginner to intermediate level. During this holiday, the emphasis is on touring the tracks and exploring on skis.

Become a Better Skier! is designed for guests who have a foundation of cross country skiing, who enjoy learning and want to develop their skiing. These courses offer a high standard of ski coaching in a relaxed, friendly group environment.

Discover the mountains beyond the tracks.

For intermediate cross country skiers, our NEW Introduction to Nordic Off-Track Skiing Holiday combines expert ski coaching and stunning guided off-track tours, all designed to build technique and confidence off-track.

Experienced cross country skiers can enjoy day tours into some of the more adventurous terrain accessible on Nordic skis. On our Off Track Ski Safari Holiday, Venabu’s expert guides take guests on six days of unforgettable ski adventures.

Venabu is surrounded by a breathtaking mountain landscape. Whatever your level of skiing, our experienced guides and qualified instructors will help you discover our winter wonderland throughout your holiday.

Venabu’s cross country skiing holidays

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Learn to cross country ski!

8 days | beginner

Develop an excellent foundation for cross country skiing right from the start with British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) qualified instructors. During six full days of skiing, there is plenty of time to consolidate your learning and explore the beautiful ski area here at Venabu. Your instructor will use a variety of teaching styles during the week, from more formal lessons to “coaching on the move” during ski tours.

2025 dates:

11th – 18th January 2025 – holiday full

25th January – 1st February 2025 – holiday guaranteed

15th – 22nd February 2025 – holiday full

8th – 15th March 2025 – places available

Two cross country skiers, skiing classic style
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Become a better skier!

Cross country ski course

8 days |
intermediate to advanced

Do you enjoy learning and want to Become a Better Skier? Join us on our innovative cross country ski course. This course combines expert ski and movement coaching from our BASI qualified nordic ski instructors, with a fun, supportive group atmosphere. The course includes six full days of skiing and much more.

2025 dates:

18th – 25th January 2025 – places available

8th – 15th February 2025 – holiday full

 

Venabu’s classic cross country ski holiday

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8 days | beginner to intermediate | december into april

Enjoy a week of cross country ski tours with our experienced guides and instructors. This holiday runs throughout the winter season, from Christmas into April. It is suitable for all levels of skiers, from beginners to intermediate.

There are lessons for beginners on Sunday morning and Monday afternoon. Guests who do not take part in the lesson join our guided ski tours on Sunday morning. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, there are guided ski tours for everyone, at their level.

Wednesday is a free day. However, we offer an optional snowshoe tour. We have found that guests welcome this change of activity midweek.

Later in the season, experienced skiers can choose to join the off-track ski tours during the week.

This is skiing à la carte: you can choose to stay in the hotel or one of our high-quality cabins and add winter activities such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, and horse-drawn sleigh rides to your holiday.

Winter 24/25 dates:

Weekly holidays from 21st December 2024 until mid April 2025.

Our popular weeks are starting to fill so please consider booking early.

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Introduction to off track nordic ski holiday

8 days | intermediate

Explore further into the mountains and enjoy longer days out; this holiday will give you the skills and experience for new adventures on your skis. Expert ski coaching in off-track techniques and guided Nordic ski tours for six days, returning to our comfortable hotel after skiing every day.
This holiday suits guests with a good foundation of cross country ski technique, good fitness and an adventurous spirit. It is an excellent choice for guests who want to explore Nordic skiing away from the prepared trails.

2025 dates:

22nd February – 1st March 2025

holiday guaranteed, last two places remaining

We will be offering off track nordic day tours in the following weeks:

1st – 8th March 2025

8th – 15th March 2025

 

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Off track ski safari holiday

8 days | advanced

Venabu’s popular off track, guided ski holiday returns!

Enjoy six days of adventurous Nordic skiing on this hotel-based holiday. The itinerary is designed so that you visit a different area every day. The terrain for these more extended day tours varies, including panoramic summits, wild reindeer country and snow-laden forests. Our experienced guides will find the best tour each day to suit the weather and the group.

This holiday is an excellent choice for guests who enjoy adventurous Nordic skiing without staying in remote cabins.

