Cross-Country Skiing: Kvitavatn

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 21 reviews.

Katharine Henson

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written April 2012
Due to the lack of snow at the end of the season, the advertised corss-country skiing turned into a winter walking holiday. Whilst the company was very pleasant, this was a far cry from the winter activity holiday that everyone had expected.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
In view of the lack of snow it is hard to describe any aspect of the holiday as inspirational. However, it was good that a light fall of snow enabled us to ski on the last day of the holiday. Skiing round the frozen lake gave a taste of what we had missed.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mary coped very well in the face of adverse conditions. It is no easy task to come up with acceptable activities for a dozen very disappointed people. Her knowledge of the local area enabled her to arrange some pleasant walks in the hills and the cable car to the Hardangarvidda provided a welcome change of scene.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The accomodation is good. You may wish to take a swimsuit for the mixed sauna, although the locals did not seem to regard this as a necessary item. The food was good, with ample supplies at breakfast to make a packed lunch. Be prepared for low temparatures (-14 or less) even in April).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
With any winter sports holiday there is an element of luck where the weather is concerned. With over 25 years of (downhill) skiing experience this was not the first time that my plans have been thwarted by the lack of snow or poor weather conditions. Whilst it is possible to have good snow at Easter you must bear in mind that Kvitavatn is low (950m) and a long way South in Norway - both factors that make snow cover in April less sure. In the right conditions I could see that there was great potential, with a large number of hills and lakes that would be easily accessible on skis. However, if you want to guarantee snow in April you really need to consider a destination that is much further North or at a much greater altitude.
John Pickard

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written March 2012
Very well organised, friendly holiday. Excellent staff good accommodation. This was our second time on this holiday, still more to do next time too.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I found the staff to be knowledgable and dynamic as they adapted to difficult weather conditions.
What did you think of your group leader?
The holiday was well lead, a real team effort from all the staff.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Check the weather reports, take advantage of everything on offer.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A truy fantastic holiday
Alison Kerlogue

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written February 2012
Back at Kvitavatn again for another year and as always a 5 GOLD star experience. The tuition and leaders are platinum and the place is so friendly and relaxed that it feels like home and I do keep coming back for all of that.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Sparkly days up high with amazing views - didn't want to be anywhere else on earth.
What did you think of your group leader?
Ilse & Mary are fantastic, they tick all the boxes and I cannot speak more highly of them if I tried.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go, you wont regret it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'll be back again next year, cannot wait.
Stella Imong

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written February 2012
It was wonderful to be back at Kvitavatn again. I felt the location was better than ever with really good facilities at the Fjellstoge and superb food and kindness. Mary and Ilse are the best instructors ever and make every day a positive experience. You finish on a high (literally!).
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
On the last day, getting close to the top of Orenipa and then skiing down on some lovely traverses. Seeing my little sister's face appear at the top as she side-stepped up to the plateau.
What did you think of your group leader?
Both Mary and Ilse provide leading of exceptional quality which is positive and skillful, managing the group well and giving excellent and focussed individual tuition along the way.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You will have a great time and always end up a better skier than before you went.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I wouldn't let the groups get above 12, that is an absolute maximum. Smaller is better.
mike hayward

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written February 2012
A holiday that was physiclly challenging but not so much that it was too much.I liked the idea of being ''offroad' most of the time. The trip leaders were excellent, empathetic, and flexible. Highlight was summiting out on a gloriously clear day
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
view for ever from the peaks
What did you think of your group leader?
excellent - no need to say more!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
give it a go - but be fit so you can enjoy it more without the aches and pians
Andrea Barr

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written February 2012
A very active holiday in a beautiful and remote location
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
gliding across frozen lakes covered in snow with the sun shining and nobody else around
Standing at the top of a mountain pass looking out across the mountains one morning having just watched heroes of telemark on dvd the night before in the lodge- it gave a real feel of what those men went through in WWII.
What did you think of your group leader?
We had two - they divided their time between both groups. Mary and Ilse were both excellent, profficient at the sport and their local knowledge was excellent
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Dont forget your gaiters. Cross country skiing in Kvitavatn is not limited to the tracks - all terrains are covered so you will spend a lot of time in deep snow.If you dont have gaiters you get very wet feet!
Go to the gym and work out on a cross trainer before you go - any preparation is worthwhile as the trip is very active and you will find muscles you didnt know you had!
Dispel any notion that its like alpine skiing as its nothing like it - far harder, far more energetic but definitely more worth while in my opinion!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The lodge is described as remote. Its not remote in the sense that it stands on its own because it doesnt, its surrounded by very many lodges and chalets and even a small down hill ski station but there is absolutely no life such as you would associate with an alpine ski village. Everything centres around the lodge. Dont let this put you off however.The day is so energetic that i defy anyone to be able to stay awake past 10pm! The accomodation is great for two people but a bit cozy for four and you will have to share if you dont pay the premium and the lodge is full which it was when we went at half term.
Robert Churcher

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

Written April 2011
Overall a good holiday for both myself and my daughter. Kvitavatn was a bit low for so late in the season (April) and the snow hadnt been great there this year, but the accomodation and the instructor were both great.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
My daughters enthusiasm for cross country, (it was her first time x-country) and how much she enjoyed herself.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent balanced instruction, Mary managed the different needs of the group brilliantly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I am sure Kvitavatn would be brilliant earlier in the season, when the higher fjells are too cold. In a good or even usual year it would still be OK in early April, but there is a steep climb (and desecent) to the best tracks.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Good holiday for both of us, and our instructor/leader really enthused my daughter for X country. I should add that everything was very well organised.