Internationale groepsreis Cross-country Skiing: Kvitavatn

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

An exceptional trip with inspirational instruction....even for a rank beginner with no skiing experience at all.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I had several inspirational moments.  The first was the moment when I first managed to stay upright on skis on the first day, the second was skiing out over Kvitavatn lake, then in turn the moment when I managed to herring bone uphill successfully, to snowplough downhill under control, telemarks to provide better stability, and the first run without an instructor around the ski tracks.  Skiing in a force 9 gale was pretty exhiliarating too!

What did you think of your group leader?

Ilse was amazing.  She is hugely talented, incredibly patient and knows exactly when a word of praise or a word of criticism will be most appropriate.  Several times when I was struggling with something she would pay me a compliment that lifted my mood entirely, equally she never let go something that I was doing badly (pole position for general propulsion mostly!) if she thought I could improve it.  Full of energy and enthusiasm, she was inspirational. Chris was also great - very different in style, he would talk us through an ascent/descent then leave us to make some decisions about how to approach the obstacle so that we had to think independently about what we were doing.  He was never too far away to come back and rescue me from various trees, snow drifts and ski contortions when I managed to hit them but it gave a real sense of achievement when something went well...because you'd done it right.  He picked me up out of more piles of snow than anyone should have to do, but always with a smile.  He was also great when I gave myself a minor injury on the final day, and got me back to the lodge not only in one piece, but cheerful and with a sense of achievement. At the end of the week we were presented with a disc of photos taken for us where quite a few of us were not taking many through a) fear of crushing the camera b) concentration on skiing or c) being in a snow drift, so we have a great record of the week. I cannot rate the leaders highly enough at Kvitavatn and I can't wait to book again for the coming season.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Cross country skiing makes everything hot - don't dress for downhill or you'll bake.  Light layers are a must.  Do take a flask, mittens are a winner and most of all definitely take gaiters and waterproofs if you are a beginner. You will fall over......maybe not as much as me, but you will fall, and staying dry is the key to enjoying your trip.  Take the smallest day pack you can manage (flask, lunch, layer, camera - you don't need much else) to keep your balance under control.  I also took my yak tracks (for gripping ice when walking around) which I found really useful when it got slippery around the Fjellstoge towards the end of the week.  Not falling down off skis was a desirable state of affairs given the opportunities for falling over on skis! Inevitably snow conditions vary (we had a couple of warm and therefore very slippery days) and this can be  a bit frustrating, but the leaders are very good at picking out the best possible activities for the conditions. You'll get a lot out of the trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Fjellstoge is clean, comfortable and has a sauna, mini cinema with some DVDs, open fire, and fantastic food twice a day (make a lunch up from breakfast).  Showers are communal (not a problem, but be prepared!).  A particularly great feature of this trip is that the area has a set of lit tracks so you can ski independently in the evenings and the opportunities for skiing off track with the group are great.  At one point we were skiing around hills aobut 3/4 of the way up their height, crossing over downhill runs, and looking down over valleys and lakes.  It has all the best of hiking, but with snow and skis thrown in.  Those looking for a busy night life will be disappointed, but if you want a bit of peace and quiet with some exceptional teaching, and to make quick progress to being able to ski  away from tracks etc, this is the trip for you.

Third time here

As I have experienced previously this is a great place to come with excellant leaders

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to pick any one but certain moments stand out such as nearly being blown over by the wind and managing to remain upright on my skiis but mostly it is about the lovely scenery and great off track skiing which makes a great change from the European loipe

What did you think of your group leader?

Both Isle and Mary are excellant leaders and put in so much work into making it a great trip for everyone whatever level of skier you are.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Good to bring a bottle of something alcoholic from duty free. Vegetarians don't worry as the food is excellant. No need to bring any extras.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Cross Country Skiing with stunning views

This was my first experience of cross country skiing - the location combined with excellent instruction was recommended by a friend. I found it a good mix of challenge in a very supportive atmosphere and loved journeying through the varied landscape. The food was excellent, as was the instruction from experienced leaders combined with lots of laughter.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The conditions were particularly challenging for cross country skiing and finding some lovely soft snow to move through was wonderful. At times I felt challenged but the support of both the group and leaders really helped me along. Skiing with like minded individuals with a sense of fun lead to lots of laughter and a sense of achievement.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ilse took the lead in the first few days and was superb. She always had a positive outlook and comment - even when you were upended in the snow! Her sense of fun shone throughout and without her support and coaching I would not have achieved half as much as I did. Mary then took over with her knowledge of both wildlife and the area added to the work started by Ilse. I am particularly enjoying the excellent photos taken by both leaders which bring back happy memories of the trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Merino base layers are excellent. A thermos flask and sit mat are all important for a lunch break in the snow. It is well worth working on your fitness especially for sojourns uphill.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Give it a go you are never to old too learn a new skill and I gained so much inspiration from older members of the party. Any doubts whether this was the holiday for me were dispelled in the first few days and if you love mountain country then take the plunge you will not regret it. I certainly would return to work on my novice skills as a cross country skier

