6 independent reviews for Venabu cross country skiing vacation in Norway
Reviews for Venabu cross country skiing vacation in Norway
Christiane Rahner review 27 Mar 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Skiing and eating. Area/ tracks are very good. Landscape not alpine, but rather like foothills. Food is very good.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Beware of the host company's 'booking confirmations': it took 6 months for the company to finally issue me with a [semi-] correct invoice. I had to harangue them for months until they took items off the invoice which I had not chosen, and there was also an unnecessary delay in issuing the cancellation notice for my sick partner who could not make the journey after all. Also, they pass the ATOL fee on to customers, something I had not heard of before. Also be sure you get information beforehand about the transfer bus - it will NOT be at the designated place at the designated hour if a plane carrying host company clients is delayed. There are no info signs about the estimated arrival of the bus in such an instance; it will be waiting somewhere else and only appear, when the clients have gone through customs. This information had not been provided and caused unnecessary panic.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The hotel followed several green scheme policies. However, most of the hotel staff members and guides I had contact with were foreigners, not locals [Dutch, Swiss, German, English, Scottish....].4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5/10, ultimately because the group touring options were limited. Advanced skiers were put into the so called intermediate group, which by default then became an advanced group. Some intermediates with good competency but without the stamina of the advanced skiers then had to join the beginners group which limited the skiing options for them.sue kay review 18 Mar 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Some of the skiing routes. The friendliness of the staff at Venabu. The lovely setting.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be careful. Firstly many of the group members already knew each other and this felt somewhat exclusive. Also some of the ski tours are not as described. For eg the Introduction to off track skiing. There was no introduction or instruction. Most of the participants had already done a fair bit of off track skiing and everything was done at their pace with no explanation to new people. This was disappointing because I had hoped to begin off track skiing on this trip but it was not possible with the headwater group.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes Venabu does try to reduce environmental impacts and is an independent family owned business.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I did have a pretty good time but mainly because I already knew some other people who were staying at Venabu and I was able to do things with them. I think more of the guides need to offer instruction (on the ski tours) to those who would like it - only 1 did so in the groups I skied with. My star rating is for the host company experience only.Julie Morrice review 9 Apr 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole Venabu experience was a delight. It is a uniquely welcoming and generous place. Ski guides and hotel staff are so helpful and friendly. The food is exceptional. We also loved being part of our gang - a great bunch of people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Relax. Enjoy.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Provides local employment. Cross-country certainly more planet-friendly than downhill skiing.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An energetic delight.Hilary MacPherson review 22 Jan 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting interesting people and learning a new skill.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you need to stay overnight in Oslo, Radisson Blue at airport is very good and convenient. Don’t bother with much cash. Norway seems mostly cash free.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Cross country skiing appears to have a fairly low environmental impact. Not sure about impact of hotel activities on local community.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very enjoyable, well organised, very high standard of food and good accommodation.Alan Reimer review 21 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Plenty of snow!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Wax your skis, mine kept sticking.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Good hotel, friendly staffKatie Wade review 29 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The location was absolutely stunning2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The location is stunning, food amazing. Everyone will make you stay brilliant3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not necessarily4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, I would definitely returnHoliday Reviews
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