Cookie Consent

This site uses third party services that need your consent. Cookie policy

Skip to content

5 time Olympian and cross-country skiing legend Andrew Musgrave joins Wildtrack Nordic as Brand Ambassador - click here to read more
Couple Classic skiing in Norway on a Cross country Skiing holiday.

First Tracks - New Year Classic Improver Week, Norway

Trip Grade
Improver
Trip Type
cross-country-skiing
Location
Hafjell , Norway
Duration
7 Nights
Group Size
up to 6

First Tracks - New Year Classic Improver Week

A Different Kind of New Year

Lady classic skiing with good technique.

First Tracks is a New Year classic improver holiday designed for skiers looking to develop greater confidence, efficiency and flow on snow. Combining expert coaching, scenic daily journeys and a relaxed small-group atmosphere, the week offers a rewarding opportunity to refine your skiing whilst welcoming the year ahead in the Norwegian mountains.

Your home for the week is Pellestova Hotel, a historic mountain retreat overlooking the forests and trails of the Lillehammer region. Comfortable accommodation, exceptional dining and authentic Norwegian hospitality create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. New Year's Eve is intentionally understated, centred around an exceptional tasting menu that reflects the calm character of winter in the Norwegian fjell.

Situated on the edge of the Nevelfjell mountains, Pellestova offers direct access to one of Norway's most extensive cross-country skiing networks. Snow-covered forests, rolling mountain terrain and more than 600 kilometres of groomed trails create an inspiring setting for both progression and exploration.

Group taking a break from classic skiing in Norway.

Who this trip is for:

  • Couples, friends, and solo travellers seeking a refined New Year mountain escape 

  • Guests wanting to improve confidence, efficiency, and technique on snow 

  • Skiers looking to ski longer distances comfortably across varied terrain

Activity Level: Moderate 

Skiing experience: Improver

Through out the week, coaching focuses on:

  • Improving glide, efficient weight transfer and flowing skiing technique 

  • Building confidence on climbs, descents, and changing terrain 

  • Linking technique naturally into longer scenic skiing journeys 

Itinerary

A Typical Day

Sunny winter scene at Pellestova hotel.

Itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions and snow conditions 

Morning Session (09:00 – 11:00) 

Focused coaching sessions designed to improve confidence, efficiency, and movement across varied Nordic terrain. 

Afternoon Session (14:00 – 16:00) 

Scenic skiing journeys through the forests, plateaus, and rolling Pellestova trail systems — linking technique improvements naturally into continuous skiing. 

Evening 

Relaxed recovery time, refined mountain dining, and the quiet atmosphere of New Year in the Norwegian mountains.  

First Tracks - New Year Classic Improver Week Itinerary

Arrive at Oslo Airport where you will be met by your Wildtrack Nordic guide. Our complimentary group transfer departs the airport at 15:00, travelling approximately 2 hours north through Norway's winter landscapes to Pellestova in the mountains above Lillehammer. 

After settling into the hotel, there is time to relax and enjoy your first evening in Norway before joining your guide and fellow skiers for a welcome dinner and briefing, introducing the week ahead and the opportunities for progression throughout the holiday.  

The week begins with a focus on refining technique, building efficiency and establishing strong skiing habits for the days ahead. The surrounding trails provide the perfect environment to settle into a productive week on snow and begin building confidence for longer journeys. 

With confidence growing, today's journeys venture deeper into the surrounding trail network. The focus is on increasing distance, developing endurance and applying technical improvements across a variety of terrain and snow conditions. A rewarding day that builds the foundations for the rest of the week. 

 A rewarding day focused on developing skiing efficiency across longer distances. More varied terrain and extended journeys help guests improve pacing, technique and confidence while enjoying some of the finest skiing available in the region. By now, the benefits of consistent time on snow are becoming increasingly apparent. 

While much of the world prepares for midnight celebrations, you'll spend the day doing what you love most — skiing through the spectacular Norwegian mountains. A rewarding journey on snow is followed by a special New Year's Eve banquet at Pellestova, where fellow skiers come together to celebrate both the year gone by and the adventures still to come. 

The perfect way to begin the New Year. Fresh motivation, quiet trails and excellent snow conditions create an ideal environment for further progression as confidence and efficiency continue to develop. For many guests, there is no better way to start the year than gliding through freshly prepared tracks in the Norwegian mountains.

The highlight of the week. The longest and most rewarding journey of the holiday explores some of the finest terrain surrounding Pellestova, providing the perfect opportunity to put newly developed skills into practice. Combining distance, scenery and achievement, it is a fitting culmination to a productive week on snow and the perfect way to begin the ski season. 

Following a final breakfast, we leave Pellestova at 08:00, arriving at Oslo Airport at approximately 10:00. 

As your journey home begins, you'll leave with stronger technique, increased confidence and a solid foundation for the remainder of the ski season. 

Pellestova Hafjell Hotel

A modern mountain hotel at Hafjell with local cuisine and a unique wine cellar

The amazing Pellestova Hotel, Hafjell, Norway.

