Previous Experience: These trips are for those who are new to off-track but not new to cross-country skiing. You should already be a competent on track cross-country skier and have completed at least one week of classic skiing on groomed trails with professional instruction. In summary, you should be comfortable at Intermediate level as a classic track skier to join our off-track beginner trips.

Skills Set: On groomed tracks you should be confident about controlling speed and direction, have a solid ‘snowplough’ and be able to competently make snowplough turns. You should be able to ski under control on a variety of terrain both uphill, and downhill. The most important skill is the ability to stay upright while skiing with a rucksack. If your trip includes a trip to a hut you will be expected to carry a medium sized daypack, but no more than 10 kgs (22 lbs). Repeated falling leads quickly to exhaustion and jeopordises the group safety. Descending slopes most commonly involves traversing then a stem, or kick turn, followed by another traverse and so on. A telemark turn is not necessary although you may have an understanding of the telemark turn.

Terrain: You should enjoy being in remote and wild mountain areas, have a good fitness level and above all sense of adventure! You should be comfortable with winter weather, which may include snowfall and cold winds. For this reason we expect a degree of self-sufficiency in terms of keeping yourself warm, and dry. You should be happy to ski on a variety of snow including snow that is less than perfect which may be firm, crusty or icy. This trip may include some steep sections with bends, as well as narrow tracks.

Fitness: Time on skis will be 5-6 hours per day covering approximately 10-20 km (6.2-10.4 miles) per day.

Previous Experience: You should have completed our Hardanger Off-Track Ski Skills & Touring or provide sufficient experience of other Nordic off-track trips. We suggest a minimum of 4-6 days off-track previous experience for this trip.

Skills Set: Going from hut to hut you will be expected to carry a standard sized touring pack of around 10kgs (22 lbs) travelling over undulating terrain, down moderate hills in a variety of snow conditions. A confident snowplough turn and the ability to traverse are the minimum downhill technique requirements. As well as being able to control speed and direction, you should have a steady ‘kick and glide’ when not using 'skins' and be able to maintain a reasonable pace throughout the day. Descending slopes most commonly involves traversing then a stem, or kick turn, followed by another traverse and so on. A telemark turn is not necessary although basic knowledge of a telemark turn is useful.

Terrain: You should enjoy dealing with a wide range of terrain from gentle descents which require a traversing line, to climbs where we might use 'climbing skins'. You should be comfortable managing your own needs in terms of fuel, hydration and warmth. You enjoy the wildness and solitutue of being in remote mountain areas.

Fitness: Time on skis will be 5-6 hours per day covering approximately 10–20 km (6.2-10.4 miles) per day.

Previous Experience: You should have completed our Rondane Off-Track Ski Touring & Skills or provide sufficient experience of other Nordic off-track trips. This grade generally applies to a point-to-point trip using mountain huts and therefore we require you to be able to get on your skis and go.

Skills Set: You will be expected to carry a standard sized touring pack of around 10kgs (22 lbs) travelling over undulating terrain, down moderate hills in a variety of snow conditions. A confident snowplough turn and the ability to traverse are the minimum downhill technique requirements. As well as being able to control speed and direction, you should have a steady ‘kick and glide’ when not using 'skins' and be able to maintain a reasonable pace throughout the day. Descending slopes most commonly involves traversing then a stem, or kick turn, followed by another traverse and so on. A telemark turn is not necessary although basic knowledge of a telemark turn is useful.

The most important skill is the ability to stay upright while skiing with a rucksack. Repeated falling leads very quickly to exhaustion and jeopordises the group safety. You should understand the terms and be able to demonstrate a kick turn both uphill and downhill, and side slip if required.

Terrain: You should enjoy dealing with a wide range of terrain from steep descents that require a traversing line, to steep climbs where we might use 'climbing skins'. You should be able to stay upright while skiing on all types of terrain and over all snow types from powder, to icy sections. We all fall, but it should not be every 5 minutes.

Fitness: Time on skis will be 5-6 hours per day covering approximately 12–22 km (7.5-13.6 miles) per day.

Previous Experience: You should have completed previous hut to hut off-track tours. This grade generally applies to a point-to-point trip using mountain huts and therefore we require you to be able to get on your skis with confidence and go.

Skills Set: You will be expected to carry a standard sized touring pack of around 10kgs (22 lbs) travelling over undulating terrain, down hills, which may be considered steep at times, in a variety of snow conditions. A confident snowplough turn and the ability to traverse and kick turn efficiently are the minimum downhill technique requirements. As well as being able to control speed and direction, you should have a steady ‘kick and glide’ when not using 'skins' and be able to maintain a steady pace throughout the day. Descending slopes most commonly involves traversing then a stem, or kick turn, followed by another traverse and so on. A telemark turn is not necessary although basic knowledge of a telemark turn is useful.

The most important skill is the ability to stay upright while skiing with a rucksack. Repeated falling leads very quickly to exhaustion and jeopordises the group safety. You should understand the terms and be able to demonstrate a kick turn both uphill and downhill, and side slip if required.

Terrain: You should enjoy dealing with a wide range of challenging terrain from steep descents which require a traversing line, to steep climbs in various snow conditions where we might use 'climbing skins'. You should be able to stay upright while skiing on all types of terrain and over all snow types from powder, to icy sections. We all fall, but it should not be every 5 minutes.

Fitness: Time on skis will be 6-7 hours per day covering approximately 14–25 km (8.75-15.6 miles) per day. With the possibility of one longer day.

Previous Experience: You should have completed an Advanced level off-track hut-to-hut trip, or provide sufficient experience of other trips. This grade generally applies to a committing point-to-point trip using mountain huts and therefore we require you to be able to get on your skis and go. You must be a confident Nordic off-track skier.

Skills Set: You should be familiar with using metal-edged skis and touring boots; able to confidently travel over undulating terrain and maintain a reasonable and appropriate pace within a group of this level; Descending slopes most commonly involves traversing then a stem, or kick turn, followed by another traverse and so on. A telemark turn is not necessary although basic knowledge of a telemark turn is useful. You should understand the terms and be able to demonstrate a kick turn both uphill and downhill, and side slip if required. You should have experience of waxing skis in the field, (if using waxing skis) and be able to take 'skins' on and off quickly and efficiently.

Terrain: These trips will ski over ground that can involve long descents, steep climbs sometimes having to use 'skins', and long undulating sections where a good 'kick and glide' is crucial.

Fitness: This tour does demand stamina and self-reliance in a relatively remote area, skiing long and sustained days. You should be at a very good fitness level. Time on skis can be 7-8 hours per day covering approximately 20–30 km (12.4-18.7 miles) per day. With the possibility of one longer day.