Of course, Norway is famous for its ski resorts. It's hard to expect anything different from a country that is almost entirely covered in mountains. It snows from November until May. And on many peaks, it does not melt even in summer. Skiing in Norway is considered the domain of serious and extreme sports.
Naturally, people come here for the excursions, for the walks, and for the unusual vacation in the northern latitudes. But it's the ski tours to Norway that make this country a dream come true for professionals and amateurs alike.
We've picked out the best resorts in Norway for you to choose from.
Lillehammer remains the capital of the 1994 Winter Olympics. The city is located 176 kilometers from Oslo on the shores of Lake Mjesa. This largest lake in the country lies in the picturesque Gudbrandsdalen valley.
The ski center brings together 4 famous resorts. Hafjell, Kvitfjell, Gausdal, and Gala are located within a radius of 15-20 km from Lillehammer. There is a free bus service between the resorts. The ski season runs from mid-November to May.
Hausdal resort is located 38 km from Lillehammer. At an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, the pistes begin. The picturesque mountain Skakekampen rises 1123 meters above sea level. It's a family-friendly skiing area.
The Gala Resort is more about having fun than skiing. There's even ice fishing, sledding, reindeer and dog sledding. You can also try sailing skiing. The resort is located at an altitude of 700 meters in the Gudbrandsdalen valley. Flat slopes with a total length of 630 km attract tourists from November to April.
Kvitfjell Resort, or White Mountain, is 1025 meters high. There are 19 trails of various difficulty levels, starting with a winding and steep trail created for the 1994 Olympics. There are about 200 kilometers of flat tracks. World Cup slalom and biathlon competitions take place here every year. The resort is located 50 km from Lillehammer.
Hafjell resort is located 15 km from Lillehammer. Ski here from December to mid-April. The resort is suitable for both beginners and those who have been skiing for years. It is ideal for vacation with children. There is an Amusement Park - the fairy-tale cave of Hunderfossen. All the trolls are gathered here, and at the entrance to it stands a huge troll.
Hemsedal ski center is located 220 kilometers from Oslo. There are a lot of slopes for amateurs, masters, and beginners. Hemsedal is called the Scandinavian Alps. Here are excellent opportunities for family vacations from November to May. You can go dog sledding, horseback riding. They offer ice climbing, torchlight ski runs, and night skiing on lighted slopes. The Children's District has a "Trolley Park" for children 3 months and older.
The resort of Geilo, next to the national park on the Hardanger Plateau, attracts not only masters of sport but also history buffs. The first ski competitions in Norway were held here in 1935. The slopes for skiing are divided into 3 zones on both sides of the valley. They are Geilo-Taubane, Vestlia, and Slaatta. You can buy a single ski pass for all slopes of the resort. The snow here is practically all year round. Good snow cover for skiing is guaranteed from November to May.
Motor sled safaris, dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice fishing, ice skating, tobogganing, rock climbing, glacier climbing, scooter riding (if you are over 16). In February, Geilo hosts an annual children's ski festival. And for kids, there's a Troll Club playground and lots of activities.
The resort of Trussil opens already at the end of November. There is fluffy snow and wonderfully prepared slopes. The resort is located 210 km from Oslo. Here families like to vacation and go skiing with children.
And Norway also has the Holmenkollen ski park below Oslo itself. It's not too popular compared to other resorts. Nevertheless, those who didn't come to Norway for skiing and still want to go skiing come here. You can get here by subway, the name of the station is the same.
