Skiing in Myrkdalen at New Year
An unbeatable, great-value combination of snow-sure skiing, fjord sightseeing, and invigorating activities
Myrkdalen is a hidden gem, just two hours from Bergen in western Norway. Having skied here multiple times, it's become one of my favourite places. With its reliable snow conditions, uncrowded pistes, spectacular scenery and authentic Norwegian atmosphere, it offers a New Year ski experience that is hard to beat.
To celebrate the New Year, there will be a kids programme (released nearer the time), a special four-course dinner, live music and in-resort fireworks. Expect a friendly atmosphere, with locals sharing their warmth and the spirit of ‘koselig’ - that uniquely Norwegian sense of cosiness, comfort and togetherness that makes you feel right at home.
In this blog, I'll walk you through what a week's skiing in Myrkdalen over New Year might look like, including the many exhilarating activities and day trips you can add on to enhance your holiday (and how much they'll cost).
Myrkdalen continues to tick all the boxes for me and my family, delivering a winter wonderland experience every time. I most recently skied here in April 2026, so this blog is filled with the latest, up-to-date information, and our advice is based on real, honest, first-hand experience.
Skiing in Myrkdalen
One of Europe's snowiest resorts with 7.5 metres of snowfall each winter, Myrkdalen is Norway's most snow-sure option over New Year. Plus, the slopes are super quiet, even over peak weeks like New Year. This means you'll barely queue for a lift - I'd be surprised if your longest wait all week was over five minutes!
It's a resort that caters excellently to both families and couples, with wide slopes for beginners and intermediates, plus easy-access off-piste and a huge backcountry area for adventurous skiers.
Some skiers and snowboarders discount Norway as a New Year ski destination due to the common misconception that it's 'cold, dark and expensive'. But in reality, you still get a full day of daylight skiing, the temperatures average -8°C to -1°C, and the value - what you're actually getting for your money - is hard to beat anywhere in the world. So it's not as dark, it's not as cold, and it's not as expensive as you might think.
7-night self-catered packages at the ski-in ski-out 4* Myrkdalen Apartments start from just £1,209pp including flights, transfers and accommodation. Or if you're looking to have food costs sorted upfront, you can stay 7 nights half board at the ski-in ski-out 4* Myrkdalen Hotel from £1,429pp. Alternatively, you can stay in the apartments and upgrade to include meals at the hotel.
If Myrkdalen sounds like your kind of New Year ski holiday, call our friendly and knowledgeable team on 01273 224060 or request a quotation online and we'll be in touch.
Ski School Lessons
Group ski school lessons run Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:00pm. Child or adult, novice or expert, I'd fully recommend a lesson. They help more than you can imagine! They cost £357pp for the week.
I've worked with the resort to make this happen, as from personal experience, this is the perfect time to maximise the lessons for parents and children alike. Afternoons are free - so that means you can get stuck into all of the activities on offer, or some more skiing!
With top-quality, English-speaking instructors and a brilliant learning area, Myrkdalen is a great resort for kids to learn and progress their skiing. My own kids have come on leaps and bounds here, with the wide, empty slopes being a huge helping hand too.
The lessons take place right outside the accommodation, so kids and parents can pop back to their hotel or apartment at any time if need be.
Day 1 - Sunday, 27th December
Getting there / hotel and rentals
It's just a short two-hour flight from the UK to Bergen. Although you can fly into Bergen from several UK airports, for the best value flights, you'll need to fly from London Gatwick on Sunday. The flight times are:
- Outbound, Sunday 27th December 2026: 09:15 - 12:10
- Inbound, January 3rd 2027: 19:20 - 20:20
These flights allow you to maximise your time in Norway without very early wake-ups or late arrivals - another excellent perk for those travelling with young ones.
Once you land in Bergen, you'll catch a two-hour shared coach transfer from the airport to your hotel in Myrkdalen. This is timed to your flight so that you won't be waiting around at the airport for other flights to arrive.
You’ll arrive at the resort around 3pm, allowing plenty of time to check into your accommodation. The stylish, ski-in ski-out 4* Myrkdalen Hotel is the hub of the resort, and it has everything you need in one place. I can personally vouch that it works really well, especially for families.
