Alpine skiing has long been a traditional sport in Norway. This is due, first of all, to the geographical location of the country – a significant part of it is located in the subpolar and polar latitudes. Therefore, the ski season here opens earlier than in other European countries and ends later.
The development of ski resorts here is also facilitated by the terrain, since large areas of Norway are occupied by the Scandinavian mountains. If you add to this a favorable climate with plenty of snow and quite comfortable winter temperatures, you can understand why Norway is so popular among skiers and snowboarders.
Below we will take a closer look at the main ski resorts of this Northern European country – their technical features, infrastructure development and some additional nuances.
Hemsedal
Hemsedal is located in a picturesque area called the “Scandinavian Alps” and is located halfway between the country’s two largest cities – Oslo and Bergen. This resort enjoys well-deserved popularity among both Norwegians and foreign tourists. Entire groups or families usually come here, since Hemsedal has excellent conditions not only for skiing, but also for additional recreation.
There are two separate ski centers here – Hemsedal itself, and Solhuisen, located 10 km away. The first of them is suitable for active recreation of skiers of any level of training, from beginner to master. The second one is intended for relaxed skiing of families with children and amateurs who have recently started skiing. Here is the largest recreational ski area for children in Scandinavia.
The resort has excellent conditions for extreme off-piste skiing, snowboarding and freestyle skiing. The resort village has shops, restaurants and snack bars, nightclubs with alcohol bars, and a wonderful fitness center. Vacationers will also be able to ride around the surrounding area on dog sleds or snowmobiles, and go cross-country skiing on a long 210-kilometer flat track.
How to get there?
Hemsedal is located off the west coast of Norway. The closest international airports are in Oslo and Bergen.
Also from the Norwegian capital, located 220 km away, a regular bus runs to Hemsedal and a train runs from Friday to Sunday inclusive daily. Travel time from Oslo to the winter resort is about 3.5-4 hours.
You can also get to Hemsedal by rail or taxi from the large port city of Bergen, located 280 km away.
The third option is that you can get to this ski resort by ferry from neighboring Denmark or Germany. The journey by sea from there to the port of Larvik will take 3 hours, after which you should take a taxi and get to the resort center. Travel time from Larvik to Hemsedal will be about 4 hours.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 810 meters
- Resort altitude – 640 – 1450 meters
- Length of cross-country trails – 210 km
- The total length of the ski slopes is 45 km
- Number of tracks – 53
- “Green” – 23 units, 14 km.
- “Blue” – 14 units, 17 km.
- “Reds” – 9 units, 10 km
- “Black” – 7 units, 4 km.
- Lifts – 18 (8 chairlifts, 10 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 50€ / 40€
- Season duration : from November to May
Trysil
Trysil is a winter resort located 160 km from the Norwegian capital, close to the border with Sweden. It is great for a family holiday, as there are a large number of trails for children and beginners, and a high level of infrastructure and service. The trails in Trysil are located on the slopes of Mount Trysilfjellet, which rises 1.1 km above the area. The slopes and surrounding area are covered with coniferous forests, which gives the local air a healing effect.
In total, there are four separate ski areas, each with its own infrastructure facilities. All slopes are covered by a snow machine system, which allows you to extend the ski season until the end of April. Trysil is popular not only among beginners, but also among experienced skiers. There are complex, winding “black” trails with a large slope, and off-piste virgin descents are offered to extreme sports enthusiasts.
The resort has a ski school staffed by experienced instructors for beginners. A number of the slopes of Mount Trysilfjellet are equipped with floodlights, which allows vacationers to ski even after sunset. For fans of cross-country skiing, the resort area has 100 km of flat trails, and for snowboarding enthusiasts there are two snow parks equipped with jumps.
Trysil also provides ample opportunities for après-ski recreation. Tourists will be able to ride dog sleds, horseback riding or snowmobiles through the picturesque surroundings, visit the ski museum, and a traditional Lapland village.
