Best ski resorts in Norway
Norway is a mythical place filled with spectacular views of the Northern lights and fjords. What people may forget is that Norway is also blessed with some epic mountains for epic skiing.
It’s time the word got out, the secret the Norwegians were trying to keep from us is deep powder, tree runs and quiet pistes. Norway is lucky due to the climate in the winter months being very cold, so lots of snow that sticks around for a long time.
After going through this list of the best ski resorts in Norway, you will see why the Norwegians keep this secret to themselves but also why the Norwegians are all keen skiers, borders and mountain enthusiasts - you would be also if you had this on your doorstep!
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Getting to Norway
If you are coming from mainland Europe or the UK, it may seem easier to just hop on a quick flight to Geneva or Milan and be in the alps half a day. Don’t be fooled; Norway is only 2 hours away from London, just over 2 and a half hours from Milan and a short and sweet 1 hour and a half from Berlin. Once you get to Oslo you can easily hop on transfers and be in most of the ski resorts within 3 hours. This is not dissimilar to the time it takes to get to the Alps.
Once you get to the airport, you could easily hire a car and explore the mountain areas with freedom. Hiring a car, even at peak season times will cost around 270 euros.
But, there are always plenty of transfer options from Oslo airport and it may work out cheaper than hiring a car, ranging around 40euros each way. Although that being said, you may save some money but waste more time as the bus will take at least a couple of hours longer than self-driving.
Either way, getting around Norway is very efficient and simple, the country is well equipped for the busy winter season, so you know you will get to resort stress-free and ready to hit the slopes in no time!
Price ranges explained
We looked at the price of ski passes, gear hire, food/drink, hotel/Airbnb for each ski resort in Norway and assigned a rating based on the average cost of staying for 7 nights and 6 days of skiing in mid- January.
Resorts price ranges:
€ – Inexpensive, perfect for skiers/snowboarders on a budget
€€ – Middle of the range budget required
€€€ – Expect to pay premium prices
So strap on your ski’s, or maybe just your slippers for the moment, sit back and let’s drive right in!
Quick find navigation
Rauland ski resort
Where: Telemark region, Southern Norway
Getting there: Fly to Oslo and either hire a car which will take around 3 and half hours door to door, or get a transfer bus from around 40 euros each way which will take around 5 hours. It would be perhaps quicker to get the train from Oslo to Bø, and then a bus from the resort.
Ski-Able Terrain: 150km
Elevation: 805 and 1,140 m
Rauland is one of the largest resorts in Norway and is loved by the Norwegians, especially the families. This is probably because the resort consists of 3 villages connected by an easy access ski bus. Having 3 ski villages for the price of one means you and the crew will have plenty of slopes to go after with a vast range for those of all abilities. Ensuring everyone is happy!
There is plenty to do in Rauland that will keep everyone entertained beyond just alpine skiing. There is the longest toboggan run in Norway, cross-country skiing and a cracking snowpark.
Ridestore recommends: Try kite skiing for something a little more daring.
Norefjell ski resort
Where: Krødsherad, Southern Norway
Getting there: The beauty of Norefjell is how easy access it is from Oslo airport, only 1 and half hours away. You can get there easily by hiring a car, getting a transfer bus or by train.
Ski-Able Terrain: 13km
Elevation: 180m- 1188m
You will find this vibrant little ski resort a place of excitement and magnificent scenery, overlooking Lake Kroderen. You can stay either at the base of the resort looking up to all the slopes, or you can stay the mid ‘base’ which has slopes above and below, which allows the beauty of ski-in ski-out!
Although Norefjell is a small resort, it has a lot to offer! As host to the 1952 Winter Olympics, it has one of the greatest downhill slopes Europe has to offer, so you can be sure to get your heart racing. The Olympics were held here because of its proximity to Oslo, which also means its an ideal spot for weekenders coming from the city. The ski resort comes alive with live music and apres-ski, so try to get there for the Saturday and Sunday hype.
Ridestore recommends: Quad biking on a snow circuit.
Geilo
Where: Hallingskarvet National Park, Southern Norway
Getting there: The nearest airport to Geilo is Leirin and is only a 1 and half hour transfer, although this is a local airport so few international flights. If you are coming from further afield, you can fly to Bergen or Oslo and grab a train around 3 hours, straight to resort.
