The trip to Kavlisetra in Isfjorden is a popular ski trip on groomed tracks with a steady climb, around 9.5 kilometres from Åndalsnes. The route is 4.75 kilometres one way, with 389 metres of ascent up to the mountain farm at 482 metres above sea level. The time needed is normally around two hours and 25 minutes.
Getting there by car
The trip starts at the car park at Hellerøra in Isfjorden. You drive past Romsdal Lodge and through a toll barrier with automatic payment, before reaching a large, well-maintained car park that's ploughed throughout the winter. The cross-country track is groomed regularly through the season, and the tracks are usually laid all the way to Husnebbu (in Norwegian).
Mountain scenery
There are mountains and valleys in every direction once you're above the treeline. Among other views, you can look straight across to Venjesdalen. Above the treeline the landscape flattens out, and the route in lets you glide quietly through scenery that keeps opening up ahead of you.
The destination
Kavlisetra itself is a small cluster of private cabins. The farm is unstaffed, so it's important to bring your own food and drink. A thermos of warm drink is always worth bringing on ski trips, since even on warm, sunny days the cold can creep in.
The descent return
Your reward for the climbs is a long descent back to the car park. You may well have spotted a few new destinations for future trips, or found a favourite to come back to.
