The ski trip from Nordseter to Hornsjøen is one of the traditional cross-country skiing trips in Lillehammerfjellet. The 13.1 kilometer long trip goes through varied mountain terrain with nice ski trails, snow-covered trees and good opportunities for breaks along the way. Hornsjøen used to be a hiking destination with dining, but today it is a packed lunch and thermos that counts. Find a sheltered picnic area next to the trail, enjoy the food out in the snow, and feel free to let the children have time for some skiing before the trip goes back to Nordseter.
Briefly about the ski trip
- Starting point: Nordseter, by Lillehammer Fjellstue
- Hiking destinations: Hornsjøen
- Tour type: Round trip on groomed ski slopes
- Length: approx. 13.1 km round trip
- Level of difficulty: Medium
- Estimate time: approx. 3 hours of skiing, in addition to breaks
- Terrain: Mountain forests, marshes and hilly areas
- Dining: No serving at Hornsjøen – bring a packed lunch and drinks
- Suitable for: Exercisers and families with children who have some skiing experience
A classic ski trip through the mountain forest
For many years, Hornsjøen has been a well-known destination for cross-country skiers from Nordseter. The trip goes through a varied mountain landscape with small slopes, open areas and forest where the spruce trees are often heavy with snow.
The trail is a nice medium-length ski trip for those who want to spend a few hours out in the mountains. Along the way, there are many places where you can stop and enjoy the winter landscape.
The trip is also suitable for families with children who are used to skiing a little longer. With a good lunch break and time to play along the way, this can be a pleasant day for the whole family.
Route description – from Nordseter to Hornsjøen
From Lillehammer Fjellstue into the mountains
From Lillehammer Fjellstue it is a short distance to the ski slopes at Nordseter. Follow the groomed main trail north from the area at Nordseter ski center, in the direction of Reinsvannet and Indre Reina.
The trail first goes up from Nordseter, before the terrain opens up to the mountain areas further north. Here there are good opportunities to find a steady rhythm on skis.
Follow the signs to Hornsjøen at the trail crossings. There are several trail connections in the area, and it is therefore a good idea to have an updated trail map available.
Further through the mountain terrain towards Hornsjøen
Furthermore, the trip goes through a varied mountain landscape with both forest areas and open areas. The trail offers small climbs and descents, but also quieter stretches that are well suited for smooth skiing.
When the snow is heavy on the trees, this is a nice area to experience the winter landscape in. Here, the spruce trees can take on almost sculptural shapes, and the open areas provide a view of the surrounding mountain areas.
Continue towards Hornsjøen and follow the marked trail until the hiking destination. Here it is natural to take a good break before starting the return.
Bring a packed lunch – and find your own picnic area
In the past, Hornsjøen was a popular hiking destination where skiers could stop for a cup of coffee or a meal at the mountain hotel. Today, the accommodation and dining are closed, but Hornsjøen is still a nice destination for a ski trip from Nordseter.
We recommend bringing a good packed lunch, hot drinks in a thermos and preferably something extra good for the children. On nice winter days, there is little that beats a lunch break out in the snow, with fresh mountain air and the silence around you.
Feel free to find a small pit or a sheltered spot in the snow a bit to the side of the ski trail. Here you can sit down, enjoy your packed lunch and take a good break before the trip continues.
Skiing for children along the way
A ski trip doesn't have to be just about getting to the destination. For children, the breaks and play along the way can be just as fun as the skiing itself.
In the varied terrain between Nordseter and Hornsjøen, there are many small slopes and natural formations that can be suitable for simple skiing.
Feel free to find a safe place outside the groomed ski slope, where the children can practice turning, walking up small slopes, sliding downhill or creating their own little challenges in the snow.
The return to Nordseter
After a good break, you follow the same groomed trail back towards Nordseter. On the return, you get to experience the terrain from the opposite direction, and you can add several small stops if you wish.
Since the trip goes through mountainous terrain, it is important to keep an eye on the weather and conditions. On days with wind or poor visibility, it can be more demanding to orient yourself between the trail crossings.
As you approach Nordseter, follow the main trail back towards the ski center and Lillehammer Fjellstue.
Who is the ski trip to Hornsjøen suitable for?
The trip is well suited for exercisers and families with children who have some experience with cross-country skiing. The terrain is varied, with some uphills and descents, but also longer, calmer sections.
With a total length of about 13 kilometers, it is an advantage that the children are used to going on slightly longer walks.
For families who want a quieter day, it can also be nice to walk a bit further along the trail, find a good picnic area and return before you reach Hornsjøen.
Our tips before the ski trip
- Bring a good packed lunch and hot drinks – there is no serving at Hornsjøen.
- Allow extra time if you want a long break or skiing along the way.
- Find a sheltered picnic area outside the groomed ski trail.
- Feel free to bring a seat pad and extra mittens for the children.
- Choose safe, gentle slopes if the children want to play on skis.
- Check the weather forecast and updated trail status before the trip.
- Remember that the trip is in mountainous terrain, where the weather can change quickly.
See updated trail map for Hornsjøen
Lillehammerfjellet Tur- og Løypeselskap has information about the trail network and trail preparation in the area. Check which trails are groomed before you set out from Nordseter.
Ski holiday with Lillehammer Fjellstue as a starting point
When you stay at Lillehammer Fjellstue, you have the ski slopes about 50 meters away. From here you can explore an extensive trail network with everything from short family trips to longer mountain hikes such as the trip to Hornsjøen.
We offer accommodation in rooms at the mountain lodge, cozy mountain cabins and holiday apartments with self-catering. Here you can combine active days skiing with quiet evenings in the mountains.
Stay right by the ski slopes at Nordseter
Find accommodation that suits your next ski holiday at Lillehammer Fjellstue.