Gausta Ski Resort

Gausta ski resort is a hidden gem in Telemark, the region of Norway known as the birthplace of modern skiing. Perched at 960m above Rjukan, it is scattered with wooden cabins, pine forests and an icy lake, with Gaustatoppen mountain rising above it all. It’s a relaxed, genuinely Scandinavian setting where the slopes are quiet, the welcome is friendly and the history runs deep, from the wartime heavy water sabotage story to the funicular that runs through a former NATO military base inside the mountain.

Gausta’s 35km of pistes wrap around three peaks, each with its own character, and are linked by well-placed lifts and expertly groomed slopes. The skiing suits beginners, families and intermediates particularly well, with a gentle nursery area, spacious green runs and plenty of well-groomed reds. More experienced skiers can head for the black runs and off-piste routes, especially on the way down from Gaustatoppen, while snowboarders have two snow parks to play in.

After a day on the slopes, our experts particularly recommend Gaustablikk Mountain Resort for its floating saunas and the resort’s main restaurant, Blikk Fjellbrasserie, or Gaustablikk Cabins for a self-catered base in the heart of the resort. Our ski experts are here to help you find the perfect Gausta ski package. Contact our team or browse our latest ski deals to start your Gausta skiing adventure.

 

 

Gausta: Core Highlights & Key Advantages

Reliable, High-Altitude Snow

Sitting at 960m, Gausta enjoys reliable snowfall and great ski conditions through the season, which typically runs from December to April.

Quiet, Well-Kept Slopes

Easily accessible lifts and expertly groomed pistes make it easy to explore the whole ski area without queues, and reviewers regularly mention how quiet the slopes are.

Scandinavian Experiences

Relax in a floating sauna, dip into an icy lake, or ride the funicular through the inside of the mountain to the summit of Gaustatoppen.

Great for Beginners and Families

A gentle nursery area, spacious green runs and a well-regarded ski school make Gausta a confidence-building choice for a first family ski trip.

Gausta Transfer Time

Oslo
Map Marker 3h 15m

Best For...

  • All abilities
  • Families
  • Stunning scenery
  • Superb restaurants
WHAT OUR EXPERTS SAY

My favourite time to ski is always in March, when the weather tends to be similar and the slopes are quieter, and that's exactly what Gausta does so well. After a few seasons in some of the Alps' biggest names, I really appreciate somewhere this uncrowded, with a funicular through the mountain, floating saunas and the Gaustatoppen views on top. It's a brilliant first step into Norwegian skiing.

Ski Solutions expert Ned
Ned
Account Manager

Resort Statistics

  • Resort Altitude 960m
  • Skiing Altitude 1,883m
  • Total Ski Area 35
  • Lifts 12
  • Blue Runs 50%
  • Red Runs 40%
  • Black Runs 10%

How Ski Solutions Can Make Your Holiday Perfect

Gausta Ski Accommodation

Our collection of Gausta ski accommodation has been hand-picked by our ski experts. Whether you’re looking for a luxury escape, a boutique hotel or something suitable for the whole family, our experts would be delighted to help you find the perfect accommodation for your ski holiday.

Gausta Ski Accommodation
OUR COLLECTION
Gausta Ski Areas

Ski Areas in Gausta

Gausta boasts 35km of pistes across varied terrain, with exceptional skiing across its three different peaks.

  • The main ski area consists of three peaks: Fjellheisen, Skipsfjell and Vatnedalheisen, each offering something unique
  • Courtesy of the resort’s altitude, visitors can enjoy marvellous ski conditions for much of the season
  • Well-positioned lifts make it easy to explore the whole resort, and the piste map doesn’t do the area justice
  • The slopes are expertly maintained and offer ample skiing for all abilities
  • Gaustatoppen Mountain dominates the landscape above the frozen lake, with the ski area wrapping around it
Gausta Skiing

Skiing in Gausta

Skiing in Gausta is magnificent, with a range of slopes and impressive views of Gaustatoppen Mountain.

  • A gentle nursery area with varied terrain makes Gaunsta a great place for those still finding their ski legs
  • To level up, these are spacious green runs just a drag lift away
  • Intermediate skiers will feel at home on an enviable selection of well-groomed reds, each with expansive valley views
  • Those after a challenge can try the daring black runs and exciting off-piste areas, especially on the route down from Gaustatoppen
  • Quiet pistes mean you can ski without the crowds, even in busy weeks
Gausta Snowboarding

Snowboarding in Gausta

Gausta is proudly home to two snow parks, equipped with jumps, rails, and boxes, perfect for avid snowboarders who want to practice their tricks.

  • One park is green and child-friendly, near the children’s slope, making it a gentle place to try your first jumps
  • A more challenging park suits confident riders
  • Gentle nursery terrain and spacious green runs suit first-time boarders
  • Off-piste areas around Gaustatoppen give experienced riders something to explore

Neds' Top Runs

Telemarksvingen

A long and cruisy green run with magnificent mountain views. I think this is perfect for those finding their ski legs.


