Trip Report: A Memorable Week in Two Norwegian Gems

From Norefjell's frozen lake-view slopes and award-winning spa, to Gausta's floating saunas and breathtaking off-piste at Gaustatoppen, I was treated to yet another memorable research trip to Norway.

After visiting Beitostølen and Geilo in December 2024, this trip doubled down on the fact that each resort in Norway provides a unique experience while still delivering impeccable customer service, empty slopes and plenty of off-slope fun. As I said last time, I'd never skied outside of the Alps before this season, and I can affirm the same conclusion still rings as true as it did back then - I am a full-on Norway convert!

The team this time around included Product & Sales Specialist Abbie, Sales Consultant Gwen, Tour Coordinators Eleri and Ophelia, and Sales Manager Andy Knights (who's used to skiing the biggest resorts in Japan and North America - read on to see what he thought of Norway).

It's worth noting that visiting Norefjell and Gausta in one trip isn't a usual twin-centre holiday, but is something that can be done via private transfer or car hire. As with any ski holiday, we're happy to tailor the experience to your wants and needs!

After a scenic, less than two-hour transfer from Oslo airport (which itself is only two hours in the air from London!), we arrived in Norefjell. With fresh snow falling, we knew we were in for a treat the following day on the slopes.

Norefjell requires some traversing to access the majority of the slopes, but we even loved lapping the few runs that are next to the hotel - Red Run 29 with its boxes and jumps, and the speedy Red Run 28 from the top of the Bøseterheisen lift. Ideal skiing for intermediates!

However, the main area is where Norefjell really comes to life. A varied mix of runs - some winding and some speedy with plenty of side-hits, all with an amazing view of a frozen lake, which you ski down to! The fresh snow provided perfect conditions on the groomers, with empty slopes and no lift queues - Norway in a nutshell!

Check out our highlights from the trip below:

Less confident skiers can take the easy-going, picturesque route from top to bottom via blue runs, with the winding Blue Run 1 a highlight. Here's what Ophelia thought of Norefjell:

"Norefjell has a great range of skiing terrain, from easier, wider slopes to build confidence to more challenging, steeper slopes. I thought that the scenery around the slopes was beautiful - surrounded by snow-capped trees and with stunning views of the frozen lake below. It was also super convenient to step straight out of the rental shop onto the slopes."

We loved the extra-curricular fun at the timed slalom on Blue Run 17 and the speed checker on Blue Run 7, as well as the snow park with some epic jumps on the side of Red Run 4. Plus, the black runs came with a view:

It's worth noting that there is usually an endless amount of off-piste available, particularly under the Norefjellheisen chair lift. Unfortunately, there wasn't quite enough snow when we visited - but the potential was obvious!

The aptly named 4*+ Norefjell Ski & Spa is the premier accommodation in Norefjell. With an award-winning spa and a ski-in ski-out location, staying here was a real highlight of our trip.

We stayed in 2 bedroom suites, the most popular room type for Ski Safari customers - and we instantly saw why. A fully equipped kitchen and an open-plan living room with floor-to-ceiling windows leading out onto a balcony. Plus, the bathtub (with a view!) in the bedroom was a unique feature that we loved.

As you'd likely expect from a hotel that's also the 'hub' of the resort (there isn't a village in Norefjell, it's pure skiing and relaxation), there was plenty to do. We spent a fair amount of time in the lobby bar next to reception, which was well placed for some afterski beers and cocktails. There was a games room and children's play area on the bottom floor, but the main event was on floor seven - the simply must-visit spa.

P.S. If you're staying in the chalet-style apartments next door, you have access to the same amenities as you would staying in the hotel.

As we happily found out, you don't get voted 'Norway's Best Resort Spa' in the 2024 World Spa Awards (and many other years) for no reason.

Trunks and robes on, we entered the wellness spa and headed straight to the outdoor 'Champagne Bath' - essentially a heated outdoor infinity pool. Our host, Geir from Norway Home of Skiing, headed to the bar and we sat with a glass of fizz looking out into the open air - well-deserved if you ask me!

Nothing comes close to a spa session after a day's skiing. I’m not sure I’ll be able to ski again without a spa as part of the holiday!

