Geilo Ski Resort

Geilo is an amazing ski resort and charming town, nestled between two National Parks with incredible scenery and a great snow record. It’s a fantastic choice for families and groups looking to discover the delights of skiing in Norway. The resort is easily reached via the famous Oslo Bergen Railway, one of Europe’s best rail journeys, offering a family carriage and stunning views of Norway’s Fjord region. With excellent facilities and activities such as dog sledging and snowshoeing, Geilo promises an unforgettable stay.

Geilo is best known as a learn-to-ski destination, with wide, gentle green and blue slopes, purpose-built beginner areas and two local ski schools, all set on well-groomed terrain suited to beginners and families.

After a day on the slopes, our experts particularly recommend unwinding in the Vestlia Resort’s excellent spa facilities or cosying up in the traditional Geilo Forest Cabins. Our ski experts are here to help you find the perfect Geilo ski package. Contact our team or browse our latest ski deals to start your Geilo skiing adventure.

Geilo: Core Highlights & Key Advantages

Beginner Friendly

The wide, well-groomed runs make Geilo a perfect resort for those learning to ski.

Snow-Sure Season

Geilo boasts a reliable snow record and a long season running from November to April.

Cross-country skiing

Geilo boasts around 550km of free, well-groomed cross-country trails, the largest network in Norway.

Accessible via the Oslo-Bergen Railway

One of Europe's most scenic rail journeys, through spectacular fjords, making Geilo easy to reach without a car.

Geilo Transfer Time

Bergen
Map Marker 3h 30m
Oslo
Map Marker 3h 30m

Best For...

  • Beginner skiers
  • Families
  • Intermediate skiers
  • Sustainability
WHAT OUR EXPERTS SAY

Geilo has brilliant conditions, and quiet slopes. The views are incredible, and the skiing is cruisy, perfect for beginners and relaxed skiers.

Ross Elderfield
Ross
Senior Account Manager

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

How Ski Solutions Can Make Your Holiday Perfect

Geilo Ski Accommodation

Our collection of Geilo 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.

Top Things to Do in Geilo
OUR COLLECTION

Vestlia Resort

4 star Hotel
Offer
Ski Areas in Geilo

Ski Areas in Geilo

Geilo is split into three key ski areas on either side of the Ustedalsfjord, all linked by a free shuttle bus, each offering distinct terrain:

  • Vestlia Skisenter – home to the majority of green runs and the resort’s best nursery slopes, ideal for beginners
  • Geiloheisen – the steepest of the three areas, with the majority of Geilo’s red and black runs
  • Slaatta – features another dedicated learner area, linked to more advanced slopes for those looking to progress
Snowboarding in Geilo

Skiing in Geilo

Geilo offers versatile terrain well suited to beginner and intermediate skiers, with wide, quiet pistes for pleasurable skiing throughout:

  • 40km of slopes, ranging from gentle nursery runs to challenging black pistes
  • Mostly tree-lined terrain, offering shelter and a scenic backdrop
  • Floodlit cross-country trail, perfect for evening skiing

Snowboarding in Geilo

Both sides of the resort have half pipes, with a great variety of terrain to keep snowboarders entertained on and off the pistes:

  • Half pipes on both sides of the resort
  • Fun park at Geilohovda, featuring tabletops, rail slides and two gap jumps
  • Varied terrain suited to snowboarders across both the pistes and the snowpark

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

Geilo 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.

Ross' Top Runs

Bjødnaløypa (Green)

This is one of my favourite green runs in the resort, a gentle 2-kilometre trail that winds top to bottom through scenic, tree-lined forest, perfect for a relaxed, scenic cruise.


24/21 Combo (Blue)

On the Geiloheisen side, this wide, sweeping run is ideal for building speed, flowing from open terrain near the peak into rolling pitches towards the valley base.


Vestlialøypa (Red)

This is a classic intermediate red run, with broad lanes and a well-judged 13° average pitch, I think it’s perfect for practicing high-speed carving

Restaurants in Geilo

Restaurants in Geilo

This cosy Norwegian village serves up a fantastic dining scene, blending classic Scandinavian cooking with international flavours, perfect for refuelling after a day on the slopes.

