Nordseter via Melsjøen and Kroksjøen to Sjusjøen – 22 km on skis
Do you want to experience several of the famous cross-country skiing areas in Lillehammerfjellet in one trip? This 22-kilometer round trip starts at Nordseter and takes you through the mountain terrain at Melsjøen and Kroksjøen, on to Sjusjøen and back to Nordseter. Along the way, the landscape alternates between open mountain sections, snow-covered forest and wide, groomed ski trails. A nice long trip for those who like to spend several hours skiing.
Briefly about the ski trip
- Starting point: Nordseter, by Lillehammer Fjellstue
- Tour type: Round trip on groomed ski slopes
- Length: approx. 22 km
- Level of difficulty: Demanding
- Estimate time: approx. 4-5 hours, depending on pace and breaks
- Along the way: Nordseter, Nysætra, Melsjøen, Kroksjøen, Sjusjøen and Skogsløypa
- Terrain: Open mountain sections, marshes, forests and hilly terrain
- Suitable for: Experienced exercisers and cross-country skiers with good endurance
A long hike through Lillehammerfjellet
Nordseter and Sjusjøen are linked by an extensive trail network. On this round trip, you will experience several sides of the mountain areas, from the open areas around Melsjøen and Kroksjøen to the forest trails between Sjusjøen and Nordseter.
The landscape is varied, with snow-covered spruce trees, old mountain pastures and mountain lakes that are frozen through the winter.
The trip is a good choice for those who want a slightly longer distance, whether the goal is a leisurely day trip with breaks or a good workout in the mountains.
Route description – Nordseter, Melsjøen, Kroksjøen and Sjusjøen
From Nordseter towards Nysætra and Melsjøen
From Lillehammer Fjellstue it is a short distance to the ski slopes at Nordseter. Follow the main trail north from the area at Nordseter ski center, in the direction of Reinsvannet.
Eventually, you take off on the signposted connection towards Nysætra and Melsjøen. Here the trail goes through slightly hilly mountain terrain with both open sections and areas of sparse mountain forest.
At Nysætra you will find a traditional mountain pasture landscape, before the trip continues east towards Melsjøen.
From Melsjøen, you continue east and south through the trail network towards Kroksjøen. Along the way, you pass open marshes and mountain forests, with views of the surrounding ridges.
In the area of Kroksjøen, you will meet several trail connections. From here you can continue towards Sjusjøen, or choose other trips in the extensive trail network.
Follow the marked trail south towards Sjusjøen. On nice winter days, this is an area where it is worth stopping and enjoying the winter landscape.
From Kroksjøen to Sjusjøen
The trail continues south through the mountain areas towards Sjusjøen. Here you will meet a larger network of ski trails that are used by both exercisers and active skiers.
When you arrive at Sjusjøen, you can take a break before starting your return. The area has several restaurants, but check the opening hours in advance if you are planning a café break.
If you still have a lot of energy, there are opportunities to add more kilometers to the trail network around Sjusjøen.
Sjusjøen ski stadium – a well-known cross-country skiing environment
Sjusjøen has long traditions as a training and competition area for cross-country skiing. At Sjusjøen Cross-Country Arena you will find both competition trails and a five-kilometer long floodlit trail.
The floodlit trail makes it possible to train even after daylight has disappeared, when the facility is illuminated and the conditions allow it.
A visit to the ski stadium can be interesting for those who want to see where both exercisers and competitive skiers train. If you visit the cross-country arena itself, you must calculate any extra distance.
The return to Nordseter through the Forest Trail
From Sjusjøen you can follow the Forest Trail, also known as the Weather Trail, back towards Nordseter.
The forest trail goes via Heståsen and through varied forest terrain. It provides a nice contrast to the open mountain areas you have walked through earlier on the roundtrip.
Large parts of the route are well sheltered by the forest. This makes it a popular alternative when the wind is stronger on the bare mountains.
Follow the signs to Nordseter through the trail crossings. There are several smaller access trails to the cabin areas along the way.
When you return to Nordseter, it is a short distance from the trail network to Lillehammer Fjellstue.
Who is the tour suitable for?
With a length of about 22 kilometers, this trip is best suited for cross-country skiers with good endurance and some experience from longer trips in the mountains.
The terrain varies between gentle sections, uphills and descents. Although several stretches are relatively easy to walk, the overall distance can make the trip demanding.
Parts of the trail network are located in open and weather-exposed areas. It is therefore important to take into account wind, temperature and visibility before setting out.
Our tips before the ski trip
- Allow plenty of time for a round trip of 22 kilometers.
- Bring a packed lunch, hot drinks and extra clothes.
- Preferably choose a day with stable weather conditions and good visibility.
- Keep an eye on the signs at Melsjøen, Kroksjøen and Sjusjøen.
- Check opening hours if you are planning a break in serving at Sjusjøen.
- Please note access trails to the cabin areas on the return via Heståsen.
- Check the updated course status before you start.
See trail maps and updated driving conditions
Check which trails are groomed before you start from Nordseter. Lillehammerfjellet Tur- og Løypeselskap has information about trail preparation and the ski trails in the area.
Cross-country skiing holiday with Lillehammer Fjellstue as a starting point
Lillehammer Fjellstue is located about 50 meters from the ski slopes at Nordseter. From here you have access to a large trail network that connects Nordseter, Sjusjøen and several of the mountain areas around Lillehammer.
We offer accommodation in rooms at the mountain lodge, cozy mountain cabins and holiday apartments with self-catering. A good starting point for those who want more days of skiing, whether you prefer short trips or long mountain rounds.
Stay right by the ski slopes at Nordseter
Choose between rooms, mountain cabins and holiday apartments at Lillehammer Fjellstue og Hytteutleie.