Skiing in Norway

It's often said that Norwegians are born with skis on their feet, so it's no surprise that the country is incredibly well set up for skiing and snowboarding. Beyond the slopes, you'll find warm hospitality, great accommodation and plenty of activities. In this guide to skiing in Norway, you'll find advice on where to ski, where to stay, when to go, how to travel, what it costs, food, weather, daylight, and everything else you need to know for your Norway ski holiday!

At Ski Safari, we place enormous value on first-hand experience. Between our team, we’ve skied every single resort we sell (often multiple times). Some of us have lived in Norway for extended periods, and one of us is even Norwegian! The point of this guide is to share that first-hand experience clearly and honestly, in the hope that it’ll inform and inspire your plans to visit one of our all-time favourite ski destinations.

Here's what we'll cover in this page (click to jump there):

• Overview of skiing in Norway
• Travel to and around Norway
• Which resorts are best for you
• Activities, accommodation, food and drink
• Weather and when to go
• Norway ski holiday costs
• Booking information

Skiing in Norway - Why, Where and How?

What to expect from a Norway ski holiday, along with advice on how to get there and which resorts are best for you.

What is the skiing like in Norway?

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.

On the slopes in Myrkdalen - photo by customer Zoe Khor

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.

How does skiing in Norway differ from the Alps?

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.

Where are the ski resorts in Norway?

The majority of Norway’s resorts are in the southern half of the country, within easy reach of the main international airports. The exception is Narvik in the far north, inside the Arctic Circle.

What airports can I fly to Norway from?

Norway’s main airports, Oslo Gardermoen and Bergen Flesland, are both well-served by direct flights from the UK, especially during peak season.

Oslo: Regular direct flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Bergen: Regular direct flights from London Gatwick, Manchester and Aberdeen. 

If you’re heading further north to Trondheim, there’s a direct flight from London Gatwick operating 2-4 days per week. For Narvik in the far north, you’ll need to connect via Oslo.

During the ski season in particular, additional flight routes open from other regional UK airports.

How long are the flights to Norway?

Typical flight times to Norway from the UK range between 1 hour 45 mins from Manchester and around 2 hours from London airports. The shortest route, Aberdeen to Bergen, takes just 1 hour 20 mins!

How long are the transfers in Norway?

All resorts can be reached within 2-4 hours from one of the main airports. Transfers are either by bus or train, and are always very scenic journeys that form part of the whole Norway ski experience. The train journey from Bergen to Voss and Geilo, in particular, is one of the most beautiful in the world.

The Bergen Railway makes travel to your resort a real experience © Vy

What are the best ski resorts in Norway?

Best resorts for beginners

Norway is one of the best places in Europe to learn to ski, with uncrowded slopes, excellent English-speaking ski schools and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Every Norwegian resort caters well for beginners, but Geilo and Beito are our standout recommendations.

Both have well-run beginner areas: gentle nursery slopes, easy-to-use lifts and wide runs for building confidence at your own pace, with ski schools that suit children and adults alike. They're also charming mountain villages in their own right.

Away from the pistes, there's dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing and winter walks, plus cosy cafés, restaurants and spa facilities. It's what makes Geilo and Beito genuinely complete winter holidays, not just places to learn to ski.

Other beginner-friendly resorts worth considering are Myrkdalen, Voss, Norefjell, Gausta, Hafjell and Kvitfjell. All offer quality instruction and gentle terrain for those new to skiing.

Admiring the landscape in Geilo, by customer Naomi Roberts

Best resorts for intermediates

If you're a confident skier looking to cover more terrain, Gausta, Hafjell, Hemsedal, Kvitfjell and Trysil are our top recommendations for intermediate skiers.

These resorts stand out for their longer, confidence-building runs, varied terrain and modern lift systems, so you can explore more of the mountain with ease. Whether you're after gentle blue cruisers or flowing red pistes, there's plenty to keep things interesting.

They're also excellent choices for groups with mixed abilities. Beginners can enjoy dedicated learning areas and good ski schools, while more experienced skiers have a wider range of terrain to explore, making it easy for everyone to ski at their own level before meeting up for lunch or at the end of the day.

