Geilo Ski Resort

Geilo is a charming ski town nestled between two national parks, celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and excellent snow record. This authentic Norwegian ski resort is an ideal choice for families and groups eager to experience the delights of skiing in Norway.

With a year-round population of around 2,500, Geilo seamlessly blends the quaintness of a traditional town with the vibrancy of a bustling ski resort, providing a genuine taste of Norwegian culture. Families will appreciate the two fantastic local ski schools, making it a top destination for beginners and those looking to improve their skills. A variety of restaurants and shops cater to every need, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Geilo is easily accessible via the renowned Oslo-Bergen railway, often regarded as one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys. This route features a dedicated family carriage, keeping children entertained while showcasing stunning views of Norway’s fjord region. This rail transfer is a fantastic way to see the Norwegian landscape.

In addition to skiing, Geilo offers a wide range of exciting off-slope activities, including dog sledging, fat biking, and snowshoeing, ensuring an unforgettable winter holiday for groups of family and friends. For non-skiers, the resort boasts luxurious spa hotels and extensive cross-country skiing terrain, making Geilo a perfect winter getaway.

Geilo Transfer Time
Bergen
Map Marker 3h 30m
Oslo
Map Marker 3h 30m

Best For...

  • Activities
  • Beginner skiers
  • Families
  • Intermediate skiers
  • Sustainability

Resort Statistics

  • Resort Altitude 800m
  • Skiing Altitude 1,180m
  • Total Ski Area 40km
  • Lifts 26
  • Green Runs 10km
  • Blue Runs 10km
  • Red Runs 15km
  • Black Runs 5km
  • Cross Country 220km

Ski Accommodation in Geilo, Norway

Our collection of Geilo ski accommodation has been hand-picked by our ski experts. Whether you’re looking for a luxury escape, a cosy cabin or a family-friendly hotel with stunning mountain views, our experts would be delighted to help you find the perfect accommodation for your ski holiday.

Ski Areas in Geilo

Ski Areas in Geilo

There are three key areas in Geilo, located on either side of the Ustedalsfjord. These are linked by shuttle bus and offer quite different skiing terrain, with the majority of the green runs located on the Geib

Geilo offers an exceptional skiing experience with picturesque views of the valley, town, and frozen lake. The skiing terrain is divided between two sides of the valley, featuring predominantly easier slopes on the Vestlia side, making it ideal for beginners and those looking to build confidence. The Vestlia area is well-connected to the more challenging slopes across the valley, where advanced skiers can find exciting black runs at Geilohaugane. 

With 40 km of versatile pistes, Geilo caters to both beginner and intermediate skiers. The wide and quiet slopes, mostly within the treeline, provide a pleasurable skiing experience. For those seeking a different adventure, there’s also a floodlit cross-country skiing trail at Geilo Ski Centre, perfect for evening outings. Whether you’re learning to ski or honing your skills, Geilo is a fantastic destination for a memorable winter holiday. 

lia Vestlia Skisenter side which has the best nursery slopes in the resort.

The Geilohysen side is much steeper, home to the majority of the red and black runs whereas nearby Slatta has another learner area which is linked to more advanced slopes.

Skiing in Geilo

Skiing in Geilo

Geilo offers versatile pistes that cater to both beginner and intermediate skiers, featuring 40 km of slopes ranging from beginner nursery areas to challenging black runs. The skiing is divided across each side of the valley, with the charming town and frozen lake providing picturesque views as you ski. The Vestlia side predominantly features easier slopes, making it ideal for those looking to build confidence or learn from scratch. In contrast, the more challenging terrain lies across the valley towards the town. The wide and quiet pistes enhance the skiing experience, with most runs nestled within the treeline. Additionally, there’s a floodlit cross-country slope for those wishing to venture out in the evening. The two sides of the valley are well connected by a regular ski bus, ensuring convenient access to all areas.

Restaurants in Geilo

Restaurants in Geilo

Geilo boasts fantastic dining options scattered throughout its cosy and charming village, offering a delightful mix of classic Scandinavian cuisine and international flavours.

