The ski course

Experience Swig

Photo: Olympiaparken

SWIG

An Unforgettable Experience for the whole family, a group of friends, a couple or solo.

A person cross-country skiing on a snowy trail in a winter landscape under a clear blue sky with the sun shining brightly, surrounded by sparse snow-covered trees.

Do you dream of experiencing the Norwegian winter? Our beginner's cross-country ski course is your perfect introduction to the Norwegian national sport. Join us for a ski course in the heart of Norway's most famous Olympic trails at Birkebeiner Ski Stadium in Lillehammer, and discover how fun it is to glide on the snow.

As you arrive you will get an introduction of SWIG and some of the marvelous Olympic History.

After the history lesson and shoe fitting the course will start.

After the course enjoy a Norwegian snack and the legendary hot chocolate with a diploma ceremony. There will be loads of possibillities for photos.

What you’ll experience

Comprehensive Introduction: Our English-speaking instructors are experts at teaching the basics. You'll learn everything from how to put on your skis to simple techniques for gliding, turning, and braking. We focus on classic cross-country skiing, the most common style in Norway.

  • Equipment Included: Forget about buying or renting equipment! We provide everything you need: skis, poles, and boots in all sizes.

  • Magical Surroundings: The course is held in the iconic 1994 Olympic trails. Here you can learn while enjoying beautiful winter landscapes, surrounded by a rich skiing history that inspires.

  • Easy Access: Birkebeiner Ski Stadium is very easy to get to. You can either drive or take a short bus trip (approx. 12-15 minutes) from Lillehammer city center (the bus station). From the bus stop, it's just a 6-minute walk to the stadium

Complete your winter holiday with a unique and authentic adventure in Norway's “ski capital”. Join us and discover the joy of cross-country skiing!

Important information: To stay comfortable, we recommend dressing in layers that can be adjusted as needed. A waterproof outer layer, along with gloves, a hat, and warm socks, is essential for keeping warm while skiing.

Courses may be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather conditions.

Practical information

    • Skis

    • Poles

    • Ski boots

    • Hot drink

    • Sweet snack

    • Guide

    • Diploma

  • The course lasts for about 2 hours, with plenty of time for equipment fitting before and after the course.

  • To ensure personal attention and a great learning experience, the groups are small, with a maximum of 8 participants per instructor.

    To ensure the best experience, each course requires a minimum of 2 participants

  • Adults and children from 6 years old, perfect for families, a group of friends, or solo.

    • Children under 6 years

    • People with mobility impairments

    • Wheelchair users

    • People with vertigo

    • People with pre-existing medical conditions

A snowy landscape with a ski jump hill and surrounding trees, with the sun setting over distant hills.
 
Map of Lillehammer, Norway, showing public transportation routes including trains and buses, starting at Lillehammer Station, with key stops such as Lillehammer Skyssbuss, Lillehammer - taxi, and Lillehammer Kino, along with parking areas.
Map showing a walking route of 650 meters on Sjøsetervegen, starting at Nordsetervegen and ending near a parking area marked with a red pin and circled in red.

How to get there

By car:

Birkebeineren ski-stadion is easily accessable with car. There is a big parking lot next to the start point of the course. Look after the SWIG poster as you get there.

If you arrive by local bus take the bus to the stop called “Birkebeiner Skistadion”. From the bus-stop there is a short walk to the Ski-Stadion.

From the city its bus B6 (Skihytta-Skurvbrua) or 500 (Nordseter).

By bus

From Lillehammer skysstasjon (train station) the bus leaves every hour 15 minutes past.

The two closest stops in the city are:

Lillehammer skysstasjon and Lilletorget Brubakken. These are both marked in the map on the left side.

The bus trip from the train station to Birkebeiner skistadion is 10 min.

The bus stop is the black circle.
The start point for the course is the red circle.
About 650metres to walk.