Mountain ski weekend in Bergsdalen based at Vending

Vending (820 m) is one of the large DNT mountain cabins not far from Bergen around which you can build an entire ski weekend.

The trip starts at Hamlagrøosen in Bergsdalen, about 1 hour 40 minutes drive from Bergen – here you put on your skis and go straight out into the high mountains.

This is the weekend for you who want a safe, self-service base with plenty of space, but at the same time have the opportunity for a proper long day in the mountains. Here you get both marked DNT trails, open valleys, and a summit trip to Kvam's highest peak. Note: The ski trip to Fuglafjellet is rated as particularly demanding, so you should have good skiing skills and knowledge of traveling in avalanche-prone terrain.

The plan is simple: on Friday you walk into the cabin via the marked trail, on Saturday you take the weekend's big trip to Fuglafjellet (1334 m), and on Sunday you finish with a nice round trip back to Hamlagrøosen over frozen lakes and mountain pastures.

Base: Vending

Vending er en stor hytte på 820 moh, oppført i 1996, med 30 sengeplasser. Hytta er selvbetjent med proviantlager og passer godt som en romslig og praktisk base. Enkleste tilkomst er fra Bergsdalen ved Hamlagrøosen, der du normalt bruker 2–3 timer på ski på godt merket trasé. 
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Hiking tips day by day

Day 1: March to Vending from Hamlagrøosen

Photo: On a trip Norway

A classic march with a steady ascent.

The trip starts at Hamlagrøvatnet. Follow the road along the water until it turns into a path at the cabin area. From there, you walk on the right side of the river, cross the bridge, and follow the marked trail south.

The most common ski route is the DNT's marked trail, which runs in the valley on the southeast side before it steadily rises towards Vendingstjørn – where you will catch sight of the cabin.

Distance : approx. 7 km, time: approx. 2-3 hours, grading: medium

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Day 2: Ski trip to Fuglafjellet (1334 m) via Fugladalen

Photo: Gunnar Aavik

A great mountain day to Kvam's highest peak.

Start at Vending and cross Vendingstjørn before heading northeast towards the foot of Fuglafjellet. You round the mountain on the north side and follow the summer route for a while to safely enter the right terrain.

When the summer trail begins to gain altitude up the mountainside, continue south and inward into Fugladalen. Follow the valley southwest to Fugladalstølen, before working your way further up via Fossavatnet and Øvre Fugladalsvatnet.

Further, you round a pass and enter a large valley that leads up to the summit plateau. The summit itself is relatively small and pointed, but the view is great in clear weather. The return is the same way, and down in Fugladalen you can choose whether to return to Vending or follow the regular ski trail down towards Hamlagrøvatnet.

Distance : approx. 15 km, time: approx. 8 hours, grading: extra demanding

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Day 3: Round trip back to Hamlagrøosen over frozen lakes

Photo: On a trip Norway

A varied and exciting return route over frozen lakes.

En variert returrute med støler, fine nedkjøringer og flere islagte vann før siste gli tilbake til parkeringen. Fra Vending følger du dalen sørvest mot Tverrelvane, før du tar nordover på vestsiden av elva og renner ned Frostabrekka til stølene ved Søyasete. Her er det bratt (over 30° enkelte steder), så vurder forholdene nøye.

Next, you head west, cross Søyavatnet, and continue northwest towards Kjerringadalen. From there, follow several frozen lakes (Båtvatnet, Instavatnet) further towards Djuptjørna, before following riverbeds down to Langtjørni and Tjørnadalstjørni. Finally, ski down towards Hamlagrøosen and follow the last bit to the parking lot.

Distance : approx. 11 km, time: approx. 5–6 hours, grading: demanding

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Tips before you go

• Book accommodation in advance
• Warm clothes for the high mountains
• Steel edges provide better control
• Check safe ice before crossing lakes
• Assess avalanche terrain on Saturday
• Use the food storage at Vending