As well as the outdoor section, which also boasts two jacuzzis, we were spoilt for choice indoors. I dabbled in a bit of everything - the hot and cold plunge was perfect for recovery, the infrared and Finnish saunas were spacious (and wonderfully warm), while the indoor Champagne Bath, jacuzzi, and foot bath offered ultimate relaxation.

Please note, the spa is payable locally.

My last trip to Norway was a treat for the tastebuds. I'm happy to confirm that a ski holiday in Norefjell is no different.

Our first meal came just after we'd arrived and checked in. We headed to Matbaren, on the first floor of Norefjell Ski & Spa, for dinner. The menu consisted primarily of pizzas, burgers (the choice for most of us!) and salad - it was exactly what we needed after a travel day.

The next day, we enjoyed a more laid-back lunch at Skistua, located right on the slopes. We filled up on pizzas, pasta, sandwiches and chips - the perfect food when skiing.

Later in the day, after our amazing spa experience, we had dinner at the hotel’s main restaurant. If you're on half board like most of our customers, this will be your go-to spot for evening meals.

A buffet is served daily, and we definitely made the most of it. With high-end foods such as crab claws as part of the offering, we couldn't get enough. And that was before we'd tackled the main and dessert sections! Breakfast is also served here; it's also a buffet, and it's also very tasty!

A final food highlight for us came at the renowned Olympique. This luxury eatery has some of Norefjell's best views and can be found slopeside on Blue Run 15. The food was too good to miss (it's safe to say there wasn't an empty plate in sight) and downstairs there's afterski and a pizzeria.

After a stunning drive (approx. three hours), we arrived in Gausta for our final three days. Despite only joining our programme for last season, we held our company weekend here in 2024, meaning almost all of the team have visited before. They'd all spread the word to us non-visitors about how incredible the resort is - non-stop scenic skiing, varied, vast terrain and a couple of unforgettable activities. But how would us first-timers find it?

A mere 30-second walk took us to the ski rental shop, just across the road from the hotel, the 4* Gaustablikk Fjellresort. The skiers amongst us kitted up with premium ski rentals, and opting for advanced was a great choice. They were the best pair of skis I've personally used!

After a few runs, we were already in love with Gausta. Gaustatoppen, a historic, almost volcano-like mountain, overlooks the resort and is in sight on every run. The tree-lined mountains opposite only add to the views, and you can also see the town of Rjukan down in the valley. It’s a unique place that doesn't receive any sunlight in winter thanks to Gaustatoppen.

The pistes were in pristine condition, and the runs were varied for all abilities. My personal favourite was Black Run 18, which was ideal for thrill seekers like myself.

One thing we loved about Gausta is that there's a green slope from each lift, so everyone gets the full mountain experience. This worked perfectly for our mixed-ability group, as we often found ourselves doing different runs and meeting at the bottom. Green Run 14 was the run of choice for the less confident.

Sales and Japan Product Manager Manager Andy Knights is used to skiing all across the globe. But not so much in Norway. Here's what he thought of Norway's best-kept secret, Gausta:

"With my limited knowledge of skiing in Norway, I did not think steep pistes were found in abundance, but here in Gausta you are in for a real treat. Scintillating runs, which are steep, mellow and undulated."

"It was snowboarding heaven for Abbie and I, skiing nirvana for the team. There is so much more terrain here than I ever imagined, with so much skiing variety. And I don’t say that lightly, coming from someone who is used to some of the biggest resorts in North America and Japan!"

Not a bad review! As in Norefjell, the endless off-piste was obvious, but we'll have to visit again to try it out. However, we had such a good time on the beaten track that we were more than happy!

Excited to finally tackle the mountain that had been staring at us for our entire trip to Gausta (it rarely leaves your sight), we hopped in the free shuttle bus.

We arrived at the bottom of Gaustabanen, the mountain tramway that runs inside and up through the mountain. In itself, it's a spectacular bit of architecture, having originally been built as a secret military base.

The first port of call was taking the electric tram 850 metres into the mountain, before entering the cable car which whisked us up the 650 metre vertical to the top.

