Norway’s ski scene is a hidden gem in the winter sports world. From the moment you step off the plane, you’re enveloped in a winter wonderland that’s equal parts thrilling and enchanting. Norway’s ski resorts offer a unique blend of world-class facilities, breathtaking fjord views, and that unmistakable Scandinavian charm.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best ski resorts Norway has to offer. Whether you’re a powder hound seeking off-piste adventures, a family looking for kid-friendly slopes, or a couple in search of a romantic winter getaway, Norway has something for everyone. We’ll explore everything from the largest resort in Scandinavia to cozy, lesser-known spots that feel like best-kept secrets.
Best Ski Resorts in Norway:
- 🏔️ For Largest Ski Resort: Trysil
- 🎿 For Varied Difficulty Levels: Hemsedal
- 🏅 For Olympic-Standard Slopes: Hafjell
- 👨👩👧👦 For Family-Oriented Skiing: Geilo
- 🏂 For Guaranteed Snow: Myrkdalen
1. Trysil
- 🎿 Pistes: 78 km of slopes, 31 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 395 m – 1,100 m above sea level (altitude difference 705 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 46 minutes from Sälen Trysil Airport, 2.5 hours from Oslo Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, family-friendly, particularly good for intermediates and snowboarders
- 🏨 Average price per night: $173
Trysil is Norway’s largest ski resort, located near the Swedish border about two and a half hours from Oslo. It offers a varied set of challenges for all skill levels, from wide slopes and terrain parks to off-piste opportunities. The resort is divided into four main areas: Trysil Turistsenter, Trysil Høyfjellssenter, Høgegga, and Skihytta.
The resort boasts 68 pistes, including 21 green (beginner) runs, 17 blue (easy) runs, 16 red (intermediate) runs, and 11 black (expert) runs. Trysil is particularly well-suited for families, with dedicated children’s areas and amenities at low altitude levels. The resort also offers night skiing on floodlit slopes and over 100 km of cross-country ski trails.
For snowboarders, Trysil features terrain parks and two half-pipes. It has extensive snowmaking capabilities, covering 27 km of ski runs. Off-slope activities include dog sledding, sleigh rides, and ice fishing.
In summer, Trysil transforms into a mountain biking paradise, with over 50 kilometers of purpose-built trails and Scandinavia’s largest bike arena. The resort has achieved Sustainable Tourism certification, demonstrating its commitment to reducing the negative impacts of tourism.
Features: Family-friendly facilities, extensive terrain parks for freestylers, off-piste opportunities for advanced skiers, and a vibrant après-ski scene with numerous restaurants and bars.
Facts: The world’s first ski race took place in Trysil in 1855. The resort provides 86 km of cross-country skiing trails and has a ski season typically running from late November to late April.
Hotels in Trysil:
Expensive Hotels:
- Radisson Blu Resort, Trysil – Upscale ski-in/ski-out resort offering modern amenities, including a spa, indoor pool, and multiple dining options.
- Villa Sole – Charming bed and breakfast providing a cozy atmosphere with personalized service and homemade breakfast.
- Skistar Lodge Trysil – Contemporary lodge featuring spacious apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and direct access to ski slopes.
Medium price category:
- Trysil Alpine Lodge – Rustic yet modern accommodation offering comfortable rooms and easy access to outdoor activities.
- Trysil Hotel – Family-friendly hotel with a relaxed ambiance, featuring an on-site restaurant and proximity to ski facilities.
- Trysil Hyttegrend – Traditional Norwegian cabin complex providing a authentic mountain experience with self-catering options.
2. Hemsedal
- 🎿 Pistes: 53 slopes, 21 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 640 m – 1,450 m above sea level (altitude difference 810 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 3 hours from Oslo Airport, 3.5 hours from Bergen Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, particularly good for intermediates and advanced skiers
- 🏨 Average price per night: $190
Hemsedal is often referred to as the “Scandinavian Alps” due to its impressive mountain scenery and varied ski terrain. Located in the heart of Norway, about 220 km northwest of Oslo, it’s one of the country’s premier ski destinations.
The resort features 53 slopes spread across three interconnected mountains: Hemsedal Skisenter, Solheisen, and Totten. With 21 lifts, including a high-speed six-seater chairlift, the resort efficiently moves skiers around the mountain. Hemsedal offers a good mix of terrain, with 20% beginner runs, 40% intermediate, and 40% advanced/expert.
Hemsedal is known for its long ski season, often running from early November to late April. Its high altitude ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the winter. The resort has extensive snowmaking capabilities, covering about 60% of the ski area.
Features: Long ski season, varied terrain for all levels, excellent freestyle facilities, and a lively resort atmosphere.
Facts: Hemsedal has been hosting FIS races since the 1970s. The resort provides 220 km of cross-country skiing trails, making it a paradise for Nordic skiing enthusiasts as well.
