Learn to Ski in Norway
With Ski Safari and Norwegian
For easy travel, uncrowded slopes, and a safe, friendly and fun resort experience, Norway might just be the best country in the world for learning to ski!
Every winter, hundreds of our customers ski or snowboard for the very first time in Norway. And then the next year they come back, and then again and again. It's where many of our team took their first turns and grew in confidence, and it's where the parents among us take their own children for family ski holidays.
Choosing a destination for your first ski holiday - or your first as a family - is a big commitment. For us, Norway is the risk-free choice.
Keep reading to find out why Norway is perfect for beginners, or contact our friendly, knowledgeable team for personal advice based on first-hand experience. We've been sending customers to Norway since 2012, our entire company has skied there (many at every resort we offer) and some of our team have even lived there. Call 01273 224060 or request a quote online.
Why learn to ski in Norway?
Quick and easy to get to - stress-free travel is the best way to start any holiday. Norwegian Airlines flies direct from London Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh to Oslo in two hours or less. Once there, you have six superb ski resorts within a two to four hour transfer - Beito, Gausta, Geilo, Kvitfjell, Hafjell and Norefjell.
Uncrowded, unintimidating slopes - this is so important when you're first starting out. Norway's famously quiet runs allow you to focus on your own skiing, not what's going on around you. Progression is key too. Resorts have dedicated learning areas and typically around half the terrain is beginner-friendly, so you can explore the whole mountain without getting stuck on hard slopes. And when you’re ready, intermediate slopes are close at hand. Best of all? No lift queues, even during peak weeks.
Long, snow-sure season - Norway has super-reliable snow from December all the way through to the Easter holidays, with the snowpack typically peaking in March. Consistently cool temperatures (ranging from -6°C in February to 6°C in April) keep the snow in fantastic condition with minimal ice or slush. And state-of-the-art snowmaking and slope maintenance create the ideal surface for perfecting your turns.
Slope-side accommodation - convenience is key when learning to ski, and ski-in ski-out is the most convenient way to stay. Our learn to ski holidays in Norway feature excellent slope-side accommodation, with the lifts, rentals and ski school right on your doorstep. Less faff, more time on the slopes.
Friendly, English-speaking locals - from the hotel staff to the ski instructors, everyone you meet in Norway will speak fluent English. This minimises misunderstandings, improves communication in lessons and makes it much easier to get to know Norway’s people and culture.
Countless winter activities - if it's your first time skiing, you're not going to want to ski from first to last lift. You'll need time to rest your legs! Norwegian resorts offer a whole range of winter activities like snowshoeing, dog sledding and horse sleigh rides. Indoor fun includes swimming pools, spas, soft play, bowling and more.
Fantastic value - Norway has a reputation for being expensive, but we find that the overall holiday cost is comparable (and often cheaper) than equivalent trips to the Alps. Food and drink can cost a little more, but the price balances out once you factor in all the other holiday costs. It's especially good value for families with younger children thanks to free lift passes for under 7s.
Where to learn to ski in Norway
Renowned for dedicated learning slopes, high-quality childcare and 'kids ski free' packages, these resorts are some of the best for families and beginners. And they all benefit from short flight times, easy transfers and slope-side accommodation.
Beito Resort
It’s hard to imagine a more welcoming resort than Beito. The slopes are gentle and easy to navigate, and even complete beginners can usually explore the whole ski area after a week's skiing. You also have plenty of options if the skiing doesn't go to plan, from dog sledding and swimming to rafting down the slopes on inflatable boats. Plus, there's a rejuvenating spa for the adults.
"It was a wonderful place for my daughter’s ski debut! The resort is very family-friendly and well designed for travelling with young children. The accommodation, slopes, restaurants, and grocery store were all located close to each other, making it easy to move around even with a toddler." - Akiko Suzuki
Where to stay in Beito Resort
Our top recommendation for learning to ski in Beito Resort is the 4*+ Riddergaarden Hotel & Mountain Lodge. If you’re looking for the very best location - true ski-in, ski-out convenience, right beside the ski school and rental shop, and in the heart of the village with shops, bars and restaurants just a stone’s throw away - Riddergaarden Mountain Lodge quite simply sets the benchmark.
