Hardangervidda Winter Expedition

By Andreas Spak
Published on 2025-11-14

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A Week on Europe’s Largest Mountain Plateau

Hardangervidda in winter is a world of its own — a vast, white horizon where silence stretches farther than the eye can see. For six days we travel on skis across this high mountain plateau, pulling pulks with our gear and camping wherever the day brings us. There are no cabins, no snowmobile trails, and no signs of human presence; just wind, snow, and the steady rhythm of moving through real wilderness. It’s a simple way of travelling, but deeply rewarding: long days outdoors, shared effort, and the quiet satisfaction of living close to nature.

 

Daily ski travel

Each day we cover 10–15 kilometers on skis, moving at a steady, comfortable pace. The terrain is mostly gentle, but the weather can shift quickly, turning an easy glide into a real test of focus. Everyone pulls a pulk with their personal gear, distributing the weight so travel feels efficient rather than heavy. Along the way we follow reindeer tracks, pause for short breaks, and work together to navigate the open plateau. It’s not about speed — it’s about settling into a rhythm and experiencing the landscape as it unfolds.

 

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Life at camp

When the skiing day ends, we set up camp wherever we are on the plateau. Tents go up, snow is melted for water, and we prepare a warm meal together. Evenings are simple and surprisingly comfortable: the soft light of the stove, the quiet of the winter night, and the feeling of being completely removed from everyday life. With good routines and shared tasks, camp life becomes one of the most memorable parts of the expedition.

 

Challenge and reward

This expedition is rated moderate to advanced, not because of technical difficulty, but because of the conditions. Long days outdoors, cold temperatures, and the simplicity of tent life require resilience and a positive mindset. In return you get something rare: wide-open landscapes, deep focus, and a sense of achievement that grows with every kilometer you travel.

 

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Who is this trip for?

You don’t need to be an elite skier or a seasoned explorer. Basic cross-country skiing skills, some outdoor experience, and a reasonable level of fitness are enough. What matters most is that you enjoy being outside, are comfortable with winter conditions, and are curious about learning new skills. If you appreciate quiet places, shared effort, and life stripped down to essentials, this journey will feel exactly right.

 

A journey that stays with you

A week on Hardangervidda is more than a ski tour — it’s a chance to step out of routine and into a quieter, more focused way of living. The days are simple, the landscape vast, and the experience unforgettable. When you return from the plateau, you bring back more than tired legs: you carry a deeper confidence in your own abilities and a renewed appreciation for the wild, open spaces that make Norway so special.