Haute Route Jotunheimen

Jotunheimen Haute Route – Norway’s Most Beautiful Ski Traverse

Join Mountain Guide Travel for a six-day ski expedition through the heart of Norway’s high mountains – Jotunheimen.
Here, the country’s highest peaks rise toward the sky, glaciers meet the horizon, and endless valleys stretch out in every direction.
This is a true Haute Route – filled with peaks, passes, and white horizons – but with a distinctly Norwegian soul and a genuine sense of wilderness.

We’ll climb classics like Glittertind, Galdhøpiggen, Bukkeholstindan, and Storebjørn, moving from mountain hut to mountain hut with light packs and experienced guides.
Each day offers new views, varied terrain, and the feeling of traveling through one of the most mythical mountain regions in the North.

With a certified guide, a small group, and world-class logistics, you’ll experience everything that makes a Haute Route special – without stress, crowds, or lift lines.
This is pure mountain magic – where nature, silence, and ski touring become one.

Skills & Difficulty Level

The Jotunheimen Haute Route is a moderate to advanced ski traverse, ideal for those with some previous experience in ski touring or backcountry skiing.
You should have good fitness and be able to move efficiently in the mountains for several consecutive days – typically 5–8 hours of activity per day and up to 1,400 meters of ascent.

You don’t need to be an expert, but you should:

• Be comfortable skiing in variable terrain (soft snow, hard snow, and occasional steeper sections).

• Be familiar with using skins, heel risers, and switching between uphill and downhill mode.

• Be able to handle your own equipment independently.
  

Previous experience from places such as Lyngen, Sarek, Kebnekaise, or the Alps is an advantage, but not a requirement.
Your guide will adjust the pace, route, and peak choices based on group experience and weather conditions.

In short: this is a trip for those who love movement, mountains, and long days on skis – and who want to take the next step into a true Nordic-style Haute Route. 

Program

The following program describes a typical week. Depending on weather and snow conditions, we may adjust the route – we have many alternatives and other huts available.

Day 1 – Arrival at Gjendesheim & Start of the Adventure

We meet at Gjendesheim, below the famous Besseggen ridge, and do a short warm-up tour to get a feel for the snow, equipment, and rhythm.
In the evening, we review the plan for the week, safety routines, and the weather forecast.

Accommodation: Gjendesheim Fjellstue
Ascent: +300 m

Duration: 2–3 hours

Day 2 – Gjendesheim to Memurubu

We follow the classic route along Gjendevatnet and up towards the legendary Besseggen ridge.
From the ridge, we enjoy sweeping views of turquoise lakes and dramatic peaks – a perfect introduction to Jotunheimen.
A long and beautiful descent brings us to Memurubu, one of Norway’s most iconic mountain lodges.

Accommodation: Memurubu Fjellstue
Ascent: +900 m 

Duration: 5–6 hours

Day 3 – Memurubu to Glitterheim (1,384 m)

We leave Gjendevatnet and head deeper into Jotunheimen.
The day offers long, steady ascents and fantastic views toward Besshøe and Glittertind’s glacier massif.
We reach Glitterheim in the afternoon – a classic mountain lodge with warm food and a calm alpine atmosphere.

Accommodation: Glitterheim Turisthytte
Ascent: +900 m

Duration: 5–6 hours 

Day 4 – Glittertind (2,465 m) to Spiterstulen (1,106 m)

Today we climb Glittertind, Norway’s second-highest mountain, via the wide glacier that leads up to the summit.

From the top, the view stretches all the way to Rondane and Hurrungane.
A long and spectacular descent takes us all the way down to Spiterstulen.

Accommodation: Spiterstulen Fjellstue
Ascent: +1,100 m 

Duration: 7–8 hours 

Day 5 – Summit Day: Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m)

We set out for Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest peak.

The route ascends via Svellnose and Piggbreen, ending at the very roof of Northern Europe.
After a long ski back down, we relax with sauna, dinner, and a well-earned rest at Spiterstulen.

Accommodation: Spiterstulen Fjellstue
Ascent: +1,400 m

Duration: 6–7 hours 

Day 6 – Spiterstulen to Leirvassbu via Bukkeholstindan

We head west towards Leirvassbu, with an ascent of Bukkeholstindan – a majestic massif with several peaks over 2,000 meters.
Depending on weather and conditions, we’ll aim for Store Bukkeholstinden (2,213 m) or one of its neighbors.
After summiting, we continue across open terrain to Leirvassbu, one of Norway’s most iconic lodges, surrounded by glaciers and sharp peaks.

