Snowshoeing in Kvitavatn Norway

Snowshoeing in Kvitavatn Norway

How this holiday makes a difference

UK office
It all starts at home so we have first worked to reduce our carbon footprint in our UK offices. Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies in place, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.

Leaders & local suppliers
Our accommodation occupies a unique setting overlooking a frozen lake with magnificent Mount Gausta as the backdrop. Environmental policies in place at Kvitavatn Fjellstoge include recycling waste materials, energy saving with night heating, requesting suppliers limit cardboard and the number of deliveries, as well as recent upgrades to the refrigeration and freezer system in order to save water. Towels are only changed mid-week upon request and cleaning materials are ecologically friendly where possible.

Group size
We operate small group tours that have a low impact on the communities we visit and we always ensure our operations do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. This allows us to stay in unique and characterful accommodation that would not have benefitted from tourism due to their limited size.

Activity
Our selection of alternative winter activities seeks to make the most of the natural environment in its pristine state, rather than changing it. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and dogsledding are best suited to remote wilderness areas and the development of these alternatives is key to the long-term survival of many mountain communities.

Snowshoeing in Kvitavatn Norway

Reviewed 08 Jan 2008 by Marie de Witte

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The whiteness and the silence. The fact that there was no commercial activity in Rondablick apart from the hotel.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Bring a bottle from duty free shop.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Excellent. I would go again.

Reviewed 24 Feb 2008 by Phil Nelson

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The dog sledging was the most exciting part although it was far too short. Although the brochure only says "a session" I felt that 20 minutes in the sledge and 20 minutes driving it was less than any of us expected.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Think of the cross country ski-ing and the snow shoeing as the main activities. The sleigh ride turned out to be a slow ride in a horse drawn wheeled cart and not as expected so was underwhelming. To get the most out of the main activities you need to be reasonably fit.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes. There was very little extra travelling once at the destination and the hotel minibus was used where appropriate. Shorter distances were covered on foot. Most of the party used the local shop and found it useful.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

It was good as a taster and I now know which winter snow activities I would specialise in in future. Having the required kit as part of the package made the transition between activities so much easier.

Reviewed 23 Feb 2007 by Maud Hansen

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Visiting 'Hell' which really is more like paradise: frozen cascades wherever you look.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Bring enough layers to put on an off frequently.

Have good stamina as it really is an active holiday and the walks can be a bit strenuous (but don't be scared off, the guides were brilliant and we did many stops for everyone to keep up).

Be prepared to meet great and interesting people and have a laugh! :)

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

I do feel that the holiday showed the true Norway and I liked that we spend all our time in total nature, not driving around, not using ski lifts and so on but simply our feet and snowshoes.

Reviewed 04 Jan 2006 by Moira Ferguson

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Climbing the 'mountain' in snow shoes

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Take a balaclava along with other very warm clothing

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Probably although it was difficult to work out just how.

4. Any other comments?

Excellent leadership from the operator, Andy Mckee. Really different holiday nice balance of physical challenge, pretty scenery and time to rest up. Not too good for vegetarians