At the local sports center you can visit the fitness room, go bowling, play billiards, and swim in the pool. The resort has a spa center with a sauna. Lovers of outdoor recreation are offered ice fishing on the local river Trisilelva.
How to get there?
The closest international airports to Trysil are Oslo, which is 160 km away, and Stockholm. The Swedish capital is separated from the Norwegian ski resort by 470 km. The easiest way to get here from the airport is to book a transfer in advance .
An intercity bus also runs between Oslo and Trysil, but experienced travelers recommend renting a car in the Norwegian capital and getting to the ski center on your own. This way you can move around the surrounding area, visiting picturesque places and nearby ancient towns and villages. The cost of entering the resort by car is 7 euros, and for guests of local hotels it is free with a token issued at the reception.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 685 meters
- Resort altitude – 415 – 1100 meters
- Length of running tracks – 100 km
- The total length of the ski slopes is 71 km
- Number of tracks – 51
- “Green” – 15 pcs., 15 km
- “Blue” – 10 units, 18 km.
- “Reds” – 10 units, 18 km
- “Black” – 16 pcs., 20 km
- Lifts – 23 (6 chairlifts, 17 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 50€ / 42€
- Season duration : from November to April
Voss
Voss is a ski center in western Norway, near the Oslo-Bergen highway. The slopes on which the high-speed descents are equipped are located in close proximity to the railway station, so that tourists, leaving the carriage, immediately find themselves in the territory of the ski resort. On the slopes of a nearby mountain there are 24 tracks, of which 14 are for alpine skiing, and the rest for snowboarding, freestyle, and slalom.
Voss is famous for its snowy winters: during the winter season there is more rainfall here than in other parts of the country. Many slopes are intended for freeride, which attracts many experienced athletes to the resort who want to tickle their nerves with a high-speed descent on virgin soil. Particular attention is paid to children in Voss. There are several ski schools for them, there are three separate ski areas with safe gentle slopes, and children’s parties and festivals are regularly held.
There are restaurants, bars and nightclubs in Voss, so adult travelers won’t be bored either. Tourists are invited to take an excursion tour through the picturesque fjords of Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, which do not freeze even in the most severe frost thanks to the Gulf Stream flowing nearby. But the most memorable adventure on offer in Voss is a ride on Europe’s steepest railway, the Flåm Railway, which winds between mountains, dives into tunnels and climbs the highest cliffs.
How to get there?
The closest international airport to Voss is in the city of Bergen, on the west coast of the kingdom. It is 116 km from the resort center and there is a passenger train, and a train to Voss also runs from the Norwegian capital. Traveling by rail from Bergen will take 1 hour 15 minutes, and from Oslo – 5 hours 30 minutes. There is also an intercity bus service between Oslo and Voss, and it is possible to rent a car and hit the road on your own.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 869 meters
- Resort height – 91 – 960 meters
- The total length of the ski slopes is 40 km
- Number of tracks – 14
- “Green” – 6 pcs., 5 km
- “Blue” – 4 units, 4 km
- “Reds” – 1 piece, 25 km
- “Black” – 3 pcs., 6 km
- Lifts – 11 (1 gondola, 4 chairlifts, 6 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 45€ / 35€
- Season duration : from December to May
Myrkdalen
Myrkdalen is a relatively young ski resort, opened in 2003 and located off the west coast of Norway, 25 km from Voss. The climatic conditions and terrain of these two resort centers are almost identical, and the level of tourist services, the quality of the trails and their technical equipment are also equally high.
