Skiing and Snowboarding in Norway 2024-2025

Norway’s stunning mountainous landscape and reliable snow conditions make it a favorite destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. With a variety of resorts that cater to both beginners and seasoned skiers, Norway’s ski season typically runs from November to April. Resorts like Trysil, Hemsedal, and Voss offer well-maintained slopes, modern facilities, and a wide range of accommodations, drawing in visitors from all over the world. Each resort offers unique experiences, ensuring that there's something for everyone.

Best Time to Ski in Norway

The skiing season in Norway starts as early as November and can extend into late April. For the most reliable snow conditions, December to March is ideal, especially in the southern regions like Oslo and Telemark. The best time to visit, however, depends on personal preferences. For the heaviest snowfall, November to January is ideal, although blizzards are common during this time. From late February through March, longer days and milder weather provide a more relaxed atmosphere, though crowds tend to peak during this period. Early March often offers the best balance between good snow and fewer visitors. For those seeking an extended season, northern destinations like Tromsø and Finnmark offer skiing from October to May.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Oslo

Oslo offers a unique combination of big-city experiences and access to top-notch skiing and snowboarding. As one of the few capitals in the world with ski centers located within the city limits, Oslo provides easy access to winter sports without leaving urban life far behind. For more information about skiing and snowboarding in Oslo, check out this article.

Trysil

As Norway’s largest ski resort, Trysil is a family-friendly destination with 68 slopes and 32 lifts, providing plenty of skiing options for visitors of all skill levels. Located in the heart of Scandinavia, it’s easily accessible by car, bus, or plane, and offers modern, comfortable accommodations right on the slopes. The resort boasts a snow guarantee and a variety of activities, including a snow park for both beginners and advanced skiers.

Slopes

Trysil offers 48 miles (78 km) of skiing across four connected areas. The slopes cater to all levels, with areas specifically designed for children and beginners. There are multiple snow parks, including sections for freestyle enthusiasts, and advanced skiers can enjoy black slopes and World Cup tracks.

Ski Passes

Ski passes at Trysil typically range from 400 to 600 Norwegian Krones (NOK) per day, depending on the season and the age of the visitor. Longer passes are available at discounted rates, and family packages offer additional savings. Lift tickets for individual rides range from 50 to 100 NOK.

Equipment Rental

The resort provides rental services on both sides of the mountain, with prices ranging from 300 to 600 NOK per day, depending on the type of equipment. Visitors can rent skis, snowboards, and safety gear, with packages available for families and groups.

Hemsedal

Hemsedal is the second-largest ski resort in Norway, renowned for its adventurous terrain and long ski season. With 51 slopes and 20 lifts, the resort offers skiing from three different mountain peaks and is especially popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders. The village, known for its lively après-ski scene, is also home to family-friendly activities and accommodations.

Slopes

Hemsedal’s slopes cover a wide range of difficulty levels, with the longest run stretching 3.7 miles (6 km) from the top to the base of the resort. The children’s area at the bottom of the resort features easy green slopes, while more experienced skiers can enjoy the off-piste opportunities in the nearby forest.

Prices

Ski passes range from 450 to 700 NOK per day, with lower rates for children and seniors. Visitors can also purchase multi-day passes or season tickets for extended stays.

Equipment Rental

Hemsedal offers a well-equipped ski rental service, with packages priced between 350 and 700 NOK per day. All necessary gear, including skis, snowboards, and protective equipment, is available for rent. The resort’s SkiStarShop also sells ski-related apparel and gear for those looking to purchase.

Voss

Voss is known for its steep slopes and picturesque scenery, attracting experienced skiers and those looking for a more challenging experience. Located between the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord, Voss is easily accessible from Bergen by train or car, making it a convenient option for travelers. The resort features 30 miles (40 km) of slopes, with options for cross-country skiing and off-piste adventures.

Slopes

Voss has a total of 24 slopes and 11 lifts, with a mix of green, blue, red, and black runs. The resort also offers an extensive network of cross-country trails, perfect for those seeking a different kind of winter adventure.

Prices

Daily ski passes at Voss range from 350 to 650 NOK, depending on age and time of visit. There are discounts for students and families, and individual ride tickets are also available for those who prefer shorter sessions.

Equipment Rental

Voss provides ski and snowboard rentals, with prices ranging from 300 to 600 NOK per day. The resort also has a ski school, offering group and private lessons for beginners and children.

Other Top-Tier Ski Resorts

Norway boasts several top-tier ski resorts, each offering unique experiences for skiers of all levels. Hafjell, with its Olympic-standard slopes and 19 lifts, provides 30 miles (50 km) of runs and family-friendly zones, making it ideal for both beginners and experts. Kvitfjell, located just 30 minutes from Hafjell, is known for the country's longest black trail and a steep World Cup piste. For powder enthusiasts, Myrkdalen, near Voss, is a prime destination, offering the most snow in Europe and excellent off-piste terrain. Geilo, situated between Oslo and Bergen, features 45 slopes and a variety of family activities, while Southern Norway’s Hovden is perfect for panoramic views and night skiing.

For those seeking breathtaking scenery, Narvikfjellet in Northern Norway combines skiing with stunning views of the northern lights and midnight sun. Oppdal, near Trondheim, is ideal for freeriders, with its four mountains offering diverse slopes, while Gausta in Telemark is famous for off-piste skiing and the unique Gaustabanen lift. Lastly, Strandafjellet, near Ålesund, is renowned for its fjord views and top-notch freeriding, solidifying Norway as a premier ski destination.