7 nights bed & breakfast including flights, shared transfers and accommodation starts from:
- Christmas: £1,279 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 20 Dec 2026)
- New Year: £1,239 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 27 Dec 2026)
- February Half Term: £1,399 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 14 Feb 2027)
- Easter: £1,109 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 21 Mar 2027)
- Off-peak: £1,439 per person (2 adults, departing 24 Jan 2027)
View all Beito Resort packages
Ski extras
- Add a 6 day lift pass for £243 (16-64) / £171 (7-15, 65+) / £7 (0-6)
Ski school
For learning to ski in Beito Resort, we recommend 4 days of 90 minute group lessons costing £200 per person. Private lessons are also available.
Gausta
First launched in the UK by Ski Safari for winter 24/25, Gausta ticks all the boxes for a Norway ski holiday - excellent ski-in ski-out accommodation, plenty of family-friendly facilities and a great ski school. The season is long and snow-sure, and there's terrain for all abilities. Gausta is particularly good if you have experienced skiers in your group - they can enjoy a challenging descent of iconic Gaustatoppen while the newbies find their ski legs on the gentler terrain.
"Fabulous gem with lovely skiing, stunning surroundings. The ski school and the courtesy shown by other skiers was refreshing after the Alps. We were a mixed group and everyone enjoyed it and would return. As a bonus there’s so much else to do." - Julie Richards
Where to stay in Gausta
Our top recommendation for learning to ski in Gausta is the 4* Gaustablikk Fjellresort. One of our most welcoming ski-in ski-out hotels nestled in beautiful nature, opening the curtains in the morning with a Gaustatoppen room view is breathtaking. The food & drink is a highlight, as are the floating saunas overlooked by Gaustatoppen.
7 nights half board including flights, shared transfers and accommodation starts from:
- Christmas: £1,479 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 20 Dec 2026)
- New Year: £1,719 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 27 Dec 2026)
- February Half Term: £1,869 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 14 Feb 2027)
- Easter: £1,829 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 21 Mar 2027)
- Off-peak: £1,499 per person (2 adults, departing 24 Jan 2027)
Ski extras
- Add a 6 day lift pass for £286-313 (18-64) / £232-254 (8-17, 65+) / £FREE (0-7)
- Add 6 day rentals for £116-129 (18+) / £76-84 (8-17) / £29-32 (0-7)
Ski school
For learning to ski in Gausta, we recommend 5 days of 90 minute lessons costing £151 per person. Shorter lessons are provided for ages 3-4 (£151). Weekend and private lessons are also available.
Geilo
Geared towards families and first-timers, Geilo is home to two well-linked and unintimidating ski areas, an award-winning ski school, an excellent crèche and a huge range of activities to keep little ones entertained off the slopes. The train ride from the airport is one of Europe's most beautiful rail journeys, and it makes for an easy and relaxing start to your ski holiday. Voted Norway's Best Ski Resort (2019-2025) in the World Ski Awards, it's also home to our best-selling hotel - Vestlia Resort.
"Would highly recommend Geilo for beginners and families. The ski school was great and our teenage daughters progressed quickly over the week. It is a very chilled resort and easy to access both resort areas using the shuttle bus. Queues for lifts were minimal and it is a really beautiful area." - Julie Richards
Where to stay in Geilo
Our top recommendation for learning to ski in Geilo is the 4*+ Vestlia Resort. On the doorstep skiing with views of the Geilolia ski area and the frozen lake, the Vestlia Resort is ideal for families looking for a relaxed atmosphere and a touch of luxury. This multi-award winning hotel features excellent facilities including a large indoor play area, a 1,000m2 spa and a family pool.
7 nights half board including flights, shared transfers and accommodation starts from:
- Christmas: £1,769 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 20 Dec 2026)
- New Year: £1,929 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 27 Dec 2026)
- February Half Term: £2,109 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 14 Feb 2027)
- Easter: £1,639 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 21 Mar 2027)
- Off-peak: £2,119 per person (2 adults, departing 24 Jan 2027)
Ski extras
- Add a 6 day lift pass for £209-306 (18-64) / £171-250 (7-17, 65+) / £8 (0-6)
- Add 6 day rentals for £99-124 (18+) / £84-105 (7-17) / £43-53 (0-6)
Ski school
For learning to ski in Geilo, we recommend 5 days of 80 minute group lessons costing £157 per person. Small group, weekend and private lessons are also available.
