Myrkdalen Resort Guide

Myrkdalen is situated in Norway's spectacular fjord region and receives some of the highest snowfall in Europe. The snow here is dry and light, making it nice and soft to learn on and great for off-piste. The gentle terrain and compact nature of the resort make Myrkdalen a brilliant destination for families and beginners.

We love the fact it’s still relatively undiscovered and uncrowded, even in peak weeks (very different from the Alps). Myrkdalen has quiet slopes with rarely any lift queues, making skiing feel safer, more enjoyable and it means you can maximise your ski time.

This is a resort with an evolving, modern infrastructure. The first ski lift opened back in 2003. Since then the resort has steadily grown with continued plans to add something new every year. The most recent addition is a six-seater express chair lift opening up more terrain to explore.

Where Myrkdalen excels is in its confidence-building slopes. First-timers will find their feet in no time, allowing them to enjoy the whole mountain experience. Intermediates will love the wide-open spaces and quiet slopes, giving them the chance to pick their own line at their own pace.

Beginners - The Transporten green run is 400 metres of gentle fun through a gorgeous treeline next to the beginner area. The slope flattens off as you reach the base of the resort, a moment's ski or walk from cafes and the ski school meeting point.

Intermediates - For a long, cruisy red run offering a range of challenges, the Strandaløypo section of the mountain is ideal for skiers and riders looking to pick up speed!

Advanced - Combining steep terrain with the option to venture off-piste, Leinevegan is a fantastic 1,800 metre run for advanced skiers and snowboarders to enjoy carving down. It's a personal favourite in Myrkdalen for many of our more experienced members of the team.

The long season and high annual snowfall make Myrkdalen an excellent place to try your hand at off-piste for the first time. For more experienced skiers and snowboarders, there are endless touring and hiking opportunities to access some fresh powder. There is also an avalanche training area in resort and courses are available to those who would like to develop their backcountry skills. We always recommend hiring a guide.

The 4* Myrkdalen Hotel is the hub of the resort and is located at the bottom of the mountain for a true ski-in ski-out experience. The rental shop is also a one minute walk from the hotel for added convenience.

All of the restaurants in Myrkdalen are found at the hotel, with three options to choose from included in your stay. Restaurant Nuten is the main a la carte restaurant where you'll enjoy a buffet breakfast each day and most of your evening meals. The seasonal menu includes options for all tastes using local ingredients.

When you fancy a change, Restaurant Tunet serves tasty Italian-inspired pizzas and pasta dishes, while one night at the Restaurant Nuten Fondue is included in your stay for an extra special evening.

For lunches and more casual dining, there are two modern cafés in Myrkdalen, joining the fast-food style dining at Myrkdalsstovo. At the base area, Kamben Kafè & Bar is a sports-bar style cafè with live sport, simple dishes and a selection of local beers. A really exciting addition is the on-mountain Fjellstova Vetlebotn, which can be found at the bottom of the Kari Traa t-bar. The menu uses ingredients from local farms and it means you no longer have to ski to the base for lunch.

For a relaxed drink, Kamben Kafè & Bar remains open for afterski beers, while we also like the cosy Salto Lobby Bar at the hotel. For more of a party atmosphere, Pudder Afterski opens right out onto the slopes. It's open for après on Saturdays 2pm to 7:30pm and for late drinks Fridays & Saturdays 9pm to 1:30am.

Western Norway is home to numerous fjords making it one of the longest coastlines in the world. The area is of outstanding natural beauty and magnificent geology. Formed in the Ice Age, the area has many waterfalls and cliffs as well as the famous fjords.

Myrkdalen is one of the few easily accessible resorts tucked away in Western Norway. The route to the resort follows sea level fjords, making the journey a real experience without the winding roads that you find elsewhere. The road itself follows part of the famous Oslo Bergen Railway taking you side by side with one of the best rail journeys in the world. 

Once you are in resort you are indulged by stunning mountains all around. A beautiful place to relax and enjoy the views as you ski.

To see more of the fjords, journey through them by boat and train and stay in Flåm on a Ski & Fjord Explorer Ski Safari. Or for the more adventurous, ski the epic backcountry terrain in the region on a Freeride the Fjords Ski Safari.

Whether you want to stay in resort or travel further afield for a more unique experience, there are plenty of activities to try in Myrkdalen on and off the slopes. A few of our favourites include:

Indoor skydiving - Fly like Superman in a wind tunnel, indoor skydiving is unique, exciting and not weather dependent. This activity is great fun regardless of your previous experience and skill level, and everyone over 5 years can try the wind tunnel. Located on the outskirts of Voss which is a 30 min drive away.

