GEILO, NORWAY
Ski Holidays in Geilo
Geilo is Norway’s second largest and oldest ski resort situated between Bergen and Oslo, on the edge of Hardangervidda national park. It offers stunning scenery with snow-covered fells and overlooks the Hallingskarvet mountain range that catches the hues of Scandinavian winter light.
Resort Statistics

Level | Rating | Runs |
---|---|---|
Beginners | 16 | |
Intermediates | 17 | |
Advanced | 5 | |
Snowboarders | ||
Total Runs | 38 |
- Families
- Non-skiers
Resort Altitude | 800m |
Highest Lift | 1173m |
Total Piste | 28km |
Longest Run | 2km |
Directions of Slopes | N, S, E |
Uphill Capacity | 21000 |
Snow Parks | 2 |
Skiing in Geilo
Slaatta and Geilolia are the resort’s two ski areas that are situated on either side of the valley floor, separated by the Usteda;sfjorden lake. They are linked together by shuttle bus and together offer 39 tree lined runs below the plateau. Moreover, as the resort is fairly quiet skiers can take advantage of uncrowded and untouched pistes and trails.
Beginners and first timers are accommodated for very well as Geilo has nursery slopes as well as easy runs for beginners to progress onto and also superb ski schools with English speaking instructors.
Its wide and open cruising red runs are ideal for intermediates. The best spots in the area are at the peak of Gelohovda and Gullsteinhovda in the Slaatta section and Biodnahovda in Geilolia.
There are a few black runs from the same lift tops as well as a few off piste sections for experienced skiers although the resort does not offer an abundance of terrain for this level.
Freestylers will love the choice of five snowparks which have features for all abilities. Not only a premier resort for freestyle, Geilo is also a premier resort for cross country, and has an abundance of trails, 550km to be exact!
For something a bit different, there is kite-skiing available on the Hardangervidda plateau. But also every Thursday and Friday on the Vestlia side and every Tuesday on the Slaatta side, is where visitors can try out night skiing. The lifts stay open until 8pm and the pistes are floodlit, not only giving you more time on the slopes but it offers a completely different experience and a new way of seeing the resort.
Snow conditions in Geilo
Although Geilo sits at a low altitude at 800m, the combination of its location and climate make it a snow sure resort. Geilolia and Kikut have great snow conditions and hold the snow well thanks to their north facing slopes.
Après ski, restaurants and other activities in Geilo
Geilo is an all-round winter resort with a range of off slope activities to enjoy: dog sledding, ice fishing, horse drawn sleigh rides, horse riding, snowshoeing, tobogganing, fat biking, bowling and swimming and spa area. Plus, the Treetop Walk adventure park which is perfect for the family. It is a high ropes course including a 150m zipline located in the Geilolia area. Or take one of the world’s most picturesque train rides through resort, a great way to explore the local area or even take a daytrip to the Flåm Railway.
The weekends’ is when Geilo’s apres ski becomes more lively as in the week it has more of a relaxed atmosphere. Great spots for a good time are the Off-Pist and Recepten bars. Most of the resort’s bars are located on the Geilo side of the valley.
For Scandinavian dishes, the Hallingstuene restaurant is a must, owned by Geilo’s celebrity chef Frode Aga. The resort does have more family friendly options like pizzerias.
Transfer times to Geilo
Oslo (OSL) - 3 hrs 30 mins
Geilo Reviews
Good boarding to be had here. Good park facilities. The Geilolia side of the valley is better for beginners, while the Town side offers steeper runs. There is more nightlife in a dieters fridge than here, but we went for the snow and a good time was had by all.
Apres Ski: 2/5
Frankie