Norway ski holidays
Norway boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Snow-capped mountains, extraordinary runs and blue skies await in a country with unrivalled Nordic charm. With landscapes that would not look out of place on Christmas cards, Norway is an extraordinary location for travellers to visit. The country’s laid-back culture and idyllic ski conditions make it a fantastic holiday destination.
Geilo ski resort
Best ski holidays in Norway
Best for snow-sure slopes - Norway's resorts are known for excellent snow conditions and long seasons, but the highest resorts are Beitostolen (900m) and Geilo (800m).
Best for families - Geilo, Beitstolen and Trysil (Norway’s largest ski area) are top for family friendly skiing with plenty of non-skiing activities. Read our guide on the best family resorts in Norway for more information!
Best for après - Hemsedal and Geilo are the liveliest in Norway. You can expect live music and dancing on tables!
Best for groups - The resorts that are great for all abilities are Trysil and Oslo Vinterpark as they have a variety of runs.
Ski Areas in Norway
Many people are under the assumption that Norway is only really suitable for cross country skiing with indeed some of the best terrain and facilities around. However Norwegian ski resorts also play host to some very impressive downhill pistes and snow parks, all of which are ideally suited to beginners and intermediates with even some opportunities for more accomplished skiers.
With so many excellent ski options in the country, it is vital that travellers do their research carefully and select the resort that is most suitable for their own needs. Trysil and Hemesdal are ideal for beginners and families alike, while cross-country enthusiasts will feel at home in Beitostolen.
Ski resorts in Norway
Norway has a healthy variety of resorts for skiers and snowboarders to choose from, ranging from the small and ultra-accessible Beitostolen area to the vast, all-encompassing Hemsedal, which boasts a total of 49 slopes.
Meanwhile, Voss provides the outstanding beauty Norway is known for and a variety of slopes for all abilities.
Geilo is the ideal resort for skiers looking for a relaxing getaway, while Trysil has 67 slopes, and offers night skiing and 90km of cross country trails for a great range of skiing options.
Norefjell is the highest vertical ski resort in Norway, with its 25km of largely blue and green pistes, and Myrkdalen is another family-friendly one with plenty of confidence-building skiing.
Snow-sure Gausta offers wonderful scenery with long, meandering and relaxing trails that are ideal for entry-level skiers.
Snow conditions in Norway
Norway’s notoriously cold climate makes it one of Europe’s top ski destinations, and the Nordic paradise benefits greatly from smaller crowds and less congestion than what is seen in other areas of the continent.
Trysil is Norway’s largest ski destination and peaks at 1132m above sea level. The area also boasts dependable snow conditions between November and April alongside truly awe-inspiring scenery.
Hemesdal offers 46 pistes and 415 acres of terrain and 220km of cross-country ski trails. Its season runs between November and May.
Ski seasons at Voss and Beitostolen also run between November and April, where skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of a wide variety of runs and marvel at the magnificent landscape.
Myrkdalen ski resort
Apres Ski and Non-Ski Activities in Norway
Norway is a fantastic location for nightlife and attractions once the slopes shut for the night. At Hemsedal, tourists can expect live music at the weekend and there are four nightclubs and a handful of bars to explore.
Similarly, Geilo and Trysil have lively reputations at the weekends but are generally quiet resorts with many of the attractions being family-orientated. Skeikampen is much the same, though its Viking Land area presents several great entertainment options. Voss’ nightclubs can also be relied upon for a great night out, whereas Hafjell/Lillehammer boasts a cinema and an ice rink along with a range of fantastic bars and restaurants.
Beitostolen is one of the quietest resorts in Norway with only a handful of restaurants and bars, though its tranquil atmosphere makes it a great resort for those looking for a laid-back break. Oppdal has a similar vibe, but offers more bars and shops for travellers to peruse across the resort’s stunning terrain.
A full programme of extra activities awaits you on a ski holiday to Norway, making it a perfect family destination with every chance to keep your little darlings occupied at all times! Choose from a full list including dogsledding, snowrafting and snowmobiling to name but a few.
Ski Accommodation in Norway
Norway offers a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from luxury hotels to budget apartments and exceptional spa complexes. The country also offers outstanding cuisine, with some of the best seafood in the world on offer. Whether you are looking for a deluxe stay in Nordic paradise, or simply looking for budget accommodation while you ski, there are a number of options across Norway.
Transfer times to Ski Resorts in Norway
Oslo-Gardermoen Airport is the main airport for all of the resorts. Hemsedal, Gausta, Geilo and Beitostolen are around 3.5 hours away from Oslo, while Norefjell is just 2 hours away.
On the other hand, the closest airport to Voss and Myrkdalen is Bergen Airport - about 1.5 and 2.5 hours away respectively.
The relatively new Scandinavian Mountains Airport just over the border in Sweden is also useful - it’s a quick 50-minute drive to Trysil.
Lift passes for Ski Resorts in Norway
All of Norway’s resorts offer lift passes, giving visitors access to all areas of a resort. Many of the locations, including Trysil, offer night skiing as part of the deal, while a season-long ski pass is available in Hemsedal that gives travellers discounts off a number of products. Deals will vary depending on the resort, meaning it is key to check well in advance to make sure you find a package for the best available price.