Cross-country skiing – close to nature
Enjoy a peaceful ski trip through the tranquility of the forest. Or experience the mountain’s undulating landscape with beautiful views as far as the eye can see from the peaks.
Cross-country skiing is among Norway’s national sports, and in Innlandet we have miles of groomed ski trails in both forest and mountains.
Cross-country ski trails from Hamar in the south to Dovre in the north.
Innlandet offers a range of cross-country skiing experiences whether you’re in the far south of the county near Hamar or furthest north near Dovre. Here you’ll find tips on where to find ski trails in our region. We also have good public transportation centered around the most popular areas, so you can safely visit without your own car.
Gåsbu
Just 15 minutes from Hamar city center you’ll find Gåsbu cross-country center, a popular starting point for cross-country ski trips on Hedmarksvidda. The area is one of Norway’s most snow-reliable, and has a large trail network with connecting trails to all of Hedmarksvidda. You’ll find a full 35 miles of well-groomed ski trails at Gåsbu, of which 12 km are lit trails.
Transportation
From Hamar it takes about half an hour up to Gåsbu by bus. Enter Gåsbu as your destination and search for departure times on EnTur’s journey planner. Additional information about Gåsbu can be found here.
Sjusjøen
From Gåsbu you can ski to Sjusjøen. Sjusjøen is considered one of Europe’s(!) best cross-country skiing destinations. Here you’ll find over 350 km of very well-groomed ski trails, of which over 300 km are also groomed for skate skiing.
The trail network has direct connections to Nordseter, Øyer-Hafjell, Lillehammer, Åstadalen, Rena, the Hamar region and all the way to Rondane. In total there’s a trail network of over 2,500 km starting from Sjusjøen: a wealth of possibilities.
Transportation
There are several bus departures daily from Lillehammer bus station to Sjusjøen cross-country arena There’s also a ski bus to Sjusjøen Ski Center.
For updated timetables we recommend using the national route planner Entur.
Sjusjøen
From Gåsbu you can ski to Sjusjøen. Sjusjøen is considered one of Europe’s(!) best cross-country skiing destinations. Here you’ll find over 350 km of very well-groomed ski trails, of which over 300 km are also groomed for skate skiing.
The trail network has direct connections to Nordseter, Øyer-Hafjell, Lillehammer, Åstadalen, Rena, the Hamar region and all the way to Rondane. In total there’s a trail network of over 2,500 km starting from Sjusjøen: a wealth of possibilities.
Transportation
There are several bus departures daily from Lillehammer bus station to Sjusjøen cross-country arena There’s also a ski bus to Sjusjøen Ski Center.
For updated timetables we recommend using the national route planner Entur.
Nordseter
One of the most popular trails from Sjusjøen goes to Nordseter. Nordseter is located in the heart of the cross-country skiing paradise that Lillehammer mountain can offer. Starting from the edge of the high mountains, you have every opportunity for wonderful cross-country skiing experiences. The trail network at Nordseter is connected to Sjusjøen, Lillehammer and Øyerfjellet/Hafjell.
Transportation
There are several bus departures daily from Lillehammer Skysstasjon til Nordseter. For updated timetables we recommend using the national route planner Entur.
Hafjell
From Sjusjøen and Nordseter you can continue to Hafjell and Pellestova. Hafjell-Øyerfjellet is a trail network that borders Ringebu in the north, and Nordseter and Sjusjøen in the south, a trail network of 220 km. Øyer touring ski trails groom the trail network continuously, and the terrain consists of mountains and plateaus with gentle formations.
Hafjell (the mountain itself), Mosetertoppen, Pellestova and Lisetra are good starting points for the cross-country ski trails in Hafjell.
Transportation
The public transportation trip to the cross-country skiing destination Hafjell is a bus journey in two stages from Lillehammer. First you need to take the bus to Hafjell Alpine Center, then you can take the Hafjell bus further to Mosetertoppen or Gaiastova as a starting point for your ski trip.
Hafjell
From Sjusjøen and Nordseter you can continue to Hafjell and Pellestova. Hafjell-Øyerfjellet is a trail network that borders Ringebu in the north, and Nordseter and Sjusjøen in the south, a trail network of 220 km. Øyer touring ski trails groom the trail network continuously, and the terrain consists of mountains and plateaus with gentle formations.
