Innovative architecture, UNESCO fjords and reliable snow cover, here we share with you the best places to ski in Norway. Combine the culture of Oslo and Bergen with unparalleled skiing and memorable experiences in Norway. If you’re fortunate, you may even witness the aurora borealis dancing across the night’s sky. We take a look at the best ski resorts for a ski holiday in Norway.
Best Time To Ski In Norway
The best time to ski in Norway is early in the European season in December or January. This is when the temperatures are at -7c which means the snow will be firm and will hold out throughout the day. There’s also a chance to ski under floodlights because the daylight is shorter with only 5-7 hours of sunlight.
Myrkdalen
Inspired by an average snowfall of five metres, Myrkdalen opened in 2003. Just two hours from Bergen, this little-known ski resort has quick chairlifts, uncrowded beginners’ runs, and superb off-piste. Following a busy day, evenings can be filled with sledging, sleigh rides, indoor skydiving and maybe even the northern lights. Combine skiing with a fjord experience and wind along the scenic Flåm railway to Sognefjord. Cruise past snow-covered mountains, inlets and rural villages to Nærøyfjord.
Stay At:
Myrkdalen Hotel has a fantastic ski-in ski-out location, perfect for maximising time on the slopes.
On the slopes in Myrkdalen © Sverre F. Hjrnevik
Trysil
The biggest ski resort in Norway, Trysil has two main villages, Høyfjellssenter and Turistsenter. The wide, open runs have forests either side, and floodlights make it possible to ski at night. Family-orientated, they have created a piste map for children, which includes a section in the snow park. There’s also plenty to challenge more advanced skiers in the Høgegga area. Trysil is less then 3 hours from Oslo airport making this is a good choice if you are looking for skiing near Oslo. Try the largest ski resort in Norway this winter.
Trysil is the largest ski resort in Norway because it has 71km of pistes with 36 lifts linking each run together, making it easy to get around the mountain. In addition to being the largest ski resort in Norway, Trysil is also the oldest ski resort in the country. Steeped in ski history the resort has continued to be a popular spot for tourists and locals. You can also take on 100km of cross country tracks if you fancy one of the biggest winter workouts of your life.
Stay At:
The upscale Radisson Blu Resort in Trysil offers its guests first-class facilities in a ski-in ski-out location.
The northern lights above Trysil, one of the best ski resorts in Norway
Geilo
One of the oldest ski resorts in Norway, Geilo is snow-sure from December until May. Take in the striking views on the train from Oslo, a perfect cultural inclusion to your ski holiday. With a combination of nursery slopes, terrain parks and backcountry powder, Geilo caters for all abilities. Families can forge memories, for instance, driving husky sleds, learning to ice fish or spotting arctic foxes, lynx, yak and reindeer at nearby Langedrag Nature Park.
Stay At:
Vestlia Resort in Geilo is an amazing four-star hotel located just 50m from the ski school, lifts and childcare.
Take a horse-drawn carriage around Geilo
Beitostølen
Beitostølen is a charming village with traditional Scandinavian architecture and one of the best places to ski in Norway. The slopes are quiet with reliable snow cover, making them well suited to both beginner and intermediate skiers. Appealing to visitors for its alternative winter activities, why not try snowmobiling, sliding down the slopes in an inflatable boat and later, navigating the extensive web of cross-country skiing?
Stay At:
The Radisson Blu Mountain Resort in Beitostølen is a family friendly hotel situated in a great location with superb facilities.
Spot snow ghosts in ski resorts in Norway
Norefjell
Norefjell is only 90 minutes away from Oslo, which is one of the best transfer times for Norwegian ski resorts. It is suitable mainly for families, beginners and intermediates. You can explore 25km of slopes with a network of 13 lifts in the area. If you’re a keen freestyle skier or snowboarder there is a fantastic snowpark with excellent jumps, rails and wallrides. It has a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect to unwind in. You can admire beautiful mountain scenery on and off the slopes.
Stay At:
Situated within the Noresund Ski Resort, Norefjell Ski & Spa is the ideal accommodation.
Kvitfjell
30 minutes north of Lillehammer, Kvitfjell is one of the best ski resorts in Norway. It is a regular stop on the Alpine World Cup race circuit, where the world’s best skiers battle it out on Super G and Downhill races. You can ski 39km of slopes in the area and there’s something for all abilities of skier. In addition, if you want to go cross-country skiing there are 600km of tracks to enjoy. There is also a snowpark with 12 rails/boxes and 8 jumps.
Voss
Voss ski resort is located just a 90-minute drive/train journey from nearby Bergen. The ski resort has over 40km of piste, 11 lifts including one newly-built gondola giving visitors direct access from the town centre. Voss is the perfect ski resort for beginners learning for the first time. With three dedicated ski areas for children and beginners. For the daredevils, there are two snow-parks to show off their freestyle flair.
Stay At:
Scandic Voss is a contemporary hotel located directly on the ski slopes of Voss in Norway.
Hafjell
Only a two-hour drive from Norway’s capital of Olso, Hafjell is a great ski destination. The terrain is vast for a Norwegian ski resort with 50km of slopes to enjoy in the area. The ski resort has pistes that are suited to different abilities, with black runs to nursery slopes. In addition, there are 300km of cross-country tracks to enjoy if you want a full-on workout. The ski resort has recently developed its mountain experience with the addition of new cafes, bars, restaurants and slopeside accommodation
Hemsedal
Hemsedal is an excellent choice of ski resort in Norway, and one of the most popular. The ski resort has a brilliant range of terrain, with plenty of variety for all kinds of skiers/snowboarders. It is also a great choice for families and beginners, with its dedicated nursery slopes.
The ski resort is not only visited for its fantastic skiing but also for its spectacular views. Take on a challenging black run and marvel at the wonderful scenery below. It is even claimed to be the top resort for snowboarding photography!
Stay At:
Fýri Resort is an exceptional five-star hotel located in Hemsedal. The hotel benefits from ski-in ski-out and has excellent facilities.
Gausta
Gausta is a truly unique ski resort located in the Telemark region of Norway. The area is known to be the birthplace of modern skiing and is considered a hidden gem. Gausta is home to a balanced variety of ski slopes, with an even mix of blue, red, and black runs. The ski terrain is kept in impeccable condition during the season, which ends as late as the last weekend in April. The magnificent Gaustatoppen Mountain towers over this pretty region, serving outstanding views for lucky visitors. Gausta has a unique underground cable car that ferries explorers to the top of the mountain. The summit was once used by NATO as a secret military base in the Cold War.
Stay At:
Gaustablikk is set in the heart of Gausta ski resort. The hotel boasts incredible scenery, overlooking icy lakes, forests and the impressive Gaustatoppen Mountain. It is a unique stay for mountain and nature lovers alike.
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 the resort has to offer.
Stay At:
Camp 291 is a unique set of cabin-style apartments in a tranquil setting. Large windows give guests far-reaching views of the stunning surroundings.
Celebrating a Special Occasion?
Overlooking the Arctic Sea and icy fjords, the Lyngen Alps certainly have an untamed landscape. Embark on a four-day ski touring adventure through the backcountry’s flawless powder, with a day sailing around the Arctic Sea. Afterwards, warm up in the Lyngen Experience Lodge’s sauna or hot tub overlooking the unspoilt, isolated setting. All in all, this is a truly special experience and in our opinion one of the best places to ski in Norway.
Lyngen ski experience
We can help you with the best skiing in Norway. Speak to one of our ski experts on 0207 471 7700 to find out more about the best ski resorts in Norway.