Ski-Able Terrain: 34.3km
Elevation: 800 and 1,178 m
Geilo is another amazingly family-friendly resort with 37 slopes to go after, its a great place as a beginner to develop your skills and become an intermediate skier. If you are more advanced you may find the slopes lose their excitement quite quickly, but instead, you can try your hand in cross-country skiing where you have 200km of tracks to explore. There are also some off-piste to get stuck into and enjoy the incredible Norwegian snow!
If you find yourself and your crew wanting to explore beyond the slopes the resort provides an abundance of activities such as ice climbing and a snow scooter safari. Geilo may not be a crazy ski resort for a squad of hardcore freeriders, but you will be sure not to get bored here!
Ridestore recommends: Exploring the beautiful national parks below the resort, of Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda.
Skeikampen
Where: Lillehammer, Oppland
Getting there: Get a 2 and half hour train ride from Oslo to Lillehammer and then a 40-minute local bus to resort. Or get the bus from the airport to Lillehammer and then the local bus again straight to resort, the transfer will take around 2 and a half hours but so worth the trip!
Ski-Able Terrain: 21km
Elevation: 774 and 1,123 m
Skeikampen is fortunate to be a very snow sure resort with an incredible quality of snow to keep you entertained for the whole trip. The lovely and charming ski resort has a friendly village feel, with a traditional rustic Norwegian vibe. Skeikampen is one of the oldest ski spots in Norway, with the first skiing going back to the late 1800’s. This traditional Norwegian atmosphere will keep you returning year after year.
The resort has a chilled atmosphere, so you can have a truly relaxing stay. The pistes are not geared towards the advanced and expert riders, but there is plenty of off-piste once you have carved and explored your way around the slopes.
Ridestore recommends: the two snowparks: one for beginners and one for experts.
Oslo Vinterpark
Where: Oslo, Southern Norway
Getting there: Oslo Vinterpark is lucky enough to be the closest ski resort to Oslo, only 40 minutes from the city centre and can actually be accessed on subway line 1 Frognerseteren- it couldn’t get much easier than that.
Ski-Able Terrain: 9.6km
Elevation: 150m- 531m
Oslo Vinterpark is the closest and largest ski resort closest to Oslo so a very popular destination for weekenders and city folk. The beauty is, that if you are visiting Oslo you can take a day trip very easily to the resort. Although it’s a small resort, you have the city on its doorstep for any nightlife and great dining you may desire.
Oslo Vinterpark may be small, but it does make up for this with the very varied pistes for all abilities. If you are more of an expert then get yourself to the Wyller area which is for advanced skiers with 4 black slopes and a super halfpipe in the park.
Ridestore recommends: Make the most of your day trip by skiing through the evening with the ski resorts floodlit night skiing.
Hemsedal
Where: Buskerud county, Southern Norway
Getting there: The best way to get to resort from Oslo airport is by transfer bus which takes around 3 hours direct to Hemsedal. Driving yourself from Bergen will take 4 hours but is a super easy drive and driving from Oslo will take 3 hours.
Ski-Able Terrain: 48km
Elevation: 620 and 1450 m
Hemsedal is part of the Scandinavian alps and one of the largest resorts in the country. Hemsedal is a slice of heaven and an absolute must-visit for winter sports lovers! The resort has the best of both worlds, it has varied skiing for those of all abilities but is also very uncrowded during the week. Once the weekend hits, loosen your boots and get your sunglasses at the ready as the party really starts. Voted one of the best ski resorts for apres-skis, so you should boogey the way the Scandi’s do.
If you manage to tear yourself away from the village full of good food and vibrant atmosphere, further up the mountain there is endless backcountry and summit touring. Do be careful though, as the resort is expensive but well worth the splurge.
Ridestore recommends: Snowmobiling
Myrkdalen
Where: Western Norway
Getting there: Two hours away from Bergen airport and from there you can get a return shuttle for 70euros, or a train to Voss and then a free shuttle bus from Voss. Either way, Myrkdalen is super simple and quick to get to.
Ski-Able Terrain: 30km
Elevation: 450m- 1060m
Myrkdalen is perfectly located for your epic Norway adventure, in true Norwegian style the resort is blessed with the very best that nature can bring. The resort has the famous Unesco listed Nærøyfjord on its doorstep, where you can stay or go visit for the day and take a boat tour.
Myrkdalen is also famous for its off-piste and freeride, with incredible views of the Fjords. To say this place is famous for all these reasons, the resort remains uncrowded and often has untouched fresh powder for you to carve your way through. Again, another reason this resort stands apart from the rest is because of the incredible amount of snow it gets due to the microclimate, it’s even been said it gets more snow than most places in Europe. Seriously, just pack your bags now and get there quick before the secret gets out.