Hafjell (the mountain itself), Mosetertoppen, Pellestova and Lisetra are good starting points for the cross-country ski trails in Hafjell.
Transportation
The public transportation trip to the cross-country skiing destination Hafjell is a bus journey in two stages from Lillehammer. First you need to take the bus to Hafjell Alpine Center, then you can take the Hafjell bus further to Mosetertoppen or Gaiastova as a starting point for your ski trip.
Lemonsjøen
We move from Hafjell to Lemonsjøen far north in the county. Lemonsjøen is a beautiful area right at the foot of Jotunheimen National Park; yet another perfect starting point for cross-country skiing enthusiasts with miles of groomed ski trails.
In the areas around Lemonsjø Mountain Lodge and in Heimfjellet there are over 150 km of groomed and well-marked ski trails that are maintained from when the snow comes in November until far into May when weather permits. The Jotunheim trail connects the area from Brimiland in the east, past Lemonsjøen, Randsverk, further into Sjodalen with Hindseter, Bessheim and Gjende in the west.
Dovre
In Dovre municipality and at Dombås there’s a varied and versatile trail network, with everything from modern competition trails to high mountain trails. The trail network at Dombås and Dovrefjell is about 100 kilometers, and goes from Dombås Ski Arena all the way to Furuhaugli when conditions allow. The trails are machine-groomed as needed and are suitable for both classic and skating.
Dovre
In Dovre municipality and at Dombås there’s a varied and versatile trail network, with everything from modern competition trails to high mountain trails. The trail network at Dombås and Dovrefjell is about 100 kilometers, and goes from Dombås Ski Arena all the way to Furuhaugli when conditions allow. The trails are machine-groomed as needed and are suitable for both classic and skating.
North Gudbrandsdalen
Imagine sun and blue sky, white expanses, sub-zero temperatures and miles of cross-country ski trails ahead of you. Cross-country ski trips in beautiful surroundings, surrounded only by nature itself, that’s what you can experience in Gudbrandsdalen and its national parks.
Here you’ll find large high mountain areas where you can be completely alone, you’ll find prepared ski trails and loop trails and you’ll find competition trails with lit trails, biathlon ranges and skating tracks. Take a look at both Bjorli, Grotli and Skjåk before deciding where to go.
Ski touring and randonné in North Gudbrandsdalen
Randonnée has revolutionized ski tours in the high mountains during winter. In northern Gudbrandsdalen you’ll find several places with stable winter conditions and knowledgeable local guides who show the way to several well-known and exciting uphill and downhill runs.
Skiing in the high mountains is a risk sport that requires safety equipment and precautions. Avalanches can occur anywhere there’s snow and slopes over 30 degrees – under special conditions also in gentler terrain.
Ski touring and randonné in North Gudbrandsdalen
Randonnée has revolutionized ski tours in the high mountains during winter. In northern Gudbrandsdalen you’ll find several places with stable winter conditions and knowledgeable local guides who show the way to several well-known and exciting uphill and downhill runs.
Skiing in the high mountains is a risk sport that requires safety equipment and precautions. Avalanches can occur anywhere there’s snow and slopes over 30 degrees – under special conditions also in gentler terrain.
The Hamar region offers a unique meeting between culinary experiences, gentle landscape and historical treasures. Close and easily accessible.
In Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen there’s a short distance between city life, outdoor activities and history – perfect for both families and culture enthusiasts.
Nasjonalparkriket offers spectacular nature, world-class culinary experiences and activities for everyone.
Local Food and Produce
Our region has a long tradition of welcoming guests to dine. Whether you want to visit one of our cozy restaurants or buy fresh produce grown and refined here. Enjoy!
Mountains and national parks
Miles of open terrain, snow-capped mountain peaks, majestic national parks, and endless possibilities both on and off the beaten track.
Culture during Winter
We have many museums and cultural attractions, and some are open in winter. Check out our top picks for what to experience when you’re in the region.
Activities without skiing
Not everyone is born with skis on their feet, and fortunately there are other things to do during winter time. Take a look and get inspired to take the family on something else fun this winter.
Shopping and Experiences
Hamar and Lillehammer are two charming towns worth visiting. Take your time to explore their delightful town centers.
Alpine skiing – fun for the whole family
In Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen, you’ll find two of Norway’s largest ski resorts — with slopes for little ones, families, and seasoned skiers alike.
