Huldreheimen Crossing – A True Introduction to Polar Travel
Learn the Essential Skills for Arctic & Polar Expeditions
Huldreheimen Crossing – A True Introduction to Polar Travel
The crisp crunch of snow underfoot, the distant glow of a winter sun barely skimming the horizon, and the silence of a frozen world stretching ahead. This is winter in Huldreheimen—a land shaped by ice and snow, where the mountains roll into endless white and the cold air sharpens the senses.
I was 17 the first time I clipped into a pair of cross-country skis. Before that, my only experience on skis had been a dry slope. We were outside the Espedalen Hotel in Norway, and I was standing between two vastly experienced skiers. One was a Major in the Army, a specialist in Arctic warfare and a chief instructor in the Joint Services adventure unit, with decades of mountaineering and skiing behind him. The other was the star of the British downhill skiing team. I can still feel the pressure, the nervous excitement of that moment. The next minute, I was following them up the valley—hundreds of metres of climbing, barely able to stay upright. Bambi on ice.
Ten days later, after relentless mocking, painful lessons, and endless mistakes, I was totally hooked. I’ve never looked back.
This way of learning—fully immersed, guided by experts, in a real environment—has shaped everything I believe about how to break into polar travel. The Huldreheimen Crossing is built around that same principle. It’s not about watching videos or practicing on a groomed track—it’s about being out there, learning through experience, with the right coaching and support.
Led by Jamie Annetts, an experienced polar guide and coach, this training is unique. It’s the most efficient, exciting, and hands-on way to gain real winter expedition skills. Huldreheimen is the perfect location—easy access from Oslo, undulating terrain that challenges but doesn’t overwhelm, and a network of remote but well-placed huts that allow for progression.
If you want a fast track into polar travel, this is it. Learn the Essential Skills for Arctic & Polar Expeditions
This isn’t just a checklist of skills—it’s a full immersion into winter travel, where you’ll test, compare, and refine different techniques. Every skill has real-world application, and you’ll be encouraged to experiment, push your limits, and take notes because everything you learn here will be useful for future expeditions.
The Crossing Highlights
Full Immersion in Polar Travel – Hands-on training in real Arctic conditions, learning by doing.
Essential Safety & Rescue Skills – Avalanche awareness, frozen lake crossing, transceiver searches, and self-rescue.
Cold-Weather Camping & Expedition Living – Tent setup, snow cave building, stove use, and survival techniques.
Develop Winter Travel & Navigation Skills – Off-track skiing, snowshoeing, pulk hauling, and whiteout navigation.
Expedition Logistics & Emergency Preparedness – Load carrying, field repairs, winter first aid, and hut-to-hut travel.
Below is the map of our route through the mountains
What to Expect During Your Polar training course
Conquer the Remote Arctic
Cross the high Arctic plateau of the Huldreheimen on this committing, remote trip
Escape into and endure winter’s extremes
Camp in Hilleberg tents on frozen lakes
Embrace the challenge
Experience pulling a pulk through vast undulating plains, and the enticing challenge of being completely self-supported
Light like nowhere else
Experience the unique winter light, silence and racing cold off the Norwegian winter.
Wild Encounters in the artic wilderness
Encounter the local wildlife: the plateau is home to the largest herd of wild reindeer, as well as Arctic foxes and snowy owls
Sharpen you winter expedition skills
Practice winter navigation and building snow shelters
We only have limited places on each expedition, get in contact today and reserve your spot on our next adventure.
Expedition Safety
Your Safety is Our Top Priority on Every Trip
At Nordur, the safety and well-being of our adventurers are our top priority. We are dedicated to providing a thrilling and immersive journey across the Huldreheimen, while ensuring a secure and well-managed experience.
Our experienced guides are highly skilled in winter navigation, emergency first aid, and risk management. With extensive knowledge of the Hardangervidda’s terrain and ever-changing weather patterns, they are equipped to make informed decisions in real-time, ensuring your safety throughout the expedition.
Prior to the polar training course, you will be supplied with a comprehensive equipment list. The training course is not only a chance to learn essential safety protocols, route details, and emergency procedures, but also an opportunity to get hands-on experience with all the gear. You'll practice setting up tents, managing your pulk, and handling night-time routines like stove management. Jamie is always available to answer any questions about equipment over the phone or by email, ensuring you’re fully prepared.
Due to the environment we are operating in, only the best group equipment is provided. This includes Hilleberg Keron 3GT tents, Fjellpulken pulk systems, and, of course, the essential winter expedition gear:Snow shovel and probes. Emergency equipment we carry is first aid kits, personal locator beacons (PLB), InReach device, and a satellite phone for reliable communication.
If you're ready for this kind of adventure. We’ll work with you to make sure you’re prepared and confident to take on the challenges of the Hardangervidda.
