Oppdal Resort Guide
New and exclusive for winter 2026/27, Oppdal is a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic, uncrowded ski experience. It boasts a genuine town and huge powder fields for advanced skiers. Our Oppdal resort guide covers everything you need to know.
Located just two hours from Trondheim, Oppdal is a resort that Scandinavian skiers rate among the best. Quiet slopes, great snow and off-piste that’s remarkably easy to reach make Oppdal a standout for adventurous skiers. And because you’re staying in a proper Norwegian town rather than a purpose-built resort, there’s plenty of character off the mountain too.
It's a resort we recommend to more adventurous and confident skiers. It's not quite as polished or beginner-friendly as some other resorts in Norway, although ongoing investment means lift links across its four base areas are set to improve over the coming years.
Having visited Oppdal several times, we have plenty of first-hand knowledge to share. This guide takes you through the best places to ski, stay, eat and drink, as well as family-friendly non-ski activities and more.
Skiing in Oppdal
One of Oppdal's biggest strengths is that each area of Oppdal skis differently, so you can pick terrain to match your ability and the day's snow conditions.
Combined with the resort's famously quiet slopes, it creates a much more relaxed and rewarding experience than you'll find at larger, busier resorts.
Beginner areas and cruisey pisted runs are accompanied by some of the best off-piste and freeride terrain in Scandivania. The quality of the off-piste terrain and the ease with which you can access it is hard to beat.
It's worth noting that the on-piste sections beyond Vangslia aren't yet seamlessly linked from the main base area, especially for less confident skiers.
Where to ski in Oppdal
Oppdal is made up of four distinct mountain areas - Vangslia, Hovden, Stølen and Ådalen - each with its own character and benefits. They're all covered by the same lift pass, but as they're not fully linked, you'll typically spend a morning or even a full day exploring one area before moving to the next.
Vangslia - the best place to start
For most people, Vangslia is the obvious place to begin your Oppdal ski holiday. It's the largest and most varied area, is great for progression, and caters for every ability. From beginner slopes and a dedicated children's area to a black run and excellent lift-served off-piste, think of Vangslia as the hub of Oppdal.
The standout feature is a modern six-person chairlift, installed in 2019. With both a mid-station at 999 metres and a summit station at 1,330 metres, it gives fast access to a wide range of terrain and makes it easy to rack up plenty of skiing.
You'll also find Oppdal's terrain park here, making Vangslia a great area for families and mixed-ability groups to spend plenty of time in.
Hovden - where the experts head
Once you've found your ski legs, we'd recommend spending a day in Hovden. Sitting just above the centre of Oppdal, it's regarded by many Norwegian skiers as the resort's signature mountain and has built an outstanding reputation for its steeper terrain, both on and off piste.
Hovden presents technically demanding terrain, with expert-level pistes that are steeper and narrower, ideal for seasoned skiers seeking adrenaline. The chairlift quickly transports you to 1,125 metres, where you'll find super speedy runs alongside some of the easiest-to-access off-piste in Scandinavia.
Great off-piste skiing stretches out immediately alongside the marked runs, making it incredibly easy to repeat your favourite descents and find new lines. If fresh snow has fallen overnight, this is where many locals head first.
Stølen - relaxed skiing and family-friendly slopes
Stølen offers a quieter, more relaxed skiing experience and is an solid option for families or anyone looking to escape the 'busier' parts of the resort (although we're not sure Oppdal ever gets too 'busy'!), with pretty views of the landscape to boot.
More confident skiers will find a good selection of varied pistes, and after snowfall you'll find some surprisingly good powder skiing here too.
Ådalen - Oppdal's freeride playground
Widely regarded as one of Norway's premier freeride areas, it's famous for its wide-open bowls, natural terrain and untouched powder that often remains untracked long after a storm. If you're a confident skier, Ådalen is well worth seeking out.
