Voss Haute Route.

This concept is simple, we start from Voss Resort and make our way to Myrkdalen. There is nothing new with this concept, this used to be a classic cross country ski trip, very popular from the 60s to the 90s, and often done in Easter. That trip used to be pitched as a from A to B through the east side of the Stølsheim mountain plateau. This on itself is a magical experience. Some people used to do it in a day, but it was more common to sleep one or two night in the cabins of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) that are along the way.

Our modern twist involves linking and skiing through the consecutive valleys along the mountain plateau on ski touring gear. Here, you will find fantastic terrain for cruising, freeride, and genuine solitude. Much of the area we cover features some of the best skiing around Voss. However, because it is difficult to reach on standard day trips, it sees very few tracks.

Completing the full traverse is a deeply rewarding experience. Best of all, spending a winter night on the Stølsheimen mountain plateau in a cozy Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) cabin is simply magical.

The challenges of a ski touring trip over Stølsheim

Planning and executing this route, can be challenging. There is a lot of distance and elevation to cover. Most of the uphills and downhills can be done in terrain class one and two.

Navigating the Mountain Plateau.

Navigating and managing safety across the mountain plateau requires focus and respect for the elements. The route involves long stretches crossing open, exposed high country to link one valley to the next. While this open space is central to the magic of the trip, it can also become extremely harsh in bad weather. Storms and wind hit the plateau with full force, and navigating under these conditions can quickly feel disorienting and intense. Even highly experienced skiers visiting from outside Scandinavia may find this unique environment unlike anything they have encountered before.

Being fast, sharp, and confident with a map and compass is essential. Map skills are critical even on clear days: transitions from the flat plateau into the downhill valleys almost always begin over broad, convex terrain roll. Accurate map work and triangulation are crucial to ensure you drop in safely and avoid entering terrain traps.

Telephone range.

In most of the mountain plateau, including the cabins of Tvinnestølen and Torvedalshytta, you won’t have telephone range. That implies three main things: first and most important, you will really disconect from your everyday life and be present in your experience. Second; relying in your telefon and map-apps for navigating is not a smart idea. Three; you need a plan B for comunicating in case of emergency. Either a satelite telephone or an in reach will do the job.

Planning Valley Overnights and Alternative Routes.

When planning your trip, you must identify your “points of no return”—knowing under which conditions to turn back before committing to the plateau, as well as where your nearest escape route is at all times. Having an escape route can save you from a harsh, grueling storm traverse, but having an attractive Plan B is just as vital.

Planning an overnight (or two) in the valley bottoms makes for an excellent alternative itinerary. There are no DNT cabins located down in these valleys, but Engjaland Fjellstova, offers rooms and has a private cabin up in Reppabotn. It serves as a fantastic base for day tours and skiing powder laps on low-visibility, stormy days. Because Engjaland Mountain Lodge is accessible by car, it also provides the perfect location for a rest day—whether you want to take a day trip to the fjord, relax your legs in the sauna, or simply let a heavy storm pass before resuming your tour.

The Logistics:

Tvinnestølen is an unserviced DNT cabin (ubetjent hytte), meaning it is equipped with beds, bedding, cookware, and toilet facilities, but carries no food inventory. Torvedalshytta is self-serviced (selvbetjent), which means it includes a pantry stocked mostly with canned goods and non-perishables. You simply log what you take via the DNT app and pay online afterwards.

However, if you plan to ski through these valleys for several days, carrying a heavy food supply in your backpack can quickly spoil the fun. At Wild Voss, we set up a dedicated logistics network before our trips so guests can ski with lighter daypacks while still enjoying delicious, local farm food along the way. While freeze-dried meals get the job done, we think taking guests to a traditional Norwegian mountain farm without serving authentic local cuisine misses half the fun—it’s an essential part of the experience!

Adapt your trip

Because of all of the above, we plan each Voss Haute Routes on a personalized way. We will choose every time different variations of the route depending on the conditions, the fitness, level and expectations of the group. With some groups we will try to not traverse more than 15km and 1200m of elevation in a day, while some other groups will try to pack at least two long downhills everyday. The route will most likely be adjusted to weather on the short term and will look quite different on a sunny week than on a stormy weekend. This trip is highly modular. We have experience delivering shorter versions of the trip suitable for a long weekend trip, but as well on planing the whole traverse with a rest day in between as a 5 day trip.

At the same time, we like to keep it authentic and we always try to cross the following bulletpoints:

• Having at least one night on a cabin on the top of the plateau.
• Having at least one night in one of the secluded valleys.
• Having good homemade food from local farms in our meals.
• Experiencing crossing the mountain plateau at least for one link up.
• Of course, trying to ski as much good snow and different mountains as possible.

Example of a five day trip:

• Day 4: Reppabotn; Blåeggi; Torvedalshytta
• Day 5: Torvedalshytta; 1235; Skjervheimsstølen; Myrkvesberget; Myrkdalen

Thanks for your time checking our Voss Haute Route. Did you got inspired by our multiday trip and would like to check more options? Our Nærøyfjord Haute Route may be what you are looking for!

The Nærøyfjord Haute Route