Log cabin in Norway with a fine view of a winter sunset.

In winter much of Norway is transformed into a snow-clad paradise from November to April.  The best way to enjoy it is undoubtedly on skis, but there are many other things to do as well. Just sitting by the fire in a warm and cosy log cabin is a great pleasure for some, as is the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of the communal lounge in a mountain hotel. Children of all ages (and many grown-ups) never get tired of just playing in the snow. For the more active there is tobogganing, skating, ice fishing, ice climbing, horse and sleigh rides, dog sledding, snow shoeing and snow-scooter safaris.

When to go in winter

You can be almost certain of snow in the main mountain areas from December to April. Christmas in a snow-covered log cabin is idyllic, and New Year is very special with fireworks everywhere at midnight. There is limited daylight at this time, but it is still possible to have a full day's skiing if you don't delay getting out. The bigger resorts have at least one floodlit downhill slope, and many towns and villages have a floodlit cross-country track (lysløype). A cross-country trip by moonlight is a magical experience, which will soon reveal the origins of the 'troll' folklore!

The days lengthen rapidly through January and February and by the end of March there is of course more daylight than further south. Mid-February is the most popular period and accommodation prices are higher then. Early March probably offers the best combination of skiing conditions, daylight and low prices. Easter and the week before are very popular with Norwegians, and accommodation prices then are very high. However, from Easter Monday low season rates apply again. It is possible to ski in the higher areas right through until May, and you can even ski all summer in a few places.

How to get there in winter

In winter most people choose to fly, though if you have time the ferry services run all year and are very inexpensive. Many places can be reached easily by public transport, but if you hire a car or take your own you will have access to a much wider range of accommodation.

Accommodation in winter

Downhill resorts: There is a very wide range of chalets, apartments and hotels of all sizes and standards at or near all the downhill resorts. If you let us know what sort of accommodation you want and how close you want to be to the skilifts we will find something for you. Substantial savings can be made by staying some distance away from the lifts and using the skibus service (usually free or very inexpensive), or by going to the smaller resorts. More information can be found on the link above.

Mountain hotels: All the cross-country skiing areas have mountain hotels and guesthouses (høyfjellshotel and høyfjellsstue), which offer a warm and comfortable base with direct access to the trails from the doorstep. Mountain hotels in Norway are special places, quite different from city and ordinary tourist hotels. The rooms are often quite plain, but the lounges are very warm and comfortable with a log fire always burning and usually a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. This is where guests sit and relax with a good book or conversation with friends after an invigorating day outdoors. Some hotels have facilities such as swimming pools, jacuzzis, sauna and steam baths freely available. The usual Norwegian buffet breakfast is always served and guests normally make their own packed lunch from the buffet. A flask of tea or coffee can be filled on request. The evening meal is also usually a buffet of tasty, wholesome food, which you are sure to appreciate if you have been on skis all day.

Accommodation in mountain hotels is very reasonably priced (typically about £45 - £70 per person per night, depending on the date and standard) and usually includes 'mountain board' as above. Ski rental and tuition is often available at the hotel. Click here for more information about mountain hotels.

Log Cabins: Staying in a log cabin in the snow is an idyllic way to spend a winter holiday and Norway is the perfect place to do this. The best choices are to be found high up (800m or more above sea level) where you can be sure of snow from mid-December to April. There is usually direct access to cross-country ski trails from your doorstep and often downhill skiing nearby. In the right spot you will also have sunshine, even when it is low in the sky in mid-winter, and maybe a wonderful view. You will need a car to reach the more private and secluded cabins, but in ski resorts cabins are often accessible by train and a local bus or taxi and you will then have shops and other facilities nearby  There is more information on the self-catering page on this web site, but please call or send us an email if you would like us to find your ideal log cabin for you.

Norwegians learn to enjoy winter at an early stage (note the pram by the door).

A winter holiday in Norway is fun for the whole family.

Trains run all year round in Norway and are a good way of reaching many skiing areas.

Choosing and booking accommodation in winter

Most people going on a winter holiday know what kind of holiday they want and what activities they want to do. If you can let us know as much as possible about what you are looking for we can quickly make recommendations and check availability. We will also need to know the dates you want to travel and whether you want to hire a car.

Winter Motoring in Norway

If you are going to drive in Norway in winter you must be prepared for the conditions. Most of the main roads are kept open by snowploughs all year round, but the road surface will often be hard packed snow and ice. Journey times will be much longer than in summer. 50km/hr is a typical average, and in bad weather there can be long delays over mountain passes.

Many Norwegians use winter tyres with metal studs, but non-studded tyres with deep cross tread and special rubber compounds are increasingly preferred as they do less damage to tarmac roads. Any hired car will be equipped with these. If you take your own car it is essential that you fit a set of winter tyres - remoulds are perfectly adequate for limited use and cost from about £50 each in the UK. You must also carry snow chains but these should only be used for short distances when conditions are especially bad.

You should make sure your vehicle is well serviced and has sufficient antifreeze in the engine and the screen washes. Temperatures as low as minus 20C are common. A good ice scraper and snow brush are also essential. Diesel vehicles should use winter grade fuel which is standard in Norway in the winter and cheaper than in the UK, so it makes sense to arrive with an empty tank if you are bringing your own car.