"Without exception, the best “ski hotel” I’ve been to in 30 years. Staff lovely, accommodation excellent and the food locally sourced and outstanding." - Andrew Ferguson, March 2026
Once you've checked in and got your bearings, stroll down to the rental shop - which is just next door - and collect your rentals and lift passes so you're fully equipped for tomorrow's skiing. If you book through Ski Safari, lift pass and rental prices are:
- 6-8 day adult lift pass costs £261pp, or £198pp for kids aged 7-17. Kids 6 and below ski free! (includes access to Voss, 40 mins away by bus)
- 6 day adult ski or snowboard rental costs £130pp, or £104pp for kids 15 and under. (standard skis/boots/poles)
For dinner, if you're on half board, I recommend the main Restaurant Nuten for your first evening. Your half-board package includes seven evening meals, with the flexibility to dine one night at Nuten Fondue and the option to swap some evenings to Restaurant Tunet. All are on-site in the hotel.
The menu changes daily at Nuten (something our customers love), so you can try a delicious range of Norwegian dishes. Tunet specialises in freshly made stone-baked pizzas topped with locally sourced ingredients, providing a more relaxed alternative.
As with any resort in Norway, the food is truly exceptional and consistently exceeds expectations - we receive regular reviews praising the quality, which many customers compare to that of a high-end UK restaurant.
After dinner, relax in the evening with a drink or two at the newly refurbished Salto Lobby Bar.
Day 2 - Monday, 28th December
Warming up your ski legs, sledding and sauna
Your first day on the slopes is the perfect time to warm up your ski legs. Myrkdalen's wide, gentle slopes are ideal for families and those building confidence. The Transporten green run is a forgiving slope through a gorgeous treeline, right next to the beginner area. It's also just a moment's walk/ski away from the ski school meeting point.
The lifts close at 3:30pm (around sunset), but if you're not ready to head in just yet, why not try sledding? This thrilling activity runs daily at 3:15pm and is a Ski Safari team favourite. The 'snow racers' are equipped with a steering wheel and snow brakes so you're in control of your direction and speed. This costs £30pp for adults (16+), £26pp for kids aged 5-15, or £85 for 2 adults and up to 3 children.
I had a brilliant time racing with some of the team a couple of years ago:
Alternatively, if you're feeling stiff after your first turns of the season, there's only one solution when you're in Norway - the mountain sauna.
Located next to the ski slopes, just a five-minute walk from the Myrkdalen Hotel, the sauna is available to book at 12pm, 4pm and 5:30pm each day and costs £21 per adult or £122 for a private session for up to eight people. Once you've warmed up, head outside for a Scandi-style snow bath if you're brave enough!
Spend your evening winding down and celebrating the final days of the year out in the mountains. Enjoy your fresh dinner, and plan out how you're going to conquer the slopes tomorrow.
Day 3 - Tuesday, 29th December
Cruising groomers, snowshoeing and shuffleboard
My terrain tips for ski day two? For the longest runs, take the Myrkdalsekspressen lift from the hotel, ski down to the Kråni t-bar and then ski across to the Storhaugen peak. From here, you can lap the high-speed Storhaugekspressen lift on a range of blues and reds, including two fun ski-cross runs. This lift has the best views across the valley below.
More adventurous skiers and snowboarders should try the three black runs - 2, 16 and 17 - off the Myrkdalsekspressen lift, or head over to the Kari Traa t-bar for two red runs and some potential off-piste.
Grab a warm lunch at Fjellstova Vetlebotn, located by the Kari Traa chairlift. This is the natural meeting place in the heart of the mountain.
I skied in Myrkdalen with some colleagues a couple of seasons ago, and had an absolute blast! And you can see how snow-sure the resort is, even in April!
After another day on the slopes, why not join a snowshoe hike to the 'wilderness camp' from 4pm to 6pm? You'll gather around a bonfire in a lavvu (a Norwegian teepee) and enjoy warm drinks and storytelling about Norwegian culture. The tour is suitable for most people - you don't need experience or to be super fit - and proceeds at a leisurely pace. It costs £54pp.
