personer som går på ski i snødekket landskap

Skiing towards Kriksfjell via Reina

Do you fancy a longer ski trip in the mountains? From Nordseter, you can follow the groomed ski slopes north towards Reina and further in the direction of Kriksfjell. Along the way, open mountain sections, snow-covered spruce trees, long stretches where you can find a good rhythm on skis and views of the mountains in the Lillehammer and Øyer area await. This is a trip for those who like to spend a few hours skiing, either at a leisurely hiking pace or as a good workout.

Briefly about the ski trip

  • Starting point: Lillehammer Mountain Lodge, Nordseter
  • Hiking destinations: Reina and the mountain area at Kriksfjell
  • Tour type: Longer return trip in groomed ski trails, with the possibility of alternative trail choices
  • Length: Depends on how far you follow the trails and chosen turning point
  • Level of difficulty: Medium to demanding, depending on length and conditions
  • Calculate time: A longer half-day tour, with time for a lunch break and a view
  • Terrain: Mountain forests, mountain pastures and open, weather-exposed mountain sections
  • Trail type: Mainly groomed cross-country trails
  • Suitable for: Active exercisers and skiers who want a longer trip
  • Important: A possible detour to Kriksfjelltoppen itself is not part of the groomed main trail

A ski trip into the mountain areas north of Nordseter

From Nordseter, the ski trails stretch north through the mountain areas around Reinsvannet, Reina and Kriksfjell.

The trip offers a nice combination of mountain forests, open marshes, old mountain pastures and views of the snow-covered ridges.

Along the way, you pass several trail crossings where you can choose different routes or extend the trip according to your fitness level and weather.

This is a nice trip for those who want longer continuous skiing, but at the same time want to have the opportunity to turn around and follow the same way back.

Kartutsnitt skiløype fra Nordseter til Kriksfjell via Reina
Map section of the route from Nordseter towards Kriksfjell via Reina. Click on the map to see a related ski trip on UT.no with information about the trail crossings at Reina. The route on UT.no is not identical to the marked route in the map section. Map credit: See the original map's information.

Route description – from Nordseter towards Kriksfjell

From Lillehammer Fjellstue to Snauskallen

The trip starts from the trail network at Lillehammer Fjellstue. Follow the main trail up Reinavegen towards Snauskallen.

The first kilometre has some climbing. Here, the snow can be rough at times, especially after temperature fluctuations or a lot of traffic on the trail.

As you get higher up, the terrain becomes more open and the trails continue north through gentler mountain terrain.

On to Reina

From Snauskallen, continue on the main trail north towards Reinsvannet and Reina.

Here you pass areas with mountain birch, spruce trees and open marshes. On nice winter days, you get a view of several of the mountain peaks in the area.

Eventually, you approach Reinakrysset, where several ski trails meet. From here, there is a connection to Pellestova and further into Øyerfjellet.

Follow the planned route further in the direction of Indre Reina. Check the maps and signs at the trail crossings, as the area has several alternative connections.

From Indre Reina towards Kriksfjell

At Indre Reina you will encounter a traditional mountain pasture landscape. From here you can follow the trail connections further towards Kriksfjell and the surrounding mountain areas.

Along the way, the landscape alternates between open areas and areas of scattered mountain forest. The surrounding ridges give the trip a distinct high mountain character.

Kriksfjell is located 1052 meters above sea level. From the top there is a wide view of both Lillehammerfjellet and Øyerfjellet.

The summit itself is located outside the groomed main trail. A detour there must therefore be considered separately, taking into account weather, snow conditions, orientation and ski equipment.

nypreparerte skiløyper i snødekt terreng

The cross-country trails take you through open and snow-covered mountain areas.

Long ski trails and many hiking opportunities

One of the things that makes the area around Reina particularly interesting for cross-country skiers is the connections between Nordseter and Øyerfjellet.

Several of the main trails follow road routes that provide spacious ski routes and even sections. This makes the area attractive for both classic cross-country skiing and skating when the trails are groomed for this.