Ridestore recommends: Book a freeride trip with a guide to get all the best untouched spots with the best views.
Trysil Ski Resort
Where: Østerdalen, Eastern Norway
Getting there: Trysil in on the border of Norway and Sweden so you can fly to Oslo, Stockholm (Sweden) or the newly opened Scandinavian Mountains Aiport (SCR), all of which provide access via transfer buses to the resort. From SCR the transfer is only 40 minutes, although the flight may cost you a little more.
Ski-Able Terrain: 78km
Elevation: 415 and 1,100 m
The secret hasn’t yet got out about Trysil, despite it being one of the largest of the country and popular amongst the locals- we can easily see why it so loved by the Norwegians. The mountain is essentially part of a volcano, so the pistes are connected in an unusual 360 fashion. The terrain is also incredibly varied from blues and blacks running side by side and it also means you can chase the sun around the mountain (that sounds like a game we would all love to play).
There is great off-piste and some steep boulevard black runs which will keep the experts tested and entertained for days. Once back in the village, the place is alive with apres most days, partying on the slopes until dark, or having some exceptional traditional food (albeit for a price)-whatever you desire Trysil has it.
Ridestore recommends: You may get lucky when nighttime skiing to witness the awe of the Northern Lights.
Hovden
Where: Aust-Agder county, Southern Norway
Getting there: Oslo is the closest international airport from Hovden, from there you can get the bus which runs multiple times daily, or hire a car to resort. Either way, it will take you around 6 hours- quite a hefty journey, but worth it!
Ski-Able Terrain: 34.4km
Elevation: 822 and 1,183 m
Hovden is one of the largest ski resorts in Southern Norway, so it is a popular choice for those seeking a large resort, good atmosphere and plenty of pistes to go after. Hovden is n ideal place to go during the mid-winter even in the darker months, as the resort is super modern, it has floodlights and snow canons ensuring those darker months are not the bleak months. But don’t be fooled by these great features that would usually make a resort in the Alps be chaotic all season; Hovden is still like most Norwegian resorts, quiet and calm.
The town itself is quaint and friendly, where you can enjoy some good food to fuel you for the big days out on the mountain. If you are there on a Friday or Saturday you can wind down with live music and Norwegian apres-ski fun!
Hafjell
Where: Lillehammer, Western Norway
Getting there: Coming from Oslo you can get a train to Lillehammer and then a bus or even a taxi to resort, the journey should only take around 2 and half hours. We do also suggest hiring a car from wherever you are coming from because parking is free in resort.
Ski-Able Terrain: 44km
Elevation: 195 and 1,059 m
Hafjell is renowned for its incredibly varied skiing, where the whole crew, no matter their ability, can have an awesome trip. The resort is large compared to many of the others in Norway, so everyone can show off their skills here. Hafjell is also blessed with incredible views, which will make the long and wide runs even more breathtaking.
The resort was once the host of the Winter Olympics in 1994 and well known for its giant slalom and more recently it was host to the X Games in 2017. Hafjell has an incredible draw for advanced and even pro riders, with its great skiing and vibrant atmosphere.
Ridestore recommends: Using one of the mountainside BBQ stands for an alfresco lunch.
FAQs
Is Norway a good option for beginners?
Absolutely! Norwegian resorts such as Geilo provide an array of slopes catered for beginners to help you develop your skills.
Are these ski resorts family-friendly?
Yes, many of the ski resorts like Rauland are very family-friendly, making them good options for a trip with family members of varying ages and skill levels.
Wrapping up
So there we have our top choices of resorts for skiing in Norway (in no particular order). The country is blessed with the incredible climate for beautiful fluffy, deep and reliable long seasons. The actual geography of Norway doesn’t make for the tallest elevations for high altitude skiing, but it does mean the ski resorts are perfect for all abilities and also for those who want tree-line and off-piste riding.
We know for a fact you will already be packing your bags and rounding up the crew for your epic Norway adventure, but we do just have a couple of tips: bring lots of layers and prepare for some icy temperatures and make sure your wallet isn’t too tight as some of the dining and drinking may set you back a little. But it will all be worth it with the unrivalled views, traditional friendly Norwegian hospitality and quiet slopes.
Try something new this season, don’t follow the crowd, you won’t regret it! SER DEG DER!
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