Pellestova Hotel is a modern yet historic mountain hotel at the top of Hafjell, perfect for cross-country skiing and culinary experiences in beautiful surroundings. Since 1946, Pellestova has been a beloved stop for cross-country skiers in the Øyer mountains – today, they are a full-service mountain hotel offering comfortable rooms, locally sourced food and one of Norway’s most distinctive wine cellars.

The restaurant focuses on local ingredients, mountain cuisine and gourmet dishes, and the wine cellar, at 970 meters above sea level, boasts an impressive selection from around the world. Here, you can enjoy peaceful surroundings, ski trails right outside the door and have year-round access to nature.

Dining

Fine dining dish served in a white bowl at the Slakteriet Restaurant.

Pellestova is immensely proud of its restaurant, where food is considered far more than simply a meal; it is an important part of the overall guest experience and something to be savoured and enjoyed. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding mountains and forests, the culinary team strives to showcase the very best local ingredients, celebrating the flavours and traditions of Norwegian cuisine.

Much of the wild game served originates from nearby Øyerfjellet, whilst seasonal ingredients are carefully selected to reflect the character of the region. Combining traditional recipes with contemporary flair, the talented chefs create dishes that are both visually beautiful and wonderfully satisfying. Whether enjoying a hearty breakfast before a day on the trails or a carefully prepared evening meal overlooking the mountains, dining at Pellestova is a memorable part of the experience and perfectly complements a week spent exploring the Norwegian winter landscape.

Wellness

The new training gym at Pellestova is a standout feature, blending modern design with top-tier fitness equipment. Spacious and filled with natural light, it offers a refreshing atmosphere that motivates guests to move. Whether you're into cardio, strength training, or functional workouts, the gym is fully equipped to support your routine.

Accommodation

The stylish and spacious rooms at Pellestova provide a comfortable retreat in the heart of the Norwegian mountains. Thoughtfully designed in a contemporary Nordic style, they combine natural materials, modern furnishings, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere to create the perfect place to relax after a day on the trails.

Large windows invite the surrounding mountain landscape indoors, whilst the peaceful setting encourages rest and recovery. Combining Scandinavian simplicity with modern comfort, the rooms provide an ideal base from which to enjoy both the exceptional skiing and tranquil mountain surroundings that make Pellestova so special.

Solo guests may choose between sharing a twin room or upgrading to single occupancy* for additional privacy throughout their stay. Holiday prices are automatically adjusted to reflect your selected room option during the booking process.

  • Please note that single occupancy is not available on Nordic Reset or First Tracks.

Hotel Pellestova, pizza. Norway.
Pellestova Hotel, outside fire pit and cooking.Norway.
Pellestova hotel, outside Ski rack. Norway.
Pellestova hotel fireplace. Norway.
055 Pellestova Room - Lounge.
056 Pellestova Bedroom.
057 Pellestova Bathroom.
022 Pellestova Hotel bar area.
Pellestova Hotel, fish course. Norway.
059 Pellestova main course.
Pellestova Hotel, main course - meat. Norway.
Pellestova Hotel, wine cellar and bar area. Norway.
Pellestova Hotel, Slakteri restaurant. Norway.
Pellestova at sunrise with warm pink sky.
Snow-covered Pellestova mountain hotel in a winter landscape.

What Makes This Trip Different

A sign post in Norway showing the way to Pellestova.

This is not simply a ski holiday — it is a chance to begin the year differently. There is something uniquely grounding about skiing quietly through Norwegian winter landscapes while the rest of the world feels far away, where the rhythm of movement, mountain air, and shared experience creates a sense of reset that stays long after the week is over. 

  •  Unforgettable New Year’s Week cross-country skiing adventure 

  • Classic skiing improver programme in one of Norway’s premier Nordic regions 

  • Expert coaches with a calm, supportive, and highly personalised approach 

  • Boutique mountain accommodation with fabulous local cuisine 

  • Exceptional Norwegian trail networks directly accessible from the hotel 

Useful Trip Information

The meeting point for your holiday is Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Norway, a major international airport with direct connections from destinations across Europe and the USA. We are pleased to offer a bespoke transfer service, with your guide for the week meeting you in the arrivals hall upon arrival. 

On arrival day, your transfer from the airport will depart at 15:00. On departure day, we will return you to Oslo Gardermoen Airport by 10:00, requiring departure from the hotel at 08:00. 

Please contact your guide as soon as possible if your flight is delayed. 

From January to April, Pellestova experiences classic Norwegian winter conditions with a long and reliable snow season, creating excellent conditions for cross-country skiing.

January is typically the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from -12°C to -7°C (10°F to 19°F) and regular snowfall creating a true Nordic winter atmosphere. February and March remain consistently snowy, with average daytime temperatures generally staying below freezing and providing ideal skiing conditions.

By April, longer days and the first signs of spring arrive, with temperatures typically ranging between -3.4°C and 4.7°C (26°F to 39°F), while snow conditions often remain excellent for late-season skiing. 