Picture perfect

Excellent cross country holiday with so many different routes to choose every day, on the tracks and off. We had amazing weather and looking back at pictures, I still can't believe I was there. Plenty of good food and good company.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Skiing off piste on untouched snow and reaching high spots with breathtaking views. Simply amazing. Every day I thought it could not get better but it did! Thinking already to return next year!

What did you think of your group leader?

Learned a lot in a week from both leaders. Different teaching styles but both Ilse and Mary clearly have a passion for what they do every day. Contagious!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Follow trip notes. I had everything with me and I was glad! Drinks are not that more expensive and in a week I spent very little as all else is included.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Shared accommodation is charming but can feel crowded.

I'll be going back

Excellent holiday, great location,

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

First time skiing off track, great to get to the otherwise inaccessible and hidden surprises.

What did you think of your group leader?

Both Mary and Ilsa were excellent leaders, enthusiastic and were good instructors.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Expect bruises!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great holiday will look to do it again

First rate location, guides and facilities

A great place for both xc beginners and advanced, many options for both on and off track skiing. Excellent leaders who know the place very well and can help inexperienced skiers like me have a great taste of wild Norway in winter.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Off track skiing in fresh snow.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be reasonably fit !

Is there anything else you would like to add?

first time skiing of any type

first time skiing of any sort so everything was new to me! Enjoyed it immensely [apart from the classic 'third day 'when everything ached and nothing worked!!] By the end of the week the last 3 days comprised quite a lot of of track skiing and suddenly I was managing to stay upright, turn and stop going down hill! The enjoyment was enhanced by the generally superb weather, mainly clear blue skies and sunshine.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The fourth day [Thursday] everything suddenly started to come together. On Wednesday night I had gone to bed fully expecting to be hardly able to move certain parts of my body on Thurs am, but not only were there no real aches, when we got going I actually felt like I was starting to cross country ski!

What did you think of your group leader?

Both Ilse and Mary were supportive, instructive and very helpfull.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Late season skiiing - Kvitavatn

This being my first holiday in Scandinavia, not having skied for a few years and booked at the last minute I had some trepidation over what to expect. What I got was a very enjoyable holiday, great cross country skiing routes both on and off piste and great group and tour leader to share it with.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

After a few days struggling with cross country skis it started to come together and get more enjoyable - the views down over Ryukan and from the higher points on the skiing routes were stunning. Also great were the off-piste routes weaving in and out of the trees in the deep snow.

What did you think of your group leader?

Mary was superb - very patient and great instructor. The slide show of photos taken throughout the week on the last day was very interesting!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Cross country skis are a different animal to downhill skis and more tricky to master - I spent the Monday and Tuesday falling over a lot and trying to re-acquaint myself with skills I thought I already had on downhill skis such as snowplough turns and traversing an incline. Level 2 on cross country skis with no previous experience is doable but hard work for the first few days although it did did start to come together after that. Also as mentioned in other reviews do buy wine or beer at the huge duty-free on arrivals at Oslo airport as it costs more at the lodge. Bear in mind you cannot drink your own alcohol in communal areas - only stuff you have bought at reception which at the time was cans of Tuborg, cans of a sweet Norwegian cider, a few local beers and various wine bottles between 200-300 Kroner.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I went fairly late in the season (mid March) and it was starting to get a bit slushy and icy on some of the popular routes - there was some fresh snow during the week but mainly on the last day (typical!). Hours of sunlight is not a problem as most people will want to finish for the day by mid afternoon and head to the sauna and tea and coffee (available all day). There is a rest day with options to do downhill skiing (the Gaustablikk ski centre is next to the lodge) but given the icy conditions our group gave it a miss and most opted to go on some of the shorter cross country skiing trails around the lake or take the bus into Ryukan to look around.

Cross county skiing in Norway

Kvitavaatn is a great location. Frozen lakes, forest the mountains and the Hardanger plateau right in front of the lodge where I stayed were beautiful..

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Probabaly day 3 when I thought I had finally cracked the whole cross country skiing lark. I hadn't but it was fun trying.

What did you think of your group leader?

