Tea Peer Gynt Loipe is a long-distance ski run that runs along the west flank of Gudbrandsdalen, a wide valley that begins near Oslo and then runs north to Lillehammer and beyond.
The trail itself runs from the small settlement of Dalseter to the Skeikampen ski area. Pass through an area known as Peer Gynt Ski Region. Up here the cross-country skiing is very good, with more than 600 km of piste. And there are good hotels, which are generally willing to accept reservations for just one or two nights, at least, outside of the high season weeks in February and Easter.
Tea Peer Gynt Loipe unites some of these hotels. Its total length is about 60 km. The entire distance is tracked by grooming machines, so you can use lightweight skis without metal rims.
This combination of well-maintained slopes, good accommodation, high altitude and safety in the snow makes the Peer gynt a good choice for fit and capable skiers.
SKI ITINERARY
You start from one of the hotels in Dalseter, at an altitude of 880 m and right at the head of the Espedalen valley.
It can be reached by public bus from Lillehammer (reached by train from Oslo Gardermoen Airport). Alternatively, you can stay on the train beyond Lillehammer to Vinstra and take a pre-arranged hotel car to Dalseter, a 35 km drive away.
The tour can be divided into the following stages.
The first is an 18 km stretch from Dalseter to Fefor. The trail climbs steadily at 1030m, makes a long descent, and then winds easily up to Fefor. In Fefor there is a hotel.
The next stage goes to Gala-Wadahl. The distance is 10 to 15 km, depending on which of these neighboring towns is proposed. Each has a hotel. Initially, the trail winds through the forest, but then descends to Lake Galavatn. After following the shore of the lake for a couple of kilometers, it steadily climbs up to Gala. The continuation to Wadahl is flatter.
The next stage, to Lauvasen, is less than 10 km and the track is flat and easy. In Lauvasen there is a mountain hotel with rooms in the hostel or in adjacent cabins.
The final stage, from Lauvasen to Skeikampen, is long, about 25 km. The trail is mainly kept at a height of about 1000 meters, above the tree line. Finally, it descends steeply to the bustling complex of Skeikampen, where there is a hotel. From there you can take a bus to Lillehammer.
Of course, it is possible to combine some of the stages. A reasonably strong skier might consider doing it in three days, with stops at Dalseter, Fefor and Lauvasen. I did it once in two days, spending the night in Lauvasen.
LOGISTICS
Some travel companies offer a supported tour throughout the Peer Gynt Loipe. They make for a relaxing week, with a few extra side loops and with luggage transfers between overnight stops so you can ski with just a light pack.
But it’s easy to make your own arrangements, especially if you’re prepared to travel light and pack all your gear in a backpack. (You can leave your main bags at the Gardermoen airport storage room or at the Oslo train station).
It is also possible, although quite expensive, to transport your luggage between hotels. You must set this up with the individual hotels at the time of booking.
Alternatively, you can leave your main bags in Dalseter and return there after the tour, taking the buses through Lillehammer.