A distinctive feature of Myrkdalen is the presence of wide tracks that are perfect for carving. Also here, nature itself has created wonderful conditions for freeride: the surrounding slopes can give a lot of thrills to fans of off-piste skiing. The freeride zone located on the slope of the 900-meter Stølsheim mountain is especially appreciated by extreme sports enthusiasts. On the slopes of another mountain, Kroni, there are several snow parks in Myrkdalen for freestylers and snowboarders with 11 rails and a pair of pipes, many large and small slides. At the foot of the mountains, ski tracks for flat skiing are laid along the valley.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to Myrkdalen is to book a transfer from Bergen International Airport. The road to the ski center in this case will take about 1 hour. It is also possible to travel by rail from Oslo or Bergen to Voss station. From here, a free bus runs several times a day to the resort of Myrkdalen. Another option for getting to Myrkdalen is to rent a car in Oslo . The road in this case will take 6 hours: you will need to get to Voss, and from there turn onto the E-16 highway going to Sogn. At the fork in the town of Vigne, at the sign Vik/Myrkdalen, turn towards Myrkdalen.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 610 meters
- Resort height – 450 – 1060 meters
- Length of running tracks – 28 km
- The total length of the ski slopes is 24 km
- Number of tracks – 20
- “Greens” – 4
- “Blues” – 6
- “Reds” – 7
- “Black” – 3
- Lifts – 8
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 45€ / 38€
- Season duration : from November to April
Hafjell
The Hafjell ski center is located 30 km from the Winter Olympics capital Lillehamer, and was one of the Olympic venues. Thanks to this, all routes and technical support facilities here comply with international standards.
In total, the Olympic ski area includes five popular winter resorts, which are covered by a single ski pass. They are all connected by a free bus service, so tourists arriving in Hafjell have the opportunity to ski on other slopes in Lillehamer. On the nearby slopes of the resort there are over 40 km of downhill slopes of varying difficulty, as well as 300 km of cross-country ski trails.
There are five snow parks equipped with jumps and slides in Hafjell for snowboarders and freestylers.
The resort has the world’s first ski school, which was once opened by international champion Kyus. At local rental points you can pick up any equipment – for cross-country skiing, snowboarding, freestyle.
For families with children, there are three specialized areas with attractions and the extensive Lilleputhammer amusement park with an indoor water park.
The après-ski program for adults is also very extensive: they offer bars, night discos, restaurants, shops and sportswear boutiques.
There is an Olympic Museum at the resort, and there is also the opportunity to go bobsleigh, ice fishing, snowmobiling or visit the sauna.
How to get there?
Hafjell is 160 km from the Norwegian capital airport, and there are several ways to get here from Oslo:
- Book a transfer from Oslo International Airport.
- By rail. The electric train to Lillehammer, passing Hafjell, departs directly from Gardemun International Airport. The railway station is located on the ground floor of the airport terminal.
- By car. You can rent a car in Oslo and drive along the E-6 highway all the way to the resort village of Hafjell, which is located right next to the highway.
- From Oslo, buses from the NOR-WAY carrier depart daily in a northern direction. They all make a stop at the ski center.
In your own car. To get to Hafjell from Russia, you will need to go to the Finnish port of Turku, and from there take a sea ferry across the Gulf of Bothnia to Stockholm. Next, follow the signs, move to Oslo, and from there directly to Hafjell. The route from Stockholm to the ski center is 630 km.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 864 meters
- Resort height – 195 – 1059 meters
- Length of running tracks – 300 km
- The total length of the ski slopes is 44 km
- Number of tracks – 24
- “Green” – 7 pcs., 13 km
- “Blue” – 8 units, 20 km.
- “Reds” – 5 units, 7 km.
- “Black” – 4 pieces, 4 km.
- Lifts – 15 (1 gondola, 4 chairlifts, 10 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 35€ / 30€
- Season duration : from November to April
Kvitfjell
Kvitfjell is another ski center included in the Lillehammer Olympic zone. It is connected to the rest of the surrounding resorts by a free bus and a single ski pass. Built specifically for the 1994 Olympics, Kvitfjell has a high level of slope preparation that meets all international standards.
It is also famous for its “black” track, the longest in all of Norway and with a height difference of 800 meters. This slope regularly hosts World Cup competitions, as well as national championships among alpine skiers. There are also gentle slopes intended for children and beginners, and there is a ski school with a staff of highly qualified trainers.