Mary our English guide was endlessly patient. Learning cross country skiing is bloody hard and frustrating at times!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring slippers as the Norwegians ALWAYS take off their shoes when they enter the lodge from outside so it's preferable to wandering about in your socks. Bring wax earplus because you share a room with 3 other people and there can be snorers amongst the group....

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Both the track and off-track skiing were excellent. This was certainly helped by the amount of snow, but the terrain was always good because it was challenging. The main leader and instructor (Ilse) was excellent - patient, attentive and always helpful.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the peak of Orneneipa on a very cold day, plus completing some of the demanding downhill sections of the tracks.

What did you think of your group leader?

The main group leader (Ilse) was excellent, as highlighted

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make the most of the opportunities and ask Ilse's advice on how to wax your skis, and which wax to use.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The skiing is great and I understand why people return to Kvitavatn.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Best bits: the guides were fantastic, especially Ilsa who was a brilliant teacher and so obviously skilled on skis.  They were so friendly and helpful.  Food brilliant and plentiful.  Company great, so friendly.  Accommodation warm.  Great drying room.  Great sauna (prepare yourself for a nudist experience).  Scenery beautiful.  Friendly accommodation hosts - they allowed you to put your own alcohol in the hostel fridge.  Perfect 1st cross country ski trip and perfect way to spend a Christmas. Not so best bits:  showers poor; tepid temperature and poor water flow.  Plus you had to keep pressing the button to keep the shower on and the water flowed for only 15 seconds!!  The communal sitting area, whilst warm was not really very cosy.  The fire was lovely, but could only accommode about 8 people sitting around it.  A real shame that the ambience wasn't as cosy as it could have been.  Some nice rugs and sofas would make all the difference.  Bunk rooms small.  The holiday information could do a bit more to ensure travellers realise the basic nature of the accommodation and that it is, in fact, a youth hostel.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Learning to glide in the cross country ski tracks and realising that this was a great way to get outdoors, keep fit, and that this was a real alternative to down hill skiing, which has always scared me!!

What did you think of your group leader?

Completely brilliant.  I had some great conversations with the leader, and she also shared thoughts and experiences with us which showed she really cared about the group. She was obviously passionate about cross country skiing and about teaching it.  A great technician and good company.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go prepared for basic accommodation.  No luxuries here.  Take mittons instead of gloves and try and find some really good thermals to wear underneath the mittons.  Don't expect to be stopping at mountain restaurants for hot wine and lunch - there aren't any!!  Lunch is eaten out of doors on the mountains - take a flask, because it gets very cold.  Everything is massively expensive.  Take your own alcohol.  If you are in a nice group it gets shared (in ours that's what we did).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

All in all a fabulous holiday.  I'd definitely recommend it to others and shall go back again myself.  8 out of 10 from me.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Another outstanding trip to Kvitavatn, fantastic instruction, superb skiing and brilliant food, not to mention the New Year Party.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I went back to Kvitavatn for a second time to try and get myself properly mobile on cross country skis.  Last year I spent most of my time sitting in snow drifts or crashing, but this year I found my feet from day one and just grew in confidence.  I have 4 inspirational moments - the first time we completed the 5km Orange Track including the terrifying "vertical" downhill without crashing; a similar moment with a bigger hill on the red 15km track; Finally mastering the art of herring boning and being upwardly mobile as well as downwardly; and last but not least climbing and successfully descending Mount Ornenipa on skis.

What did you think of your group leader?

Albert (first 3 days) was really helpful and gave me space  to find my feet and explore technique a bit in a way that I wasn't confident enough to do last year.  Ilse (last 3 days) was as brilliant as ever.  In particular in letting me go up Ornenipa and supporting me physically and emotionally getting down again with an injury. She knows exactly when to praise and when to push, and the evening stretching and talks were great.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be as fit as you can before you go, you'll have much more fun if you aren't huffing and puffing.  Also be honest about what you can and can't do, but throw yourself in.  I was useless first time but comfortable in the grade 2 group second time even though I really struggled throughout last time. Be prepared to be gregarious - you may be sharing a room with 3 total strangers in close (though comfortable) quarters, and the showers are communal too.   Kvitavatn is very quiet so not the place to go if you are looking for a lot of nightlife, but the skiing both in tracks and off track is brilliant.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'd recommend this trip to anyone wanting to get going with cross country skiing, I've had a thoroughly good time over New Year for 2 years in a row.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

The balance was just right between active days that always encouraged you to push your skills a bit further and very comfortable and sociable evenings

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Climbing the mountain on skis

What did you think of your group leader?