This was a daunting, but nonetheless exhilarating, experience. The journey up was so steep that it was hard to believe it was possible to keep going! Reaching the top took 15 minutes, and when we did, we stepped out to the best view I've ever seen.

Wow.

Just wow.

As Andy puts it, "wherever you are in the world, views can be on par, but they do not get better than this". Endless mountain scenery, which somehow improved after a small trek up to Gaustatoppen's peak.

Feeling fuelled after a brief waffle and coffee stop, it was time to take on Gaustatoppen. Ophelia and I had never skied off the beaten track like this before, so we were probably as nervous as we were excited. But we didn't need to be. We skied in calf-deep powder, so smooth we could adapt instantly, looking out at an unbeatable view.

The energy was on a different level; constant whoops, high fives, and non-stop hollering. As we meandered our way down the tricky bottom section, that meant only one thing: Gaustatoppen complete! A memory and experience we'll all cherish for a long time.

If you're a confident skier, you simply must ski Gaustatoppen.

Yet another highlight of Gausta was the floating saunas. A 'spa' experience like no other, it's another unique experience in Gausta. Just a few steps from the Gaustablikk Fjellresort, we reached the saunas, floating on a frozen lake and staring straight at Gaustatoppen. Just take a look at the setting!

Shoes off and into the sauna we went. There are glass exteriors to gaze at Gaustatoppen as you get warm and toasty. But here's the twist - there are fans underwater, making part of the lake unfrozen so you can jump in.

So, one at a time, with the others watching on, we stepped outside and climbed into the lake (before jumping right back into the sauna). Here's my attempt, clearly not affected by the cold one bit...

The water was rather cold... to say the least! But it's a true Scandinavian activity and a great experience. Plus, it helped a ton with any aching muscles!

We stayed in the primary accommodation in Gausta, the 4* Gaustablikk Fjellresort. A hotel with a distinctly Scandinavian feel - we loved it. The table tennis table in the open-plan reception was a lovely touch, as is having the bar and restaurant just next door.

Our rooms were spacious, yet with a homely feel - topped off with a mountain view of Gaustatoppen. I recommend waking up around 7am, grabbing a brew, and sitting back as various colours drape over Gausatoppen. The best way to start your day.

The buffet breakfast was another excellent affair. Andy settled for “a simple affair of omelette, crispy bacon, rustic bread from the famous bakery, sausages, brie, blue cheese, brown cheese, cottage cheese, Jarlsberg, and Viking ham.”

When we arrived in Gausta, the first thing we did was head straight to the afterski at Loftet. It's not usually open from Monday to Thursday, but we'd struck gold as it was open midweek thanks to an ice hockey team visiting. It was a great vibe, with good music and friendly locals.

We can only imagine it gets lively on Friday and Saturday!

A well-deserved pint later, dinner was calling. We enjoyed an incredible meal at the Gaustablikk Fjellresort, the same restaurant that's included with half board. The three-course meal was something special.

Just next to the restaurant is Kirk's Bar, a chilled-out space with views of Gaustatoppen (as I said, it never leaves your sight!). A top spot for a drink before or after dinner. There's also the traditional Scandinavian activity, shuffleboard, which we spent our evenings enjoying.

Our dinner the second evening was just across the road at Fjell, found at the bottom of the slopes. In the same building you'll find the afterski, shop, Bakeriet (Gausta's famous bakery - the pastries are a must try), and Stova (a casual bar where we enjoyed some delicious pizzas for lunch) - it feels like a tardis!

Beef bourguignon was the meal of choice for almost all of us - the flavours were rich and vibrant, a true testament to the quality of food in Norway.

It's experiences like Gaustatoppen and the floating saunas in Gausta, as well as the spa in Norefjell, that set Norway apart from other European destinations for me. I've been an Alps skier all my life before this season, but the off-slope activities, empty slopes, great skiing, amazing food and top-tier accommodation make Norway my top destination for a ski holiday in Europe. Although I've yet to try Sweden - perhaps that's next on my list!

As you can hopefully tell, we had a truly memorable time. And that's what holidays are all about! If you want to make memories of your own and experience either, or both, of Gausta and Norefjell, you can enquire online or call us on 01273 224060. Plenty of the team have skied at both of these resorts and are happy to help with more tips and recommendations!

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