Best resorts for advanced skiers and experts

Norway's resorts are more compact than the Alps' mega-resorts, but what they lack in kilometres, they make up for in quality. Advanced skiers can find genuinely technical and varied terrain, and fewer crowds mean you'll spend more time on the slopes, less time queueing for lifts.

Our top picks for confident skiers are Kvitfjell, Narvik, Hemsedal, Gausta and Voss.

Kvitfjell's Olympiabakken, built for the 1994 Winter Olympics, still hosts the FIS Alpine World Cup Downhill and Super-G, and is regarded as one of the world's finest downhill courses. Narvik pairs long pistes with one of Scandinavia's greatest vertical drops, and will host the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2029. Hemsedal, often called the "Scandinavian Alps," has an impressive range of black runs and high-alpine terrain, while Gausta combines demanding red and black runs with some of Norway's most accessible freeride. Voss has produced more Winter Olympic and World Championship medal winners per capita than anywhere else in the world, and pairs challenging pistes with excellent guided off-piste.

These resorts suit advanced piste skiers and freeriders equally well - ideal if you like combining challenging groomed runs with guided off-piste adventures.

Skiing down from the summit of Gaustatoppen in Gausta

Best resorts for off-piste

If venturing beyond the groomed pistes is high on your wish list, Norway has some of Europe's best freeride terrain. Our standout recommendations are Gausta, Narvik, Voss and Myrkdalen, each offering extensive lift-accessible off-piste and spectacular scenery.

Gausta offers a freeride experience unlike anywhere else in Europe. Ride the Gaustabanen railway, which runs inside the mountain to the summit of Gaustatoppen, then descend vast, unpisted terrain with panoramic views across southern Norway.

High above the Ofotfjord in the Arctic Circle, Narvik has earned a reputation as one of the world's premier freeride destinations, pairing steep descents with dramatic fjord scenery. Despite its far-northern location, the Gulf Stream keeps the climate surprisingly mild, and the Arctic setting gives you a good chance of seeing the northern lights too.

Voss and Myrkdalen share the same lift pass, forming one of Norway's largest linked ski areas with some of the country's most accessible lift-served off-piste. They're also well placed for guided day tours through Norway's spectacular fjord landscapes.

As always, we recommend exploring off-piste with the appropriate safety equipment and, where possible, an experienced local guide.

Best Norway resorts for families

Norway is one of Europe's best ski destinations for families. You'll find English-speaking ski schools, dedicated children's learning areas and a relaxed atmosphere that helps young skiers build confidence. Uncrowded slopes and minimal lift queues also make it easy for families to enjoy the mountains together.

While every Norwegian resort caters brilliantly for families, Geilo and Beito stand out as our top recommendations. Away from the slopes, there's dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing and tobogganing to keep everyone entertained.

Another advantage is the accommodation. Both resorts have hotels with indoor swimming pools and spa facilities - a real bonus for families with younger children after a day in the snow.

Hafjell, Norefjell, Myrkdalen, Voss and Trysil are also strong family options, with good ski schools, varied terrain for different abilities and plenty to do off the mountain. Whether it's your children's first ski holiday or a trip with a mix of ages, Norway makes for a welcoming family winter break.

Ski school on Beito - one of our favourite family-friendly resorts © Beitostolen Resort

Best Norway resorts for après-ski (or 'afterski' as they call it)

Hemsedal - this is the place to go for nightlife. Hemsedal is home to one of Scandinavia's liveliest afterski scenes, especially during weekends and holidays when locals pour in from Oslo and Bergen. Norwegians are known to be quite reserved, but they know how to let loose too - expect live bands, dancing on tables, mass singalongs and packed nightclubs. It's a lot of fun if you have the stamina. 

Otherwise, the afterski scene in Norwegian resorts is more about cosy bars and restaurants than wild club nights. Many resorts will have lively après from 3-5pm on weekends, but it’s not a daily party like you might find in some Alps resorts.

Is off-piste and ski touring available in Norway?

In short, yes there’s lots of it and it’s incredibly accessible too - mostly with good lift access. You’ll find great local guides almost everywhere. Myrkdalen, Voss and Narvik are perhaps best-known for this, but even resorts like family-friendly Beito offer some great ski touring.

