Skiing in Norway at Half Term
Everything you need to know from our Norway experts
Norway is more than just a destination to me. I lived and worked in Norway for five years, and for 25 years I have continued to promote this ski destination to the UK market for its quiet, snow-sure slopes.
So, for me, it seemed only natural that my children should learn to ski in Norway, in resorts that cater specifically for families and first-time skiers. As a parent, it is important to me that my two daughters could learn to love skiing as much as I do and that's why I continue taking my daughters skiing in Norway each season to enjoy the wide, gentle slopes and safe, uncrowded environment.
In our complete guide to skiing in Norway at half term, we've answered the questions we receive the most often from our customers:
- What are the snow conditions like?
- How busy are the slopes?
- Is it really cold and dark?
- How easy is it to get there?
- What's the skiing like?
- What's the accommodation like?
- How much does it cost? Is it expensive?
- How does ski school work?
- What activities and events are there?
If you're already sold on Norway and are looking for destination inspiration, read our blog on where to ski in Norway at half term.
Our Norway half term ski packages start from £1,329pp for 7 nights including flights, transfers and accommodation. All of our Norway ski holidays are tailor-made to your requirements, so call us on 01273 224060 or request a quotation online and our friendly team will help find you the best resort for your half term needs.
What are the snow conditions like at half term?
Fantastic! As the mid-point of the ski season, February half term will land you with some of the best snow conditions all season, which will satisfy beginners and pros alike.
Norway is snow-sure all season, and half term is no exception. The snow generally starts falling in late October, so four months of steady snowfall combined with modern snowmaking results in a well-established and reliable snow base for the rest of the season. One of Europe's snowiest resorts, Myrkdalen averages nearly two metres of snowfall in February!
How busy are the slopes at half term?
Not very! Even during 'peak' periods such as half term, Norway's slopes are never overcrowded. In fact, locals will tell you that a resort is busy if you find yourself waiting behind a handful of people in line for a chairlift. The longest lift queue you'll have all week is usually 5-10 minutes maximum.
For families who have skied in the Alps during peak weeks, you’ll know that busy pistes and long lift lines can often be part of the experience. What makes Norway stand out is the sense of space, with wide, uncrowded slopes, a slower pace, and resorts designed with families and first-time skiers in mind. You can ski at your own leisurely pace down quieter runs with your family, without worrying about bottlenecks on tighter runs or looking over your shoulder for crowds of other skiers.
With that said, half term is Norway's busiest period, so accommodation can fill up quickly. It really is worth getting in touch as early as possible to secure your preferred hotel, cabin, apartment or room type. But don't worry, even when properties are full on peak dates, there is still plenty of space on the slopes.
Is it cold and dark in February?
Not like you might think. While Norway is more northerly than mainland Europe, there is often the misconception that Norway is too cold and dark through the winter months for a family ski holiday. This is far from the truth, especially in February!
On average, Norway's temperature sits at a couple of degrees cooler than the Alps, and you can expect temperatures around -5°C in most resorts, a little cooler in the more northerly resorts towards the Arctic. This is a major advantage when it comes to the snow, as it's preserved all throughout the day, so little ones won't run the risk of skiing on icy runs as the snow freezes and thaws from changing temperatures.
Most of Norway's resorts are less than 1,000 metres above sea level. This is good news when it comes to dressing for wintery temperatures, as you won't be faced with changeable weather during the day. Predictable temperatures are especially crucial for little ones learning for the first time - that means no tears from too cold fingers and toes!
During mid to late February, limited daylight hours are really not an issue either. By this point in the year, days are noticeably longer than in December and January, and not dissimilar to here in the UK.
| Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight hours | |
| London | 7:11am | 5:18pm | 10 hours, 7 minutes |
| Oslo | 7:50am | 5:12pm | 9 hours, 22 minutes |
Lifts typically run from 9:30am to 4:30pm, so you’ll have a full day of sunlit skiing topped off by some incredible sunsets on your final runs. Or why not finish a bit early so that you have time for some extra non-ski activities before the sun goes down?
Norway also has fantastic night skiing options across its resorts, often up until 8pm, so you can continue winding down floodlit slopes long after the sun sets.
How easy is it to get to the resorts?
Very easy! Flight times are the first thing to mention. Flights to Norway leave all day, but we secure our customers seats on morning flights between 9am and 11am, and early evening flights on the way home. This maximises your time on holiday, without early morning wake-ups or late nights for children. I can personally attest to the benefits of this!