Alternatively, enjoy a few locally-brewed beers at Kamben Café & Games before dinner. Try your hand at games like shuffleboard, darts and duckpin bowling while sipping a refreshing beer. They also show live sports here if you're worried about missing a big game!
Day 4 - Wednesday, 30th December
More skiing, try cross-country and fondue
For advanced and expert skiers, today's the day to fully explore Myrkdalen's easy-access off-piste. Take the Kari Traa lift, and a short ski to the skier's left (no skinning or boot packing required), you'll find wide open faces with superb views of the valley - perfect for powder skiing if you're lucky!
Beginners and intermediates can continue to enjoy the pisted runs, with plenty of opportunities to stop for breaks or enjoy a hearty lunch at Myrkdalstovo, which serves an excellent range of burgers - including chicken, beef, and vegetarian options.
If you want to try something a little different, why not try cross-country skiing? In Myrkdalen you can try a guided cross-country ski tour that takes you into peaceful, snow-covered landscapes. You'll have a guide who will introduce you to the basics, and also share local insight about the surroundings. Ski rental is included. Add this to your ski holiday for £60pp.
After skiing, enjoy a well-deserved beer or two in the hotel bar, then head to Restaurant Nuten Fondue for dinner. This is a popular and social dining experience, where you'll cook meats in oil at the table and dip breads and vegetables into the bubbling melted cheese pot. You'll even have fruit to dip in chocolate - a fave for kids!
Day 5 - Thursday, 31st December - New Year's Eve
End the year with a day trip to the fjords and ride the Flåm Railway
End 2026 on a high by taking a day trip to the nearby fjords - an activity you won't forget in a hurry. It's also something the kids will love, with the village of Arendelle from Frozen being inspired by Undredal, which you pass on the fjord cruise!
Take a 30-minute coach from Myrkdalen to Gudvangen (home to The Viking Village open-air museum), where you'll take to the fjords on an electrically-powered boat tour on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord towards Flåm. Situated at the end of the Aurlandsfjord in southwest Norway, Flåm's breathtaking fjord backdrop is one of the most picturesque places in the world.
I last rode on the fjords in April 2026 - I'm lost for words every time, and I always say that a photo will never do it justice! It may be the last day of 2026, but it also may well just be the best day you have all year! This video recaps my April trip, with a section on the fjord cruise included too:
After exploring Flåm and picking up lunch and a few souvenirs, it's time for another adventure on the world-renowned Flåm Railway.
An experience in itself, the Flåm Railway has been voted one of the best railway attractions in the world. Starting from the village, the train follows a 20km steep track that hugs the mountainside, with an elevation change of 866 metres. The team and I rode the train when we visited Myrkdalen and the fjords in April 2024:
En route, it passes through 20 tunnels and rolls alongside rocky gorges, frozen waterfalls, spectacular fjords and beautiful snowy countryside. The journey takes about one hour and includes a stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall.
When you arrive at Myrdal mountain station at the end of the railway, you get to do it all over again, taking the train back down to Flåm where the coach will be waiting to take you back to Myrkdalen. I've been lucky enough to experience it a few times now, and I'd still happily go again and again.
The cruise and railway, including transfers, costs £167pp.
If you make it back in time, you can join a magical torch-lit horse sleigh ride through the surrounding area. This runs from 6pm to 8pm and costs £48pp.
Dinner-wise, you're in for a spectacular New Year's Eve treat. At Restaurant Nuten, a gourmet 4-course dinner will be served, carefully crafted to toast the end of the year appropriately. After dinner, there will be dancing and live music in Storebotn, and there will be a DJ at Pudder (the afterski bar) who'll keep the party going throughout the evening.
When the clock strikes midnight, raise your glass and wrap up warm as you watch spectacular fireworks light up the surrounding mountains.
Ring in 2027 on the fjords
Alternatively, if you want to skip the resort party for something completely unique, this is for you. Spend New Year's Eve enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Celebrate the coming of the New Year on the fjords, under the open sky with twinkling stars overhead. As the clock strikes midnight, you'll have a panoramic view of the fireworks from the water. If you're looking for a special way to celebrate 2027, I can't think of anything more magnificent.