There are just two groomed pistes here, but they are two of our absolute favourites. Ultra cruisey, with both providing excellent access to the surrounding freeride terrain. Thanks to Oppdal's low visitor numbers, it's not uncommon to find fresh lines here days after the last snowfall.
Our favourite runs and areas for each ability in Oppdal
Beginners
While Oppdal isn't the first resort we'd recommend for complete beginners, there are some good places to learn. We'd suggest starting in Vangslia, where you'll find a dedicated children's area and beginner facilities. This is where beginners will spend most of their time.
The modern six-person chairlift in Vangslia has a convenient mid-station, allowing new skiers to access easier terrain without committing to longer descents. It's also home to the most choice of gentle green and blue slopes - the wide, gentle Blue Run 6 is our top suggestion for beginners.
Stølen is another good option once you've mastered the basics. A quieter atmosphere and uncrowded pistes make it a great place to build confidence.
Intermediates
For confident intermediates, Vangslia is where you'll probably spend most of your time. The long, flowing red and blue runs are perfect for cruising, and thanks to the fast chairlift, you can easily repeat your preferred runs. Red Run 5 is a groomed run we love, just down from the mid station.
Hovden is another option, with steeper pistes and quiet slopes, giving you plenty of space to ski at your own pace without feeling rushed or worried about other people.
However, we think the best run lies in Ådalen - Red Run 41. It's got a nice tilt so you can rack up some speed and take advantage of the empty slopes.
Advanced/experts
This is where Oppdal really comes into its own. If you're an advanced skier or boarder, your first stop should be Hovden or Vangslia, where you'll find some of the best lift-served off-piste in Scandinavia. Powder fields, gullies and natural terrain sit right alongside the pistes, allowing you to dip in and out of the off-piste with ease.
After fresh snowfall, make a beeline for Ådalen. Its open bowls are a magnet for off-piste skiers - truly some of the best powder skiing in the country. For many Norwegian skiers, this is the standout area of the resort. Ådalsheisen is the lift to target for powder hunters.
Off-piste/backcountry skiing in Oppdal
If there's one thing Oppdal is famous for, it's the off-piste. While the resort may fly under the radar internationally, it's long been regarded by Norwegian and Swedish skiers as one of Scandinavia's finest destinations for lift-served freeriding.
The beauty of Oppdal is that you don't need long traverses or multiple lifts to reach excellent off-piste. All the fun lies right next to the pistes, so it's easy to spend an entire day lapping your favourite lines, often using just a single lift to return to the top.
Another huge advantage is how quiet the resort is. Even during Norwegian school holidays, powder remains untouched, and lift queues are minimal.
For those looking to venture beyond the ski area's boundaries, Oppdal is also an excellent base for backcountry ski touring. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Trollheimen and Dovrefjell mountain ranges, the area offers an enormous variety of touring routes, from gentle day tours to challenging alpine descents. Norwegian freeriders and mountain guides frequently train in Oppdal!
Whether you're taking your first steps into lift-served powder or you're an experienced freerider looking for uncrowded lines, Oppdal is one of Norway's best-kept secrets and arguably one of the country's most rewarding off-piste destinations.
As with all of our Norwegian resorts, if you're planning to ski outside the marked pistes, we strongly recommend doing so with the appropriate avalanche safety equipment and local knowledge. Conditions can change quickly, and while many of the lift-served routes are relatively accessible, they remain uncontrolled mountain terrain.
Combining Oppdal with more Norwegian destinations
The stunning Dovre Railway stops at both Oppdal and Kvitfjell on its way from Trondheim to Oslo, making it easy to turn your ski holiday into a multi-resort ski safari. Hafjell is just a short hop from Kvitfjell too if you're looking to add a third resort to your itinerary.
Where to stay in Oppdal
You'll stay in Oppdal's beautiful town, just a short 5-minute shuttle bus ride from the slopes. On your doorstep, you'll find restaurants, cafes, bars and activities like swimming and bowling. See the activities section of this resort guide for more information.
