Norway as a ski holidays destination
Norway is a place many Danish families go to for skiing. There’s everything from beginner slopes to black slopes, there’s cross-country skiing for those who love long days in the Norwegian countryside. Norway is cold in the winter months and therefore it is also snow-sure in many places.
Ski vacation to Norway, can be purchased at: Skiferie.dk, Alltime Travel, OnlineSki
Those who have been skiing for 20-30 years find it more pleasant and peaceful to go backcountry skiing. Norway is a favorite as it offers so much beautiful nature in the open mountains.
In several places in Norway you will also find evening skiing, which means that the ski day does not end at 16:00 as in many places in Austria and France. There’s just something unique about evening skiing, it’s incredibly cozy and not least an experience if you haven’t tried it before.
The most popular ski destinations among Danes in Norway
Hemsedal – Perfect for the whole family
Hemsedal is one of the most popular ski resorts among Danish families, and it’s easy to see why. The area offers something for everyone, from easy green slopes to challenging off-piste options and a large snowpark for the daring. The area also has slopes open in the evenings in the middle of the week, so you can make the most of your skiing vacation.
- Number of km of slopes: 45 km.
- Number of lifts: 28 lifts.
- Child-friendly: With 17 km of green slopes and 7 children’s lifts, Hemsedal is ideal for children learning to ski. Children up to the age of 7 also get free lift passes, making it an affordable destination for families with children.
- Aprés-ski and facilities: Hemsedal also offers great restaurants, cozy bars and exciting activities for the whole family. The snow park is large compared to the north and the area also attracts snowboarders.
Trysil – Cozy cabins and family-friendly conditions
Trysil is another Danish favorite. Here you’ll often stay in cozy ski chalets that are scattered throughout the area and offer ski-in/ski-out. Most cabins are spacious and can accommodate up to 20-25 people, making Trysil ideal for large families or groups.
- Number of km of slopes: 65 km.
- Number of lifts: 31 lifts.
- Facilities: Trysil offers a wealth of activities and facilities, including child-friendly slopes, a ski school with Danish instructors and a large park for older children and teenagers. There’s something for all levels – from the youngest to the most experienced skiers.
- When should you go to Trysil?: Trysil is particularly popular during Christmas and New Year, as well as during week 7 and Easter. For quieter conditions and cheaper prices, March is a great month to visit the area.
Geilo – Classic and family friendly
Geilo is a classic destination for Danish families looking for a relaxed ski vacation. The area has developed a lot in recent years and today offers a modern and well-developed ski resort.
- Number of km of slopes: 40 km.
- Number of lifts: 26 lifts.
- Family-friendly: Geilo is known for its excellent ski schools and child-friendly slopes. You’ll also find spa and wellness facilities, restaurants with gastronomic experiences and plenty of off-piste activities such as dog sledding and canoeing.
Hafjell – Large and continuous ski terrain
Hafjell may not be the most well-known ski resort, but it’s still a favorite among many. With a lift pass that also covers nearby Skeikampen, Hafjell and Lillehammer Ski Resort offer one of the largest ski areas in Norway.
- Number of km of slopes: 100 km (incl. Skeikampen).
- Number of lifts: 15 lifts.
- Cross-country and alpine skiing: Hafjell is a great choice for those looking to combine alpine skiing with cross-country skiing as the area has more than 150 km of cross-country trails. However, Hafjell can be more challenging for beginners as the slopes are generally more demanding.
Why Choose Norway for Your Ski Vacation?
Family friendly facilities
Norway is known for its family-friendly facilities, ski schools with Danish-speaking instructors and child-friendly slopes that make it easy and safe for children to learn to ski. The areas are often smaller and more manageable than large alpine resorts, making it easier for parents to keep an eye on their children.
Ski in/ski out and cozy cabins
Most Norwegian ski resorts offer ski-in/ski-out accommodation, making it easy to take a break with the little ones if they need to rest or warm up. Ski chalets are cozy, often equipped with fireplaces and modern amenities, creating a unique atmosphere and comfort throughout your stay.
Good snow conditions and safety
Norway generally has good snow conditions and a long ski season. The well-maintained slopes and safe conditions make it a great choice for families with children, and most ski resorts have extensive snow cannon systems that ensure snow from December to April.
Where to buy your ski vacation to Norway
Going from Jutland to Norway
Then it’s about to sail from Frederikshavn to Oslo or Gothenburg.
Or Hirtshals to Langesund or Stavanger.