The cost is TBC as it's not bookable just yet, but I will say it sells out incredibly fast. If you want more information or are interested, please let us know ASAP so we can book your spot as soon as it's available!
Please note this special New Year cruise is intended for adults only.
Day 6 - Friday, 1st January - New Year's Day
Start the year with a day trip to ski in nearby Voss or activities in Myrkdalen
With 2027 officially here, what better way to embrace the New Year than by skiing or boarding at a new resort? Voss is just a 40-minute ski bus away and is included on your lift pass, giving you access to plenty of new terrain to explore. Combined, Myrkdalen and Voss boast one of the largest ski areas in Norway.
Like Myrkdalen, the skiing in Voss suits all abilities. At the top of the mountain, you'll find broad and gentle runs that cater well to beginners. For confident skiers, we love the thigh-burning Horgaletten downhill and cruisey red runs.
If there's a fresh dump, Voss has great lift-accessed off-piste. Here's Ski Safari founder Richard Rice finding some fresh lines in Voss:
One of the longest and most challenging runs on the mountain is the Storslalåmløypa (also referred to as The World Cup Course). This slalom course spans from the top of the Hangurstoppen to the bottom of the Bavallen area and is a huge attraction for those who love speed and technical terrain.
If you'd prefer to stay in Myrkdalen, the snowshoe hike and sledding are also on today. Plus, you could also try dog sledding from 11:30am to 2pm - enjoy the winter landscape on New Year's Day from a sled, pulled along by a team of huskies who love showing you around! This costs £111pp.
Spend the evening enjoying another delicious meal at Restaurant Nuten, and then either winding down in the lobby or heading to Salto Lobby Bar for some live music from 9:30pm. The nightclub is also open on Friday, so if you fancy a party, head to Pudder (the Norwegian word for “powder”, what Myrkdalen is renowned for) from 9pm.
Day 7 - Saturday, 2nd January
Your final day on the slopes and afterski
With ski lessons finished, use today to lap your favourite runs with the kids, stop off for your favourite coffee, and reminisce about a memorable week. The fjord day trip also runs today if you'd prefer that to Thursday.
As an experienced skier, I'd personally spend today warming up on the runs around the Myrkdalsekspressen and Storhaugekspressen chair lifts in the morning, then heading to the off-piste area near the Kari Traa lift. An excellent way to end a week in Myrkdalen.
From 3pm onwards, it's time for 'afterski' (the Norwegian version of après-ski) at Pudder, located on the west side of Myrkdalen Hotel. On Saturdays, the hotel comes to life and you can sing along to classic afterski hits, meet some of the friendly locals, and enjoy the live DJ.
This is a great day to enjoy a stone-baked pizza topped with local ingredients at Restaurant Tunet for dinner.
Day 8 - Sunday, 3rd January
Departure day
Spend your final morning as you wish! Check out, enjoy the resort and relax. As the lift passes are 6-8 days, you can even hit the slopes if you rent skis for an extra day!
Alternatively, catch an earlier transfer to Bergen and spend the afternoon exploring the fascinating city - more on that below.
How much?
Flights, transfers and accommodation
7-night self-catered packages at the ski-in ski-out 4* Myrkdalen Apartments start from just £1,209pp including flights, transfers and accommodation.
Or if you're looking to have food costs sorted upfront, you can stay 7 nights half board at the ski-in ski-out 4* Myrkdalen Hotel from £1,429pp.
You can find out more on our Myrkdalen ski packages & offers page - please note that this is just an idea of prices, and if you're interested, contact us and we'll provide a unique quotation based on your exact requirements!
Ski extras
Lift passes: One 6-8 day lift pass costs £261pp, or £198pp for kids aged 7-17. Kids 6 and below ski free! (includes access to Voss, 40 mins away by bus)
Ski equipment rentals: Standard skis/boots/poles rentals for 6 days cost £130pp, or £104pp for kids 15 and under. (standard skis/boots/poles)
Ski lessons: Group ski school (5 days x 150 mins, Mon-Fri, 09:30-12:00) costs £357pp. We can price this into your holiday cost and sort all the logistics for you. Private lessons are also available, with varying lengths - please ask when you enquire if you'd prefer this, and we can let you know the price difference.
