1: SPRENPIGGEN / BINGSBU ....... 12 km
A medium demanding hike, through the forest up to the bare mountain. Some parts can be a little steep. For those who’d like to go to the very top of Sprenpiggen (1332 .as) it is a relatively steep way from the foot of the mountain and up. Bingsbu warming hut is open every day all year and in the winter season the fire in the wood stove is rekindled every morning. On the way back, one might choose whether to follow the same route, or take the path/track down to Lohaugen and then back to Dalseter.
2: AROUND THE MOUNTAIN SPRENPIGGEN ...... 18 km
You take the trail to Sprenpiggen/Bingsbu. From Bingsbu the tracks continue up towards Børkdalen and Strand Mountain Lodge. By the lake Sprentjerna the path takes a right turn and follows a great route around Sprenpiggen before it ends up in the track between Lohaug and Bingsbu approx. at the tree limit. From there you follow the Lohaugen trail back. This trip is recommended on a clear winter day. It boasts a fantastic view of Espedalen and the mountains of Jotunheimen. The trail is groomed by the big machine and has double tracks
3: RUTEN 1517 a.b.s.l. ....... 12 km
A little more challenging trip, goes through the woods and up to the bare mountain to the top of Ruten (1517 m.a.s.) with a total climb of 650 m. The first part through the forest is groomed with dual tracks.
After that you go off track and make your own up to the top. From the tree limit and up to Ryttjerna the climb is very steep. From there you head through somewhat rocky and flat terrain until you have about 200m left. The very last bit up is steep and usually with little snow. Here we recommend leaving the skis behind in wintertime and walk the rest on foot. The ski poles however, can prove useful all the way. On the way home awaits a frisky downhill glide. When the sky is clear you will have a spectacular view from the top - with the Mountains of Jotunheimen to the west and the mountains of Rondane National Park to the east .
4: LOHAUGEN ...... 7 km
An easy trip that runs through pinewoods to the lookout point of Lohaugen. There are few hills and even tracks. Suitable for even the less experienced skiers/ walkers. The tracks are machine groomed and has double tracks.
In the summer time it is also nice to bike this way.
5: HATTDALSETER – LANGTJERN (Trekantløypen) 14 km
From Dalseter to Hattdalseter on the Peer Gynt road. Light climbing and downhills. From Hattdalseter to the small lake Langtjern the track goes through rougher terrain towards Langtjern. From Langtjern the track follows an old cart road past the old farm “Øvre Dalseter” back to Dalseter.
Or one can make a turn down on the tracks towards the mountain logde "Ruten Fjellstue" , cross the road and then back to Dalseter. The track is groomed and has dual tracks.
A perfect trip to start a week of skiing. Parts of the tracks are wide enough for both freestyle skiing and classic.
In the summertime this is also a nice bicycle ride. Back through the forest from Hattdalseter you must be prepared for a rougher terrain amongst rocks and wood, and some of it can be a little muddy.
6: LANGTJERN ...... 6 km
An easy trip, that goes by Øvre Dalseter and follows an old cart road up to the small lake Langtjern. On the road you pass a tree where a herder carved the year he was there. Can you find out which year?
From Langtjern you either follow the same road back, or one can make a turn down on the tracks towards the mountain logde "Ruten Fjellstue" , cross the road and then back to Dalseter. The track is groomed and has dual tracks. The trip is very good as a start for untrained skiers or as a nice afternoon trip.
In summertime you can also ride a bicycle to Langtjern, just be prepared for some muddy parts when going back on the trail towards the Ruten Moutain Logde.
RONJALØYPEN appr. 2 km extra on the Langtjern track
From the track at Langtjern there is a turn off that is called Ronjaløypen.
This is an extra track through idyllic forrest scenery that lengthens the trip with about 2 km.
7: RUNDHØ...... 6 km
Forrest terrain and mountain. You follow the Peer Gynt road to the old farm Brendsetra. Then you take the yellow marked track over the marsh to “Den store steinen” (= the big rock). There you take a right towards Rundhø. Even climbing, that gets a little steeper towards to the peak of Rundhø. (1268 m.a.s.) Brisk downhill skiing back in wintertime. In the winter, an alternative route is to turn 90 degrees to the right to the “pony-trail” that enters the track up to the peak of Ruten.
8: ELBJØRGSHAUGEN ...... 8 km
The trail goes by Ruten Mountain Lodge. You may enter the trail directly from the Dalseter stables, or follow the riksroad 255 to the Mountain Lodge. The trail itself starts north of the lodge. The terrain is rugged with pine and birch forest. Some climbing to the top of Elbjørgshaugen (952 m.a.s). Elbjørgshaugen plunges steeply down to Olstappen, so be careful on the top. Great view south over Espedalen as well as to Skåbu and Jotunheimen.