  • Restaurant Hallingstuene: A renowned spot in the centre of Geilo, offering a traditional à la carte menu crafted by celebrated chef Frode Aga.
  • Fjøset Restaurant: Also located in the heart of the village, serving traditional Norwegian cuisine with a modern twist using locally sourced ingredients, all in a cosy setting.
  • Vestlia Restaurant, Bar & Lounge: A more contemporary choice, with glamorous interiors and a decadent sun terrace.
  • Dr. Holms Hotel’s Restaurant: A relaxing spot for hearty Nordic dishes, international favourites, and a fine wine selection.
  • Highland Pizzeria: Well worth a visit for homemade pizza and pasta with fresh ingredients and an Italian influence.
Best Restaurants in Geilo
Crèches in Geilo

Crèches in Geilo

The Trollklubben crèche caters for babies from six months up to children aged 8, with a brilliant array of activities on offer:

  • Wide range of activities, from sledging and singing to drawing and sculpture building
  • Conveniently located at the base of the ski slopes, making drop-off and collection easy throughout the day
  • Flexible payment by the hour, day or week
  • Open daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm
Après Ski in Geilo

Après Ski in Geilo

Geilo offers a lively après-ski scene similar to that found in the Alps, with something to suit every mood after a day on the slopes:

  • Lively bars, such as the popular Dr Holms’ Bar, where things get going from around 3pm
  • Cosy ski lounges within many of the resort’s hotels, ideal for a more relaxed drink
  • Off-Pist nightclub, in the centre of the resort, open until 2:30am for those wanting to dance the night away
Best Geilo Après Ski and Nightlife
Geilo

Non-Skiers

Geilo offers a wealth of traditional Scandinavian activities beyond skiing, perfect for non-skiers or those wanting a change of pace:

  • Dog sledding with Geilo Husky, where you’ll learn to drive your own sled through the beautiful Norwegian landscape
  • Mile-long toboggan run, ice fishing and snowmobiling, keep an eye out for deer and eagles along the way
  • Easy access to Oslo and Bergen via a scenic train journey, ideal for exploring two of Norway’s major cities
Top Things to Do in Geilo

Our Take: Is Geilo Right For You?

Great Choice If…
Consider Alternatives If…
  • You’re looking for reliable, snow-sure conditions, thanks to Norway’s northerly climate and long season, often running from November to April.
  • You’d like to travel without a car, as resorts like Geilo are well connected by scenic rail journeys from Oslo and Bergen.
  • You’re skiing as a family or with beginners, as Geilo offers gentle terrain.
  • You’re looking for challenging terrain and off-piste exploring.
  • You’re looking for a budget option, as Norway is generally more expensive for food and drink.
  • You’re looking for a lively après scene, as Geilo offers a more relaxed atmosphere.

Map of Geilo

Geilo Ski Holidays FAQs

Geilo is located in Norway, roughly midway between Oslo and Bergen, in the Hallingdal valley between the Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet National Parks.

Geilo’s ski area ranges from around 780m at the base to approximately 1,200m at its highest point.

Geilo is a compact, unpretentious town, with hotels, shops and restaurants strung along the main street and the ski slopes rising directly behind. It has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere rather than a lively nightlife scene, making it well suited to those after a laid-back ski holiday.

Geilo’s ski season typically runs from mid-November to late April.

Absolutely. There’s plenty to keep non-skiers busy, from dog sledding and snowmobiling to ice fishing and a mile-long toboggan run. Norway’s largest cross-country network is also on the doorstep, and several hotels have spa facilities if you’d rather just relax after everyone else comes in from the slopes.

The easiest way to reach Geilo is by train, it’s around 3.5 hours from Oslo or 3 hours from Bergen on the Oslo-Bergen railway. By road, the nearest airport is Fagernes, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes away, while Oslo Gardermoen is about 3.5-4 hours by car.

Yes, Geilo suits groups well, especially with mixed abilities or non-skiers in tow. The slopes are forgiving, and there’s plenty to do off-piste too. Just note the après is low-key, so it’s not one for a big party crowd.

Yes, Vestlia Resort offers ski-in ski-out access, right on the slopes in the Vestlia area. Other properties are close to the lifts, so it’s worth checking with your account manager if ski-in ski-out is a priority.

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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