For half term 2027, our preferred flight times are:
| Outbound | Inbound | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Airports | Time | Date | Airport | Time |
| 14/02/2027 | London Gatwick - Bergen | 09:15 - 12:10 | 21/02/2027 | Bergen - London Gatwick | 19:20 - 20:20 |
| 14/02/2027 | London Gatwick - Oslo | 09:15 - 12:25 | 21/02/2027 | Oslo - London Gatwick | 18:45 - 20:10 |
| 14/02/2027 | London Heathrow - Oslo | 10:30 - 13:50 | 21/02/2027 | Oslo - London Heathrow | 17:20 - 18:50 |
For most of our resorts, you'll fly just two hours to either Bergen or Oslo, before travelling via coach or train to your resort. Depending on where you're staying, transfers take between two and four hours. If you have young children who won't be able to sit still for that long, let us know. We can help you choose a resort that is just a short transfer away.
Norway's landscape is beautiful, and you'll witness stunning snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes as you transfer to your resort. Our favourite way to journey is by train from Bergen or Oslo. Not only is rail travel a more environmentally friendly option, but it's also a great way to comfortably sit back and enjoy the incredible views of Norway's landscape along the way. We love travelling by train for the extra leg room and space for our children to walk around, toilets on board and a tea and coffee service. Plus, if your little ones struggle with travel sickness, trains follow a more direct route and avoid winding up steeper, mountainous roads.
Trains sometimes have children's carriages, including on the journey to Geilo, which feature a playroom with toys, climbing areas, books and an adult seating area just steps away.
We currently have packages with train transfers to Voss, Geilo, Gausta and Hafjell. Voss and Geilo are connected by the Bergen Railway, one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world that transports you through a magical, snowy landscape.
A notable advantage of the Bergen Railway is how easily you can tie multiple resorts together into one ski holiday on our Bergen Railway Ski Safari. On this fantastic trip, you have the opportunity to ski in Voss, Myrkdalen and Geilo, stop off to see the magnificent fjords in Flåm, and add a city stay in Bergen. The choice is yours.
What's the skiing like in Norway?
Superb! Norway is a dream for all abilities, but excels especially for beginner and intermediate skiers thanks to its wide, unintimidating slopes. If it's your first time on the slopes, this is the place!
My top resorts for beginners are Beito, Geilo and Myrkdalen, which all offer quiet, gentle slopes ideal for first-timers and young families who want to weave down tranquil slopes at their own pace without dodging crowds of faster skiers zooming by.
Compact and well-designed lift networks mean that mixed-ability families can easily take differently graded runs that all lead down to the same lift. It's far easier to keep track of members of your group without sacrificing the enjoyment for different abilities.
For more confident skiers, nearly all of our Norwegian resorts offer the opportunity to ski easy-access off-piste for a ski-anywhere adventure. Not only is this great for advanced skiers or boarders wanting to make the most of dry, fluffy powder that lasts all day long, but intermediates will also enjoy the challenge of making some mellow turns in slope-side powder.
More experienced skiers will enjoy resorts like Myrkdalen for its extensive go-anywhere backcountry area that stretches through Norway's vast, snowy terrain. Alternatively, our team enjoyed dipping in and out of Kvitfjell's well-known off-piste tree skiing in February 2026:
What's the accommodation like in Norway?
It ticks all the boxes! Norway's accommodation boasts an impressive spread of high-quality options, including cosy self-catered cabins, stylish apartments and high-end half board hotels with pools and spas. Unique and family-friendly facilities include bowling alleys, play areas, saunas and more.
Fantastic value for money. All accommodation provides fantastic service and is packed with facilities perfect for couples and families alike. You simply won't find equivalent, high-quality accommodation with the same prime ski-in ski-out location for the same price in the Alps.
Close to the slopes. Accommodation is often close to the slopes and ski rentals, with ski school meeting points just a short walk or ski away. That means no long, tricky treks or ski buses while lugging your children's skis and poles (as well as your own!) while little legs navigate new snow boots.
Excellent food. The food served on a standard half-board package is often akin to that of a high-end restaurant in the UK. It's an aspect of the holiday that our customers always love!
When children ski for the first time, it’s a huge adventure - exciting, new, and sometimes a little overwhelming too. As someone who’s done plenty of family ski holidays myself, I completely understand the mix of emotions that comes with those first few days on the slopes!
From getting used to ski boots and winter gear to walking and sliding on snow for the first time, there’s a lot for little ones to take in. That’s why convenience makes such a difference on a family ski holiday, and it’s one of the things Norway does so brilliantly. With everything close by and easy to access, getting to ski school is simple and stress-free, helping everyone settle into the holiday much more smoothly.
