Norway is a dream destination for skiing enthusiasts, with its stunning scenery, snow-sure slopes, and family-friendly resorts. Although Norway is known for being expensive, the weak Norwegian currency is currently making it one of the most exciting and affordable destinations for skiers. Here are some of the best ski resorts in Norway:
Trysil
Trysil is Norway's largest ski resort, with 31 lifts and 69 slopes on three sides of Mount Trysilfjellet. It is ideal for families, with a large children's area, ski schools, and fun activities like dog sledging, ice skating, and night skiing. It also has a lively après-ski scene, with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Where in Norway:
Trysil is in eastern Norway, near the Swedish border, 166 km northeast of Oslo Gardermoen airport,
How to get here:
Go by bus or rental car from Oslo Airport or Oslo City Centres.
Hemsedal
Hemsedal is Norway's second-largest ski resort, with 53 slopes and 21 lifts. It is known for its excellent snow conditions, varied terrain, and modern facilities. It is suitable for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts, and has several snow parks, off-piste areas, and cross-country trails. It also has a vibrant nightlife, with live music and dancing on tables.
Where in Norway:
Hemsedal is in the heart of the southern Norwegian mountains, 200 km northwest of Oslo.
How to get here::
Go by bus or rental car from Oslo Airport and Oslo City Centres.
Geilo
Geilo is one of Norway's oldest and most popular ski resorts, with 45 slopes and 20 lifts. The ski resort is between two national parks, offering spectacular views and nature experiences. It is perfect for families, with gentle slopes, ski schools, and various non-skiing activities, such as sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and spa treatments. It also has a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, with cosy bars and restaurants.
Where in Norway:
Geilo is in the middle of Norway, halfway between Oslo and Bergen.
How to get here:
Fly into Bergen or Oslo and jump on the train that will take you along one of the world's most scenic railroads, the Bergensbanen train between Oslo and Bergen.
Beitostolen
Photo by Visit Norway
Beitostolen is a charming small ski resort with 22 slopes and seven lifts, if you include neighbouring Raudalen across the valley. Beitostolen is located in a scenic valley, surrounded by mountains and forests. It is ideal for beginners and intermediates, with easy and wide slopes, ski schools, and a family park. It also has an excellent cross-country skiing network, with 320 km of trails. It has a friendly and welcoming vibe, with local events and festivals.
Where in Norway:
Beitostolen is in the center of southern Norway. Oslo city centre to Beitostolen is 225 km.
How to get here
Fly to Oslo Gardermoen Airport.
Hafjell
Hafjell were one of the venues for the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics. Hafjell is a modern ski resort with 64 slopes and 18 lifts. It suits all skiers, with various slopes, snow parks, and ski cross courses. It also has a fun après-ski scene, with bars, restaurants, and concerts.
The city of Lillehammer is about 15 minutes further south and makes a good alternative place to find accommodation if you want to avoid staying in Hafjell. Busses run frequently between Hafjell and Lillehammer.
Where in Norway:
Hafjell is about 200 km north of Norway's capital, Oslo, and 15 km north of Lillehammer.
How to get here
Fly to Oslo Gardermoen Airport.
Train: Use train RE10 from the airport to Lillehammer. The train takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Car: If you rent a car, the drive is 145 km to Lillehammer or 160 to Hafjell.
Voss
Photo by Visit Norway
Voss is a ski resort in the heart of the fjords, offering stunning views and unique experiences. It has 11 lifts and 24 slopes with 40 km of groomed slopes and is suitable for all skiers, with a mix of slopes, off-piste areas, and cross-country trails. It also has a lot of other adventure activities, such as heli-skiing, ice climbing, and paragliding. Downtown Voss has a nice vibe, and the slopes are easily accessible by Voss Gondol, which will take you from Voss station to the top of the ski resort in 7 minutes.
Where in Norway:
Voss is on the west coast, north of Bergen.
How to get here
Flying into Bergen Flesland and then going by train from downtown Bergen to Voss is the easiest way to get here. If you want to include one of the world's most scenic train rides, fly into Oslo Gardermoen. Go by train from Oslo to Voss. You will not regret the ride. The views and scenery are amazing, but more time-consuming than the Bergen option.
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