Or the route Hirtshals – Kristiansand or Larvik.
Going from Zealand to Norway
Then you drive up through Sweden or you sail.
You sail with DFDS – Copenhagen – Oslo.
SKI AREAS IN NORWAY
Perfect for both alpine and cross-country skiing
For experienced skiers who have spent decades on the slopes, Norway offers a special attraction: cross-country skiing. The large, open mountains and vast trails make it a paradise for cross-country enthusiasts seeking peace and quiet in untouched nature. Here you can enjoy the clean, cold air as you glide through snowy forests and open spaces. Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in Norway, attracting both locals and tourists every year.
Evening Skiing: A Unique Experience
Unlike many other European resorts where the lifts close at 4pm, several Norwegian resorts offer evening skiing so that skiing can continue after dark. Evening skiing is a unique experience where skiing is combined with a special cozy atmosphere under the illuminated slopes. It allows for extra-long ski days and is a must try if you haven’t experienced it before.
Prices in Norway
Prices in Norway are generally higher than in Denmark, especially when it comes to food and drink. Therefore, stocking up your car with supplies from home can be a good idea if you want to save a little on your budget. Alcohol is particularly expensive in Norway, so bring what you need if you want to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer after a long day on the slopes.
Touring and Off-Piste in Norway
1. Jotunheimen – High Peaks and Pristine Trails
Jotunheimen is home to Norway’s highest mountains, including Galdhøpiggen (2,469 meters) and Glittertind (2,464 meters). From beautiful forested mountainsides to snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the area offers unique touring opportunities. Jotunheimen is ideal for long touring trips with accommodation in mountain huts.
- Highlights: Galdhøpiggen is a popular route that offers spectacular views and challenging terrain. The area also has many easier routes for beginners who want to try ski touring for the first time.
- Safety: Be aware that touring in Jotunheimen requires experience and knowledge of the mountains. It is always recommended to have a local guide, especially on longer tours.
2. Sunnmøre Alps – Mountain Peaks, Fjords and Amazing Views
The Sunnmøre Alps are located near Ålesund and are known for their dramatic mountain peaks and deep fjords. The area offers varied terrain with both long touring tours and challenging off-piste routes. Here you can experience the uniqueness of skiing from the top of the mountain all the way down to the fjord.
- Highlights: Popular peaks such as Slogen (1,564 meters) and Skårasalen (1,542 meters) offer fantastic off-piste experiences with steep descents and impressive views of the fjords.
- Safety: Be aware of avalanche danger in the area and always bring the necessary safety equipment, including avalanche beacon, probe and shovel.
3. Lyngsalperne – The Ultimate Off-Piste Paradise
The Lyngen Alps in northern Norway are one of the world’s most famous areas for off-piste skiing and ski touring. The area offers steep mountainsides, deep valleys and frozen fjords, creating perfect conditions for those seeking a challenging off-piste experience. With a long ski season from November to May and world-class snow conditions, the Lyngen Alps attract skiers from all over the world.
- Highlights: The area offers spectacular routes where you can ski right down to the fjords and experience the Arctic nature up close. Peaks like Jiehkkevarri (1,834 meters) and Store Kjostind (1,488 meters) offer challenging and technically demanding descents.
- Safety: Due to the challenging terrain and potential avalanche risk, it is highly recommended to go on tours with a local guide and always carry the necessary safety equipment.
FAQ – Questions about skiing trips to Norway
When we get questions, we’ll add the answers below. If you have a question or something we’re missing on this page, please contact us so we can add it to the page.
How long is the ski season in Norway?
The ski season typically runs from December to early April, although exact dates may vary depending on location.
In the southern parts of Norway, the ski season tends to start a little later and last a little longer, while in the northern parts of Norway they usually start a little earlier and end later earlier, therefore places like Trysil only close the season on April 24.
The amount of snow during the season also plays a big role in when the ski season begins and ends.
What is the best month to ski in Norway?
For those looking for the best conditions, January and February are typically the best months to ski in Norway. The days are longer and there is more daylight, making it easier to enjoy a full day on the slopes.
Furthermore, the snow is typically best in February, providing a base for good skiing and snowboarding conditions. Of course, conditions can vary depending on the year, so it’s always worth checking the weather forecast before booking a ski trip to Norway.
But for those looking to experience the best of Norwegian skiing, February is often the ideal time to visit the country, which funnily enough is the peak season and therefore the most expensive.
Can new skiers and snowboarders learn to ski or snowboard in Norway?
