Kamben cross country skiing in Norway

Planet

Accommodation and meals:
We stay in a locally owned hotel Kamben Hoyfjellshotell, set amongst Norwegian pine trees and private cabins. Like many hotels in Norway the hotel has an active approach to responsible tourism. With a strong emphasis on protecting the local environment, this is done through high levels of recycling, low energy lighting, fossil-free energy supplies through solar panels and sourcing local produce.
The hotel has a restaurant serving a perfect mixture of local cuisine including lamb, salmon, cod, homemade soups even the beer is brewed locally. Packed lunches are made up from the buffet breakfast and the hotel offers to fill thermos flask with tea or coffee free of charge. The tap water in Norway is very good and the hotel doesn’t sell bottled water, so be sure to bring a bottle or camelback to fill.

Activity:
As we spend the week cross-country skiing, we have a very low impact on the environment. Erosion on and adjacent to popular paths is a growing problem in certain places and therefore our trip leaders encourage clients to stick to advised routes in order to minimise this. We believe in leaving no more than footprints, however we do want toleave behind a positive cultural exchange by engaging with locals and using local businesses. By hiring our skis locally and using transport in the area, we are immediately having a positive effect on the community.

Group Size:
This small group tour has a maximum of 16 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people.

UK office:
It all starts at home so we have first worked at reducing our carbon footprint in our UK offices. Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.

People

Local Craft and Culture:
Due to the remote location of Kamben Hoyfjellshotell there is little opportunity to purchase local crafts. Although handmade woollen socks can be bought from reception as well has popular Norwegian snacks, traditionally associated with outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. Staying here you will immerse yourself in Norwegian culture. The communal lounge and dining room date back to 1922 and are decorated in the traditional styles of rural Norway, while the remote location also means the hotel receives few international guest, further enhancing the local experience.

A Fair Deal:
We have established a long term partnership with our local operator who is committed to boosting rural economies through tourism. They work in partnership with our UK leader who are both committed to responsible tourism and helping to preserve the way of life in this area. The leaders will give a briefing on Responsible Tourism issues to help you understand how you can help reduce your impact and maximise the benefits to the local community from your visit.