Our team and customer top picks:
Half board hotel - the 4*+ Vestlia Resort in Geilo, which boasts an impressive array of facilities, delicious food and fantastic ski-in ski-out access. Great for families, this hotel boasts a bowling alley, a kids' soft play area and a luxurious adults-only spa that features a separate family pool.
Cosy self-catered cabin - the ski-in ski-out Gaustablikk Cabins have the best location in Gausta, situated right beside the dedicated beginner’s slope and children’s area. These cabins are surrounded by a peaceful forested area with stunning views of Gaustatoppen mountain, but also centrally located and just a 5 minute walk to the grocery store, ski school meeting point and equipment rentals. You can use the indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna at the neighbouring Gaustablikk Fjellresort, and each cabin has its own fireplace and private sauna.
Stylish apartment - the Riddergaarden Mountain Lodge in Beito features ski-in ski-out apartments and suites, a luxury spa, and fantastic facilities, right at the base of the resort. Families will love it here - there's a dedicated children's play pool and soft play next to the restaurant, and children may join an accompanying adult in the spa area until 3pm.
How much does it cost to ski in Norway at half term? Is it expensive?
No, it probably costs less than you might expect. Norway at half term isn't the "cheap" option, but it does offer incredible value for money. With quiet slopes, incredible restaurants and far cheaper lift passes than in busier mainland European resorts.
Flights, transfers and accommodation
Our Norway half term ski packages & offers currently range between £1,329pp and £2,139pp. Every holiday we sell is 100% tailor-made, so these prices are just a guide to give you an idea.
Lift passes and rentals
Ski extras is where you’ll find the overall price of your ski holiday really comes down compared to other destinations. Lift passes and ski rentals are incredibly affordable, and kids up to 6 years ski for free at all resorts. New to skiing? Helmet hire is included as standard along with skis, boots and poles (or snowboard and boots).
Here are our current standard lift pass and rental packages for half term 2027. We're still waiting on rates from some resorts, but we'll add them as soon as we know!
6-day lift pass
| Resort | Adult (18-64) | Senior (65+) | Youth (7/8-17) | Child (0-6/7) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gausta | £283 | £230 | £230 | £6* |
| Myrkdalen | £240 | £182 | £182 | FREE |
| Norefjell | £217 | £166 | £166 | FREE |
* Children up to 6 ski free at all resorts, but you must purchase a key card for a nominal fee at some resorts.
6-day rentals
| Resort | Adult (18+) | Youth (7/8-17) | Child (0-6/7) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gausta | £117 | £76 | £29 |
| Geilo (Slaata) | £120 | £101 | £50 |
| Myrkdalen | £119 | £96 | £96 |
| Norefjell | £128 | £111 | £77 |
Please note 6-day lift pass and ski hire prices are correct as of 20/05/2026.
Many resorts give you an extra two days free when you buy a 6 day lift pass or rentals package - perfect for late skiing on arrival day or a few morning runs on departure day.
Our operations team are experts when it comes to passes and rentals and will make sure that you book the best options at the best price for you.
Food and drink
Norway has a reputation for expensive dining, but average food prices on the mountain are very similar to those in large resorts in the Alps. A main course at lunch will cost between £12 to £18 per person while on the mountain. You won't be limited to run-of-the-mill chips and burgers, but will instead have the chance to taste rare, local ingredients with your dishes, such as arctic char and reindeer. Of course, typical ski resort fare is still available for fussy eaters!
Half-board accommodation is a great way to know costs in advance as the majority of your meals will be paid for before you travel. Plus, you'll still have the freedom to pick where to have lunch, or you can pack a picnic for a slope-side lunch (many resorts feature slopeside warming huts).
For the most affordable catering option, choose a self-catered cabin or apartment and stock up on fresh, local produce at the local supermarket.
Alcohol is heavily taxed in Norway, making it a little more expensive than the rest of Europe. But, unlike many European alpine resorts, drink prices are consistent across the whole of Norway, so you won't find higher alcohol prices on the mountain. Beers typically cost £6 to £12 and a glass of wine £10 to £12. For the little ones, a hot chocolate costs between £4-7, depending on how many layers of cream and marshmallows they need after a morning of ski lessons!
If you’re looking to save on alcohol costs, bring some with you, stop off at duty-free in the airport, where you’ll find a wide selection of beer, cider, wine and spirits, or visit one of Norway’s ‘vinmonopolets’ - similar to UK off licenses and sells a full range of drinks, while supermarkets are limited to lower-alcohol drinks only.
