Venabu is set on the Venabygdsfjellet plateau, on the edge of the Rondane National Park in Norway. It has excellent scenery and a good snow record with a ski season from December to April. Venabu and its mountain plateau is at approximately 950m altitude, and there are 140kms of prepared trails which starts right on the doorstep. To the north you can join the long distance ski trail, the Trolløype which connects the Rondane National Park to the Winter Olympic town of Lillehammer.
Photo by Greg Clack
Photo by Greg Clack
Photo by Greg Clack
Photo by Greg Clack
Photo by Greg Clack
Photo by Greg Clack
Photo by Greg Clack
The nearest airports are Oslo Gardermoen (lufthavn) and Trondheim.
It is possible to book a direct bus transfer with the hotel. The 2022 price was 550 NOK per person, one way. £46 approx.
From Oslo Gardermoen to Ringebu on the Dovre line. It’s a scenic journey of about 2.5 hours. Oslo city and Lillehammer are on the same rail line.
Vy.no have recently increased their Saturday services to Ringebu, extending rail journeys beyond Lillehammer by bus. The railway station at Oslo airport is downstairs in the same building. Buy tickets online with the Vy’s app or website, ticket machines or in person. The staff speak good English and it's well signposted. Book ahead as you need a seat.
The hotel will pick you up from the railway station in Ringebu, if you book the service with them in advance. The transfer time to the hotel from the station is about twenty minutes.
You can find full details of all transfer information here
There are well grooms trails all around the area which also off track options. The Venabu Fjellhotell and local community prepare an excellent network of ski trails around and over the mountains of the area. You can ski straight from the hotel.
Varied trail in birch forest and open plateau. You can take this trip from any of the hotels and cabins. Waypoints include Nausterhaugen and then around Dynjefjell via Fjellmillom, returning via Lundtjønn and Granhaugen.
A round trip trail that goes over the summit of Forbundsfjellet and the rewards are excellent views. The terrain includes one steep ascent/descent and is mostly in the birch forest. Link to online map
Lovely trail in the open mountains with some steep climbs and descents. Trail follows waypoints: Øygardseter – Bøllia – Fremre Uksan – Dørhøgda – Kvanndalen – Flaksjøen and return to Spidsbergseter, Venabu or Lundes. Gentle climb from Bøllia, then steep towards Dørhøgda before nice descent from there. A bit trickier descent through Kvanndalen to Flaksjøen then flat terrain to return.
This trail ventures into the National Park. It’s a sheltered ascent through Kvanndalen from the lake at Flaksjoen. The view is quite spectacularly at the top, maybe you’ll even see some reindeer. At Dørhøgda, take the trail left to Indre Uksan and return via Fremre Uksan – Bøllia – Øygardseter. The trail crosses no roads or open streams and is a great trail in untouched nature. Some lovely downhill sections in well prepared trails.
Sheltered trail in the forest with mostly undulating terrain. Start from the top of Langbakken.
Fantastic trail, but requires good technique. The trail includes part birch forest, and open mountain and includes good views of the Rondane mountains. Go via the waypoint at Nausterhaugen and around the mountain via Fjellmillom. Steep uphill from Fjellmillom. The descent from the summit is steep down to Flaksjoen but fun for experienced skiers.
This route can be extended with other routes.
Starting at Lundes, the trail goes via waypoints: Granhaugen – Lundtjønn – Svarttippa – Rauhaugen – Trabelia and returns via Langbakken –Rondevegen.
At Trabelia you have a choice to go steeply up and down over the Trabelia summit or cross the road and go around it.
Varied and fun terrain with great trails. For the most part in sheltered forest, which after snowfall will see you looking for trolls round every corner.
Start at Venabu. The trail is sheltered by the birch forest and is perfect for a windy day. Cross the road to Myvegen and then right at Myåsen. Gentle terrain to Moaseter and return to Venabu crossing the road.
This trail goes through open mountain terrain. Cross the road at Øygardseter or Saltashaugen and follow the signposts to Øksendalen.
If you wish to be collected at the other end, contact one of the hotels or cabin owners.
If you’re up for a real expedition, then it is possible to ski the full length of the Troll løypa trails from Høvringen to Lillehammer.
The Venabu Fjellhotel lies in the middle of a wide open plateau surrounded by rounded peaks. There are a collection of lakes & streams and in the middle of this gentle plateau there are deep gorges & high waterfalls. It’s an easy area to get around with well marked trails.
The hotel is highly recommended by UK skiers for good food and a friendly hotel.
You can book directly with them and build your own trip, or choose a package from one of the tour operators below. There are 56 ensuite rooms, six of which are suitable for wheelchair users. Rooms are simple and comfortably furnished with the traditional colors and fabrics of a mountain hotel. There is free WiFI throughout the hotel. Or choose a cabin (3 with saunas). Combine an informal cabin holiday with the advantages of the hotel nearby as the Fjellhotell is a couple of minutes’ walk away. Cabin guests can join meals in the hotel dining room, for à la carte meals and for snacks. Every Wednesday, during the main holiday seasons, the hotel serves its special dinner: ‘A Taste of Norwegian Tradition’.
Ski rental
is available through the hotel
and you can also book instruction.
The Lillehammer Troll ski marathon starts near to the hotel, so is a good place to base yourself.
They feature the Troll Trail with luggage transfer and hotels.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/venabu/
Website - https://venabu.no/en/