Your Polar Training Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Into the Mountains
We meet at Oslo Bus Station at 07:30, ready for the journey ahead. The bus from Oslo to Beitostølen is a 4-hour trip through snow-covered valleys and mountain passes, giving time to check kit, grab a coffee, and go over the plan for the week.
At Beitostølen, we reach the end of the winter road—this is where we step onto the trail. After an initial briefing, we head straight into the first elements of training:
Basic movement on cross-country skis & snowshoes – balancing, efficient travel, and adjusting technique for different terrain.
Avalanche equipment setup & use – getting comfortable with transceivers, probes, and shovels, ensuring everyone is dialed in.
Navigation basics – using maps, pacing, and terrain reading.
We start the day following a groomed track, focusing on movement skills before reaching Lake Vinstre (1,032m). From here, we leave the tracks behind and begin off-track travel, working on different methods for breaking trail in fresh snow and moving as a team.
By late afternoon, we’ll focus on choosing a safe campsite and setting up for the night. This includes:
Selecting a suitable location – reading the terrain, avoiding avalanche risks, and positioning for shelter from the wind.
Pitching different styles of tents – tunnel tents, dome tents, and discussing pros and cons for various conditions.
Building snow defenses – wind walls, kitchen pits, and creating a protected living space.
Toilet procedure in winter – hygiene, waste management, and best practices in deep snow.
Stove use & safety – setting up cooking areas, fuel efficiency, and preventing carbon monoxide buildup inside tents.
Once camp is set, we’ll gather for and go over the key lessons from the day before settling in for the night.
Day 2: Refining Skills & Reaching Oskampen Hut
The day starts with breaking camp, learning how to efficiently pack down a winter camp while keeping warm and managing kit in cold conditions. We’ll go through best practices for packing pulks and rucksacks, ensuring everything is accessible and balanced for the day ahead.
The morning is spent refining and reinforcing the skills learned on Day 1 without overloading anyone. This is about building confidence—getting more fluid on skis and snowshoes, dialing in navigation, and making avalanche equipment use second nature.
By midday, we arrive at one of my favourite huts in the world—Oskampen. It’s a small, remote hut, tucked beneath a peak, and feels like it’s a million miles from civilisation. Unlike the previous night, we’ll enjoy the comfort of a warm fire, proper food instead of ration packs, and a chance to reset before a big training day ahead.
After lunch in the hut, we head back out into the mountains for an afternoon focused on technical movement and safety skills, covering:
Steep ground techniques – using heel risers on skis/snowshoes, adjusting balance, and improving efficiency on inclines.
Movement on angled terrain – different techniques for ascending, traversing, and descending safely.
Avalanche awareness – slope angle assessment, safe route choice, what to do when someone is buried.
Basic ropework & snow anchors – how to secure a rope in snow, create anchors, and when rope techniques are useful in winter travel.
As the light fades, we return to the hut, where we’ll front-load the following day, talking through upcoming skills, route choices, and what’s ahead. A good meal, warm fire, and proper rest set us up for the next stage of the journey.
Day 3: Crossing Øyangen Lake & Snow Shelter Skills
We set off from Oskampen, heading towards Storhøliseter mountain hut, located at the foot of Storhøpiggan. Today’s journey takes us across Øyangen Lake, giving us the perfect opportunity to focus on safe movement over frozen lakes.
Key Skills Covered:
Assessing ice conditions – reading cracks, ice thickness, and understanding weak spots.
Safe lake crossing techniques – spacing, emergency plans, and different methods for reducing risk.
Rescue drills – what to do in the event of an ice breakthrough.
Once across the lake, we continue towards Storhøliseter, using off-track navigation to pick efficient routes through the terrain. On arrival at the hut, we drop our gear and prepare for one of the most essential polar survival skills—building and sleeping in a snow hole (snow cave).
If conditions allow, you’ll have the chance to:
Learn the techniques for constructing a snow cave – choosing a good site, digging efficiently, and shaping the interior for warmth.
Manage condensation and ventilation – keeping airflow in deep snow and preventing ice buildup inside.
Stay the night inside your shelter – experiencing first-hand how effective snow can be as insulation.
For those who want to sleep in the hut, that option is available, but spending a night in a snow cave is a vital skill for anyone heading into real winter expeditions. Whether inside or out, tonight is all about testing what works, troubleshooting, and preparing for more technical training ahead.
Day 4: The Final Descent & Heading Home
An early start is always welcome after a night in a snowhole. Packing away camp in the cold is a skill in itself, and by now, everyone will be working faster and more efficiently than on the first morning.
We stay off-track, descending through the woods into the Espedalen Valley, weaving between snow-laden birch trees. Movement will feel smoother now—skis and snowshoes more familiar, pulks better balanced, decisions more instinctive.
By mid-morning, we reach Espedalen, where we’ll hopefully be early enough for fresh waffles and coffee—a final bit of warmth before heading back. From here, we take the bus to Vinstra, followed by the train to Oslo, arriving in time for return flights.
