Hardangervidda Crossing
A demanding ski crossing of Europe’s largest high mountain plateau. Hardangervidda’s open snowfields, frozen lakes and rolling hills form a vast winter wilderness, with long horizons and little shelter from the weather. In 1896, Roald Amundsen and his brother Leon attempted the crossing but failed, caught out by severe weather years before his famous polar expeditions.
Travelling on skis and hauling your supplies in a pulk, you’ll spend long days crossing exposed ground and camp out along the way. Wind, fresh snow and poor visibility can make every kilometre hard-earned. You’ll share responsibility for navigation, route decisions and camp life, building the skills and judgement needed for bigger winter expeditions.
COST : £2995
DAYS : 10
LEVEL : 3
Distance on Skis : 135kms
Available departures
05th March - 14th March 2027 - Limited Availability
05th April - 14th April 2027 - Spaces
10th March - 19th March 2028 - New date!
Time to delve into the detail!
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Itinerary & Logistics
Deeper dive into your options for the crossings as well as your departure specifics, how to get there, where to fly etc etc
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General Preparation for Arctic & Polar expeditions
Hints, tips and advise on everything to get you ready for your crossing.
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Photo Gallery
Here’s a selection of photos to give you a real feel for the trip and a clearer idea of what to expect.
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Insurance Advice
User guide for getting yourself covered for the expedition asap once booked on.
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Equipment & Rental
Packing lists, Links to examples, pictures of rental items on offer and what you will be staying in tents wise.
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Winter Tracks and Huts
Bit of background on the different types of tracks and the DNT hut system
Notes from the Director
For nearly eight months of the year, the Hardangervidda plateau transforms into a vast, treeless, and windswept wilderness. Snow blankets the landscape, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a challenging self-supported polar journey. The constant hiss of snow drift – ranging from feather-light powder to a steel-hard crust – fills the air, while the wind carves the snow into furrows, ridges, and frozen waves. This unique environment provides an authentic experience, offering a taste of the conditions faced on a true polar expedition.
The Hardangervidda crossing has long been a challenge for explorers. Even Roald Amundsen, famed for his success in polar exploration, attempted to traverse the plateau on skis, failing multiple times. For years, it was believed to be unconquerable – a testament to the fierce and unpredictable conditions. However, today, with the right mindset, preparation, and fitness, a self-supported crossing of the Hardangervidda is an achievable and immensely rewarding adventure.
This journey is not just about enduring the cold; it's about embracing the stark beauty of the Hardangervidda. The sight of reindeer herds roaming across the snow-covered plains serves as a reminder of the resilience of nature. As you pull your pulk across the frozen expanse, you’ll experience the silence and solitude of this remote wilderness, honing your skills and learning the rhythm of polar travel.
While prior experience with polar expeditions is beneficial, it's not essential. What’s most important is a good level of fitness, adaptability, and a determined attitude. This expedition is the perfect introduction to self-sufficient polar journeys, teaching you to handle your equipment, manage your pulk, and navigate efficiently across the snowy plateau. By the end, you’ll have a taste of what it’s like to be self-reliant in one of the most striking and challenging landscapes on earth.
