THE BIRKEBEINER - RACE CAMP
Hafjell, Norway
TRIP GRADE
LOCATION
TRIP TYPE
DURATION
CONFIDENT
LILLEHAMMER, NORWAY
WORLDLOPPET
7 NIGHTS
GROUP SIZE
6-8
The Birkebeiner Race Camp is an immersive week designed for skiers preparing to take on Norway’s legendary Birkebeiner race. Under the guidance of ex-Olympians, you’ll refine endurance, pacing and technique across the same terrain and conditions that define this iconic 54 km challenge. Each day blends targeted technique and endurance sessions with recovery, waxing preparation and strategy briefings tailored to race performance.
Your base for the first 5 nights is the Pellestova Hafjell Hotel, a historic mountain retreat perched high above the village of Hafjell. Since 1946, it has been a beloved stop for skiers, now offering modern comfort, locally inspired gourmet dining and one of Norway’s most distinctive wine cellars.
With access to the slopes at the doorstep of the hotel, Pellestova sits at the gateway to a vast trail network of long climbs, rolling plateaus and technical descents that closely mirror the Birkebeiner course profile.
Before race day, relocate to the Home Hotel Hammer in Lillehammer. This historic building, located in central Lillehammer, the iconic home of the 1994 Winter Olympic Games, and is the perfect base for final race preparation. Spend the evening at your leisure enjoying the pre-race atmosphere.
By the end of the week, you’ll be not only physically prepared for the Birkebeiner, but mentally ready to ski it with confidence, control and the determination that defines this Nordic classic.
ITINERARY
Itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions and hotel events.
Ski sessions are generally from 9:00 - 11:00 and from 14:00 - 16:00.
Evenings are to be enjoyed at your leisure. The group table is booked for 19:00, meet in the lounge from 18:30.
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
15:00 Pick-up from Oslo Gardermoen Airport and transfer to Pellestova Fjellhotell (approx. 2.5 hrs).
Check into your luxury mountain hotel, relax with a welcome drink and settle into the snowy surroundings.
Evening briefing: meet your coaches and an overview of your week.
Day 2 – Mobility and Movement
The first morning will be a shake out ski in the local area. No pressure! Find your ski legs and focus on mobility, movement and body management.
The afternoon will give you a chance to get out and cover some distance with your instructors supporting along the way.
In the evening relax and unwind with a chance to pick the instructors brain.
Day 3 – Skills & Short Journey
The morning will start with diagonal stride drills and technical coaching, followed by video analysis over lunch.
The afternoon you will start to build the distance and confidence putting into practice the mornings training.
There will be plenty of coaching stops and discussions about race craft and transitional changes along the way. Maximise the knowledge from your instructors vast experience.
Day 4 – Double Pole and Downhills
An efficient double pole and clean downhills are a sure fire way to having a great Birkebeiner experience. You will focus on double pole and DP with a kick in the morning, maybe on some steeps, maybe some intervals. Just for fun!
Followed by downhill training. Video analysis and light classic training session over 10-15km loop in the afternoon. R&R for your arms!
Day 5 – Transitions and Tactics
Race craft: Optimising your racing line and transitions is key to being quicker with no extra effort. You will spend the morning working on race craft and have a chance to see huge gains unfold before your eyes.
In the afternoon you have another chance for video analysis with a lighter session focusing on fine-tuning technique, reduce fatigue and a well deserved easy session.
The evening we will review the video and discuss the following mornings route to Lillehammer.
Day 6 – Pellestova to Lillehammer
Pack luggage into transport, leave Pellestova and ski to Nordeseter where we will join the last 12kms of the Birkebeiner race.
This will give us the opportunity to recce the final rollercoaster downhill to the Birkebeiner Stadium in Lillehammer. We will then move into your new accommodation and complete final preparation for the following day.
Day 7 – Race Day
The Birkebeiner, enjoy your emotional and physical rollercoaster. Implement the skills and race craft, developed through the week. Completing one of the most iconic cross-country ski races in the World.
Early breakfast and Transport to Rena; coach-led warm-up at the start. Final wax call and pack check (≥3.5 kg); wave start per bib. Finish at Lillehammer, medal photos, hot drinks, and recovery snacks; shuttle to hotel; celebratory dinner.
You are now a Birkebeiner!
Day 8 – Departure
08:00 Morning transfer back to Oslo Gardermoen Airport for onward travel.
Guests depart with new skills, memories, and the confidence to continue their cross-country skiing journey.