Very fine leaders each with a different range of skills. I learned a lot

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The leaders know there stuff. If you listen to them and take their advice you will find that you have improved in leaps and bounds over the week

Is there anything else you would like to add?

That was my second trip. This year I am going to Msstrod but still with Exodus.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

This was a really enjoyable holiday for the thrill of learning to ski, the people, the scenery and the food.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I think the most inspirational moment was the first day that our group went off- piste on the mountain away from the resort. Making fresh tracks down the slopes brought back the same feeling you had as a kid braced to slide down a hill that no one has sledged down before.

What did you think of your group leader?

Both leaders were excellent. I appreciated the fact that both Ilse and Chris kept everyone in the group involved, with both encouragement and words of advice. The beginners lessons were also structured well so that the learning bits were interspersed with having fun on the tracks so that you never felt too bogged down thinking about your technique.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You don't need to take much local currency, unless you're planning to spend a day in the local town. Enough for a few drinks in the evening and some gifts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Falling over in public places will hold you in good stead for a cross country skiing holiday

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Just back from a fantastic trip. I'd not been cross country skiing before and found the variety of this trip exceeded my expectations. Although the accommodation is described as basic as it is a youth hostel, it was very comfortable, warm and clean. The food was consistently excellent and plentiful with a hot 3 course dinnner every evening, being just what was needed after a day out in the cold. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

For a first timer zooming along the tracks, just trusting the ski's to do the work was amazing. Also climbing high up onto the hillside to look across at Gausta without too much effort was surprising. The scenery from up there was spectacular and the sense of achievement having got to the top and back down again safely will stay with me for some time.

What did you think of your group leader?

The leaders were outstanding! Ilse knew exactly how to approach each individual to encourage and motivate them. If she said we could ski down a slope then we knew we could trust her judgement as to our level and ability and each time she was right. Also she made the warm up sessions fun and a great way to start the day, and the stretching at the end of the day was a welcome release of the tension from our aching muscles. The talks and videos in the evening were informative and helpful particularly to a first timer. Ilse and Mary took literally hundreds of photos during the week which meant I actually have pictures of myself rather than just scenery! Also I didn't need to worry about dropping or losing my camera as they took better shots than I could. Unfortunately my friends particularly love the photos of me face down in the snow!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just try it! It was a laugh a minute and I can't imagine getting such variety with better tuition and guidance anywhere else.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We were a group of 13 with 2 leaders which meant we were split into groups of 7 and 6 which was fine. Any more could have meant more waiting around and difficulty keeping close but not too close. 

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

x

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

x

What did you think of your group leader?

excellent

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

go for it

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

A brilliant week, exceptional leaders, fabulous tuition and an all round great place to be.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sunshine and diamond dust air with mountains as far as the eye can see - magical

What did you think of your group leader?

Ilse & Mary are inspirational, know how to get the best out of people whilst having a laugh.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Kvitavatn is an excellent centre for all levels of snow sports. You are well looked affer, meals are excellent and well organised with helpful staff and a good standard of accomodation. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

In a week where the off track snow was so unpredictable and difficult I would offer the day the group did the Blue 23 trip. The weather was brilliant. It was an area new to me and provided new views and vistas.  

What did you think of your group leader?

We had two leaders, Ilse and Mary who swapped about the groups. They were excellent. They instructed, lead the groups and maintained our spirits. They laid on films, lectures and quizs in the evening based on a theme of skiing.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The bus takes 3+ hours from the airport to Kvitavatn. You may wish to have a snack to hand to tide you over until dinner on arrival. The ski hire is excellent and not expensive. It saves hassle on aeroplanes and at airports.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Kvitavatn has a considerable variety of terrain so you are not going to get bored and caters for all levels of skiing. And all this with the comfort of a fixed centre. 

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

good venue, good food, good instructors, but pace a bit too quick for an absolute beginner recovering from the flu!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

being able to cross frozen lakes and get a whole new perspective on the fantastic scenery

What did you think of your group leader?

Both very good and worked hard to make the evenings interesting, as well as their work during the day

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

do some upper body strengthening exercises - it will make getting back on the feet (frequently required) much easier

Is there anything else you would like to add?

glad I tried the skiing but think I'll stick to snowshoes in the future

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Great place to experience track and off track cross country skiing, the instructors are excellent very patient and professional, the accommodation is very good (twin bedded rooms with supplement) and the food in the restaurant excellent.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Skiing across frozen lakes.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very kind, professional, patient and committed to helping you improve your cross country skiing ability.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Buy a couple of bottles of wine at Heathrow duty free.

Is there anything else you would like to add?