Hafjell
With Olympic heritage and one of Norway's largest ski areas, Hafjell’s tree-lined runs offer something for all abilities. We love that ski school takes place at the top of the mountain, so even complete beginners can enjoy the stunning scenery - as well as easy access to on-mountain dining. Just across the frozen lake, the magical Hunderfossen Winter Park is a particular highlight for families, with a fairy tale castle, an ice hotel and winter activities.
"It was a great place for an Easter break and very family-oriented. Good snow conditions for the time of year. An excellent resort for learning to ski with a good selection of varied runs for all to enjoy. Ski School instructors were excellent with our young grandchildren." - Richard Bruton
Where to stay in Hafjell
Our top recommendation for learning to ski in Hafjell is the 4* Favn Vista. The ideal base for your ski holiday, these stylish self-catering apartments provide optimum convenience. The mid-mountain, slopeside location maximises time on the mountain! Plus, there's a covered magic carpet lift right outside for complete beginners.
7 nights self-catered including flights, rail transfers and accommodation starts from:
- New Year: £1,329 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 27 Dec 2026)
- February Half Term: £1,699 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 14 Feb 2027)
- Easter: £1,199 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 21 Mar 2027)
- Off-peak: £1,109 per person (2 adults, departing 04 Apr 2027)
Ski extras
- Add a 6 day lift pass for £266-358 (18-64) / £218-292 (7-17, 65+) / £7 (0-6)
- Add 6 day rentals for £129 (16+) / £120 (7-15) / £75 (0-6)
Ski school
For learning to ski in Hafjell, we recommend 5 days of 90 minute group lessons costing £145 per person. Private lessons are also available.
Kvitfjell
Kvitfjell has a wonderful range of wide-open slopes and gentle terrain - perfect for learning and building confidence. Many of the slopes are pretty, tree-lined runs with beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. If you're concerned about snow conditions, Kvitfjell is one of Norway's snowiest destinations and has one of the longest seasons. All accommodation is ski-in ski-out, with the lifts, ski school and rentals right outside.
"Fantastic resort for a mixed group. Doorstep skiing, lovely mix of pistes. Hotel food was fantastic and service really great. Tuition was friendly and very accommodating." - Anthony Hayes
Where to stay in Kvitfjell
Our top recommendation for learning to ski in Kvitfjell is the 4* GudbrandsGard Hotel. Located mid-mountain, the GudbrandsGard Hotel offers a truly ski-in ski-out experience. With ski rental shop on-site and immediate access to the whole mountain, it’s ideal if you’re looking to maximise your skiing time.
7 nights half board including flights, rail transfers and accommodation starts from:
- Christmas: £1,619 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 20 Dec 2026)
- New Year: £1,699 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 27 Dec 2026)
- February Half Term: £1,839 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 14 Feb 2027)
- Easter: £1,669 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 21 Mar 2027)
- Off-peak: £1,819 per person (2 adults, departing 24 Jan 2027)
Ski extras
- Add a 6 day lift pass for £255-343 (18-64) / £209-279 (7-17, 65+) / £7 (0-6)
- Add 6 day rentals for £125-154 (14+) / £94-116 (7-13) / £66-80 (3-6)
Ski school
For learning to ski in Kvitfjell, we recommend 5 days of 165 minute group lessons costing £247-293 per person (peak dates only). 2-4 day group and private lessons are also available.
Norefjell
Once an Olympic host venue, Norefjell is relaxed, under the radar and less than two hours from Oslo. The main accommodation in the resort, the Norefjell Ski and Spa, has everything you need in one place - including a soft play area, climbing wall and world-class spa. Norefjell's slopes start right outside the hotel, with the nursery slopes closest so you can warm up to the rest of the terrain. The frozen-lake views are also spectacular, and once you have your ski legs, you can ski right from the top to the bottom on easy greens and blues.
