Cross-Country Ski Trails at Nordseter

Nevelfjell skiing from Nordseter – summit hike with wide views

Take the trip to Nevelfjell, 1089 meters above sea level, and experience the view from one of the famous mountain peaks in the Lillehammer area. From Nordseter, you can follow groomed ski trails towards the mountain before the last part of the trip goes up to the top. Here awaits an open mountain landscape, views of distant mountains and the small Red Cross cabin that has provided shelter for mountain people for many years.

Briefly about the ski trip

  • Starting point: Nordseter, by Lillehammer Fjellstue
  • Hiking destinations: Nevelfjell, 1089 masl.
  • Tour type: Ski touring / round trip on skis
  • Length: Approx. 9.7 km for the described round trip
  • Total ascent: Approx. 300 meters of elevation gain
  • Level of difficulty: Moderately demanding, depending on the road conditions and the conditions towards the summit
  • Estimate time: Approx. 2.5-4 hours with breaks, depending on snow conditions
  • Trail type: Groomed ski trails combined with possible unprepared terrain towards the top
  • Highlight: The view and the Red Cross cabin at Nevelfjell
  • Suitable for: Skiers with some experience, who are comfortable even off groomed tracks

A summit hike with a view of Lillehammerfjellet

Nevelfjell is a popular hiking destination north of Nordseter. From the top you have a wide view of the mountain areas around Lillehammer, and on clear days you can see far towards both Jotunheimen and Rondane.

The trip starts in the groomed trail network at Nordseter, but the last part up to the top may require you to go off prepared ski tracks.

On days with good snow conditions, this can be a great opportunity to experience the mountains in a slightly different way than from the usual cross-country trails.

Choose a day with good weather and good visibility, and allow extra time if you have to tread your own tracks towards the top.

Kartutsnitt som viser lypene fra Nordseter til Neveltoppen og ned igjen med utgangspunt i Ut.No
Map section of the ski trip to Nevelfjell from Nordseter. Click on the map to open a winter trip suggestion on UT.no. Check route selection and preparation before the trip. Map basis: UT.no.

Route description – from Nordseter to Nevelfjell

From Lillehammer Fjellstue towards Nevelvatnet

From Lillehammer Fjellstue it is a short distance to the ski slopes at Nordseter. Follow the groomed trail network north in the direction of Nevelvatnet and the mountain area below Nevelfjell.

The first part of the trip goes through slightly hilly terrain with mountain forest and open sections. Along the way, you get a view of Nevelvatnet and the surrounding mountains.

Stick to the planned route and keep an eye on the trail crossings. There are several connections in the area towards Reinsvannet, Pellestova and other hiking destinations.

The final climb to the summit

When you approach the foot of Nevelfjell, you must consider the conditions further up to the top.

There are not always groomed tracks all the way up. You must therefore be prepared to leave the main trail and walk the last part through unprepared snow terrain.

In firm snow conditions and good conditions, it can be relatively easy to get up, while loose snow, crust and wind-packed snow can make the climb more demanding.

On some days, it may be appropriate to follow tracks that have already been trodden. However, be aware that the tracks do not necessarily follow a safe or suitable route.
 

Selvgåtte skispor mot fjellet på Nordseter

The last part towards Nevelfjell can go outside the groomed cross-country trails.

At the top of Nevelfjell – 1089 masl.

When you reach the top of Nevelfjell, the landscape opens up in several directions. From here you get a view of the large mountain areas north and west of Lillehammer.

On clear days, you can look towards Gausdal Vestfjell, Jotunheimen and Rondane. At the top there is also a sight disc that helps you recognize the mountains on the horizon.

Nevelfjell is a great hiking destination for those who want to experience the mountain views without having to embark on a very long ski trip. At the same time, the summit is exposed to the weather, and conditions can change quickly.

Utsikt over snedekte fjell, vidder og skog fra toppen av Nevelfjell på Nordseter

From Nevelfjell you can enjoy the view of a large continuous mountain and forest landscape.
 
Treskilt med tekst Nevelfjellet 1089 moh
. The top sign on Nevelfjell, 1089 meters above sea level

The Red Cross cabin – a small warming shelter on the mountain top

At the top of Nevelfjell is a small cabin connected to the Red Cross Relief Corps. The cabin has for many years been a well-known landmark and an important shelter for people who travel in the mountains.

Inside there is a wood stove and room for a small group of people. The cabin can function as a simple warming room when available.

There is also usually firewood available, but this can vary. You should therefore not plan your trip based on the cabin being open, warm or having firewood in storage.

The cabin is small and should also be able to provide shelter when needed. Show consideration for others, use firewood sparingly and leave the place tidy.

Liten hytte dekket av snø og is på toppen av Nevelfjellet på Nordseter

The Red Cross cabin at Nevelfjell can be almost completely covered in snow and frost on cold winter days.

Skiing fun outside the groomed tracks

One of the great things about a trip to Nevelfjell is the opportunity to experience the snow landscape outside the regular trails.

On days with good conditions, you can follow tracks through untouched winter terrain and feel the difference between groomed cross-country trails and the snow out in the mountains.

However, it requires more both equipment and skills. Regular narrow cross-country skis can sink deep in loose snow, and the surface can be uneven or icy.
Skiløper med hund på vei opp på fjellet

Off the slopes, you get a different experience of the winter mountains.
 

After a break at the top, follow the planned return route down from Nevelfjell and back towards the groomed trail network.

On the descent, it is extra important to pay attention to the surface. Steep sections, crusts and hard-packed snow can be challenging on narrow cross-country skis.

The described round trip on UT.no provides the opportunity to return through the trail network at the foot of Nevelfjell.

Follow the correct trail back towards Nordseter and Lillehammer Fjellstue. Consider going the same way back if the conditions make alternative route choices unsafe.

Our tips before the summit trip

  • Choose a day with stable weather and good visibility.
  • Check how far the groomed ski slopes go before you start.
  • Be prepared to go off the slopes the last part up to the top.
  • Bring a packed lunch, hot drinks, windproof clothing and extra mittens.
  • Bring a map or navigation equipment and make sure your phone has a battery.
  • Do not count on the Red Cross cabin being open or having firewood available.
  • Be careful on the descent, especially in hard or icy conditions.
  • Turn around if wind, visibility or snow conditions make the trip unsafe.

See the hiking suggestion to Nevelfjell on UT.no

On UT.no you will find a winter hiking suggestion for a round trip from Nordseter to Nevelfjell. See map and elevation profile, and check the trail conditions before you set off.

See the Nevelfjell hike on UT.no

Stay at Lillehammer Fjellstue – with the mountains right outside the door

Lillehammer Fjellstue is located at Nordseter, about 50 meters from the groomed cross-country trail network.

From here you can choose between short, leisurely ski trips, longer mountain laps and summit hikes such as Nevelfjell.

We offer accommodation in rooms at the mountain lodge, mountain cabins and holiday apartments. 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.

See our accommodation options

The trip description is based on the winter hiking suggestion Nordseter–Nevelfjell on UT.no and local information from Lillehammer Fjellstue. The stated length and elevation applies to the round trip described on UT.no. The chosen route, trail and grooming status can affect both length and difficulty.

Source and hiking map: UT.no