For fans of cross-country skiing, Kvitfjell has over 600 km of flat trails, and for snowboarders, one of the best snow parks in Europe is open . Most of the slopes are equipped with artificial lighting and snowmakers, allowing you to extend the ski season until mid-April.
The resort has numerous restaurants and cafes, a sports equipment store, and ski equipment rentals. The entertainment program for children is also extensive: they can take part in the Ski Patrol, visit a fairy-tale fortress, or go on a visit to the snow robbers living in the surrounding mountains.
How to get there?
Kvitfel is 225 km from Oslo International Airport, from where travelers can book a transfer . Here you can rent a car and get to the ski resort on your own. Travel time from Oslo – 2 hours 30 minutes. You can also get to the resort by train to Lillehammer railway station, which is 55 km from Kvifel, and from there take a taxi or transfer to a regular bus. Distance to other major cities in Norway: to Trondheim – 315 km, 3 hours 30 minutes. driving a car; to Gardemuen – 198 km, 2 hours 30 minutes. ride.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 854 meters
- Resort height – 178 – 1032 meters
- Length of running tracks – 600 km
- The total length of the ski slopes is 39 km
- Number of tracks – 26
- “Green” – 5 pcs., 5 km
- “Blue” – 11 units, 10 km
- “Reds” – 6 units, 9 km
- “Black” – 4 pcs., 5 km
- Lifts – 11 (3 chairlifts, 8 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 46€ / 37€
- Season duration : from November to April
Geilo
Geilo is one of Norway’s oldest winter resorts, opened on the country’s west coast over a century ago. Over the years, it has turned into a major tourist center, equally suitable for families with children and for active recreation for professional athletes. This mountainous region is distinguished by especially snowy winters, which is due to the location of the resort on the shores of the North Atlantic with its warm Gulf Stream current.
In total, over 40 ski slopes are built annually on the surrounding slopes, among which there are gentle slopes for children and extreme “black” zones for extreme athletes. Most of the trails are illuminated for evening skiing and have artificial snow.
Geilo has excellent conditions for practicing other winter sports: cross-country skiing, carving, snowboarding, telemark, freestyle skiing, and there is even a bobsleigh track. You can get from one ski area to another, separated by several kilometers, using a free bus.
Separately, it is necessary to mention the beautiful surrounding landscapes of Geilo. Literally at the foot of the mountains, the non-freezing waters of the North Atlantic rage, and vacationers are invited to ride around the picturesque area on an elk team, take a safari on a snowmobile or on horseback. You can get a thrill by riding the 25-kilometer Flåm railway with a 50% incline.
For children, there is a Troll ski kindergarten with animators, an amusement park and playrooms located in the building. In February, a colorful Children’s Festival is held in Geilo, which will leave a lot of indelible impressions on the child’s soul.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to Geilo from Oslo Airport is to book a transfer . The journey will take about 4 hours. You can also get here by rail by electric train from the capital of the kingdom or from Bergen. In the first case, the journey will take 3 hours, and in the second – 3 hours 30 minutes. You can also fly to Bergen International Airport. Or to the domestic airports Fagernes-Leirlin, which is 1 hour 30 minutes. drive from Geilo, or Sandefjord, located 4 hours from the resort. By rented car you can get to Geilo from Oslo and Bergen, driving along the Rv-7 or Rv-50 highways.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 378 meters
- Resort height – 800 – 1178 meters
- The total length of the ski slopes is 35 km
- Number of tracks – 42
- “Green” – 9 pcs., 6 km
- “Blue” – 10 pcs., 9 km
- “Reds” – 15 units, 15 km
- “Black” – 8 pcs., 5 km
- Lifts – 18 (5 chairlifts, 13 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 49€ / 40€
- Season duration : from November to April
Narvikfjellet
Narvikfjellet is a winter resort located in the very north of Norway, beyond the Arctic Circle. Vacationers will remember it for a long time for its polar night with flashes of the northern lights and stunning views from the mountain of the same name. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream ocean current flowing nearby, the air temperature in this polar region rarely drops below -15°C. Nearby is the port city of Narvik, where tourists can find all the infrastructure they need – from cafes and restaurants to shops and night discos.