Restaurant Hallingstuene is a renowned spot in the centre of Geilo, featuring a traditional à la carte menu crafted by famous chef Frode Aga. Fjøset Restaurant, also located in the heart of Geilo, serves traditional Norwegian cuisine with a modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients in a cosy atmosphere.

Together, these restaurants highlight Geilo’s commitment to quality and local flavours, making them excellent choices for a meal after a day on the slopes.

For a more contemporary dining experience, Vestlia Restaurant, Bar & Lounge offers glamorous interiors and a decadent terrace for soaking up the sun, while Dr. Holms Hotel’s Restaurant provides a relaxing setting with hearty Nordic dishes, international favourites, and a fine selection of wines.

Additionally, Highland Pizzeria is well worth a visit for its homemade pizza and pasta dishes, crafted with fresh ingredients and an Italian influence.

Best Restaurants in Geilo

Sustainable Choice

Geilo is 100% hydro-electric powered, with a wide-ranging action plan to help reduce its carbon footprint. Its efforts were recognised through the award it received in 2016 as a Sustainable Travel Destination – one of the first destinations in Norway to gain this quality mark. This was achieved through Geilo meeting several sustainable benchmarks, such as its excellent accessible public transport network, preservation of its local community and carefully protected Nation Park areas.

Ski Schools in Geilo

Ski Schools in Geilo

In Geilo, learning to ski is both fun and accessible, thanks to two excellent ski schools servicing different parts of the resort. English-speaking instructors offer lessons for every skill level, making Geilo a popular choice for families. Kids are especially well cared for, with playful, confidence-building programs designed to enhance the learning experience.

With options for private and group classes, as well as a mix of alpine, telemark, cross-country, and snowboarding lessons, you’ll gain new skills on the snow in no time. To ensure you secure a spot, it’s essential to book ski school sessions well in advance, especially during peak weeks when class sizes are smaller and demand is high. We can help you with your ski school requirements and advise on the best options for your needs.

Crèches in Geilo

Crèches in Geilo

The Trollklubben Crèche in Geilo offers exceptional childcare for children aged 6 months to 8 years, featuring a fantastic array of engaging activities such as sledging, singing, drawing, and sculpture building. Conveniently located at the base of the ski slopes where the slopes meet the village, parents can easily check in or pick up their children throughout the day. The crèche is open daily from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, with flexible booking options available by the hour, day, or week, allowing you to tailor the care to your needs.

Après Ski in Geilo

Après Ski in Geilo

Geilo’s après-ski offers a vibrant atmosphere, featuring a selection of great bars reminiscent of European après-ski culture. The fun begins around 3pm, starting at Dr. Holms Hotel, where the cocktail lounge combines elegant mountain charm with stunning views. This spot is popular with both locals and tourists and is perfect for those looking to unwind in a relaxed setting. Additionally, various cosy ski lounges within Vestlia Resort provide a more civilised atmosphere for enjoying a drink after a day on the slopes.

For a lively experience, head to Off-Pist at Vestlia Resort, located in the centre of the Geilo. This energetic lounge features live music that keeps you dancing late into the evening, staying open until 2:30am.

Whether you’re seeking a dance floor, local beers, or simply a hot drink to relax, Geilo’s après-ski scene caters to all tastes.

Best Geilo Après Ski and Nightlife
Geilo

Non-Skiers

Geilo offers a wealth of traditional Scandinavian activities beyond skiing, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors. Groups can immerse themselves in the breathtaking Norwegian landscape by dog sledding with Geilo Husky, where you’ll learn to drive your own sled. For those seeking a thrill, the resort features an excellent mile-long toboggan run, snowmobiling adventures (with opportunities to spot deer and eagles), and ice fishing.

For a more relaxed experience, explore the extensive cross-country trails available to you in Geilo or hop on a fat bike. You can also enjoy a peaceful snowshoe trek through the forest or a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride under the stars. After a day of adventure, unwind at one of Geilo’s impressive Norwegian spas.

Oslo and Bergen are both easily accessible by a scenic train journey so non-skiers can always explore two of Norway’s major cities and all they have to offer.

Top Things to Do in Geilo

Map of Geilo

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