Norwegian Birkebeiner for Non-Skiers: A Guided Cross-Country Ski Trip
Cross country skiers cheering at the Birken Race, Norway
Ever wondered if you can enjoy the Norwegian Birkebeiner trip even if you don’t ski? Absolutely!
At Lumi Experiences, we design ski adventures that welcome both skiers and non-skiers - because the magic of Norway goes far beyond the trails.
Below, traveler Christine Fenske shares her perspective as a non-skier on Lumi’s guided cross-country ski trip to Norway, proving that even without skis, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure.
Chris made it to the finish in time to cheer on husband Eric
A Non-Skier’s Perspective on a Lumi trip
Christine Fenske, from just outside Milwaukee, WI, joined the 2025 Norwegian Birkebeiner Lumi Trip with her husband. While he skied, she discovered the cultural, culinary, and scenic side of Norway.
“You’re doing what?!” That is what my friends asked when I told them that my husband Eric and I were going to take a cross country ski trip to Norway with Lumi. While Eric has skied over 30 American Birkebeiners and Kortelopets, I don’t cross country ski, so why would I go on a cross country ski trip?
While Lumi Experiences has a focus on cross country skiing and some trips even include a Worldloppet event, I figured that as an active person that had never been to Norway there would also be local food experiences, cultural experiences and other outdoor activities for me to enjoy, and I was right!
Exploring Oslo: Culture, Cafés, and Companionship
The first three days of the trip were in Oslo. Unfortunately, the snow conditions were marginal, so the original plans for skiing the trail system around the hotel had to be modified to day trips.
Grabbing a book and a snack, I tagged along on these day trips and enjoyed hot chocolate while the group skied before reconvening for lunch and/or various activities.
Highlights included:
The Norwegian Ski Museum and Holmenkollen ski jump
A floating sauna experience on Oslofjord
A guided walking tour of Oslo
What I didn’t expect was that on any given day there were others in the group that chose not to ski so I would have company.
Chris and Eric learning about the newest waxes during a tour of the Swix factory
Lillehammer & Sjusjøen: Heart of the Norwegian Birkebeiner
The transition to Lillehammer on day four and for the remainder of the trip provided a completely different experience. Not only was there snow at nearby Sjusjoen, but with it being the week of the Norwegian Birkebeiner, known locally as the “Birken,” there was no shortage of things to do. Several in the group were doing the Birken or half Birken so they put the trails around Sjusjoen to good use.
With book in hand, I again tagged along, enjoying the beauty of the mountains along with lunch and a beverage at a local establishment with a handful of the group. Exploring the town and shops of Lillehammer and the Olympic Museum also made the days fly by.
Chris and trip leader Lisbeth cheering in Sjusjoen
Race Day: Cheering from the Sidelines
Birken day finally came, and you could feel the nervous energy of the racers. What they didn’t realize was that as a spectator I had my own nervous energy since my years of logistical experience from the American Birkebeiner were useless to me in Norway. Getting up to Sjusjoen where the real celebration takes place and then back to the finish line to welcome Eric was no small feat. I caught a ride down the mountain with some Canadian spectators and had a 1.5 mile run to the finish line to catch my husband Eric and gather with the rest of the group to celebrate the Lumi finishers.
Such a great day and a great memory.
Chris and her skiers pose in front of the Holmenkollen Ski Jump outside Oslo, Norway
Why Non-Skiers Love Lumi’s Guided Cross-Country Ski Trips
Throughout the trip the camaraderie of the group grew and the fact that I didn’t ski was irrelevant. That camaraderie along with the meals, museum tours, Norwegian culture and scenery created so many memories making the Lumi trip as a non-skier one of my best trips yet.
- Christine Fenske, about her 2025 Norway Birken trip with Lumi
Join a Lumi Trip: With or Without Skis
Thinking about your own Nordic ski vacation? Lumi Experiences offers guided ski tours across Europe, designed for every traveler, whether you’re a Worldloppet Master or a non-skier like Christine.
Upcoming 2026 Highlights:
Tour de Ski in Italy: Cheer on US Ski Team athletes
2026 Olympic Games in Italy: Experience world-class competition
Seefeld & Seiser Alm Trip: “Seiser Awesome,” as Jessie Diggins calls it
Slovenia & Italy Trip: Ski or sightsee beneath the Julian Alps
And of course, the Norway Birken Trip: Follow in Christine’s footsteps through Norway’s winter wonderland
Whether you’re traveling on skis or by foot, I look forward to seeing you on the trail!
Garrott Kuzzy
Olympian & Founder of Lumi Experiences