Winter at Venabu

Terrain: Venabu Fjellhotell lies in the middle of the Venabygdsfjell plateau, south of the Rondane National park. It’s a snow sure area with fantastic nature, stable climate & great skiing trails. We offer 140 kms of marked & prepared trails in varied mountain terrain with summits up to 1400m. The area is one of the best in Norway fro cross country skiing, both for families and those who enjoy a challenge.

Snow conditions: Our first snowfalls are usually in the end of October and we prepare the trails as soon as possible. We update our web page with snow & trail information from 1st November. Our full winter season starts ca. 20th December and runs until end April. Our average snow depth varies from 70cm to 120cm. General info about the local weather and climate Today's weather and snow conditions

"Vinternatt i Rondane" (Winternight in the Rondane) - Harald Sohlbergs famous painting, vote Norwegian’s favourite painting, shows off the characteristic blue winter light, especially seen in late December, January & early February – often a period of stable calm weather. With the great natural light, northern lights in the night and well prepared trails, it’s a great time to learn to ski. Christmas time is a atmospheric time in the mountains.

Guide for a week: Between the 1st of January and 09th of April we can offer you our special program with guide for a week. 2 tour leaders will take you out on tour every day except Saturday. You can choose between a shorter and longer trip for cross-country skiing. Guide for a week

Sunshine & ski safari: Later in the winter, when the days are longer, there’s a greater possibility to explore beyond the limits of the trails. In March/beginning of April we have guided day trips in the high mountains "Ski safari". Each week we have a programme of day trips in the mountains. Easter is traditionally the end of the Winter season, but there’s plenty of good skiing beyond that; normally the end of April. Info about the Ski Safari

Ski trails: Great ski trails start right outside the door and when the weather is good, there’s easy access to the mountains in the north. If the weather is a bit windy or grey, turn southwards to the variety of sheltered trails in the birch forest. Printable map of ski trails

Troll-løypa 170 km from Høvringen in Rondane to Sjusjøen by Lillehammer. One of the most wonderful ski tours in Norway, skiing in an easy mountain terrain from cabin to cabin or hotel to hotel or a mixture of both. This is for experienced skiers, and mountains skis with steel edges are required, as well as knowledge of map and compass. The trail is marked, but not prepared, since this is in the high mountains and the track will blow again in short time. When in local trail nets, parts of the distance might be prepared. But this is a wilderness experienced – and you ski the way skiing was originally used, having skis that bring you forward independent of tracks. From Venabu we have ski safari weeks in March, where we do parts of the Troll-løype, and Norske Bygdeopplevelser arrange tours for parts of the distance or for the whole trail see www.norske-bygdeopplevelser.no both for groups and individuals. The ski race Lillehammer Troll Ski Marathon will take place April 6th 2013.

Ski waxing room is manned every morning. Here you can hire skis, ”pulks” & snow shoes, as well as get waxing help for your skis. Ski instruction also available.

Activities: Two tour leaders will give you the opportunity to get out in the mountains for short or longer tours. Skisafari in March/April with day tours in the high mountains. Sign up in the reception or order the week's tour leader package in advance. Torchlit sleigh rides and dog sledging. Separate children’s programme for Christmas, half term holidays & Easter. Our Easter Program

"Vintersportsuka" is a week where the hotel is given over to people with disabilities, and has been arranged at Venabu every year for more than 40 years.

Watch a film from the winter season at Venabu.

Link to Outer Circle