 Breakfast is served buffet style, offering a wide selection of options and the opportunity to prepare a packed lunch for your day on the trails. Evening meals are served as a three-course set menu, providing a satisfying end to each day of skiing and adventure.

Most dietary requirements can be catered for, including gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies, shellfish allergies and egg-free diets. Please advise us at the time of booking so arrangements can be made with the hotel. Complimentary tea and coffee are available at reception throughout your stay, while additional drinks and snacks during the day are available to purchase separately. 

Activity Level: Moderate

A good level of sustained activity with varied terrain.

Moderate holidays are suited to guests with a reasonable level of fitness who are comfortable being active for extended periods. Expect longer days on snow, greater daily distances and more varied terrain, balanced with expert coaching and time to appreciate the destination. Guests should arrive prepared for several consecutive days of enjoyable physical activity

Skiing experience: Improver

Build confidence and develop your technique.

Improver holidays are designed for cross-country skiers who have already learned the fundamentals and are comfortable skiing independently on gentle terrain. Coaching focuses on improving technique, building confidence, increasing efficiency and developing your ability across a wider variety of trails and snow conditions.

You should already be able to control your speed, climb and descend gentle hills, and ski comfortably for several hours with regular breaks

Luggage 

We kindly ask that you travel with a maximum of 1 piece of hold luggage and 2 pieces of hand luggage, as storage space in the transfer vehicle is limited. When packing for a winter holiday in the mountains, it is important to bring suitable clothing and equipment to ensure you remain comfortable in changing weather and snow conditions. 

Ski Equipment 

We will provide skis, boots and poles selected according to your height, weight, shoe size and technical ability, ensuring equipment is matched appropriately for comfort, performance and enjoyment throughout your holiday. 

Personal Equipment to Bring 

Please ensure you bring the following items for comfort during your holiday: 

• Rucksack – A 15–20 litre day pack with waist and chest straps, suitable for carrying water, snacks and additional warm or waterproof clothing while out on the trails. 
• 1 litre water container – Please note that hydration system tubes can often freeze in winter conditions, so a standard water bottle or insulated container is recommended. 

Additional items 

Sunscreen, sunglasses, small thermos for hot drinks, head torch and footwear suitable for icy conditions 

General Clothing 

We recommend bringing suitable winter clothing to ensure you remain comfortable in changing mountain and skiing conditions: 

• Jackets: Waterproof jacket, fleece or windproof gilet/waistcoat, and a down or insulated jacket (or an additional warm outer layer). 
• Trousers: Nordic ski trousers that are lightweight, windproof, warm and ideally form fitting. Waterproof trousers are optional for additional protection. 
• Tops: Long-sleeved thermal base layer and a lightweight long-sleeved fleece or mid-layer. 
• Accessories: Two pairs of gloves (one lightweight and one insulated), over-mittens for colder days if desired, a warm hat, headband or buff/scarf, and medium-thickness socks. 

Your insurance responsibilities

These are described in detail within the Insurance Information. As an overview you must have adequate insurance that covers you for:

  • Medical expenses and repatriation in the event of medical need 

  • Mountain Rescue, apart from Norway where it is free 

  • Cancellation or curtailment of arrangements as a result of circumstances outside of your control (including accident or illness and inability to travel for other reasons) 

  • Personal accident risks, covering injury, illness or death

  • Personal liability 

  • Personal effects and money 

You must provide us with the name of your travel insurer, policy number and insurer’s emergency contact number 6 weeks before your holiday by updating the information in your account, which can be accessed via the members area of the website.

You should purchase insurance at the time of booking to protect payments made towards a trip that does not take place for any reason.

Our insurance responsibilities

Should Wildtrack Nordic become insolvent or cease to trade, your initial deposit and any other monies paid towards your trip are fully protected. Details of the policy and underwriter are included in the Insurance Information document.

Wildtrack Nordic does not have any responsibility to insure:

  • Your flights and any other travel apart from the free shuttle from and to the airport as part of your trip

  • Your belongings

  • Your equipment, if you are using your own

The requirements for your official documentation can be found at Clause 16 of our Booking Terms and Conditions, but in summary: 

  • Passports: you will need a valid passport; many countries require 6+ months’ validity beyond your return date 

  • Visas: you will need to confirm the requirements early and ensure you have at least one blank page in your passport 

If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays we recommend that you check for updates on the new ETIAS website.

What is Included 
• Professionally qualified guides 
• Accommodation and meals throughout your stay 
• One group airport transfer on arrival and departure 
• Technical ski equipment (skis, boots and poles) 
• Access to hotel facilities and amenities 

What is Not Included 
• Flights 
• Personal travel insurance 
• Drinks, snacks and food outside of planned meals 
• Additional transport not specified within the itinerary 
• Single occupancy supplements (please refer to Booking Information) 

Available dates for First Tracks - New Year Classic Improver Week

DATES

27 Dec 2026 – 03 Jan 2027

CODE

WTN_NY_001

AVAILABILITY

Spaces available

PRICE

£2900