Hotels in Hemsedal:
Expensive Hotels:
- Fýri Resort – Luxurious mountain retreat offering stylish accommodations, a spa center, and gourmet dining options.
- Skarsnuten Mountain Resort & SPA – Elegant resort featuring panoramic views, a wellness center, and an acclaimed restaurant.
- Tinden – Modern hotel providing comfortable rooms and convenient amenities for ski enthusiasts.
Medium price category:
- Hemsedal Cafe Skiers Lodge – Cozy lodge offering a laid-back atmosphere, on-site café, and easy access to ski facilities.
- Skiers Lodge 2 - Saga Apartments – Self-catering apartments providing a home-away-from-home experience for skiers and families.
- Skarsnuten Panorama 61, Hemsedal – Scenic apartment complex offering stunning mountain views and well-equipped accommodations.
3. Hafjell
- 🎿 Pistes: 49 km of slopes, 18 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 195 m – 1,030 m above sea level (altitude difference 835 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 180 km from Oslo Airport, 44 km from Lillehammer Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, particularly good for families and intermediate skiers
- 🏨 Average price per night: $160
Hafjell is one of Norway’s premier ski resorts, located just 15 minutes north of Lillehammer in the heart of Gudbrandsdalen. Famous for hosting the alpine skiing events during the 1994 Winter Olympics, it offers a unique blend of Olympic-standard slopes and family-friendly facilities.
The resort features 49 km of well-groomed pistes spread across 32 slopes, serviced by 18 lifts including a gondola. The terrain is varied, with 30% beginner runs, 40% intermediate, and 30% advanced. Hafjell is particularly known for its long, cruising runs, perfect for intermediate skiers looking to clock up the miles.
Hafjell’s snowmaking system covers 85% of the slopes, ensuring good skiing conditions throughout the season, which typically runs from November to April. The resort also offers night skiing on selected slopes, extending the skiing hours during the short winter days.
For freestyle enthusiasts, Hafjell boasts one of Norway’s best terrain parks. The park hosts several major snowboarding events and offers features for all skill levels, from beginners to pros.
Off the slopes, Hafjell offers a range of winter activities including dog sledding, sleigh rides, and ice skating. The nearby town of Lillehammer, with its Olympic history and cultural attractions, provides additional entertainment options.
Features: Olympic-standard slopes, excellent family facilities, world-class terrain park, and proximity to Lillehammer’s cultural attractions.
Facts: Hafjell hosted the alpine skiing events during the 1994 Winter Olympics. The resort is part of the Lillehammer Ski Resort group, which includes nearby Kvitfjell, offering a combined 116 km of slopes on a single ski pass.
Hotels in Hafjell:
Expensive Hotels:
- Scandic Hafjell – Modern hotel offering comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a restaurant with panoramic mountain views.
- Alpin Apartments Solsiden – Spacious self-catering apartments with ski-in/ski-out access and well-equipped kitchens.
- Ilsetra Hotell – Charming mountain hotel featuring a spa, fitness center, and traditional Norwegian cuisine.
Medium price category:
- Sørlia hytte – Cozy cabin accommodation offering a rustic Norwegian experience with modern amenities.
- Hafjell Hotell – Ski-in/ski-out hotel providing comfortable rooms and easy access to the slopes.
- Hunderfossen Hotel & Resort – Family-friendly resort with diverse accommodation options and on-site entertainment facilities.
Budget hotels:
- Nermo Hotel & Apartments – Historic hotel offering a blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, with both rooms and apartments available.
- Hunderfossen Cottages – Quaint cottages providing a home-away-from-home experience in a picturesque setting.
- Topcamp Rustberg - Hafjell – Versatile camping resort offering various accommodation types, from cabins to camping spots.
4. Geilo
- 🎿 Pistes: 40 km of slopes, 20 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 800 m – 1,178 m above sea level (altitude difference 378 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 244 km from Oslo Airport, 266 km from Bergen Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, especially good for beginners and intermediates, family-friendly
- 🏨 Average price per night: $180
Geilo stands out as one of the best places to ski in Norway, offering a fantastic skiing experience for families and beginners alike. As one of the oldest ski resorts in the country, Geilo has perfected the art of providing a luxury ski holiday while maintaining its charm as a traditional Norwegian ski resort.
With its modern skiing facilities, including efficient ski lifts and well-groomed ski slopes, Geilo is often listed among the top ski resorts in Norway. The resort provides a diverse range of skiing opportunities, from downhill skiing to off-piste skiing and ski touring, making it a great ski destination for all levels of skiers.
Geilo is perfect for families, with dedicated areas for children and beginners. It boasts some of the best après ski scenes in Norway, allowing parents to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Geilo’s ski centre is well-equipped to handle the needs of modern skiers and snowboarders. The resort has invested in snowmaking technology to ensure excellent snow conditions throughout the season, positioning itself as one of the best Norway ski resorts for a reliable ski holiday.