If you're new to ski touring, Norway ski specialist Alec Scott's blog is well worth a read. Alec tried ski touring for the first time in Voss in 2025 and wrote all about his experience.

And to give you an idea of off-piste skiing in Norway, here's what you can expect in Norefjell.

What is there to do in Norway apart from skiing?

A ski holiday in Norway is about so much more than time on the slopes. It's a chance to experience some of the world's most spectacular winter scenery, from dramatic fjords and snow-covered mountains to frozen waterfalls and vast Arctic landscapes. Keep an eye out for wildlife too - reindeer roam the mountains, Arctic foxes are found in the far north, and if you're lucky, you'll catch the northern lights overhead.

Away from skiing, there's no shortage of memorable winter experiences. Enjoy a thrilling dog sled ride, explore snowy trails by snowmobile or snowshoes, try snow rafting, take a peaceful horse-drawn sleigh through the forests, then unwind in a traditional sauna or spa and soak up Norway's relaxed pace of life.

Norway is also home to fascinating cities and landscapes. Explore the colourful waterfront of Bergen, journey through the fjords around Flåm, discover the culture and history of the capital Oslo, or head north to Narvik and Tromsø - one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights.

Witnessing the northern lights in Narvik © Rune Dahl

What is the accommodation like in Norway?

Think cosy self-catered cabins, stylish apartments and high-quality 4* half board hotels with pools and spas. These are usually spacious, ski-in ski-out, and located near to all the ski schools, rental shops and entertainment the resort has to offer. Norway’s ski accommodation is excellent in terms of quality and value.

Junior suite with mountain views from the balcony © Gaustablikk Fjellresort, Gausta

Here's a selection of our most popular accommodation options in Norway;

• Vestlia Resort, Geilo. Voted Norway's Best Ski Hotel in 2023, 2024 and 2025, the Vestlia blends Nordic style with top-class facilities for both families and adult groups. Ski-in ski-out, and with a pool, spa, bowling alley, great play areas, childcare and much more. The restaurant is also excellent.
• Scandic Voss. Opened in 2020, this has quickly become one of our favourites in Voss. Located beside the platform for the Bergen Railway and the new Voss Goldola, you can be on Mount Hanguren and ready to ski in 10 minutes. The hotel is stylish and comfortable with a restaurant, bar, gym and sauna, and it's a great option if you like to be in the heart of town.
• Myrkdalen Hotel. Beautifully designed with large windows to let the natural light in, and brilliantly located for ski-in ski-out convenience. Close to the village and with good restaurants and bars on-site, everything you need is on the doorstep. There's a range of spacious rooms (some interconnecting) as well as self-catering apartments available. A big favourite with families.
• Gaustablikk Fjellresort, Gausta. The views alone make this place worth staying in, with much of the hotel looking out over frozen lakes and Gaustatoppen - one of Norway's most beautiful mountains. The hotel is also known for its floating saunas, located right by the lake for a classic Norwegian cold plunge. The food and service here is exceptional, and the on-site bakery is a must-try.
• Norefjell Ski & Spa. Voted Norway's Best Resort Spa in 2024, you'll find everything from hot tubs and plunge pools to foot spas and infra red saunas here. The hotel itself is well designed and stylishly furnished, with very good facilities including an indoor swimming pool and climbing wall. It's also ski-in ski-out - located beside a gentle green run and with easy access to the rest of the Norefjell Ski Resort's pistes.

What will I eat and drink on a Norway ski holiday?

Given the climate and Norway’s long ski history, it’s no surprise that the food is hearty and built to keep you fuelled through a day on the slopes. Between runs, look out for vafler (heart-shaped waffles), boller (sweet buns), the popular Kvikk Lunsj chocolate bar, or a pølse sausage from a mountain kiosk.

In terms of meals, familiar favourites like pizzas, pasta or burgers are widely available and generally of a very high standard. Norway’s food scene is particularly good quality, with a real focus on fresh seasonal produce. Our customers regularly mention food in their reviews, and there are plenty of opportunities to try dishes you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. 

