Spring
Spring in Rondane is unpredictable. One year it might arrive as early as April, the next as late as June.
The spring period is often characterized by fast-flowing rivers and poor snow conditions, which can make both hiking and skiing difficult. If you want to go skiing, you must be prepared to take advantage of the night frost that lasts until late morning. As soon as the sun warms things up and the snow begins to melt, it is a better idea to just pitch your tent. The area has been adapted so that people can visit for much of the year. However, throughout all of May to mid-June, the tourist cabins in Rondane are closed out of consideration for the wild reindeer. Show consideration and feel free to choose hiking destinations and activities in the villages around the protected areas during this period – there isn’t much that beats the combination of budding birch trees and great views of snow-covered peaks.
Summer
The transition from spring to summer can happen very quickly the mountains, and often takes place in mid-June. Summer in the mountains is short, and is often over when we reach August. This time of year is usually dry and stable, but keep in mind that every month of the year may experience snow.
It is easy to go hiking in Rondane National Park and the adjacent protected areas – the many waymarked trails take you from cabin to cabin, to the top of mountains and through deep valleys. Ten of the peaks tower 2000 meters above sea level, and visitors can reach several of these on waymarked trails. If you set off on one of these trips, make sure you have good hiking boots and appropriate outdoor clothing, you may risk meeting all four seasons in one single day.
Remember to also bring along plenty of water, there are not many places to fill your water bottle. The routes often pass over rough patches of boulders that can be slippery and difficult to walk on. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a chat with others who have taken the trip in question in order to find out if it is feasible for you.
Autumn
Take a trip to Rondane and experience the dramatic snow-capped peaks and landscapes that burst with color. Autumn often announces its arrival in early August and lasts until mid-October. The weather can change abruptly in the mountains, and autumn is no exception. Great autumn weather can turn into full-blown winter during the course of one day. You are responsible for assessing the weather and your level of fitness and skills, and be prepared with suitable clothes and equipment. Autumn is the hunting season, so expect to meet hunters in the mountains from 20 August to mid-September. It is especially important to show consideration towards each other during this period.
Winter
Rondane experiences winter from mid-October until May, and some years it can last as long as mid-June. With both staked and machine-groomed trails, Rondane has everything in place for fantastic winter trips in the mountains. We recommend you use mountain skis where the trails are staked, while narrow skis are just as good to use on the machine-groomed trails. Winter is the coldest period of the year, so it is important to wear clothes that are both warm and windproof.
The basis of existence for both animals and plants is marginal during this time of the year, and although the animals are evolved to withstand harsh conditions, winter is demanding. Therefore, it is important that we show consideration so they do not have to use valuable energy fleeing from humans visitors.
When the roads open
Most roads in Rondane National Park are open during parts of the year. All dates are subject to weather and driving conditions. See also advice and rules for visitors.Road name | Opens | Closes | Protected area |
---|---|---|---|
Grimsdalsvegen road | 5 June | 1 December | Grimsdalen Protected Landscape |
Haverdalsvegen road (from Vegaskillet to Haverdalssetrene) | 15 June | 1 December | Grimsdalen Protected Landscape |
The road running through Ryddølsdalen valley | 5 June | 1 December | Grimsdalen Protected Landscape |
The road to Dørålseter | 15 June | 1 December | Dørålen Protected Landscape |
Peer Gynt mountain road | 1 June | 1 December | Frydalen lProtected Landscape |
Eldåsetervegen road/Østkjølen mountain road | 1 June | 1 December | Frydalen Protected Landscape |
Fra toppen av Tjønnbakkvegen inn til Spranghaugen | 15 June | 1 November | Frydalen Protected Landscape |