Introduction to classic Cross Country skiing

The instructor will meet you inside the Beitostølen Ski School office. Here, we’ll go through the equipment together and take a look at the trail map to get an overview of the area.

The goal is to give you a safe and motivating start – the instructor will share their passion for cross-country skiing and show you how to get started and confidently head out on your own adventures.

The instructor will then choose a suitable trail based on the day’s weather and snow conditions to ensure the best possible experience.

Beitostølen is a true paradise for cross-country skiing.

Here you’ll find beautiful, well-prepared trails in a variety of terrain. Along the way, you can also discover cozy wind shelters, open mountain lodges, and cafés – perfect places for a well-earned break.

For those who don’t have their own skis, Beitostølen Rental offers high-quality cross-country ski rentals.

A bit of history:

There is evidence that skiing was used in Norway as far back as 4000 years ago. In Rødøy, in Nordland County, a rock carving shows a man who has been named "The Red-Eyed Man" – believed to be an early skier.

Norwegian soldiers also fought on skis against the Swedes in the early 1800s.

The modern father of skiing, however, is Sondre Norheim, who was the first to use skis for fun and play – just like we do today.

Norheim performed slalom and telemark turns in fresh snow and became one of the best skiers in Norway in the late 1800s.

In more recent times, Marit Bjørgen, Therese Johaug, and Petter Northug have become world-renowned Norwegian skiing icons.

Cross-country skiing has deep roots in Norwegian culture, and here in Beitostølen we are proud to offer over 320 km of groomed trails – ready for you to explore.