"Excellent resort for families and beginners. Small, compact which made the whole resort easily accessible for everyone. Stunning scenery and plenty of snow." - Nikki Lawrence
Where to stay in Kvitfjell
Our top recommendation for learning to ski in Norefjell is the 4*+ Norefjell Ski & Spa. Perched high on the mountain, the hotel delivers superb facilities and the very best ski-in ski-out experience to cater for every ski ability level. The award-winning spa is not to be missed - both the indoor and outdoor sections are perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes.
7 nights half board including flights, rail transfers and accommodation starts from:
- Christmas: £1,969 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 20 Dec 2026)
- New Year: £1,979 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 27 Dec 2026)
- February Half Term: £1,799 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 14 Feb 2027)
- Easter: £1,469 per person (2 adults & 2 children under 12, departing 28 Mar 2027)
- Off-peak: £1,399 per person (2 adults, departing 24 Jan 2027)
Ski extras
- Add a 6 day lift pass for £168-240 (18-64) / £129-183 (7-17, 65+) / £FREE (0-6)
- Add 6 day rentals for £141 (18+) / £123 (7-17) / £85 (0-6)
Ski school
For learning to ski in Norefjell, we recommend 5 days of 90 minute group lessons costing £188 per person. 3 day lessons and private lessons are also available.
Why book with Ski Safari?
Knowledge - almost everyone on our team has skied in Norway multiple times, and some of us were even born or have lived there! So, every recommendation we make is based on genuine first-hand experience.
Service - your holiday will be built from scratch, just for you, and tailored to your wants and needs. Speak to your own dedicated Ski Specialist every time - no question or detail too big or small!
Value - tailor-made service doesn't mean overpaying. We understand the market inside out and have built supplier relationships over many years, so we know how to build a great-value Norway ski holiday.
Consistently excellent feedback - 4.9/5 on Feefo, amazing reviews, and customers who’ve been booking with us for over 20 years! We've also won 'Best Small Travel Company for Ski/Winter Sports Holidays' in the British Travel Awards every year from 2019 to 2025.
Discover our service for yourself by calling 01273 224060 or requesting a quote - our ski specialists are passionate about Norway and are always happy to chat through options and provide advice with no hard sell and no commitment to book.
Why fly with Norwegian?
Flight routes covering more of the UK - fly direct from London Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh in two hours or less.
Sensible, family-friendly flight times - we always encourage our customers to book sensible flight times to minimise the impact on their holiday and avoid early mornings. Norwegian offers some of the best.
Excellent service to match - Norwegian consistently receives the highest average airline rating from Ski Safari customers, earning 9/10 in 2025/26. The aircraft are modern, the legroom is generous, and importantly, the airline receives the highest scores for punctuality.
Interested?
Let’s start crafting your perfect Norway ski holiday.
Every holiday is tailor-made, just for you. Our friendly, knowledgeable team will take a look at your requirements and give you a call as soon as possible to discuss how we can help.
Our tips for first-timers
We all remember what it’s like being a beginner, so we’ve pooled our expertise to give you our top tips for planning and enjoying your ski trip as a family.
Gear & packing guide
- Borrow clothes from friends instead of buying everything brand new.
- Ask for advice from ski shop assistants. Most ski shop staff tend to be very knowledgeable.
- Only buy the essentials for your first trip. If you love it, you can buy more kit next time.
- Choose goggles. They fit best with helmets, give you a wider range of vision and they're also warmer! Keep the sunglasses for the breaks.
- Pack thin layers for skiing rather than bulky jumpers. Merino wool is best, or there are some great synthetic options.
- Buy impact shorts if you’re snowboarding. Trust us, they’ll be one of the best investments you make.
Hiring your ski equipment
- Collect your skis the evening before. It’ll be one less thing to worry about on the morning of your first lesson.
- Take advice from rental staff. They tend to know their stuff, and you can change your equipment if you have any issues.
- Hire boots that fit correctly. It’s worth trying lots on, as they’ll directly affect your enjoyment of skiing. You shouldn't feel pain. Investing in some good quality ski socks can help with this.
