Winter guide Sjusjøen; Everything you need to know

There’s something about arriving in Sjusjøen on a crisp winter morning. The snow is deep and light, the air is still, and the trails stretch out like white ribbons across the mountain. Whether you come to ski for miles, to try dog sledding, to play in the snow with your kids – or simply to enjoy the fireplace and the view – this is a place that invites you to slow down and breathe.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is a way of life in Sjusjøen. With over 350 kilometres of groomed trails, you’ll find options for every level – from relaxed loops around the lake to high mountain tours with panoramic views.

Top trails:

• Lake Sjusjøen Loop (8 km) – Flat, beginner-friendly and stroller accessible
• Snørvillen (5 km one way) – Moderate trail with great views
• Gjesbuåsrunden (14 km) – Varied roundtrip through quiet terrain
• Natrudstilen–Pellestova via Nordseter (18 km) – Classic mountain tour
• Birkebeiner Trail (54 km) – Passes through Sjusjøen on its way from Rena to Lillehammer

Trail maps and live grooming updates: skisporet.no

Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding

If you’re looking for downhill action, Sjusjøen Ski Centre in Natrudstilen is a small but well-equipped option. It’s ideal for families and beginners – with wide runs, ski school and a café nearby.

Facilities:
7 alpine slopes
Children’s area with conveyor lift
Terrain park
Ski rental, ski school and on-site café

Nearby resorts for more terrain: Hafjell (40 min), Skeikampen (45 min), Kvitfjell (1 hr)

Activities in Sjusjøen

Dog Sledding
Experience dog sledding through the scenic Åstdalen valley with Sjusjøen Husky Tours, located in the forest area between Mesnali and Sjusjøen. Children can ride safely with the guide. Sjusjøen Husky Tours

Snowshoeing & Firepit Shelters (Gapahuker)
Explore marked snowshoe trails leading to public shelters with fire pits around Sjusjøen. Bring your own gear or rent locally. Remember to carry firewood and check fire safety rules before lighting a fire.

Ski School & Technique Games
Aktiv i Natur offers ski lessons and technique games for children at the Natrudstilen area. Lessons are typically 90 minutes and cater to all skill levels. Nordseter Fjellpark Lillehammer Sjusjøen

Sledding
Enjoy sledding hills near Sjusjøen Arena, Rømåsen, and the Sjusjøen Ski Centre. These areas provide family-friendly slopes suitable for children.

Barnas Birkebeiner
A fun and friendly ski race for children aged 0–11, held at Birkebeineren Skistadion in Lillehammer. All participants receive a diploma and medal upon completion.

Snowkiting
Flat, frozen areas like Lake Sjusjøen are ideal for snowkiting. This activity is best suited for those with prior experience.

Ice Skating
When conditions allow, natural ice skating is possible at Vingnesvika in Lillehammer. Always check ice safety before venturing out.

Sleigh Rides (Kanefart)
Experience traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy landscapes with Mesna Islandshest Senter, located near Sjusjøen. The rides often include warm drinks by a fire in the forest.

Ice Fishing
Try ice fishing on lakes such as Gamlesetervatnet, Sjusjøen, and Sjusjøbroren. Ensure you have the appropriate fishing license and check ice conditions for safety. Perfish

Dining options in Sjusjøen:

• Sjusjøen Café
  A cosy spot in the village centre known for its homemade soups, waffles and hot chocolate. A great place to warm up after skiing, with both indoor seating and takeaway options.
• Natrudstilen Café
  Located at the base of the ski slopes. Serves pizzas, hot meals and baked goods. A popular lunch stop for alpine skiers and families.
• Låven Bar & Restaurant
  A rustic yet modern restaurant with à la carte dishes, open during the winter season. Located near the ski centre with evening service on weekends. Good for groups or a casual dinner out.
• Bakken Øvre Farm Shop and Café (Mesnali)
  Just 10 minutes away, this atmospheric farm shop offers local foods, baked goods and coffee in a warm setting. Perfect for a quiet lunch or snack.
• Lillehammer (25 minutes away):
  If you’re up for a day trip or dinner in town, Lillehammer offers a wide range of restaurants, cafés, and bakeries – from traditional Norwegian cuisine to international favourites.

Events and Attractions

• There’s always something happening in the region, whether you want to participate or just cheer from the sidelines.
• Birkebeinerrennet – A 54 km ski race passing through Sjusjøen (March)
• Sjusjørennet – Local race open to all levels
• Olympic venues – Ski jumping, bobsleigh track and Olympic Museum in Lillehammer

More info: olympiaparken.no

Indoor Options

Bad weather doesn’t have to mean a bad day. Sjusjøen and Lillehammer have several indoor experiences to choose from:

• Jorekstad Aquatic Centre – Pools, water slides and sauna
• Lillehammer Cinema
• Maihaugen & Olympic Museum – Engaging exhibits for all ages
• Bakken Øvre Farm Shop – Local food and a cosy stop in Mesnali

Ski Rentals and Lessons

Don’t have your own gear? No problem, everything can be rented locally.
Sjusjøen Ski Centre – Alpine skis, snowboards, helmets and snowshoes
Sport 1 Sjusjøen – Cross-country gear, pulks and children’s skis
Ski School – Private and group lessons in classic, skating and alpine
Tips; Book in advance during weekends and holidays.
If you’re travelling with young children, Sjusjøen makes it easy to get out into nature together. In addition to classic ski gear, local rental shops offer child-specific equipment to make family outings safer and more enjoyable.

You can rent pulks (sleds for toddlers), ski harnesses, children’s cross-country skis, and safety gear from Sport 1 Sjusjøen and Sjusjøen Ski Centre. These allow even the youngest family members to join in on the trails. Equipment is in high demand during holidays, so it’s smart to reserve early.

Transport and Getting Around

Getting there:
Train to Lillehammer from Oslo (about 2 hours)
Bus 501 from Lillehammer to Sjusjøen runs multiple times daily in winter
Taxi can be booked from Lillehammer

Getting around:
While some cabins have direct trail access, you will need a car for:
Grocery shopping
Getting to cafés, ski school and husky tours
Transporting children and gear

EV charging:
EV chargers at Kiwi and selected cabins

Groceries and Essentials

Kiwi Sjusjøen – Full-service grocery store open year-round
Joker Mesnali – 10 minutes away by car, also open year-round
Oda.no – Online grocery delivery available to selected addresses
Firewood – Buy at Kiwi or have it delivered by Cabin Living
Linen and towels – Rent through Cabin Living (250 NOK per set)
Waste collection – At Sjusjøvegen, Natrudstilen and Mesnali: https://www.visitsjusjoen.no/aktiviteter/aktuelt/slik-sorterer-du-pa-hytta/

Wrap-Up and Booking Info

Sjusjøen is the kind of winter destination where both movement and stillness feel natural. You can ski for hours, play in the snow, or just enjoy a slow breakfast with a view. It’s about feeling at home in the mountains – even for a few days.

Explore winter-ready cabins with Cabin Living – perfect for couples, families or groups.
See available options and book directly at www.cabinliving.no

Curious about what Sjusjøen is like in summer?
Read our Summer Guide to Sjusjøen here

Sources

sjusjoen-skisenter.no
sjusjoenhuskytours.no
visitlillehammer.no
olympiaparken.no
oda.no
maihaungen.no
jorekstad.no
sport1.no
bakkenovre.no
Verified information from Visit Sjusjøen and Cabin Living