The country’s ski resorts have beginner-friendly slopes and ski schools. In addition, Norway’s scenic landscapes make it a popular destination for cross-country skiers. Whether you want to try alpine skiing for the first time or explore the beautiful Norwegian landscape on cross-country skis, there are plenty of options. They say Norway and Sweden are the place for families with small children because of the cozy cabins, easier slopes and many ski in/ski out options.
Why do people choose ski holidays in Norway?
A ski vacation in Norway is the perfect way to enjoy time on the slopes with family and friends. There are a number of reasons why people choose Norway as a destination for a ski trip.
Firstly, Norway is home to some of the best skiing in the world. With its mix of long slopes, challenging terrain and beautiful scenery, Norway allows skiers of all abilities to enjoy time on the slopes or on the miles of cross-country trails.
More people from big cities who don’t have a car to drive on ski vacations are choosing to rent a car for ski holidays. Rather than having to take children on a bus.
Secondly, Norway is an incredibly safe and friendly country; guests can rest assured that they will be well taken care of during their stay.
Thirdly, there’s luxurious accommodation in the form of stylish ski chalets and top-class facilities.
What color are the easiest slopes in Norway?
The easiest slopes in Norway are typically green or blue. However, there are also a number of more difficult slopes that are classified as black. These slopes are generally much steeper and more challenging than the green and blue slopes.
If you’re looking for an easy ski trip, it’s best to stick to the lower slopes. But if you’re up for a challenge, there are a number of fantastic black runs in Norway that will give you an adrenaline rush.
Then of course there are funparks and snowparks where you can try your hand at kickers, boxing, wall, etc.
Which are the best ski areas for beginners in Norway?
Norway is home to some of the best ski areas in the world, offering everything from beginner-friendly slopes to expert-level terrain. Beginners looking for a great ski area in Norway will find plenty of options to choose from.
To avoid Hemsedal and Trysil being the talk of the town, here are a few other suggestions.
One of the most popular ski areas for beginners is Geilo, located in the heart of the country. With its wide, gentle slopes and picturesque landscapes, Geilo is the perfect place to learn the basics of skiing.
Another great option for beginners is Hafjell, located just north of Oslo. Hafjell offers several green (beginner) slopes as well as plenty of other activities for non-skiers, making it a great choice for families.
Finally, beginners should also consider Beitostolen, located in the beautiful Jotunheimen area. Beitostolen offers a variety of easy slopes and fantastic views of some of Norway’s highest mountains.
Whichever ski area you choose, you’re sure to have a great time skiing in Norway.
When are the prices for ski holidays in Norway cheapest?
If you basically look outside Christmas, New Year, week 7, week 8 and Easter. Then you’ll find the cheapest options. But January, week 2, week 3 or week 4 are the weeks we recommend – if you’re looking for the cheapest prices, good conditions and few people on the slopes.
Ski vacations in Norway can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. One option is to travel during the low season when demand for hotels and ski lodges is lower.
Another option is to book well in advance, which can often be cheaper than booking at the last minute.
Finally, it’s always worth checking for special offers and discounts. Many hotels and airlines offer discounts for early bookings, so it pays to plan ahead. By following these tips, you can make your ski vacation in Norway more affordable.
Which ski areas are best for experts in Norway?
Norway is a renowned skiing destination with a variety of beautiful and challenging terrain.
When it comes to ski areas, experts will find that Stryn Sommerski, Svalbard and Myrkdalen/Voss offer the best options. Stryn Sommerski boasts steep slopes and deep powder, making it a favorite among expert skiers.
Then there’s Svalbard, known for its glaciers and pristine wilderness, making for a truly unique experience – the expensive choice.
Last but not least, Myrkdalen / Voss offers a number of advanced slopes and fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
So whether you’re looking for steep slopes or untouched wilderness, these three ski areas are sure to satisfy even the most experienced skiers.
Where is the best après-ski in Norway?
When it comes to après-ski, Norway is known for its world-class facilities and impeccable snow conditions. Hemsedal, Trysil and Hafjell are all popular destinations for après-ski enthusiasts and offer a wide range of options for every taste.
In Hemsedal, guests can enjoy a relaxed afternoon on the slopes followed by a meal and a few drinks at one of the many charming bars or restaurants.
Trysil is home to some of the country’s best après-ski with a little bit of everything.
Finally, Hafjell also has a few bars to choose from.
If you go skiing for après-ski, we recommend Austria or France.