Fresh seafood and game feature heavily, from delicate Arctic char (a white fish with similar texture to salmon and trout) to wonderfully tender reindeer. You’ll also find Norwegian staples such as fresh salmon, which is often served on breakfast buffets, alongside brunost (Norway's distinctive brown cheese), finnbiff (reindeer stew), fiskesuppe (fish soup) and excellent bread.

For drinks, try bålkaffe (coffee brewed over an open fire) or gløgg (mulled wine), and an akevitt is the classic afterski tipple. Norway's craft beer scene is also well worth exploring.

The Ski Safari team enjoying some classic Norwegian dishes in Gausta

Who is Norway definitely not for?

The Norwegian ski scene is definitely more low-key than others. That’s a big part of the reason we love it, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re after record-breaking numbers of runs or kms skied, or you value a wild après-ski scene over the skiing itself, then perhaps Norway isn’t your ideal choice.

When to ski in Norway

How long is the ski season in Norway?

Very long and very reliable. Although peak season runs from late December through to March, the shoulder seasons of November to December and April to May often see excellent conditions, especially further north.

What is the best month to ski in Norway?

Norway has super-reliable snow from December all the way through to the Easter holidays, with the snowpack typically peaking in March. It’s fair to say that there isn’t a bad month to ski during this period, but for the deepest snow, late January through to March is best. March to April brings longer, sunnier days and lovely spring skiing conditions.

Is Norway good for Christmas, Easter, and Half-term breaks?

Yes, yes, and yes! Norway is an excellent and reliable choice for ski holidays in the Christmas, Easter, and February half-term breaks.

For more on what to expect during peak periods in Norway, take a look at our dedicated posts:

• Skiing in Norway at Christmas
• Skiing in Norway at Easter
• Skiing in Norway at Half Term

How cold is it in Norway?

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.

Your usual ski jacket, layers and winter gear are exactly what you'd pack for a Norwegian trip too.

The major upside of these slightly lower temperatures is that they help preserve the snow and extend the season. Many Norwegian resorts stay reliably snow sure well into April, making for a great Easter ski holiday when Alpine resorts are starting to see more variable conditions.

How dark is it in Norway?

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.

Norway ski holiday costs

Is Norway expensive?

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.

How much does a Norway ski holiday cost?

Last year, Ski Safari customers paid an average of just over £1,100pp for a basic 7-night Norway ski package (flights, transfers and accommodation). When you factor in extras like lift passes, lessons, rentals and activities, this rises to around £1,900pp.

There are some great deals at the lower end of the scale, along with plenty of opportunities to splash out on upgrades and extras. All of our holidays are flexible and tailored, so your Ski Specialist will talk you through the options and costs.

How much does it cost for families?

Similar to above, £1,900pp is a reasonable benchmark for a Norway family ski holiday with extras included (lift passes, rentals, ski school, activities). Often, we can bring costs down with family rooms, child rates and cheaper lift passes (which are often close to free in Norway!), but on the flipside you'll usually be paying more for flights during the school holidays.

How much are lift passes in Norway?

Norwegian lift passes are among the cheapest in the world. For a 7-day holiday, a 6-day pass costs around £270 for an adult pass (18-64), £210 for a youth (8-17) or senior (65+), and nothing at all for younger children!

All our resorts offer a variation of ‘kids ski free’, where children aged up to 6 or 7 receive a free ski pass (you just need to pay for a key card costing £5-10 in certain resorts).
As with most costs, low season works out the best value, with passes costing as little as £155 for an adult and £115 for a youth or senior.

How much is ski hire in Norway?

Costs vary between resorts, but the prices below reflect our experience over the past couple of years:

Adult (18-65) 6 day - standard £95 to advanced £200
Youth (8-17) 6 day - standard £68 to advanced £150
Child (0-7) 6 day - standard £40 to advanced £94
Senior (65+) 6 day - standard £90 to advanced £195

How much is food and drink in Norway?

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.

When should I book my Norway ski holiday?

Although we can often arrange Norway ski holidays at relatively short notice, especially during the 'shoulder seasons', it's best to plan further ahead to give yourself the best choice of resorts and accommodation. To speak with a Norway Ski Specialist, call 01273 224060 or request a quotation online and we’ll be in touch.

Want to read more about skiing the Norwegian way? Our Norway Product Manager, Andy Hemingway, dives into even more detail here.

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.