Quality Hotel Skifer
The 4* Quality Hotel Skifer is the best choice in Oppdal if you'd like a proper hotel experience right in the heart of town, still just a short hop from the slopes. Modern, comfortable, and with an excellent restaurant, it's ideal for all parties.
The hotel delivers genuine care and service for its guests, which makes a real difference to your stay. Other benefits include spacious and well-equipped rooms, with many enjoying views over the surrounding Trollheimen mountains and Dovrefjell National Park, and a wellness area complete with a sauna and steam room.
Oppdal Gjestetun
Offering apartment-style accommodation with a kitchenette and a buffet breakfast included, 3* Oppdal Gjestetun is another great option in the middle of town, located a short hop from the Skifer.
The ski slopes are just 5 minutes away on the free ski bus. The apartments are straightforward yet functional, offering everything from doubles to bigger family suites that accommodate up to six guests. A hot and cold breakfast buffet is served each morning, and guests have the flexibility to prepare their own meals or head out into town for dinner.
Getting to and around Oppdal
Most of our guests will fly into Trondheim, which is served by a direct flight from London Gatwick or a connecting flight from other UK airports. Aligning with the direct flights is a shared coach transfer, which takes 2 hours. Alternatively, it is possible to take the train via Trondheim City to Oppdal, which takes around 2 hours 30 minutes in total.
Car hire and private transfers can also be arranged.
For something a bit different, you can fly into Oslo and take the stunning Dovre train line, which travels through Lillehammer, making it very convenient for a multi-centre trip to Kvitfjell and Hafjell. The total time from Oslo to Oppdal is around 4 hours 30 minutes.
With Oppdal being located near the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, one of Norway's most scenic, the setting is beautiful. And keep an eye out for the famous musk ox - Oppdal is the only place in Norway to spot them!
Free ski bus
When in the resort, there is a free ski bus to the slopes every day of the season from the town. This bus stops at the different ski bases, so how you choose to tackle each day is entirely flexible.
At 9.30am the express route leaves straight to Vangslia, for those who want to be first on the slopes.
At 10am and 11am the ski bus goes to Vangslia, Hovden, Slettvoll and Stølen before returning to the centre. From 1pm to 4pm, the ski bus will end the trip at the accommodation on return to the centre.
Food & drink in Oppdal
Most people staying in Oppdal either stay half board or self-cater (with breakfast included), so the food is either enjoyed in the hotel or made as you wish. The food quality in the hotel is reminiscent of all ski resorts in Norway - very tasty!
There are some excellent places to eat in the town as well, as it's a genuine town with locals who live there year-round. You're not short for choice, but these are a few recommendations, almost all of them tried and tested by our team.
Breakfast
Quality Hotel Skifer - the day starts with a delicious breakfast buffet - freshly baked bread, fresh cold cuts, fruit, yoghurt, eggs, bacon, juice, tea, and coffee. There's something for everyone!
Oppdal Gjestetun - a similar-style breakfast buffet, included for all guests who stay here.
Bakeriet SPRØ - right by the two hotels, great for a quick morning snack
Raffelkakuhjørnet - central location with great coffee
On-mountain dining
Storstuggu Cafeteria - a popular ski-in ski-out dining spot in Vangslia that focuses on homemade food. Expect burgers, soup, sandwiches, salads and a selection of pastries and cakes.
Onkel Pudder Bar & Restaurant - located in Vangslia at the base of the lift, Onkel is a cosy and welcoming space serving a range of gourmet meat, fish and sides.
The Hill 1125 - a pizza restaurant with amazing views. This iconic establishment is a signature landmark of Oppdal, visible from the village below. Sales Specialist Alec rates this as his favourite in Oppdal!
Rockoss Bar & Spiseri - serves a selection of small plates and lunches throughout the day and a selection of hot and cold beverages. Located in Stølen.