Accommodation: Leirvassbu Fjellstue
Ascent: +1,000 m

Duration: 6–8 hours 

Day 7 – Storebjørn (2,222 m) to Krossbu / Sognefjellet

We finish the traverse with a true alpine adventure – the ascent of Storebjørn (“The Great Bear”), a magnificent glacier peak towering above the Smørstabb massif.
A steady glacier ascent leads to the final steep section and the summit, with sweeping views over Hurrungane and Jotunheimen’s southwest peaks.
A long and beautiful descent takes us down to Krossbu, where a sauna, hot dinner, and celebration await.

Accommodation: Krossbu Fjellstue
Ascent: +1,100 m 

Duration: 6–7 hours 

Day 8 – Departure

Breakfast at Krossbu before we pack up and return to Gjendesheim for onward travel.

A final look back at the mountains – and the satisfaction of completing a true Norwegian classic. 

Small Group – Big Experience

We always travel in small groups, with a maximum of six participants.
This ensures a safe, personal, and flexible experience where the guide can focus on each individual – both on the mountain and during planning.

In small teams we move more efficiently, adapt routes to the weather and group dynamics, and create a genuine sense of teamwork and adventure.

Personal Equipment

Below is the recommended packing list for the Jotunheimen Haute Route.
If you have any questions about your equipment, you are very welcome to contact us.

Ski equipment

• Touring skis with pin bindings (tech bindings recommended)

• Climbing skins, cut to fit your skis

• Ski crampons

• Adjustable ski poles with large baskets

• Ski touring boots (comfortable for long ascents)

• Avalanche equipment: transceiver, probe, shovel (provided if you don’t have your own)

Clothing & personal gear

• Ski clothing suitable for variable weather (shell jacket and pants, mid-layers, base layers)

• Extra base layer tops (2 pieces)

• Extra warm jacket – lightweight down or thick fleece, ideal for breaks and cold conditions

• Extra gloves/mittens

• Warm hat and buff / neck gaiter

• Sunglasses with high UV protection

• Ski goggles (for wind and snow)

• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

• Headlamp (with spare batteries)

Travel & overnight gear

• 35–45 L ski touring backpack (test-pack your gear – if it fits, it’s the right size)

• Travel sheet or thin sleeping liner (sleeping bag not needed)

• Lightweight indoor shoes or hut slippers

• Toiletries (minimal) and small towel

• Earplugs (recommended for shared huts)

• Power bank or small battery pack (limited outlets in huts)

Technical gear

• Climbing harness

• Crampons

• Ice axe (available for rent if you don’t have your own)

Food & extras

• Refillable water bottle or thermos (1 L)

• Energy snacks (nuts, chocolate, energy bars)

• Small personal first-aid kit including blister care (Compeed or tape)

• Book, journal, or something to read – sometimes there’s quiet time in the huts

Included in the Price

• Six days on skis through Jotunheimen, summiting several of Norway’s classic peaks – including Glittertind, Galdhøpiggen, Bukkeholstindan, and Storebjørn.

• Eight days total – with the first day in Gjendesheim and the final night in Krossbu.

• IFMGA-certified mountain guide with extensive experience in Norwegian and alpine Haute Routes.

• Small group – max 6 participants for personal guidance and safety.

• Accommodation in mountain huts (Gjendesheim, Memurubu, Glitterheim, Spiterstulen, Leirvassbu, Krossbu) – shared rooms.

• Half board throughout the tour – breakfast and dinner every day.

• Packed lunch each day.

• Taxi transfer from Krossbu back to Gjendesheim.

• All planning, route choices, and logistics organized and managed by Mountain Guide Travel.

• Group safety equipment, including radios, GPS, and first-aid kit.

• Pre-trip briefing and safety meeting.

• Pre-departure support – packing list, equipment review, and training recommendations.

• Avalanche safety gear provided – shovel, probe, and transceiver for all participants.

• 16-week training plan designed by our guides to build strength, endurance, and ski touring fitness.

Not Included

• Beverages at mountain huts (beer, soda, or wine not included).

• Personal ski equipment (see equipment list).

• Travel to/from Gjendesheim.

• Insurance for rescue or off-piste skiing.

• Extra costs due to itinerary changes caused by weather or conditions.

• DNT membership (required for hut discounts – see below).

DNT Membership

If you are not a member of DNT (The Norwegian Trekking Association), an additional 350 NOK per night will be added to your accommodation cost.

Membership is easy to purchase directly via their website.

Group Booking

We offer both private group weeks and open groups for individuals booking on their own.
Solo travelers will be matched with others to form a small group.

For private bookings with your own guide, contact us at info@mountainguide.se or via the booking form on this page.

Booking

Because the huts along this route fill up early, we require bookings no later than December 31 for the following season.
Early reservations are highly recommended to secure accommodation.

The earlier you book – the better your chance of joining this incredible ski traverse through the heart of Norway.