Through the Forests - Classic Improver Week, Norway

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

Lysebu holidays are designed for skiers who enjoy full and rewarding days on snow. The varied terrain around Holmenkollen and Nordmarka includes sustained climbs, longer descents and rolling forest trails, making these holidays best suited to guests with a good level of fitness and the endurance to ski confidently for several hours over consecutive days. With expert coaching and carefully planned daily journeys, you'll continue to develop your skills whilst experiencing some of Norway's most iconic cross-country skiing landscapes.

Skiing Experience

These holidays are intended for skiers who have already mastered the fundamentals of cross-country skiing and are comfortable skiing independently on a variety of groomed trails. You should be able to control your speed, climb and descend confidently, and link your techniques together efficiently across undulating terrain. Coaching focuses on refining technique, improving efficiency and building confidence in more challenging conditions, allowing you to make the most of one of the world's most celebrated Nordic skiing destinations

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