In the footsteps of Giants
The Holmenkollen Journey combines achievement, exploration and Norwegian ski culture in one of the most iconic destinations in the history of Nordic skiing. Designed for skiers looking to experience the Holmenkollmarsjen, the week balances preparation, guided skiing and cultural discovery, helping guests immerse themselves in the landscapes, traditions and heritage that have shaped Nordic skiing for generations.
Based at the historic Lysebu Hotel in Holmenkollen, guests enjoy one of Norway's most distinctive hospitality experiences. Exceptional dining, elegant Nordic interiors, a remarkable collection of Nordic art and excellent wellness facilities create a unique sense of place. The week also includes opportunities to visit the famous Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Ski Jump, gaining a deeper appreciation of Norway's enduring relationship with skiing.
The forests and trails of Nordmarka are central to the Holmenkollmarsjen experience. Guests ski sections of the race route whilst exploring terrain that also hosts World Cup Cross-Country and Biathlon competition, as well as World Championship events. By race day, guests arrive not only prepared for the challenge ahead, but with a deeper appreciation for the culture and heritage of Norwegian skiing
Who this trip is for:
Guests interested in Norwegian cross-country skiing culture and heritage
Skiers seeking an achievement-focused holiday without a race-camp atmosphere
Competent skiers comfortable skiing moderate to longer distances
Activity level: Challenging → Demanding
Skiing experience: Intermediate → Advanced
Throughout the Week, The Focus Is On:
Building confidence for race day with reconnaissance of the race route
Developing efficient pacing and energy management strategies
Refining all techniques to suit the terrain encountered in the Nordmarka forests
A Typical Day
Itineraries are subject to change based on weather and snow conditions
Morning Session (09:00 – 11:00)
Introductory activities, basic movement patterns and drills to begin the skating journey
Afternoon Session (14:00 – 16:00)
Relaxed skiing journeys applying the technical improvements made in the morning over distance and varied terrain.
Evening
Exceptional Nordic cuisine, wellness facilities, and time to relax within the unique atmosphere of Lysebu.
Arrive at Oslo Airport where you will be met by your Wildtrack Nordic guide. Our complimentary group transfer departs the airport at 15:00 before travelling to your accommodation in Oslo.
After settling in, there is time to explore the local area and enjoy your first evening in Norway before joining your guide and fellow guests for a welcome dinner and briefing, introducing the week ahead and the significance of the Holmenkollmarsjen within Norwegian skiing culture.
The week begins in the forests of Nordmarka, Oslo's vast winter playground and one of the world's most famous cross-country skiing destinations. The day focuses on building confidence, refining technique and settling into the rhythm of skiing in Norway. Rolling forest trails and beautiful winter scenery provide a memorable introduction to the landscapes that have shaped Norwegian skiing culture for generations.
Today's journey explores key sections of the Holmenkollmarsjen route. Skiing through forests, rolling terrain and classic Norwegian trails, you'll gain familiarity with the event environment while continuing to develop pacing and endurance. Along the way, guests experience first-hand why generations of Norwegians regard these forests as the spiritual home of Nordic skiing.
Today combines skiing with exploration of Norway's rich skiing heritage. A visit to the iconic Holmenkollen Ski Arena and Ski Museum provides fascinating insight into the history of Nordic skiing, while the surrounding trails offer some of the finest skiing in the Oslo region. This is a day that celebrates both the sport and the culture that surrounds it.
A longer journey explores the quieter reaches of Nordmarka. Travelling through snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and remote cabins, guests experience the landscapes that define everyday skiing life in Norway. The focus is on discovery, immersion and experiencing the outdoor culture that remains central to Norwegian life.
With event day fast approaching, attention turns towards final preparations. The afternoon includes a visit to the Holmenkollen Ski Stadium to collect race bibs and event packs for the Holmenkollmarsjen, while there is also time to prepare equipment and complete final ski waxing preparations. As excitement builds around one of Norway's most celebrated ski events, a final group dinner and briefing ensure everyone feels ready for the challenge ahead.
The highlight of the week. Joining thousands of Norwegian skiers, you'll take part in one of the country's most celebrated ski events. Following trails through the forests and hills surrounding Oslo, the Holmenkollmarsjen combines challenge, atmosphere and tradition in equal measure. Completing the event is an opportunity to become part of one of the world's great skiing cultures and a fitting culmination to an unforgettable week in Norway.
Following breakfast, we provide a complimentary group transfer to Oslo Airport for your onward journey.
As your journey home begins, you'll leave with memories of exceptional skiing, rich Nordic heritage and the experience of participating in one of Norway's most celebrated cross-country skiing events.
The Holmenkollen Journey combines the challenge of completing the Holmenkollmarsjen with the opportunity to experience Norwegian winter life first-hand. Throughout the week, guests ski through the forests of Nordmarka, explore the traditions of Holmenkollen, and share trails that have inspired generations of recreational and elite skiers alike. For many guests, the highlight is not simply crossing the finish line, but spending a week experiencing the landscapes, culture, and traditions that have made Norway synonymous with cross-country skiing.
Entry and support for the Holmenkollmarsjen Ski Classics event
Holmenkollen cultural and heritage experiences, including opportunities to explore Oslo
Accommodation at the historic Lysebu Hotel with wellness facilities and exceptional dining
Small groups and expert Wildtrack Nordic support throughout the week
The meeting point for your holiday is Oslo Airport, Norway's principal international airport, with excellent direct connections from destinations across Europe and North America. We are pleased to offer a bespoke transfer service, with your guide for the week meeting you in the arrivals hall.
Your transfer from the airport will depart at 15:00. The journey to Lysebu takes approximately 60 minutes, travelling through Oslo before climbing into the peaceful forested surroundings of Holmenkollen. Those guests wishing to arrive earlier or later may use public transport to get to the hotel at their leisure, we can advise on the various options, but we ask all guests to arrive at the hotel for the group evening meal at 19:00.
On departure day, we will return you to Oslo Airport by 10:00, requiring departure from the hotel at 09:00.
Please contact your guide as soon as possible if your flight is delayed.
From January to April, Lysebu experiences classic Norwegian winter conditions, with a reliable snow season and excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing in the surrounding Nordmarka forest. January is typically the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from approximately -8°C to -3°C (18°F to 27°F), while regular snowfall helps maintain consistently good skiing conditions.
February and March remain reliably wintry, with temperatures often staying below freezing and well-prepared trails extending through the forested landscape around the hotel. By April, longer daylight hours and the first signs of spring begin to appear, with temperatures typically ranging from 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F). Despite the milder conditions, snow often remains on higher trails, allowing for enjoyable late-season skiing within easy reach of the hotel
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: Challenging to demanding
Our highest level of endurance and sustained physical effort
The Holmenkoll March represents one of the greatest physical challenges within the Wildtrack Nordic programme. Designed for experienced cross-country skiers with excellent endurance, this holiday involves long days on snow, with demanding terrain. The terrain around Holmenkoll can be steep and challenging, but this presents a prepared skier with amazing opportunities to test themselves.
Skiing experience: Intermediate to advanced
Strong technique. Confident performance.
The Holmenkoll March is designed for experienced cross-country skiers with a high level of skiing ability. This holiday assumes a strong foundation across all aspects of classic skiing and the focus of the coaching is refining performance through detailed coaching and rehearsal of the race route.
You should already ski confidently across a wide range of terrain and snow conditions whilst maintaining efficient technique and be comfortable receiving detailed coaching
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
• Spa treatments and additional wellness services