Common misconceptions about Myrkdalen and Norway
With many skiers yet to try skiing in Norway, there are a few talking points that are often brought up, especially around travelling in January. At Ski Safari, we're all about honesty, transparency and sharing our first-hand experiences. So I thought I'd tackle some common questions head-on!
Isn't it dark in Norway at New Year?
With the sun generally rising by 9:30am and setting at around 3:30pm, you'll enjoy a full day of sunlit skiing. In fact, many people don’t realise how close southern Norway is to the UK, and Myrkdalen is situated along a similar latitude to the Shetland Islands!
To put any lingering concerns to rest, night skiing is a unique and fun experience that also means more skiing. On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, the lifts stay open, and the runs are floodlit, creating a magical experience and some extra hours on the slopes. This is included in your lift pass.
Isn't it cold in Norway?
Not as cold as you might think! The temperatures are very similar to resorts across the Alps at this time of year.
Expect it to be just below freezing during the day, around -2°C. Layer-wise, I generally find a base layer, long-sleeve top, fleece layer and a ski jacket is more than suitable.
Isn't Norway expensive?
Context is key here. Norway has a reputation for being expensive, but from my lived experience, that's not exactly the case when you're actually there. As you can see above, the skiing itself is incredible value. And while the food and drink aren't cheap, you get what you pay for - quality.
Average food prices on the mountain are very similar to those in large Alps resorts. Lunch will cost between £15 to £20 per person. Yet the superb standard of Norway’s on-mountain dining places it high above the rest. Booking half board at the Myrkdalen Hotel is a great way to make sure most of your meals are covered before you travel.
Drinks are also comparable to other European destinations. While alcohol in Norway is heavily taxed, which makes drinks slightly pricier than here in the UK (although not by much nowadays!), the prices are consistent whether you’re in a resort or elsewhere. By contrast, many European alpine resorts add a premium to drinks on the mountain. In Myrkdalen, beers typically cost around £8 to £12, depending on size, and a glass of wine from around £10.
We're here to help
With most of our team having skied in Myrkdalen, we're happy to chat through any concerns you may have about Myrkdalen, or Norway more generally. We'll offer honest, first-hand advice and not just tell you what you want to hear. That's what we're all about.
Why not add a city stay in Bergen?
As you fly in and out of Bergen, why not add on a city stay before or after hitting the slopes? This coastal city is renowned for its backdrop of lush forests, seven rounded peaks, and of course, the fjords! Although it's perhaps best known for its colourful harbourside, the Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which dates back to the Hanseatic era.
Beyond its harbourside beauty, you can explore cobbled alleyways, charming shops, and local galleries, or ride the iconic Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic winter vistas.
As with most cities, summer is the 'peak' season to visit Bergen, which is why we love visiting in winter all the more. The locals come out to play, providing a more authentic experience. There's also the chance the city is painted white with snow-lined streets. Plus, there are fewer people around, so you can explore at your own pace.
Why Book with Ski Safari?
- Our knowledge - I've skied in Myrkdalen multiple times, and almost every member of our team has skied there at least once, too. That means every recommendation we make is based on our extensive first-hand experience. Many of our team return to Myrkdalen yearly!
- 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. We're always on hand to answer any questions, no matter how big or small, and sort all the details in between.
- Our value - our strong relationship with Myrkdalen means 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 every year from 2019 to 2025.
Book Myrkdalen at New Year 2027
If you've been convinced by Myrkdalen's all-ability skiing and exceptional value, now's the time to book your ski holiday while there is the flexibility to work with your requirements.
We're here to help with any questions or potential concerns you might have with genuine, honest advice from our own personal experience of skiing there - if we don't think Myrkdalen is the resort for you, we'll say so! Call our friendly team on 01273 224060 or request a quotation online and we'll be in touch.
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