Best Norway Après Ski and Nightlife

Not only can you explore the excellent ski areas during your ski holiday in Norway but you can also experience the superb après ski scene the country has to offer. What better way to end your day skiing than enjoying a well-earned drink in a vibrant setting? 

Norway is often considered the home of skiing. It is well known for its beautiful scenery: dramatic fjords, majestic mountains, and charming villages. In addition to these well-known attributes, the après scene in Norway is worth a mention. One of the best times to visit for après is during the Christmas/New Year holidays when the bars are busy, and the season has just begun. The ski resorts are fizzing with excitement and the atmosphere is second to none. To know exactly where to visit, take a look at our top picks of the best après ski and nightlife in Norway.

Hemsedal

Hemsedal is one of the best places to visit in Norway for après ski and nightlife. Whether you are looking for a relaxed pub with plenty of beers on tap or a thumping bar where you can dance on tables, Hemsedal has several bars to choose from. Many of the nightlife spots are found at the resort base and close to the slopes, meaning skiers can step out of their skis and unwind in no time.  

Typically, Norway is not known for its wild après scene, but Stavkroa in Hemsedal is the exception. The ‘ski-in dance-out’ establishment is a particular highlight. Dance to DJ sets, drink beer, and join in singalongs. It is one of the country’s biggest and most well-known après bars. It has previously won the best après bar in Europe, beating legendary bars in St. Anton and Val d’Isère. 

Photo Credit: Visit Norway

Trysil

Trysil is Norway’s oldest and largest ski resort, serviced by one of the best lift systems in Europe. The varied ski terrain and excellent snow record ensure skiers return year after year. As it is still relatively undiscovered by British skiers, the lift queues are non-existent, meaning you can really make the most of the slopes. Enjoy the freshly groomed slopes at your own pace and admire the stunning scenery as you do so.  

Explore the slopes during the day and the fun après scene at night. The evening celebrations in Norway are slightly different to other European countries as it is a little more chilled and sophisticated. Enjoy relaxing in lovely cabin-style taverns and cosy bars when you visit the region. For exceptional wine and impeccable service, visit TASTE mat & vinhus. The sophisticated setting has an outstanding menu of more than 150 wines from all over the world. Celebrate a fantastic holiday or toast to a great day skiing with a bottle of something special. 

Photo Credit: Visit Norway

Gausta

Gausta is an all-round ski resort that ticks everyone’s boxes. It is located in the Telemark region of Norway, known as the birthplace of modern skiing. The snowfall is reliable meaning the ski conditions are excellent for snow explorations. Travel to new heights via the underground railway and reach the stunning Gaustatoppen Mountain peak. At the top skiers can visit the fascinating secret military base once used by NATO during the Cold War. Superb skiing and rich history are just some of the highlights of visiting Gausta. Once you’ve soaked up the extraordinary mountain, visit one of the fabulous bars the resort has to offer. 

The resort is geared towards low-key evenings rather than late-night partying, which suits a lot of individuals perfectly. Enjoy a chilled evening beer and feel fresh the next morning for first lifts and make the most of the time on the mountain. Visit Kirk’s Bar for a relaxed cocktail or two in a cosy setting. The friendly bar has a fantastic range of signature cocktails and remarkable views of the Gaustatoppen Mountain. 

Photo Credit: Kirk’s Bar

Voss

Voss is an excellent ski resort to make unforgettable memories. Located in Western Norway, it is one of the largest in the region, with a great variation of slopes to suit every ability. Just a 90-minute journey from Bergen, skiers can reach the ski area in a short amount of time, making Voss a good choice for a ski weekend. The town gondola is Europe’s most modern lift, ferrying skiers from base level to ski level in under ten minutes.  

While Voss is better known for skiing, the nightlife is also very enjoyable. Like many places, the bars tend to get busier over the weekend, where you can expect dancing on tables and plenty of singalongs. Visit SkiBarBula in Bavallstunent for a fun night out. It is long known as one of the best places for après ski in Norway. Sing your heart out to the cheesy tunes and dance the evening away in one of the liveliest spots in Voss. 

Photo Credit: Visit Voss

Narvik

Narvik is a unique ski destination, boasting some of the steepest runs in Europe and the most magical winter scenery. This pretty resort has exceptionally clear skies during the winter, and its position under the auroral circle gives visitors an incredible opportunity to see the Northern Lights. What’s better, the ski season runs from November, all the way through to May. This gives keen skiers plenty of time to explore everything that Narvik has to offer.

There are a few spots to enjoy an après ski tipple in Narvik. One of the most popular is Peisestua. During the day you can fuel up with delicious food and drink during your ski break. In the afternoon, the second floor transforms into an après ski paradise, with DJ sets and merry skiers. Those who don’t ski or snowboard don’t have to miss out on the fun. The cable car runs throughout the evening to take visitors to and from the venue.

Photo Credit:Narvikfjellet

To find out more about the best Norway après ski and nightlife, call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.