Hardangervidda Crossing

Overview

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A 115Km ski journey across Norway’s Hardangervidda from Geilo to Rjukan

Introduction

The winters in Norway are fantastic, with 2-3 metres of snow and magical light effects (but we can’t guarantee seeing the Northern Lights!)

Join us ‘on tour’ in the Norwegian mountains as we cross the Hardangervidda, skiing from Geilo to Rjukan. This is a committing trip travelling over the high Arctic plateau of the Hardanger – famous for its links with the Heroes of Telemark and used as a training ground by Amundsen before his expedition to the South Pole. It requires some previous experience on cross country skis, pulling a pulk, and camping in winter. conditions. After more than 20 successful trips to the North Pole, South Pole and Greenland we have the guides and the skills to show you all the small details that make a huge difference.

This Hardanger crossing trip requires a moderate/high level of physical fitness, to be as comfortable as possible.

Start point: Kongsberg, Norway
Grade: 3C

Experience Required

The trip requires previous experience of cross country skiing with a pulk and winter camping. You need to have a good fitness level (for example, a regular hillwalker able to carry a day rucksack for approx 6-7 hours on several consecutive days). Endurance exercise 3 times a week is better preparation for this trip than one hour sessions in the gym.

What to expect

The temperature at this time of year is usually around -5C to -20C. We will be in a part of the world where it is essential to have the correct equipment. Most of the equipment for this trip will be provided by us. A complete equipment list will be distributed when signing up for the trip. Advice can be given regarding ski hire or ski purchase if you don’t have your own equipment. We will be staying overnight in 2 and 3 person winter tents from Hilleberg, a maker of tent specifically designed for winter conditions.

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Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Dates & Prices

Date	Meeting in		Availability
2027 dates to be announced — Please register your interest

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. We recommend that you read the FCDO Travel Advice for Norway on the FCDO Website.

What the price includes

• Economy class return flight from UK to Oslo (Unless joining 'Land Only')
• Private transfer from Kongsberg to Geilo
• Private transfer from Rjukan to Kongsberg
• Accommodation in Kongsberg on a twin-sharing, B&B basis
• 6 nights' tented accommodation
• All meals whilst on the expedition
• Krossobanen cable car (down)
• All leader costs (1 guide per 6 team members)
• Mountain Ski Equipment
• All communal equipment, e.g. tents, cooking gear, stoves, sledges, shovels, emergency communications and medical kit
• Jagged Globe kit bag

What the price does not include

• Train ticket from Oslo Aiport to Kongsberg (it is not possible to book in advance - approximate cost 394 NOK.
• Lunch and evening meals in Kongsberg
• Personal clothing (an equipment and clothing list will be sent to you on receipt of your booking deposit)
• Sleeping bag (rated to -25C - available to hire) and mat
• Bar bills and laundry
• Travel insurance
• Optional trips
• Tips

We can organise this expedition on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. Depending on your skiing experience, you may want a Jagged Globe leader or go ‘self-led’ with the assistance of local guides. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable, particularly if you take the self-led option. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip. A more detailed day-to-day itinerary is available as a downloadable PDF »

Outline Itinerary

Day 1:	Fly to Oslo and take the train to Kongsberg for a kit check and briefing at the hostel. You will need to arrive in Kongsberg no later than 1730. Overnight in Kongsberg (where you can leave behind any travel clothes, but this will add on an extra hour to your return journey to the airport).
Day 2:	Private road transfer to Geilo. The area is well known for plenty of snow and very good conditions for winter touring. From the moment we step off the train, the trip begins and we’re on our way (hence why this trip isn’t really suitable for beginners). We won’t travel far on this first day before we set up camp for the night...just beyond the edge of the settlement.
Day 3 - 7:	After breakfast cooked in our tents, we start our ski routines for the next six days – skiing for 50 minutes and resting for 10 minutes each hour. On our journey we will practice winter navigation as we go – using the sun, wind, snow and the GPS/compass. At the end of the day’s skiing, we set up camp and eat a hearty expedition dinner. Each day will now start with snow melting, to make our breakfast before breaking camp and continuing on our journey. Our journey will depend on the weather conditions, but we plan to travel from Geilo to Rjukan via Tuva, Heinseter, Rauhellern, Mårbu, Kalhovd and Helberghytta, before descending into the main Vestfjord valley (approx. 115 km) - this means we need to cover approximately 23km per day through mountainous terrain.
Day 8:	After an early breakfast, its time to return to ‘civilisation’ in Rjukan by taking the Krossobanen cable car into the valley below. Private road transfe to Kongsberg, to link with your onward journey by train back to the airport, for those with flights back home the same day.

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