It’s hard to believe that just four days ago, this all started at a bus station in Oslo. In such a short time, you’ll have covered a huge amount of ground, learned new skills, tested yourself in real winter conditions, and built confidence in everything from navigation to cold-weather campcraft.
Most people finish this course already thinking about the next step, whether that’s a bigger expedition, a more technical challenge, or another winter journey. To help with that, 15% of the cost of this course can be used towards your next trip with us, making it easier to keep building on what you’ve learned.
Ready to start your polar journey? Reserve your space on our next expedition below.
But don’t take our word for it have a look below at the media reel that shows you some of the highlights on offer during the week.
Our Polar Training Photo Gallery
The detail
Cost per place on the expedition: £995
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Accommodation – 3 nights (1 tent, 2 hut)
All in-country transfers, including airport transfers
Meals – 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 evening meals
Use of pulk system
Snowshoe rental.
Mountain tents, stoves and pans
Expedition food and fuel
Medical safety equipment and supplies
Expedition team leader
Access to our RMS team of doctors (please see website information for more details)
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Travel to and from departure airport
International flights and taxes
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Drinks, snacks and personal spending
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This expedition is open to those with good fitness and a strong mindset for winter conditions. No prior polar travel experience is required, but experience with multi-day trekking or mountain journeys is beneficial. You’ll be skiing or snowshoeing long distances, pulling a pulk, and sleeping in tents as part of a self-supported journey. The focus is on learning through experience, so adaptability and a willingness to develop new skills are key.
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1 night in polar tents, 2 nights in huts although there is an option to spend one of the hut nights in a snow hole if conditions allow.
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We will have a substantial breakfast to start the day. Lunches consist of individual ration packs with picnic style foods and high energy foods. Evening meals will consist of expedition food, which each of us will prepare on their liquid stove.
Please bring with you extra snacks for during the day if required.
If you have food allergies or intolerances, please inform us in your Booking Form. We will aim to cater to your needs, but it is advisable to also bring your own supplies from home.
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This is an unsupported crossing – for the duration of the trip, you will pull a pulk, containing all of your equipment. The pulk will be strapped on with a waist and shoulder harness, connected to the pulk with rigid bars.
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All our UK leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped first aid kit for emergencies. We recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements.
When selecting your trip please carefully read the information and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the trek rating for trip specific information. If you have any concerns, please contact us before booking. Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of your guide they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group.
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Visas for entry into Norway are not required by nationals of the UK, Ireland and most EU countries. Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.
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The local currency is Norwegian Kroner (NOK). We advise you to take local currency with you as there may not be time to obtain currency from banks.
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Please scroll down and you will see the dates
Available trip departures
Giving You Unmatched Expertise and Personalisation on Your Trip
Why Choose Nordur for Your Expedition
Local knowledge
Nordur stands apart in the world of adventure travel with its deep-rooted local expertise. Led by our founder, Jamie, a seasoned guide with over 17 years experience, and is not only a local but a huge enthusiast of the Scottish wilderness, Nordur offers an authentic experience that larger, outsourced tours simply cannot match. We know every hidden trail and secret spot that makes Scotland unique, offering you a richer, more immersive experience.
Sustainability and Respect
At Nordur, we are deeply committed to preserving the stunning landscapes we explore. We practice Leave No Trace principles and engage in efforts to maintain the natural beauty and integrity of the Scottish wilderness. Choosing Nordur means supporting eco-friendly tourism and contributing to the conservation of these magnificent areas for future generations.
Tailored Adventures
Each expedition is carefully crafted to match the desires and abilities of our guests. Nordur specialises in creating personalised experiences that cater to your interests, whether you're seeking thrilling mountain ascents or serene moments by secluded lochs. Our small group sizes ensure that your journey is attentive and responsive to your pace and preferences.
All-Inclusive Expeditions
From high-quality camping gear to expert navigation and safety equipment, everything you need for your journey is provided. Our packrafts are state-of-the-art and we provide you with full training, ensuring that you can navigate the lochs with ease and safety. With Nordur, you can focus fully on your adventure, knowing that all logistical details are expertly handled.
Choosing Nordur means embarking on an expedition where every detail is designed to offer a profound connection with Scotland's natural wonders and cultural heritage. It’s more than just a trek —it’s an expedition into the heart of the wild, guided by those who call it home.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure that pushes your limits and takes you beyond the ordinary, into the extraordinary landscapes of the North.
Ready for an adventure?
When you come on an expedition with Nordur, it’s not just a trip; it’s a pivotal life experience.
Spaces are limited to maintain the quality and intimacy of the expedition. Reserve your place on this extraordinary adventure today and discover why Nordur's Fannichs and Fisherfield expedition is the ultimate Scottish highland adventure.
Not sure this adventure is right for you? Contact us to discuss our LITE version of this trip.
We also offer a whole range of other bucket list adventures, both in Scotland and Internationally. Check out our other expeditions here or give us a call to discuss your perfect adventure.
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