Sondreløypa

This is a challenging but rewarding red slope which is kept immaculately groomed for a smooth ski experience.


Svart’n

One of the resort’s longest and most vertical black slopes, with plenty of opportunities for off-piste adventures.

Gausta Apres Ski

Ski Schools in Gausta

Gausta offers lessons for all abilities, from first-time skiers to those refining their technique. Book your ski lessons early during peak weeks to secure your preferred instructor.

Best Resorts for Families in Norway

Crèches in Gausta

Gausta is one of Norway’s most family-friendly resorts, with dedicated areas for the youngest skiers.

  • Barnebakken, the dedicated children’s slope and beginners’ area, sits in the heart of the resort
  • The resort’s mascots, Huski and Flaks, add fun activities for children
  • At Gaustablikk Mountain Resort, children can enjoy a pool area, table tennis, shuffleboard and playrooms after a day on the slopes
  • Speak to our experts about childcare and babysitting options for your dates

Après Ski in Gausta

Après in Gausta is friendly and relaxed, with a couple of great spots right by the slopes.

  • Loftet Afterski is a popular slopeside venue, with live music and classic mountain drinks
  • Den Lykkelige Sportsmann, at the bottom of the slopes, is a popular place to gather after the last run, serving good quality pub food and a range of drinks
  • For a quieter end to the day, a lakeside sauna is hard to beat
Gausta Restaurants

Restaurants in Gausta

There are some wonderful dining spots peppered around Gausta.

  • Stova is the mountain restaurant for hearty pizzas, grills and its famous Fondue Friday
  • Gausta Grillhuts are the perfect slopeside pit stop, serving warming food to hungry skiers on their way down
  • Blikk Fjellbrasserie is the main restaurant in the resort, with a tasty à la carte menu of Norwegian favourites made from local and seasonal ingredients
  • Guests also praise the pastries at the resort bakery
Gausta Non-Skiers

Non-Skiers

There is an abundance of winter experiences away from the slopes.

  • Relax in true Scandinavian style at one of the resort’s floating saunas, or sizzle in a traditional wooden sauna before dipping into an ice-cold lake
  • Take the funicular through the inside of the mountain to the summit of Gaustatoppen
  • Try ice climbing at the world-famous frozen waterfalls
  • Visit the local museum in Rjukan to learn about the wartime heavy water sabotage

Our Take: Is Gausta Right For You?

Great Choice If…
Consider Alternatives If…
  • You’re a family, beginner or intermediate who wants quiet, well-groomed slopes and a friendly ski school
  • You want reliable snow and stunning scenery without the crowds of the big Alpine resorts
  • You’d like to round off the day in a floating sauna, with ski-in ski-out stays close to the slopes
  • You want a huge ski area, as Gausta’s 35km is compact
  • You’re an advanced skier chasing steep terrain every day, as only around 10% of the runs are black
  • You want a big nightlife scene, as après here is lively but low-key

Map of Gausta

FAQs

Gausta is a ski resort in Telemark, in southern Norway, sitting above the town of Rjukan at the foot of Gaustatoppen, the highest mountain in southern Norway. It is around 3 hours 15 minutes from Oslo.

Gausta sits at 960m, with skiing up to 1,883m, the height of the Gaustatoppen summit.

Gausta is more of a mountain resort that a traditional village, with wooden cabins scattered among pine forests and an icy lake, all beneath Gaustatoppen. Everything you need, including the ski school, ski hire, a grocery store and restaurants, is close by, and the nearby town of Rjukan adds history and culture.

Gausta’s ski season typically runs from December to April, with snow coverage usually at its best in March. Gausta is one of the first resorts in Norway to get snow, and its altitude helps keep conditions reliable throughout.

Yes. Non-skiers can relax in a floating sauna or a traditional wooden sauna, ride the funicular through the mountain to the summit of Gaustatoppen, try ice climbing at the frozen waterfalls, or visit the museum in Rjukan.

Gausta is around 3 hours 15 minutes from Oslo.

Yes. Mixed-ability groups will find something for everyone, from gentle nursery slopes to black runs and off-piste, and cabins and apartments give groups space to relax together. Floating saunas and relaxed après are a great way to end the day, though groups wanting big nightlife may prefer a larger resort.

Gausta’s equivalent of chalets are Norwegian cabins. Our collection includes Gaustablikk Cabins, a 3-star option in the heart of the resort, and the 4-star Kvitåvatn Cabins. Our experts can talk you through the best fit for your group.

Yes. Several Gausta properties offer ski-in ski-out access, including Gaustablikk Cabins, close to the children’s slope, and Gausta Sportell, at the base of the Hovdestaul ski area. Our experts can confirm the exact access for each property.

We Can Tailor-Make a Holiday to Suit You...

We have a team of experts on hand to help you choose the perfect holiday. From a luxury ski weekend in Val d’Isère to a big adventure in the Rockies, we’re whatever you want your holiday to be.

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