First day on the slopes
- Wear sun cream, even if it’s cloudy. The snow reflects UV rays and you can get burnt very easily. Don't forget the lip balm too.
- Layer up, as it’s likely to be colder at the top of the mountain. You can remove layers if you get too hot.
- Wear a helmet - always.
- Stretch before and after skiing, particularly your Achilles - this helps to stop cramping in your feet.
- Refuel and rehydrate. You're using lots of energy, so drink water, take hot-chocolate stops, and fill your pockets with snacks.
- Relax. Easier said than done but, you’ll find the skiing far easier without clenched teeth!
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Norway
Simply click on a question to reveal the answer. Have a question not answered below? Learn more about skiing in Norway or contact our team, they'll be happy to help.
Uncrowded, snow-sure and downright beautiful. Norway is an ideal destination for beginners and intermediates, with a lot of quiet and gentle slopes that are ideal for honing your skills, but there’s enough to challenge more advanced skiers and snowboarders too. Surrounded by frozen lakes and Norway's vast national parks, you'll also find plenty of off-piste opportunities leading into the forests and backcountry.
Norway’s resorts tend to be compact and well-thought-out, with great facilities and convenient lift systems that are rarely busy. Norwegian ski culture is also very friendly and polite in comparison with some other destinations, making it an unintimidating experience for less confident skiers. The locals tend to speak perfect English (and enjoy doing so), which adds to the inclusive atmosphere on the slopes.
Compared to the Alps, skiing in Norway is more of a low-key experience. Where the Alps boasts giant peaks, vast interconnected valleys and a world-famous après-ski scene, Norway is quieter, more peaceful, and nature-focused. Where Norway really excels is in the variety of gentle and intermediate slopes, making it ideal for mixed-ability groups. There’s a good selection of advanced runs and lift-accessible off-piste adventures too, so experienced skiers won’t go wanting.
The Norwegian season is also famously long and reliable, so it's usually a safer bet than the Alps in terms of snow cover.
Norway is often perceived as much colder than the Alps, but the reality is different. The vast majority of Norwegian resorts are in the southern part of the country and at a lower altitude, resulting in temperatures just a couple of degrees cooler than the Alps, on average. For December to March, expect -6°C to -1°C during the day, rising to 0°C to +6°C in April to May. There will be occasional warm or cold snaps, and temperatures will always dip a few degrees at night, of course.
A lot of people think Norway exists in total darkness in December and January (and this can be true up in the Arctic Circle) but southern Norway isn’t actually that far from the UK, and daylight hours aren’t that different either. In the southern resorts like Myrkdalen, Voss and Geilo, the sun is fully up by 9:30am and won’t set until 3:30pm, so you can still get a pretty full day’s skiing (followed by a beautiful sunset!).
Norway also has excellent night skiing, usually a couple of times each week, so you can ski well into the evening on fully floodlit slopes.
Towards Easter, the sun will stay up until past 8pm.
Probably not as expensive as you might think. Norway isn't a cheap country, and everyday costs like food and drink tend to run higher than in most European destinations, but this is balanced by excellent quality and reasonable costs elsewhere.
The big plus for skiers is on-mountain pricing. Compared to many Alpine resorts, Norway doesn't see nearly the same price inflation for slope-side restaurants, cafés and facilities. A meal or drink on the mountain is often surprisingly comparable in price to the same in the Alps, with high-quality local ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere.
Other ski essentials such as lift passes are very reasonably priced, and overall we think Norway offers very good value for a ski holiday.
Food and drink is one of the pricier elements of a Norway ski holiday, so you should budget accordingly. A typical lunch on the mountain will set you back £12-18, and dinner in a mid-range restaurant may be £20-30. Alcohol isn’t cheap - a beer in a bar will cost £6-12, and a glass of wine £10-12.
If you’re self-catering, you’ll notice that supermarket prices are higher than in the UK - around 30-40% more on average - but you’ll obviously still save plenty versus eating out every night.
For alcohol, head to the local Vinmonopolet - Norway’s state-owned ‘liquor store’ - the only place you can buy beer and wine by the bottle to take home. A mid-range bottle of wine here costs £12-20, and a standard 0.5L bottle of beer will be £5-7.