2025 dates:

15th – 22nd March 2025

We will be offering off track nordic day tours in the weeks:

1st – 8th March 2025

8th – 15th March 2025

 

A male cross country skier skies towards the camera

Cross country skiing to remember

Ski in – ski out, skiing on your doorstep

Venabu and the surrounding mountain plateau are at approximately 950m asl. There are 140 km of prepared trails, and skiing starts on our doorstep.
To the north, you can join the long-distance ski trail, the Trolløype. This trail connects Rondane National Park to the Winter Olympic town of Lillehammer.

Excellent cross country ski terrain, well-signposted ski tracks

The plateau makes for excellent cross country ski terrain with well-signed trails. There is plenty of variety. One day, you can ski in the vast open areas of wild reindeer country, and the next, you can ski in the forest. There are friendly, flatter areas and mountain tops, all accessible on the prepared tracks. The scenery is spectacular.

Experienced and qualified guides and instructors

Our team of guides and instructors have many years of experience and love to share their enthusiasm for skiing with our guests. All of our guides, both Norwegian and international, speak English fluently. We have Nordic instructors qualified with the British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) and the Norwegian Ski School (DNS) on our team.

Beautiful ski journeys and the comfort of our hotel

You may enjoy ski journeys through a beautiful winter landscape, the glide of the skis helping you cover more ground. Or you may want to discover cross country skiing’s unique combination of athletic effort with technical skill. Whatever your kind of cross country ski holiday, at Venabu, you can enjoy the best of Norwegian nature and the comfort of our hotel.

Cross country skiing in Norway

Cross country skiing is a great active winter holiday activity. Norway is the home of cross-country skiing and has fantastic ski conditions.

Venabu has a good snow record. Typically, the snow arrives in October or November, and we can ski as late as May. Our holiday season lasts from mid/late December until after Easter. Winter temperatures can be low, and conditions are dry, giving great skiing. With suitable clothing you can be comfortable while active outside.

In Norway, unlike in the Alps, temperatures tend not to fluctuate much during the day. This means that we don’t experience melt-freeze conditions for most of the winter, keeping the snow in lovely ski condition. Enjoy the heavenly ‘Blue Extra day’ ski conditions cross country enthusiasts love.

Because Venabu sits on a high plateau, we have direct sunlight throughout the winter. Even in midwinter, with the shortest days, the sun rises above the horizon, so we have plenty of time for skiing. Midwinter light is very beautiful, with red, pink, and gold bathing the snow and mountains. You may be fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights.

Norway and Venabu are special cross-country ski destinations. Many guests return year after year, becoming part of the extended ‘Venabu family’. Join us!

What is cross country skiing? Will it suit me?

Cross country skiing is a wonderful way to explore the winter landscape. It makes a great active winter holiday, read more in our “Frequently asked questions on cross country skiing”.

Two cross country skiers, skiing classic style

“Fantastic teaching!”

“Thank you we had a truly spectacular week with you – fantastic teaching, amazing weather and wonderful hospitality. We will definitely be back again!”

Hannah, Damon, Edan and Anouk, UK

Winter activities for everyone

To complete your Norwegian winter holiday you may like to add winter activities such as dogsledding, a romantic horse drawn sleigh ride or a snowshoe tour – we offer all these at Venabu. In addition to the outdoor activities, there is time to relax. The hotel has two saunas and a weekly programme of yoga classes. Sports and relaxation massages are available. Enjoy a well-rounded holiday that will leave you feeling refreshed and re-energised.

“A piece of paradise”

“A piece of paradise, I wish I lived here. Thank you so much I will be back!!”

Beata (UK)

“Wonderful time”

“Thank you for providing us with a wonderful time and such happy memories.”

Martin and Annie (UK)

“Wonderful visit”

“Thank you to everyone at Venabu for yet another wonderful visit …. We will return!!”

Anne and Chris (UK)

“A special place!”

“Thanks for the wonderful stay. Food delicious, rooms great and good entertainment.”

Janet (USA)