Untouched powder, quiet slopes and magical northern lights… this is skiing in Scandinavia. Despite not being the first destination to come to mind when thinking about your skiing holiday, Scandinavia is a well-kept secret amongst skiers. With Europe experiencing milder winters, keen skiers have started to look further north for their next ski escape.

Usually less crowded and no more expensive than their European counterparts, ski resorts in Scandinavia offer a unique ski experience like no other. In winter, Scandinavians swap their hiking shoes for ski boots to enjoy the serene, powdered slopes of the Five Peaks. Spanning Norway and Sweden, this ski area provides skiers with world-class resorts, over 250 stunning ski runs and breathtaking mountain views. If you’re looking for somewhere new to discover, skiing in Scandinavia is a solid choice that you won’t regret. Our experts have hand-picked a list of their favourite ski resorts across Norway and Sweden to get you started on your Scandinavian adventure.

Norwegian Paradise

Trysil: Something for everyone

Trysil is Norway’s largest ski resort with over 70 kilometres of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Its modern lift system, well-groomed pistes and varied terrain lie across four interconnected ski areas so skiers can glide between the mountains as they wish. Trysil boasts several children’s areas, an impressive snow park, gentle green runs, challenging black slopes and great off-piste opportunities – whatever it is you’re looking for, Trysil does it. Combining beautiful scenery with a grand variety of skiing, Trysil is the perfect destination for your first time skiing in Scandinavia.

Geilo: Perfect for families & cross-country skiing

One of Norway’s oldest ski resorts, Geilo is the epitome of skiing in Scandinavia, offering an all-round fantastic winter experience. Amidst the security of Geilo’s tree-lined pistes, this resort is perfect for families or groups with first timers in tow. Voted Norway’s best ski resort at the World Ski Awards five consecutive years in a row, skiers of all ages and abilities can enjoy the slopes of Geilo.

Many skiers come here to take part in the popular Norwegian pastime of cross-country skiing. Almost as common as walking in rural Norway, cross-country skiing in Geilo is an exciting, alternative way to experience Norway’s incredible landscape.

Hafjell: An Olympic experience

Hafjell, alongside its neighbouring resort, Kvitfjell, welcomed winter athletes to Norway for the 1994 Winter Olympics, one of the coldest Winter Olympics in history. The legacy of this event is still felt across Hafjell where the ski schools are excellent, and the slopes are varied from easy green circles to steep black diamonds.

Despite it being known for extreme skiing athleticism, Hafjell is also perfect for beginners with three nursery slopes including one at the very top of the resort, meaning that first-timers can enjoy the full mountain experience. With a short transfer time and a wealth of slopeside cafes, bars, restaurants and accommodation, this resort is ideal for families wanting the ultimate skiing adventure.

Norefjell: Sunlit slopes & fjords

Skiing in Norefjell offers sunny skiing against the backdrop of serene views of Lake Krøderon – the highest fjord in Northern Europe. Here the atmosphere is distinctly Norwegian – modest, peaceful and immersed in nature. Instead of bustling nightlife, you’ll find cosy cabins, wood-burning stoves, cross-country trails through pine forests, and, if you’re lucky, you may spot a moose or two.

Norefjell is most known for it’s unique vertical drop of over 1,000 metres, which takes you all the way from the mountain’s sunlit peak to the shores of Lake Krøderon. The contrast between this quiet resort’s rugged Alpine terrain and glassy lowland lake creates an unworldly ski experience that’ll make you feel like you’re part of a movie set.

Voss: The Glacier capital of Norway

Voss resort is set apart from the other Norwegian resorts is its striking contrasts – where ancient tradition meets raw nature and ski slopes neighbour dramatic fjords and icy waterfalls. In Voss, you’ll be skiing in a landscape sculped by glaciers with snowy peaks and fjord-carved valleys. Its snow-laden trees offer the most magical views as you carve down the resort’s well-groomed Alpine runs. Extensive backcountry terrain and over 80 kilometres of cross-country trails make Voss perfect for people who love exploring.

There’s a Norwegian authenticity in Voss that is often lost in bigger resorts. Local cafes serve stew, and après-ski is more about enjoying a hot drink by the fire than alcohol-fuelled parties. Whether you’re after varied terrain or a genuine taste of Norwegian skiing, Voss offers a ski experience that’s both grounded and unforgettable.

Swedish Serenity

Sälen: Endless open slopes & pretty tree-line pistes

Skiing in Sälen isn’t about steep runs and high Alpine thrills but rather a deep immersion in the Scandinavian winter culture where skiing is a way of life passed down through generations. If you’re looking for a relaxing, authentic ski trip, this is the place to be.

Unlike Norway’s dramatic fjords, Sälen’s terrain is gentler, rolling and forested, making for some of the most beautiful skiing in Northern Europe. Skiers come here to swish down long, flowing descents in place of sheer vertical drops. Sälen comprises six interconnected ski areas, including Lindvallen, Tandådalen, and Hundfjället, which are ideal for beginners and intermediates. Offering a broad range of slopes with parks, tree runs and even Scandinavian-style off-piste, all levels of skiers can enjoy Sälen as Sweden’s ski heartland.

The skiing isn’t the only attraction, Sälen provides many ski-in/ski-out accommodations in cosy villages home to bakeries, spas and children’s ski schools. Life here is unhurried – you can hit the slopes in the morning, then warm up with a cinnamon bun and hot chocolate by the fire.

We can help you with the best skiing in Scandinavia. Speak to one of our ski experts on 020 7471 7700 to find out more about the best ski resorts in Scandinavia.