Cross-Country Skiing in Venabu

8 days
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Small Group Tour
It is based in central Norway, on the edge of the Rondane National Park and the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, just north of Lillehammer. The landscape is dramatic and full of contrasts from spectacular gorges and snow-capped peaks to pretty fells and valleys that extend as far as the eye can see. It's far enough north to have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lig...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy cross-country skiing in remote wilderness
    • Ski safari weeks: all departures between 2nd March - 9th March 2024 inclusive (payable locally and subject to minimum numbers)
    • A snow-sure resort with skiing from the hotel doorstep
    • Sample traditional Norwegian dishes

What's this trip about?

    It is based in central Norway, on the edge of the Rondane National Park and the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, just north of Lillehammer. The landscape is dramatic and full of contrasts from spectacular gorges and snow-capped peaks to pretty fells and valleys that extend as far as the eye can see. It's far enough north to have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights too, especially in December and January, and throughout the winter there are spectacular sunrises and sunsets. It has always been traditional to travel on skis here, so it's perfect for cross-country skiing, and the guides at Venabu will help you get started. All weeks are suitable for beginners to intermediates. If you are a fit and experienced cross-country skier the hotel offers ski safaris on selected dates - the ski safaris are suitable for advanced skiers only; payable locally, subject to minimum numbers. You can also try dog sledding, snowshoeing or go on a torch-lit, horse-drawn sleigh ride (payable locally). The hotel also offers yoga, pilates and mindfulness classes along with sports and relaxation massages. During the week you might like to take the train to Lillehammer, where there are several fascinating museums of Norwegian history, Olympic history and Norwegian culture, plus several art galleries. You can also try tobogganing here too.This is one of our most popular cross-country skiing holidays with Headwater guests returning year after year.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 30 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityVenabu
End CityVenabu

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Skiing / Snowboarding

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Skiing, Snowboarding & Snow Sports

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 2

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 30

Trip includes

    • All meals
    • All accommodation (see accommodation section)
    • Standard Airport transfers
    • Ski excursions
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
    • Cross-country ski , poles, boot hire and maps
    • One yoga or pilates session

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Venabu

A private bus is sent from the hotel to Oslo Airport which collects all clients and transfers to Venabu (3hrs) in time for dinner. We recommend all clients arrive in time to join the group transfer. We have a brief introduction to the hotel and the ski room with briefing about the week's programme and equipment given to clients. Comfortable Hotel

Day 2 Morning tuition with our local instructors. The afternoon is free to practise on your own

The first two days are usually to help learn the principles of gliding on snow, and extra tuition is available on selected departures. Tuition is given by our local ski guide in the morning, followed by a short ski tour in the local area before returning for late lunch (at 2-3 pm). The late afternoon is free for independent skiing. Maps are provided so you won't get lost. Comfortable Hotel

Day 3 Cross-country ski tour with tuition.

This morning we head out on another ski tour around Venabu, our guide will observe what we have mastered and see where techniques can be improved. During the ski tour there will be further tuition to help us improve on what we have learnt. The late afternoon is free f...

Day 4 Ski tour with our instructors. Choose between shorter or longer tours. You can also ski independently.

Another day of cross-county skiing, either independently or on one of our ski tours. Comfortable Hotel

Day 5 Wednesday is a free day, when most guests choose to take part in the snowshoeing tour (payable locally).

Wednesday is a free day, when most guests choose to take part in the snowshoeing tour (payable locally). Equipment is provided and it is a great way to relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the Norwegian forest. Alternatively you may choose to head out and ski independently. Remember maps are provided so you won't get lost. Comfortable Hotel

Day 6 - 7 Ski independently or with the group on one of our ski tours.

For the last two days of the week we ski out with our guides to explore the beautiful Norwegian landscape. Afternoons are free to travel further as your confidence grows. Comfortable Hotel

Day 8 End Venabu

After breakfast, we transfer to Oslo Airport.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,675
Price per day$334
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
28 Dec 2024
04 Jan 2025
$3,500
$3,742
04 Jan 2025
11 Jan 2025
$2,960
$3,202
11 Jan 2025
18 Jan 2025
$2,960
$3,202
18 Jan 2025
25 Jan 2025
$2,960
$3,202
25 Jan 2025
01 Feb 2025
$2,885
$3,127
01 Feb 2025
08 Feb 2025
$2,885
$3,127
08 Feb 2025
15 Feb 2025
$2,885
$3,127
15 Feb 2025
22 Feb 2025
$3,350
$3,592
22 Feb 2025
01 Mar 2025
$3,350
$3,592
01 Mar 2025
08 Mar 2025
$3,350
$3,592

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
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Average
609
Disappointing
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Terrible
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A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Best Holiday Ever

Hotel is run by a family. I cannot overstate how well they treated us. Buffet meals three times per day. Free WiFi. The snow was amazing. We had no cross country s...

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A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

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Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

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Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

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Very professional organisation

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Sarah R

Nov 2024

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India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Private ski tuition
    • Snowshoeing excursion
    • Sleigh rides and Dogsledding

Accommodation

The Venabu Fjellhotel has been run by the friendly Tvete family for over 50 years, and owing to its traditional charm and quiet location, it is a relaxing place to stay. There are 20 standard rooms housed within the east wing, or if you prefer you can upgrade (for a supplement) to one of the more spacious 36 superior west wing rooms. The hotel's saunas and ski waxing centre are free for everyone to use. There’s also a bar, a games room (table tennis, pool, etc), a TV room, craft shop and two spacious sitting rooms with open fireplaces. 2022 saw the Tvete family celebrating 75 years of running Venabu Fjellhotel! Birgit and Arvid Tvete built the hotel from scratch, choosing the original plot because of its tremendous views. It has developed into a friendly, relaxing 'home from home' in a fabulous setting. The dining room affords glorious panoramic views out across the mountains. Yoga: One yoga session is held most days either in the morning or in the evening, typically 5 days a week. You are entitled to one complimentary session during your stay. After this, additional sessions are payable locally. Room Upgrades: Room upgrades may be available on request for a supplement. Please enquire at the time of booking for further details and prices.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included. The healthy yet hearty, homemade food is traditional Norwegian cuisine, with most of the food sourced from local suppliers. Vegetarians are particularly well catered for here. Breakfast is a continental buffet with the highlight being the selection of tasty local cheeses. You can have the choice of a buffet lunch with a hot option or a picnic lunch to have whilst you take in the spectacular scenery. Dinner will be a 3-course set dinner, with a special 'A taste of Norwegian Tradition' meal on Wednesday with accompanying talk from your host about the food served. For New Year’s Eve champagne and a special four-course meal with cheese and dessert buffet will be served.
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
  • 7 nights en suite hotel
  • 5 days guided cross-country skiing and optional snowshoe day (payable locally)
  • Cross-country skiing Grades 1-3 Beginners to Intermediates.
  • Grade 4 Advanced weeks available between 2nd March - 9th March 2024 inclusive when hotel offers ski-safaris (pay locally, subject to minimum numbers). These weeks are still suitable for grades 1-3
  • Cross-country skis, poles and boot hire included
Trip ID
exodus-K07NV

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