Hemsedal Resort Guide

On the mountain, there are wide well-groomed pistes suited to all abilities, plus some superb terrain parks drawing enthusiasts from all over. Hemsedal actually lays claim to being the most photographed resort by the snowboarding press. There is even a green run from the highest point (1,497 m) leading all the way to the base, allowing confident beginners to ski from the top to the bottom, making it quite unique.

When conditions permit, Hemsedal offers easily accessible off-piste skiing. It's perfect territory to advance your skills with plenty of forgiving terrain and the option to easily get back on groomed trails when you need a break.

The local climate provides snow-sure conditions and the resort even boasts a snow guarantee: at least 628 m of vertical drop from 23rd November through to 1st May. This is usually due to reliable natural snowfall, but if required there's backup in the form of a modern snowmaking system covering 95% of the lift capacity, and 48% of the slopes, securing 6 months of excellent skiing conditions.

For those more experienced, Hemsedal offers some easily accessible off-piste opportunities and there are excellent courses available allowing you to make the most of this. Freestylers will get to enjoy one of the best parks in Europe.

If you want to have the slopes to yourself then head to Solheisen Ski Centre in Grøndalen. It's just a short ride away on the free ski bus. Your pass covers the bus journey and works for this ski area too.

The runs at Hemsedal Ski Centre conveniently all lead back to one base where there is an excellent children’s area and nursery slopes. If you have a young family this facility is hard to beat!

With a great selection of dining options at the newly developed ski base and also in the village centre, you won't go hungry.

At the ski base, choose from a small selection of restaurants, including gourmet food at Lodgen Spiseri, and the American-style sports bar O'Learys.

Or head into town on the regular bus (runs until late). If you like burgers and milkshakes, go to Kroken Bar & Bistro (just on the left as you come into the town from the resort base) which has amazing burgers and the best milkshakes. Check out Tapas Club for a restaurant that feels more like a nightclub!

Hemsedal has a fun party spirit, especially during weekends and holidays. For a relatively small village, there are no less than three nightclubs in its centre and a fourth up at the ski base. Not bad for a village that only has around 2,000 permanent inhabitants year-round!

Snowmobiling - 30 mins’ drive from the ski area, you will find the village of Lykkja. As well as some great cross-country here, there's a 3 km track for snowmobiles. Great fun for ages 16 and up. Children can ride on the back of a vehicle driven by an adult.

Husky Sledding - Drive or relax in the sledge with your team of huskies. Transport is included and the trip lasts around three hours. Pick up is from the Alpin Lodge next to the Lodge Suites.

Ice Climbing - There are many companies in Hemsedal offering ice climbing, even for beginners!

Night skiing - The lifts run until 9pm on Fridays if you want to maximise your time on the slopes or fancy skiing under floodlights.

Indoor Climbing Wall & Bouldering - The Lodge Suites have an indoor complex for climbers. The main wall goes up to 14m high and there are 6 lines with 10 routes. For all levels.

Night tobogganing tour - Join a 5 km tour across the mountain on snow racers for adults and sledges for children. Wrap up warm and no ski boots please! Watch it in action.