Norway is synonymous with skiing, known for its breathtaking fjords and beautiful snowy backdrops. As soon as winter arrives, Norwegians swap their hiking boots for skis and head to the mountains so it’s no surprise that skiing is a way of life here. Whilst many avid skiers flock to popular destinations like France, Italy, Switzerland or the USA, those in the know make their way to Norway for a ski holiday like no other. Its powder-perfect pistes and snow-laden trees take you to a ski utopia that’s not far from the winter wonderland you see in the movies. The season here is long and the resorts are wonderful making for a truly magical ski trip to Norway.
With more winter Olympic gold medals than any other nation, you can guarantee the skiing here will be world-class. Even many top winter athletes head to Norway’s sweeping slopes to carve their first tracks of the season. Despite this, one of Norway’s trademarks is its inclusive ski culture which welcomes skiers of all abilities. Whether you’re a beginner looking to make your first snow ploughs in the ski world or an intermediate wanting to gain carving confidence, Norway’s largest ski resorts promise to deliver an exceptional winter adventure. Our experts have created a guide to help you write your own winter story, read on to discover more about Norway’s largest ski resorts.
Hemsedal
Nestled within the Scandinavian Alps, Hemsedal is a great place to start if you want to discover what skiing in Norway has to offer. Boasting over 50 slopes and 20 ski lifts, it is one of the largest ski resorts in the country. Despite being lesser-known than its European counterparts, this resort’s breathtaking valley views, excellent snow record and exciting on and off-slope activities make it a hidden gem in the ski world.
Its varying terrain makes it perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. Chase the adrenaline on exciting black runs through snow-dusted forests or glide down the gentle green runs that take you from the highest peak to the very base of Hemsedal. Beginners and families can make the most of a dedicated learning area and kids’ zone, where you can gain confidence without the worry of large crowds or steep pistes. Meanwhile, those new to off-piste skiing can safely venture into the powder fields just off from the main slopes. With the opportunity for night skiing here, you may even be lucky enough to ski under the green hue of the northern lights.
Hemsedal is easy to navigate with all slopes converging to one central point. The village combines relaxed Norwegian charm with a fun party spirit. Visitors can head into cosy restaurants and elegant bars or brave the lively après-ski establishments with a Nordic twist. Here you can also enjoy exceptional non-skiing activities such as husky sledding and ice climbing!
Stay At:
Fýri Resort AS is a beautiful hotel perfect for a luxury ski holiday with a group or family in Hemsedal
Trysil
If you’re a passionate ski connoisseur, you’re bound to dig an edge into Trysil. As one of Norway’s largest and oldest resorts, Trysil’s immense size makes it a haven for skiing enthusiasts. The resort’s 78km of ski runs are spread across four interconnected areas, making navigating Trysil’s beautiful landscape easy. While many slopes here are made for beginners, there is a surprising amount for advanced skiers too. First-timers can find their ski legs on the nursery runs of Turistsenteret, before gearing up to the gentle greens in Høyfjellsenteret. Meanwhile, adventurous skiers can hit the red runs in Skihytta or tick off the seven steep, tree-lined blacks in Høgegga.
A great feature of this resort that sets it apart from many others is its amazing lift system. Renowned as one of Europe’s best lift systems, enjoy heated seats and swift travel up the mountain without a queue in sight. This way you can maximise your time exploring this vast region and carving down beautifully groomed slopes in place of that frustrating wait for the chairlift. What’s more, if you’re a morning person, every Wednesday and Saturday the resort offers early morning skiing so you can enjoy the slopes to yourself for a few hours before everyone else catches up.
A bustling town centre with plenty of après-ski bars and a laid-back vibe make Trysil a great place for skiing and unwinding with friends and family.
Stay At:
SkiStar Lodge Trysil is situated on the tranquil northern side of the mountain in Trysil.
Geilo
Gelio is perfect for families or groups looking to experience authentic Norwegian culture. Located in the Hallindal Valley, Gelio town is nestled between two national parks which offer idyllic scenery of fjords, frozen lakes and pine forests. This resort is known for its expansive terrain which covers two main ski areas: Geilo Skisenter and Vestlia Resort. These areas collectively feature over 40km of ski slopes, providing a range of options for beginners, intermediate skiers and advanced carvers.
Groups with first-timers or children in tow will appreciate two amazing ski schools here, which take beginners from slow snowploughs to parallel perfection in no time. These schools also offer classes for experienced skiers wanting to refine their technique.
The charm of Geilo extends beyond the slopes with dogsledding, ice fishing, tree-top rope courses, cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing paths for those who want to venture off the beaten track and deeper into the national park’s beautiful nature.
Stay At:
Vestlia Resort in Geilo is an amazing four-star hotel located just 50m from the ski school, lifts and childcare.
Lillehammer – Hafjell & Kvitfjell
The ski resort town of Lillehammer is located along the shores of Lake Mjøsa and is the perfect getaway to the ski resorts of Hafjell and Kvitfjell.
Just a two hour transfer from Oslo, Hafjell is a resort full of wide, welcoming slopes, making it ideal for families. Here you’ll find the Nordic region’s best children’s area with three nursery slopes, including one situated at the top of the resort, allowing all to enjoy the full mountain experience. Its 18 well-connected, heated lifts will take you to the top of the mountain in comfort and ease, time after time.
Meanwhile, Kvitfjell is a resort that brings the thrill of Alpine skiing to life with downhill runs that cater for both children and adults. Known for its winter Olympic-calibre slopes, the slopes here are perfect for skiers seeking a more daring experience and those up to the challenge will be rewarded with breathtaking views from the top. On the western side, you can enjoy sunshine from morning to evening – the perfect setting for a mid-ski day mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Stay At:
Originally built for the Lillehammer Winter Olympics, Scandic is the perfect hotel in Hafjell.
For more information on Norway’s largest ski resorts, speak to our team of ski experts. Call us on 020 7471 7700.