Après in Oppdal
Oppdal isn't a resort with buzzing après (or 'afterski' as the Norwegians call it), but you can grab a post-ski drink with a good atmosphere at Loftet Afterski. You'll find both locals and tourists here, unwinding with an extensive drink menu to explore.
Evening dining
Det Sorte Får Oppdal (The Black Sheep) - a tasty restaurant in the town, offering food ranging from lamb (their signature), steak and schnitzel to burgers, trout and pasta.
Quality Hotel Skifer - enjoy a delicious three-course meal at the hotel. Included on half board - yet the quality remains top-notch. You won't be disappointed!
Spis bar - a cosy atmosphere with a selection of dishes to suit every taste, from homemade burgers and flavourful wraps to tender steaks and authentic Italian pizzas.
Restaurant Perrongen - here you'll find a fine-dining-esque restaurant. The food is that good! The menu changes seasonally, so look forward to delicious winter food.
Activities and things to do in Oppdal
As a genuine town situated next to a national park, there are plenty of activities to try when in Oppdal.
Outdoor activities in Oppdal
Ice fishing - join an ice fishing trip with a personal guide and experience an authentic, peaceful winter day. With great opportunities to catch Arctic char and trout, a memorable adventure awaits on the ice.
Musk ox safari - explore Dovrefjell National Park on a guided musk ox safari. These impressive animals are only found in Oppdal. This is your chance to see them in their natural habitat, with chances to see reindeer and mountain grouse too. It's a moderate hike, suitable for families, with expert guides sharing insights into the local wildlife along the way.
Dog sledding - a 45-minute drive away, Trollheimen Husky is a family-run dog sledding experience in Nerskogen. Meet the dogs, learn to harness and drive your own team, then explore the snowy landscape. Children over 8 can drive, while younger children can enjoy the ride. Trips are tailored to you.
Ice climbing - an exciting winter activity suitable for anyone who wants to try something new or be challenged, regardless of experience. The climate in Oppdal provides excellent ice conditions for climbing.
Snow tubing - try snow tubing at Storli Gard in Storlidalen, with dedicated tracks for all ages. Hike or get pulled uphill by a snowmobile before racing back down. This is a 45-minute drive away.
Indoor activities in Oppdal
Curling - try your hand in the curling hall, found in the town. You can take part in the 'Introduction to Curling' to try something new and a little bit different.
Bowling - there are six bowling lanes at Oppdal Bowling, located in the town.
Swimming - located in Oppdal's culture house, head for a swim in the 25m pool while the kids enjoy the water slide. There's also a hot tub, sauna and wellness pool here.
Museum - visit Oppdal Museum, home to historic log buildings dating from the 1500s onwards, alongside collections covering local skiing, hunting, textiles, telephones and more.
Climbing - at Krux Climbing you'll find Norway's tallest indoor climbing wall, found in the town. The facility offers over 800 m² of climbing surface, including approximately 250 m² of bouldering and 550 m² of rope climbing.
Shopping - as a real working town, Oppdal is home to a small shopping centre with some great sports shops. But best of all is Vertical Playground (VPG), one of Norway’s most famous shops for all things outdoors - skiing, climbing and mountain biking.
Ski school, camps and courses in Oppdal
Ski lessons are available in Oppdal, with private lessons for all ages and abilities, as well as group courses for children and teenagers.
Off-piste guiding is also available for those looking to explore Oppdal’s best off-piste terrain with a local guide who knows the mountain inside out. You’ll be taken beyond the groomed runs to find fresh powder, hidden lines and natural terrain, with routes tailored to your ability and the day’s conditions. Available as half- or full-day guiding for experienced skiers.
Kids in Oppdal
While Oppdal isn't a resort we'd typically recommend for families (other resorts in Norway are better set up for little ones), kids can partake in ski school in the Vagslia area and there is a dedicated zone for them to learn.
Most of the activities in Oppdal are family-friendly, including swimming, bowling, dog sledding and snow tubing. Take a look at our activities section above for more information.
For more information on kids in Oppdal, give our team a call on 01273 224060.
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