The ski slopes on Narvikfjell are of high quality and well equipped. There are relatively simple gentle slopes for beginners, and virgin areas with large slopes intended for extreme freeriders. The resort has a separate snow park with slides, jumps and “pipes”. All slopes are served by mechanical lifts with a total capacity of 23 thousand people. Vacationers will also be able to go rock climbing and mountaineering in Narvikfjell under the guidance of instructors with an international qualification certificate.
How to get there?
Narvik is located in the very north of the kingdom, and the path here is not so easy. A foreign tourist will initially have to fly to Oslo International Airport , and then transfer to a domestic flight to Evenes. This domestic airport is 80 km from Narvik and offers transfers to the winter resort of Narvikfjellet. You can also get here by train from Oslo or Stockholm, getting off at Foske station and taking a regular bus to Narvik. Travel time from Stockholm will take about 20 hours.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 878 meters
- Resort height – 125 – 1003 meters
- Length of running tracks – 12 km
- The total length of the ski slopes is 16 km
- Number of tracks – 12
- “Green” – 3 pcs., 2 km.
- “Blue” – 3 pcs., 2 km
- “Reds” – 3 units, 6 km
- “Black” – 3 pcs., 6 km
- Lifts – 6 (1 gondola, 2 chairlifts, 3 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 40€ / 31€
- Season duration : from November to May
Oppdal
Oppdal is a ski resort located in the coastal mountains south of Trondheim and is the largest in the entire province of Trøndelag. The ski slopes here are laid on the slopes of four surrounding mountains, each of which has a separate infrastructure, but they are all united by a common ski pass. Oppdal is famous for its off-piste areas, designed for experienced freeriders and racers. There is a well-equipped snow park, a long giant slalom track, and separate areas for children. Oppdal is famous for its excellent ski school and extensive excursion program.
In the early Middle Ages, this town, whose name translates as “House of the Strong,” was the Norwegian capital. The coronation ceremonies of local rulers were held here, and many ancient attractions have been preserved to this day. In the vicinity of the town there are lands of the Dovrefel National Park, spread around the mountain of the same name. You can go skiing or sledding around the territory of the reserve, go ice fishing, and rock climbing. In the sports complex operating in Oppdal you can play curling and bowling, visit the sauna, and swim in the pool.
How to get there?
The city of Oppdal can be reached from the international airports of Oslo (420 km) and Trondheim (120 km) by rail or road. The easiest option is to pre -book a transfer to the resort. There are two passenger trains a day from Trondheim and Oslo past Oppdal – day and night. There is a regular bus from the town of Oppdal to the ski center, and it is possible to take a taxi.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 715 meters
- Resort altitude – 585 – 1300 meters
- Length of running tracks – 180 km
- The total length of the ski slopes is 58 km
- Number of tracks – 39
- “Green” – 10 pcs., 18 km
- “Blue” – 14 units, 25 km
- “Reds” – 10 units, 10 km
- “Black” – 5 pcs., 5 km
- Lifts – 18 (3 chairlifts, 15 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 44€ / 36€
- Season duration : from December to May
Hovden
Hovden was opened in 1968 in the province of Ost-Agder and is currently considered the largest winter recreation center in Norway. In total, there are three separate ski areas with more than thirty high-speed slopes of all difficulty categories. For the most part, they are covered by an artificial snowmaking system and evening lighting. There is a sports equipment rental office, a ski school for beginners and a ski equipment store near Hovden. There are also areas for off-piste descents on virgin snow. The highest point of Hovden is located at almost 1.2 km and offers amazing views of the surrounding mountainous terrain and green valleys covered with coniferous forests.
The resort has one of the largest snow parks in Norway, equipped with all the necessary facilities for snowboarders and freestylers to practice aerobatics.
The resort area has all the conditions for an après-ski holiday: there are restaurants and cafes, bars and nightclubs. Vacationers are also offered various excursion tours – snowmobile and snowshoe walks in the surrounding picturesque area. For children, there is a magnificent amusement park called Bukkerittet Terrengpark.