9: HESTÅDALEN ....... 22 km
The trail goes by Rundhø and up over Skarvranden (1400 m.a.s), with steep climbing. From Skarvranden it goes gently downhill into the valley Hestådalen. Most of the trail goes across the bare mountain. Back past Sprenpiggen to Dalseter. Recommended on sunny and calm days only, a trip for the more experienced. The tracks are prepared by snow scooter.
10: FREDRIKSETER and back again ....... 10 km
The old summer farm Fredrikseter lies straight opposed to Dalseter on the other side of the valley. You go down the skihill in the winter, or follow the road next to the stables down to lake Breidsjøen. Down by the bottom of the ski hill, you turn right past some old log buildings and newer cottages. Then you cross the river that runs between Breisjøen and Ramstjern on the new bridge.
Here you can see traces of old log floating, and if you’re really lucky you might see Norway’s national bird: Fossekallen. Fossekallen is a small black bird with a white spot on it’s chest. By the first cross-trails you head straight ahead and then follow the trail to Fredrikseter. From the river the trail leads through pine forest, first across flat terrain and later up a longwinded climb before the path flattens out again and turns into rugged wood terrain up to Fredrikseter.
A nice tour for the more experienced. The tracks are machine groomed and have dual tracks.
In the summertime you have two different options for the bottom part.
11:TUNEBU / ESPEDALEN MOUNTAIN HOTEL (21 KM)
First you follow the route to Fredrikseter, from there you take a left and follow the trail at the edge of the wood until you reach the hut Tunebu. First part of the trail is flat, the last piece is somewhat steep and hilly. Tunebu is like Bingsbu a warming hut that can be used freely by our guests. The hut is heated in the winter and hot drinks are provided some days. From there you take the trail over Venilmyrene down towards Espedalen Mountain Hotel. From there you may choose between the west side of Breisjøen home, or you can follow the yellow trail up to Lohaugen and Peer Gynt road. The last alternative is somewhat longer. The whole route has dual tracks.
12: BREIDSJØEN RUNDT / ESPEDALEN FJ.HOTELL ....... 8 km
The route starts at the Peer Gynt road and continues onto the yellow trail that goes past on the lower side of Lohaugen and further down to Espedalen Mountain Hotel.
Heading home again, you use the trail on the west side of the water. To find it you cross the main road and follow the path behind Espedalen Mountain Hotel. From there you follow the trail along the forest road all the way down to the north end of Breidsjøen where you cross the river at the bridge. Turn right from there towards the ski lift of Dalseter. At this point the weary skier may purchase a ride up with the ski lift. Others may either take the road or the skihill up. The tracks are dual.
This is a wonderful trip that is also used for trail riding on horseback in summertime. Then we usually go the other way and start by Breidsjøen.
13: STRAND MOUNTAIN LOGDE (22 KM)
You take the left trail to Bingsbu. From there the track turns into a snow scooter trail through Børkdalen, which is a marked trail in rugged terrain to Slettfjellet. Here the downhill starts the last 2.5 km to Strand Fjellstue. This downhill slopes lead through birch forest and is a fun hill with lots of turns. It is steep some places. To get home you may either use your skis, or take the bus. Information about the bus schedule is available in the reception.
14: SVARTTJERNHULLET ....... 30 km
You follow the trail to Tunebu. From Tunebu you continue to the small lake Angsjøen and from there to Svarttjernhullet through rugged terrain. The hut is heated on some occasions. Information about when the hut is open is posted in the reception. The trail continues up a steep hill to Reinsknappen, further down Snubbdalen and ends up by Fredrikseter. From Fredrikseter you can choose between several trails down to Breisjøen and back to the hotel.
15: DALSETER – ESPEFOSSEN – DALSETER (sommertur) ....... 4 km
You head down to the lake Breidsjøen, and follows the path that goes north on this side of Ramstjern. By the north end of Ramstjern the river Espa runs out . You continue on the path along the river until you reach the waterfall. Only in summertime. Same way back. Alternative down to Breidsjøen, across the river and follow the path to Fredrikseter. When you get to the crossroads where the winter trail to Fredrikseter heads up to the left, you take the path down the hill and follows it a little while. Then turn right at the sign marked Espefossen. Same way back.
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SKIING OUTSIDE PREPARED TRACKS
For those who’d like to see even more nature and wild life, we recommend stepping off the prepared tracks. This is a little more demanding way of skiing. But the chances of seeing any of the forest’s and mountain’s inhabitants are much greater. In any case you will see plenty of animal tracks. For those who want to see moose we recommend the terrain around Langtjern and towards Hattdalseter from Langtjern. This area is also well stocked with big birds. If you go along the tree limit up to the bare mountain you might scare up grouse.
Be careful and be still.
Save your energy, walking through the snow is hard work. Be aware of the terrain you walk in, stay oriented on where you are so you don’t get lost, and be careful so no accidents occur.