Guide to Cross Country Skiing Holidays in Norway: Lillehammer, Hafjell and Beyond
Lillehammer
Lillehammer is more than a name from the past. As the heart of Norwegian winter culture, it was home to the 1994 Winter Olympics, a moment the country still celebrates with pride.
It’s stadiums, trails and training grounds built for the games became living parts of the community, used daily by locals, visiting athletes and holidaymakers who fancy a taste of world class skiing.
For cross country skiers, this region is a dream. Lillehammer and nearby Hafjell lie at the gateway to some of the most impressive trails in Europe. The terrain rolls, climbs and glides through silent forests, high plateaus and open lakes. The snow is guaranteed and the scenery is wild, but the atmosphere is easygoing.
Wildtrack Nordic was built on this landscape. Founders Jacko and Tom took their first strides on the trails above Nordseter in the early 1990s while serving with the British Army. It was an experience that changed their lives and eventually shaped the company they run today.
The Story of Wildtrack Nordic
The seed for Wildtrack Nordic was planted three decades ago. Jacko and Tom arrived in Norway as beginners, learning to ski among the quiet birch forests and open hills above Lillehammer.
Those early days sparked a lifelong connection to the sport. Both went on to train full time as biathletes, racing on the World Cup circuit and representing Team GB at the Winter Olympics between 2006 and 2014.
Today they have brought that journey full circle. Friends turned founders, they created Wildtrack Nordic to offer the kind of skiing experience that first inspired them. Their goal is simple. Deliver premium, carefully designed cross country skiing holidays for people who want authenticity, quality and proper coaching.
Their core values guide everything they do. They choose hotels in idyllic locations close to the trails. They bring deep expertise, a love for the sport and a dedication to every participant. They build a community of people who enjoy time spent in nature and want to improve. They also nurture those with an eye on competitive racing, from local events to the biggest long distance races on the planet.
Lillehammer and Hafjell: The Ideal Cross Country Base
Lillehammer has everything a skier could want. Long winters, dependable snow and trails that stretch across the mountains in every direction. Here, the Olympic legacy is everywhere. You can ski through the Birkebeiner arena, climb towards Sjusjøen or glide across the plateaus above Nordseter (where Jacko and Tom first learned the craft!).
Hafjell sits a short drive away and offers a mix of forest loops, open viewpoints and quiet stretches that are perfect for training. Its network of lifts and alpine area make it a great choice for groups of mixed ability while the cross country trails give skiers miles of space to grow in skill and confidence.
For beginners, these areas have plenty of gentle zones for learning. Every session builds naturally. For experienced skiers, the terrain gives enough challenge to work on stamina, technique and speed.
What Makes a Wildtrack Nordic Holiday Special
A trip organised by Wildtrack Nordic is built with care from the ground up. Our valued clients stay in high quality hotels in beautiful locations with easy access to the snow.
Coaching is always led by experts with Olympic and World Cup experience who understand the sport from every angle. Groups are small enough to ensure personal attention but large enough to foster camaraderie.
Days on the snow are a mixture of learning techniques, guided tours and moments of pure freedom. Evenings are relaxed, social and routed in the Norwegian love of good food, warm light and quiet comfort. Everything is designed to help you ski better and enjoy the mountains more.
Most importantly, Wildtrack Nordic supports every kind of skier. If it is your first week on snow, the team will guide you from your first glide to linked movements and smooth handling on varied terrain. If you have big ambitions, they can coach you towards races like the Birkebeiner, Vasaloppet or Marcialonga.
Planning Your Trip
The Lillehammer region is easy to reach from Oslo Airport by train or car, and the winter season usually runs from late November to April. Conditions are most reliable from December to March. If you want long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures, late February and March are ideal. For perfect snow and a deep winter feel, January delivers.
Booking early gives you more choice of dates and accommodation, especially around holiday weeks.
Ready to Ski Lillehammer and Hafjell
Cross country skiing in Norway is a mix of tradition, landscape and pure joy. Lillehammer and Hafjell offer the perfect setting for beginners, improvers and seasoned racers. With Wildtrack Nordic you’re also supported by a team of coaches who have lived the sport from the inside and who still love every stride.
If you are ready to explore the trails that shaped Olympians, learn a new skill or push your limits, Lillehammer is the place to begin. Wildtrack Nordic will take care of the rest.
Find out more about our skiing holidays in Norway. Or don’t hesitate to contact us today.