The forest trail between Nordseter and Sjusjøen, also called Uværsløypa, is a good alternative when the wind blows in the mountains. The 5.9 kilometer long trail goes through snow-covered spruce forest, open marsh areas and varied forest terrain via Heståsen. Here you can enjoy a quiet ski trip in more sheltered surroundings, with the opportunity for a nice break at Sjusjøen.
Briefly about the ski trip
- Starting point: Nordseter, by Lillehammer Fjellstue
- Hiking destinations: Sjusjøen via Heståsen
- Tour type: One-way or round-trip
- Length: 5.9 km one way, approx. 11.8 km round trip
- Level of difficulty: Easy to medium
- Estimate time: Approx. 1–1.5 hours one way at a leisurely pace
- Trail type: Groomed double track with skating track
- Terrain: Forests, marshes and hilly areas
- Suitable for: Families with some skiing experience, exercisers and cross-country skiers who want a trip in sheltered terrain
A nice ski trip when it's windy in the mountains
Nordseter is known for its cross-country trails in open mountain terrain, but on days with wind or poor visibility, it can be more comfortable to stay in the forest. Then the Forest Trail to Sjusjøen is a good choice.
The trail goes through varied forest terrain with snow-covered spruce trees, open marshes and small slopes. Large parts of the trip are well sheltered by the forest, which makes the trail less exposed to weather than the mountain trails over Lunkefjell.
The forest trail is also a great way to experience the connection between the two popular cross-country skiing areas Nordseter and Sjusjøen.
Route description – The forest trail via Heståsen
From Lillehammer Fjellstue towards Heståsen
From Lillehammer Fjellstue you have only a short trip away to the groomed trail network at Nordseter. Follow the signs to Sjusjøen and choose Skogsløypa, also known as Uværsløypa.
Make sure you choose the forest route via Heståsen and not the Mountain Trail over Lunkefjell. While the Mountain Trail runs in a higher and more open mountain terrain, the Ustorm Trail follows a lower and more sheltered route through the forest.
The trail goes through a slightly hilly forest area with both spruce and birch forests. Along the way, you pass open marshes and several smaller trail crossings.
Through the forest via Heståsen
At Heståsen, continue in the direction of Sjusjøen. This is an area with several trail connections, so it is important to follow the signs at the intersections.
Between Nordseter and Sjusjøen there are several cabin areas with their own supply trails that connect the cabin fields to the main trail network. Therefore, you will see many smaller ski trails and trail crossings on the map.
Stick to the signposted Skogsløypa via Heståsen and on towards Sjusjøen, rather than following smaller side trails into the cabin areas.
The forest often provides good shelter, and on days with fresh snow, the snow-covered spruce trees can make this an atmospheric ski trip.
Arriving at Sjusjøen
After about 5.9 kilometers, you will arrive at the Sjusjøen area. Sjusjøen is one of Norway's most famous cross-country skiing sites and has an extensive trail network with several hiking opportunities.
If you want a break before your return, there are several dining options at Sjusjøen. Check the opening hours in advance if you are planning a café break. Sunset over the ski slopes at Hestasmyra at Nordseter.
More opportunities for the return to Nordseter
When you arrive at Sjusjøen, you can choose between returning the same way or planning a longer round trip through the trail network.
Same way back through the Forest Trail
The easiest return is to follow the Uværsløypa trail back via Heståsen to Nordseter. Then the trip will be about 11.8 kilometers in total, if you follow the same route both ways.
This is also a good option if the wind is still strong in the mountains.
Return over the mountain via Lunkefjell
On days with good weather, you can choose the mountain trail back towards Nordseter. If you want more elevation and views, you can make the trip over Lunkefjell, 1012 meters above sea level.
This is a more weather-exposed option, with longer climbs and some descents that require skiing experience.
Feel free to read our own tour description for Lunkefjellrunden: Lunkefjell on skis from Nordseter .
A longer trip via Sandbakken
If you are looking for more kilometers, you can also plan an alternative return via Birkebeinerløypa and Sandbakken. This is a longer trip with several routes, so check the trail map before you set out.
Our tips before the ski trip
- Feel free to choose the Forest Trail when it is windy or there is poor visibility in the mountains.
- Follow the signs to Heståsen and Sjusjøen at the trail crossings.
- Be aware of the supply trails to the cabin areas along the way.
- Bring a packed lunch and hot drinks, even if you are planning a café break.
- Remember that 5.9 km is the distance one way.
- Choose to return over the mountain only if the weather, visibility and skiing skills dictate it.
- Check the updated trail status and weather forecast before you start.
See updated ski trails between Nordseter and Sjusjøen
Lillehammerfjellet Tur- og Løypeselskap ensures the preparation of the ski trails at Nordseter, including the Forest Trail towards Sjusjøen. See the trail map for updated grooming status and an overview of the trail network.
Ski holiday at Nordseter with Lillehammer Fjellstue as a starting point
At Nordseter you have a large network of cross-country trails to choose from, whether you prefer quiet forest walks or longer trips in open mountain terrain. This makes it easy to adapt your ski trips to the weather, conditions and daily condition.
Lillehammer Fjellstue is located about 50 meters from the ski slopes. Here you can stay in a room at the mountain lodge, rent a cozy mountain cabin or choose a self-catering holiday apartment.
With the ski slopes close by, you can start your day skiing almost right outside the door and explore both Nordseter and Sjusjøen.
Stay right by the ski slopes at Nordseter
Choose between rooms, mountain cabins and holiday apartments at Lillehammer Fjellstue og Hytteutleie.