About off-track cross country skiing
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Skiing off track in NorwayOff-track skiing is very varied. At one extreme it can be a quick sortie over the local golf course when winter brings a lucky dump of snow. At the other extreme it can involve mountain touring Scandinavia, with nights in remote cabins. [NB This is not to be confused with alpine ski touring or back country touring, where you need heavier equipment and alpine or telemark skiing skills.]
There is a magic in making your own way on skis across unbroken snow. You feel that you can go where you please. You can explore on a daily basis or be more self reliant touring from hut to hut over several days. There is no better way to experience the beauty of the winter landscape.
Where to go
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Off track skiing in Norway [Photo M Wray]
Excellent off-track skiing is to be had in many parts of the world but for skiers based in the UK, Norway is the Mecca. It's easy to get to, has good internal transport, reliable snow and an endless choice of valley routes and rounded fells. Above all, it has a wonderful network of mountain huts, such as those run by the Norwegian Trekking Assoiciation - DNT, and hotels.
Although the Club doesn't organise off-track skiing trips, if you'd like to go with a group, or would like an introduction, several companies do offer this type of holiday in Norway including:
Exodus [at Kvitavatn and Venabu]
Equipment and clothing
Skis for off-track skiing are wider than cross country track skis. Most have metal edges - to make them stronger and give you better control if the snow is hard or icy. Boots are as heavy as mountain walking boots and are made from leather or plastic. Poles need to be strong.
Clothing for day tours must be warm and windproof. You need a series of light layers and you should carry a rucksack to hold spare layers. On hut-to-hut tours you need to be equipped for all possible conditions whilst keeping your backpack down to a manageable weight.
Also do make sure your insurance covers you for this type of skiing.