How does the ski school work?
Each ski school structures their programmes differently, with lesson duration, age, experience level and package deals differing from resort to resort. Most offer both ski and snowboard lessons.
All of our recommended Norway half term holidays depart on Sundays which slots in perfectly with ski schools starting on Monday morning across all our Norway resorts.
Here are some of our more popular ski school options for February 2027:
| Resort | Lessons | Lesson length | Price |
| Beito | 4 days | 90 minutes | £181 |
| Gausta | 5 days | 60-90 minutes | £137 |
| Geilo | 4 days | 80 minutes | £147-165 |
| Myrkdalen | 2 to 5 days | 150 minutes | £149-328 |
| Norefjell | 3 or 5 days | 90 minutes | £124-170 |
Please note that we are still waiting for lesson prices in some resorts.
Ski school lessons are split by age and level so that your children (and you!) are learning at a similar pace to others in their groups. Groups are kept small to ensure plenty of progression and safety on the slopes.
Private lessons
Private lessons are a fantastic way to build confidence and improve technique on the slopes at your own pace. As well as helping you progress faster with more one-to-one teaching, private instructors can act as experienced guides, showing you more of the easily-accessible off-piste safely while helping you find the best snow and conditions each day.
In Norway, private lessons also offer excellent value, and if you book the same time slot each day, there’s a good chance you’ll have the same instructor throughout your stay. Norway has a world-renowned ski culture and has won the most Winter Olympic medals in history, so where better to improve your skiing than in the home of world-famous athletes?
80–90 minute private lessons are the most popular option, particularly with guests who haven’t skied for a few years and want a relaxed refresher without committing to a full week of ski school. Some resorts, including Norefjell, also offer shorter 45-minute lessons for children at a lower rate, making them an ideal introduction for younger skiers.
What half term activities and events are there?
Norway excels when it comes to non-ski activities, such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, snow-rafting or taking a dip in a frozen lake after unwinding in a floating sauna. Take a look at our in-depth resort guides to find out what activities are available in each destination.
One unforgettable activity for those skiing in our Western Norway resorts is a day trip to see the magnificent fjords. Just 30 minutes from Myrkdalen or one hour from Voss, you can ride a magical cruise along the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and picturesque Aurlandsfjord. You'll catch the boat from Gudvangen, and from there you'll witness the breathtaking views as you travel along the fjords to Flåm. This experience is truly peaceful, aided by the electric-powered boats, which are whisper-quiet and do not disturb the natural soundtrack of the fjords.
Norway is often credited with being the birthplace of skiing, including touring, telemark and cross-country skiing. So where better to give these different sports a try than the home of skiing? Sales Specialist Alec experienced ski touring in Voss with Wild Voss in March 2025. Check out his blog Ski Touring in Western Norway With Wild Voss to learn more about his experience!
Half term events and activities
Norwegian resorts have activity programmes for children all year-round, but this ramps up over half term. In addition, most resorts have popular, family-friendly mascots that host activities on and off the slopes for children throughout half term. For example, Norefjell's Nore Rein can be spotted throughout the resort, and is always a friendly face to meet while out with your little ones.
Many hotels also have play areas and pools to entertain any energetic children after a day in lessons.
Why book with Ski Safari?
- Our knowledge - every member of our team has skied in Norway, and plenty of us are parents and have skied with our own little ones in Norway. We return every year to top up our knowledge, I even lived in Norway for five years, and have remained a regular visitor for the last 25. Every recommendation we make is based on our extensive first-hand experience.
- Our service - we create every holiday from scratch. This means that the quotation you receive is unique, based on your holiday preferences. Call us and you can speak to the same person every time, and we'll always be on hand to support every little detail and answer any questions, no matter how big or small!
- Our value - since 1996, our core values have stayed the same: we give meaningful advice and deliver a truly personal service that always puts you first. Our strong relationships with suppliers mean that we're often cheaper than you might expect. Tailor-made service doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.
- Our happy customers - we regularly receive positive feedback from our happy customers, many of whom return year after year, and we're proud of our 4.9/5 rating on Feefo. We've also won Best Small Travel Company for Ski/Winter Sports Holidays in the British Travel Awards 2019-2025.
Book now!
If you're interested in experiencing a Norway ski holiday at half term, we're here to help. Whether you have a resort in mind or need us to recommend the right one for you based on our first-hand experience, request a quotation online or call our friendly team on 01273 224060 (9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday) and we'll be in touch.
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