Downhill skiing and snowboarding

 

The bigger resorts in Norway have more than enough long and varied runs to keep dedicated downhill skiers and snowboarders busy for a week or more and there is a wide choice of surprisingly reasonable accommodation on offer. Whilst the mountains are not as spectacular and as high as in many other countries, snow conditions are much more reliable than elsewhere, lift passes are relatively inexpensive, queues are usually short and the pistes uncrowded. Families are exceptionally well catered for with plenty of nursery slopes and crèches, plus skilled and sympathetic instructors. It’s not surprising that some of the best skiers in the world are Norwegian.  

 

It’s not dark all the time in Norway. This is sunset at Skeikampen, Christmas, 3pm.  The last lift has stopped and all you have to do is ski home for a hot chocolate by the fire.

 

Where to go downhill skiing in Norway

 

The big resorts

The three largest downhill ski resorts in Norway are Geilo, Hemsedal and Trysil and these are well-served by the big package tour operators. The one we recommend for independent holidays is Geilo and we will be happy to arrange a holiday here for you. It is easy and enjoyable to reach Geilo by train from either Oslo or Bergen, and there is also a direct transfer bus from Oslo’s main airport. There is a very wide choice of accommodation, and of course superb skiing both downhill and cross-country. Children and beginners are very well catered for in areas away from the busiest lifts.

 

There is a good web site about Geilo at www.geilo.no and you may like to try the online booking system there to look at accommodation. We can book at the same prices found there, and we can help you choose which option would suit you best.

 

We can especially recommend the Bardola Hotel (www.bardola.no) for its choice of high standard hotel accommodation including large family rooms, and a variety of superb log cabins and apartments. The Bardola Hotel is in a quiet location on the edge of town and its facilities include an indoor pool and spa treatments are available. Please call or email to check availability and prices.

 

Smaller resorts

In addition to the large and well-known downhill ski resorts in Norway there are many other smaller ones. These resorts are often more suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers and especially children who may be intimidated by the crowds at the big resorts. They also offer superb cross-country skiing and many other winter activities and so are ideal for those who want to do more than just non-stop downhill skiing.

 

In our opinion the two best and most popular smaller resorts are Skeikampen and Gålå . Both of these can be reached very easily by taking the train direct from Oslo’s main airport and then a local bus or taxi. The total journey time is about 3 - 3,5 hours. It takes the same time if you choose to rent a car. On Saturdays there is also a direct transfer bus from the airport.

 

Both resorts have all the services and facilities of the big resorts, including ski rental, tuition, separate children’s areas and nurseries, and there are many non-skiing activities on offer.  Full details can be found on their respective web sites, www.skeikampen.no and www.gala.no.

 

For accommodation, Skeikampen has a wide choice of apartments and cabins as well as two large and high standard hotels, all of which are very close to the downhill slopes. Gålå has a better selection of log cabins, and especially larger ones suitable for more than one family.  Gålå also has a traditional mountain hotel and a larger and more modern hotel with an indoor pool. There is a good supermarket in both resorts which is important if you want to travel without hiring a car. We can book any accommodation seen on the web sites at the same price, and we can also make travel arrangements if required. Please call or email for further information or if you would like us to check availability and prices.

 

You can buy a combined lift pass covers not only Gala and Skeikampen, but also as the resorts of Hafjell and Kvitfjell, both of which were used for the Olympic Games in 1994. You will need a car to make full use of it, but this is a great offer for any keen skiers who might be on holiday with less experienced people in the party. All these resorts are within about an hour’s drive of each other.

 

Choosing your resort

All the downhill resorts in Norway have an official web site with piste maps, webcams, weather and snow reports, ski hire and lift pass information, accommodation etc..They can all be seen via the central web site www.skiinfo.no.

 

If you want help to make sense of the information and decide on the best place for you, please contact us.

The Bardola Hote in Geilo has the ideal location and a choice of hotel or log cabin accommodation.

The smaller ski resorts in Norway are ideal for children

Norway is the home of the telemark style of skiing (Stryn summer ski centre)

Superb ski conditions at Trysil.