In the area by Pellevegen you can plan several alternative ski trips. This gives you the opportunity to adapt the distance according to how far you want to go.

On a longer mountain hike, it is still important to have control over both the distance and the time of the return. There can be far between places where you can seek shelter.
skiløpere som går på ski i skog og preparerte løyper på fjellet

Varied cross-country skiing terrain with both open areas and mountain forest. Photo: GO-media

Groomed ski trails – the basis for good skiing days

Nordseter is known for early snow conditions and an extensive cross-country skiing network that stretches far into the mountains.

The trail machines do an important job of preparing tracks for both exercisers and active skiers.

When snow conditions allow, the ski slopes in the mountain areas can open in early winter. How often the trails are groomed depends on the amount of snow, weather and temperature, among other things.

A freshly run trail on a cold winter morning is a great experience for many cross-country skiers. Remember to give trail machines plenty of space if you meet them along the way.
Løypemaskin som er i ferd med å prerarere skiløyper

The piste machines prepare the ski slopes through the winter when conditions allow. Photo: GO media

Follow the signs through the mountain area

The trail network between Nordseter, Reina and Pellestova has many connections, and it is therefore a good idea to use maps along the way.

At several intersections, you will find signs for different destinations. Check the trail selection before continuing, especially if you are planning a longer trip or an alternative return route.

Turskilt som viser vei til Pellestova

Signposted trail connections provide opportunities for both short and long trips in the mountains. Photo: GO- media

Back to Nordseter

Once you have reached the planned turning point, follow the groomed trail back towards Reina and Nordseter.

If you choose the same way back, it is easier to keep track of the route. If you want a round trip via other trails, you should plan this in advance.

Please note that the mountainous areas may be exposed to wind, and that the weather may change even if the conditions were fine when you started.

The last stretch goes back through the mountain terrain towards Snauskallen and Nordseter. From here it is a short way back to Lillehammer Fjellstue.

Who is the trip to Kriksfjell suitable for?

This is a trip for those who want to spend several hours skiing and who are comfortable with both climbs, descents and longer distances.

The groomed main route is suitable for active exercisers, while a possible detour to Kriksfjelltoppen itself requires more experience of traveling off the trails.

The trip is less suitable for complete skiers and small children if the plan is to go far into the mountains.

Our tips before the long trip

  • Plan your distance and turning point before you start.
  • Bring a packed lunch, hot drinks and extra clothes.
  • Feel free to choose a day with stable weather and good visibility.
  • Check updated trail preparation and weather forecast.
  • Have maps available, especially at Reina and Pellevegen.
  • Allow plenty of time for the return and any breaks.
  • Pay extra attention to wind and temperature in open mountain terrain.
  • A trip to Kriksfjelltoppen itself should only be carried out if snow conditions, equipment and skills are suitable.

See trail map and driving conditions before the trip

On UT.no you will find route suggestions in the trail network around Reina and Melsjøen. For today's preparation, you should check an updated trail map before setting out.

Keep in mind that available trails and grooming status may vary throughout the winter season.

Check trail status on Sporet

Stay right by the ski slopes at Lillehammer Fjellstue

Lillehammer Fjellstue is located at Nordseter, about 50 meters from the groomed ski slopes. From here you can start both short hikes and longer mountain hikes towards Reina, Pellestova and Sjusjøen.

We offer accommodation in rooms at the mountain lodge, mountain cabins and holiday apartments. Here you will also find a heated ski stable and waxing shed.

For active cross-country skiers, Nordseter is a good starting point for several consecutive days of skiing in the mountains.

Plan your next cross-country skiing holiday at Nordseter

Choose between rooms, mountain cabins and holiday apartments at Lillehammer Fjellstue.

See our accommodation options

The tour description is based on the map section from Nordseter towards Kriksfjell, local information and tour suggestions from UT.no. The described winter trip mainly follows groomed ski trails and is not identical to the summer trails over Kriksfjell. Length and time spent depends on the chosen route and turning point. Always check the updated trail map and the conditions before the trip.

Source: UT.no – ski trails at Reina and Melsjøen