Cross-country Skiing in Norway
Møsstrond Turisthytte lies nearly 1000 metres up on the southern edge of the Hardangervidda mountain plateaux. The lodge is beautifully situated on an island in the centre of one of Norway's larger lakes, Møsvatn, and is only accessible either by boat in the summer or by ski or snow-tracked vehicle during the winter. Facing south, the lodge offers wonderful views across the lake to other small islands and beyond to the impressive mass of Mount Gausta.
To the north and west of the lodge, the landscape is characterised by a wilderness of high mountains, spectacular gorges, hanging valleys and vertical rock faces rising directly from the lake. The area is noted for its wildlife; snowy owl, lynx, wolverine, and large herds of wild reindeer. The lake is also well known for its abundance of arctic char and mountain trout.
Møsstrond is ideal for a variety of winter activities such as ice fishing, snow-shoeing and dog sledding but its great strengths lie in wilderness (off track) mountain skiing and has an excellent team of mountain guides with many years experience behind them.
The more gentle landscape to the south and east, offer protected skiing through woods and over the rolling hills of the islands close to the lodge. The mountains to the north and west provide for more challenging skiing and here you will be able to experience the shear joys of 'Telemarking' down the long
descents from the high mountains above the lake.
This part of Norway is steeped in skiing history and it was from the mountains and hills of upper Telemark that skiing spread to the rest of the world. It was also from Møsstrond that the explorer Roald Amundsen started his ski tours across the Hardangervidda, training for his trip to the South Pole. He would later claim that his skiing on the 'vidda' was more challenging then that in the Antarctic. Later, Møsstrond was again a training ground for skiers; this time for Norwegian saboteurs, who spent a long winter in small huts in the mountains above Møsvatn during WW2, preparing for their daring raid on the Heavy Water plant near Rjukan, which prevented the Nazi production of the atomic bomb.
Møsstrond Turisthytte, which was built 140 years ago, was originally the school for the local community of Møsstrond. Because this road less community is spread around the 40km. long lake, it was necessary for the children to be weekly boarders. Thus the excellent facilities already provided, meant that it was relatively easy to convert the buildings into a suitable mountain lodge. The lodge, which is close to the church and neighbour to two farms on the island, opened for the first winter season in 2009.
The lodge was set up by Philip Ridgway, Tina's brother, so we can ensure that you have a tremendous trip!
The accommodation is typically Norwegian with comfortable traditional style bunk beds and wood panelled dining and sitting rooms. Most bedrooms accommodate 2 guests but there are 2 family size rooms with 4 beds. Ample washing and shower facilities are provided close by.
For further details on departure dates please do not hesitate to call us on 01428 658 777.