Horse-drawn sleigh - A great way to enjoy Myrkdalen’s scenery. Horse sleigh rides can be arranged to pick you up from the hotel.

Dog sledding tour -  Brilliant fun for the whole family as you ride through Myrkdalen's gorgeous landscape with a pack of huskies.

Night skiing - On Friday evenings, the lifts stay open and the runs are floodlit. Included in your lift pass.

Sledging - The slope in front of the hotel is lit at night and is perfect for sledging. Parents can sit in the warmth of the hotel and watch the children enjoying themselves.

Snowshoeing - You can hire snowshoes in Myrkdalen and head out on your own, or join an organised tour with head torches up to one of the mountain huts, where you can enjoy a hot drink under the stars and a roaring fire.

Fjord Trips - 30 mins away is the famous Nærøy Fjord where there are boat cruises, always check times for winter.

Backcountry Touring - The area in and around Myrkdalen is world-class for backcountry skiers and tourers. Guided overnight trips are organised in April, please enquire for more details.

We can book some of these directly for you - speak to your tour coordinator or call us on 01273 224063.

Childcare is available during the day for three hours at a time and for all ages, so parents can relax and enjoy some skiing or snowboarding time together.

Children are encouraged to hit the slopes as kids aged 6 and under can ski for free - So long as they wear a helmet, children under seven can ski for free. This makes Myrkdalen a very affordable option for family ski holidays.

Myrkdalen has a fantastic ski school of highly qualified instructors. Myrkdalen Ski School offers private and group lessons at all levels in alpine skiing, snowboard, park, telemark, cross-country skiing and sitski.

The fastest way to learn or improve your technique is to book a one-on-one or a group session with friends and family. The meeting point is outside the Ski School office at Myrkdalen Square, between Myrkdalsstovo and Myrkdalen Hotel.

Jib Camp - Suitable for children from the ages of 8-14, the camp is a fantastic way for intermediates and above to make friends, whilst learning new tricks in the park. Jib camp is spread across two days for 100 minutes per day.

Cross Country - Myrkdalen’s terrain is perfect for a taster of Nordic Skiing (Cross Country Skiing). The lesson consists of teaching you how to find your balance on the skis, how to stop and how to get up and down the Myrkdalen’s rolling slopes. It’s a real workout!

Where is Myrkdalen?

The resort is located in Western Norway, two hours from Bergen International Airport.

How do you get to Myrkdalen from the UK?

An easy two hour transfer to and from Bergen airport. Direct flights from Gatwick, Aberdeen and Liverpool. Indirect flights are available from most regional airports. From Bergen International Airport it’s a swift bus transfer to the resort (approx 2 hours). You won’t need a car in the resort so a transfer is the most economical way to travel!

What is the closest airport to Myrkdalen?

Bergen International Airport.

How do you get to Myrkdalen from Bergen?

The most convenient mode of transport is to take a bus from Bergan International Airport directly to Myrkdalen Resort.

When does Myrkdalen open for skiing?

Myrkdalen typically opens at the beginning of December.

When does the ski season end in Myrkdalen?

The season usually finishes in early May for Myrkdalen.

What is there to do in Myrkdalen if you don’t ski?

As Myrkdalen is situated in western Norway, you have the unique option to take a trip from the resort and journey through the famous Nærøy Fjord on an electric boat! However, if you want to stick to the resort, there are still plenty of non-skiing activities to entertain the whole family. Admire the beautiful scenery from a horse-drawn sleigh or spend an afternoon being whisked along by a pack of huskies!

How high is Myrkdalen?

The highest point of the mountain is 1,060 metres, which may not sound a lot. But, because of the cooler climate in western Norway, Myrkdalen remains a snow-sure resort despite its low elevation.

What time zone is Myrkdalen?

One hour ahead of the UK.

Do you need a car in Myrkdalen?

No! Myrkdalen has a great infrastructure and bus transfers are available to take you to any excursions.

How cold does it get in Myrkdalen?

The average temperature a the top of the mountain in January and February is -5 or -6 degrees and from mid November until late April, the average temperature stays below freezing. Myrkdalen’s climate allows for a long season and preserves the snowpack throughout the winter. As with any ski holiday, if you bring the correct equipment, you’ll be shielded from the cooler temperatures!

How dark does it get in Myrkdalen?

Norway is a large country and naturally, the further north you go, the shorter the days are. Myrkdalen’s located in North West Norway, so even in the depths of winter, you’ll still have daytime skiing from 9am until 3pm. If that’s not enough for you, there’s night skiing available on select days until 8pm!

Is Myrkdalen expensive?

The price for food in Myrkdalen is similar to other European ski resorts. But, it’s worth noting the cost of alcoholic beverages across Norway are slightly higher than average.