When looking at a list of the best ski resorts to visit in Europe, Geilo often makes the cut. Its proximity to both Oslo and Bergen, combined with its fantastic skiing opportunities, makes it a top choice for those planning a ski holiday in Norway.
While other resorts like Norefjell, Hafjell, Voss, and Gausta each have their unique charms, Geilo’s blend of family-friendly atmosphere, diverse terrain, and rich skiing heritage make it stand out. Whether you’re seeking the birthplace of modern skiing or simply a great ski destination, Geilo should be high on your list of Norway ski resorts to explore.
Features: Family-friendly atmosphere, excellent cross-country skiing, diverse winter activities, and easy access by train.
Facts: Geilo has been a popular ski destination since the Bergen Railway opened in 1909. The resort hosted the first Norwegian skiing competition for women in 1936.
Hotels in Geilo:
Expensive Hotels:
- Havsdalsgrenda Geilo Apartments – Spacious ski-in/ski-out apartments offering stunning mountain views and fully-equipped kitchens.
- Dr. Holms Hotel – Historic hotel featuring elegant rooms, a spa center, and multiple dining options in a classic mountain setting.
Medium price category:
- Highland Lodge Fjellandsby – Modern mountain lodge providing comfortable apartments with easy access to ski slopes and outdoor activities.
- Highland Lodge – Cozy accommodation offering well-appointed rooms and convenient amenities for ski enthusiasts.
- Ustedalen Resort Leiligheter – Self-catering apartments nestled in picturesque surroundings, perfect for families and groups.
5. Myrkdalen
- 🎿 Pistes: 53 km of slopes, 9 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 450 m – 1,060 m above sea level (altitude difference 610 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 180 km from Bergen Airport, 335 km from Oslo Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, particularly good for families and powder enthusiasts
- 🏨 Average price per night: $170
Myrkdalen is the largest ski resort in Western Norway, located in the picturesque Voss region. Known for its reliable snow conditions and modern facilities, it’s a rising star in the Norwegian ski scene.
The resort features 53 km of slopes spread across 22 pistes, serviced by 9 lifts including a high-speed 6-seater chairlift. The terrain is varied, with 40% beginner runs, 50% intermediate, and 10% advanced. Myrkdalen is particularly renowned for its off-piste opportunities, with vast areas of untouched powder accessible from the lifts.
Myrkdalen boasts one of the best snowfall records in Norway, with an average annual snowfall of 5.5 meters. The resort’s season typically runs from November to May, one of the longest in the country. Its modern snowmaking system covers 60% of the slopes, ensuring good skiing conditions throughout the season.
Off the slopes, Myrkdalen offers a range of winter activities including cross-country skiing, with over 100 km of groomed trails. The nearby town of Voss provides additional entertainment and cultural experiences.
Features: Reliable snow conditions, excellent off-piste opportunities, family-friendly facilities, and proximity to the fjords.
Facts: Myrkdalen is one of the newest ski resorts in Norway, having opened in 2003. Despite its youth, it has quickly established itself as one of the country’s premier ski destinations.
Hotels in Myrkdalen:
- Mørkve Apartement – Comfortable self-catering apartments offering a home-away-from-home experience with easy access to ski slopes.
- Myrkdalen Resort Hotel – Modern ski-in/ski-out resort featuring well-appointed rooms, on-site dining, and excellent facilities for winter sports enthusiasts.
What is the largest ski resort in Norway?
Trysil is the largest ski resort in Norway, with a total slope length of 78 km. It offers 44.1 km of easy runs, 29.2 km of intermediate runs, and 10.8 km of difficult runs, making it suitable for skiers of all levels.
Is Norway cheap to ski?
Norway is generally not considered a cheap destination for skiing, with an average day pass costing around 48 euros. However, some smaller resorts offer more affordable options, with day passes as low as 3-4 euros in places like Biristrand and Ulveløypa.
How many ski resorts are there in Norway?
According to the search results, there are 171 ski resorts in Norway. These resorts range from small, family-friendly areas to large, world-class destinations, offering a diverse range of skiing experiences across the country.
Is skiing better in Norway or Finland?
Norway generally offers better skiing opportunities than Finland due to its more mountainous terrain and longer ski season. Norway has a wider variety of ski resorts, more challenging slopes, and world-renowned ski areas, while Finland’s ski scene is more focused on cross-country skiing and smaller resorts.
What time of year is best for skiing in Norway?
The best time for skiing in Norway is typically from late February to April, when daylight hours are longer and snow conditions are optimal. March and April are particularly favored by many skiers as they offer a good balance of snow quality, milder temperatures, and increased sunlight compared to the darker winter months.