How to get there?
The ski resort is located in the Setesdale region in the province of Ost-Agder. The easiest way to get to the Hovden ski center is to book a transfer from the capital’s airport . It is also possible to get here by regular bus or by rented car .
Specifications:
- Height difference – 361 meters
- Resort height – 822 – 1183 meters
- The total length of the ski slopes is 34.4 km
- Number of tracks – 31
- “Green” – 10
- “Blues” – 5
- “Reds” -11
- “Black” – 5
- Lifts – 8 (3 chairlifts, 5 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 55€ / 44€.
- Season duration : from November to May
Strandafjellet
The Strandafjelle ski resort is located near the town of Ålesund, at the foot of the 1.2 km high mountain of the same name. Tourists are attracted here by ample opportunities for active recreation, as well as stunning natural landscapes. From the top of the resort there are magnificent views of the surrounding area and the fjords of the Atlantic coast of Norway.
In addition to groomed slopes, Strandafjell has an extensive freeride area. According to extreme skiers, it is the best in all of Norway. For freestyle and snowboarding, the resort has a specialized snow park, and for minor tourists there is a separate children’s ski area.
Most of the slopes in Strandafjell are equipped with snowmakers and night lighting, making skiing especially comfortable throughout the ski season.
There is a cross-country ski track at the foot of the mountain, and there are cafes, snack bars and a restaurant right on the slopes.
How to get there?
The Strandafjellet ski center is located near the tourist town of Ålesund. Thanks to its convenient location, there are no problems with transport accessibility. You can get to Ålesund by rail, sea ferry, rented car or regular bus. The easiest way for foreigners is to book a transfer directly from Oslo International Airport. In addition, planes fly to the local Vigra airport from the capital of the kingdom, from Trondheim, Bergen, and also from the Danish Copenhagen.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 800 meters
- Resort altitude – 430 – 1230 meters
- The total length of the ski slopes is 25 km
- Number of tracks – 17
- “Greens” – 4
- “Blues” – 5
- “Reds” – 6
- “Black” – 2
- Lifts – 6 (1 chairlift, 5 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 46€ / 36€
- Season duration : December-April
Gausdal
Gausdal is a mountainous area, the highest in the province of Telemark, where the ski resort of the same name has been operating for more than a hundred years. Today it is part of the Lillihammer Olympic Center complex of five resorts, and is connected with them by a common ski pass and free bus service.
The slopes here are equipped on the slopes of the Gaustatoppen peak, where athletes are transported by modern lifts. The longest local slope is 1.8 km long. There are also virgin areas intended for freeride, and more than 220 km of cross-country trails are laid at the foothills.
The extensive snow park is equipped with ten tracks with eight jumps, and there is also a separate track for boardercross. In general, the Gausdal resort is more focused on families with children, so it offers an extensive additional tourist program. The resort has a separate children’s slide with gentle, safe slopes, an amusement park, and for their parents – 5 bars and a night disco.
How to get there?
Gausdal is located near the large winter recreation center of Lillehammer. The closest international airport to the ski center is in Oslo, 180 km from Lillehammer. The easiest way to get here is by ordering a transfer from the airport directly to the hotel door. You can also get to Gausdal by rented car , by regular bus or by rail. In the last two cases, you will have to get to the nearby city of Lillehammer (1 hour 45 minutes on the road), and from there get to Gausta by taxi or bus. In a rented car, drive north from Oslo along the E-6 highway, all the way to Lillehammer, and then turn at the sign to the ski center.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 349 meters
- Length of cross-country trails – 220 km
- The total length of the ski slopes is 19 km
- Number of tracks – 13
- “Blue” – 5 units, 6 km
- “Reds” – 6 units, 11 km
- “Black” – 2 pcs., 2 km
- Lifts – 11 (4 chairlifts, 7 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 41€ / 36€
- Season duration : from November to April