Voss Resort Guide

Voss Resort is a firm favourite because it has so much to offer. Just 1 hour 15 minutes through the fjords from Bergen, the diverse ski area is complemented by a lively town, beautiful scenery and heaps of winter activities.

We love to visit Voss whenever we’re in Norway, and we regularly are! It's the adrenaline capital of Norway and has produced more medal-winning Winter Olympians per capita than any other resort in the world - the ‘crème de la crème’ of skiers. Voss’ Olympic success is an essential part of its very DNA, which is felt throughout the resort and the town as well.

Our Voss Resort Guide includes everything you need to know about skiing and staying in Voss, both on and off-mountain.

Although the 40km ski area is compact, Voss has 24 slopes that offer something for every skiing ability, day and night.

The state-of-the-art Voss Gondol whisks you from the railway station at the foot of the mountain up to the Hangurstoppen station in under 10 minutes, which is where you'll find the ski rentals, ski school meeting point and even ski lockers so you can store your gear on-mountain.

Hangurstoppen's broad and almost bowl-shaped area makes it a great starting point for all. Easy, medium and difficult runs fan out from here, including the cross-country trails. It's then easy to connect to other areas via drag lifts that take you up to the next mountain for Slettafjellet, and then onto Horgaletten.

Voss excels in offering beginners long runs and open spaces to practise their turning and speed control without worrying about running out of room. From Hangurstoppen, it’s possible to ski the linked green runs of Vossatassen back down to the bottom of the Bavallen area. The views are magnificent and the journey is gentle without too many sharp turns.

The Slettafjell T-bar opens up a whole playground for confident skiers and riders. Hit the kickers in the park or set your pulse racing by carving down the red Tealøypa route.

One of the longest and most challenging runs on the mountain is the Storslalåmløypa (also referred to as The World Cup Course). This gigantic slalom course spans from the top of the Hangurstoppen to the bottom of the Bavallen area and is a huge attraction for those who love speed and technical terrain.

Voss is one of the snowiest resorts in Northern Europe and powder days are frequent throughout the season.

Down the mountain from Hangurstoppen past green runs 1 and 2, is a fun but challenging off-piste route with small cliff drops and a view of Voss town below - a natural playground of ungroomed bumps, obstacles and small jumps.

On the opposite side of the resort, you’ll also find Slettafjellet’s off-piste areas beside the main run, with ample powder to carve through.

For those keen on ski touring, there is a dedicated trail from Bavallen, via Tråstølen to Hangurstoppen. Or why not hire a guide and head out into the surrounding peaks? The touring opportunities in the area feel almost limitless.

While in western Norway you may want to visit Myrkdalen, about 30km (19 miles) north of Voss, to extend your skiing area by 30km and add 22 more varied slopes to your arsenal.

Whilst Myrkdalen is a family-friendly resort, it has heaps of off-piste runs too. We recommend pairing these two resorts in one trip. As a Ski Safari customer, you can take advantage of skiing at both resorts for no additional cost (available on request only and must be done at the time of booking).

While it's possible to stay ski-in ski-out on mountain in the Bavallen area, we highly recommend staying in the town of Voss. There is a selection of hotels right at the base of the gondola and conveniently by the railway station too. These provide the easiest access to both the skiing and the restaurants, bars, shops and activities in the town centre, without needing to hire a car.

Our top pick in a prime position next to Voss Gondol (think lift-in lift-out access) and Voss Railway Station is the modern 4* Scandic Voss. You can literally step out of your train transfer from Bergen, across the platform, and straight into the hotel. Opened in 2020, the Scandic is a new hotel, featuring the contemporary styling of polished Scandinavian design with an industrial flare. Rooms have wooden floors and feature convenient overhead storage inspired by train carriages! The hotel and cold breakfast buffet is included in your stay and is one of our team's favourites in Norway.

Central Voss is a 5-10 minute walk away for evening entertainment plus off the slopes fun including a pool, bowling alley and a huge kids' soft play area.

Just down the train platform on the other side of the Voss Gondol station, the family-run 4* Fleischer's Hotel is bursting with character and makes for a good alternative.

The hotel was first built in 1864 in the then-popular Swiss style, and like a time capsule, the current owners (still the same family!) pay homage to its heritage by maintaining the older rooms in this charming vintage style. Over the generations, the hotel has undergone frequent improvements, including a more modern hotel wing built in 2006.

The beautiful Vangsvatnet lake is just two minutes from both hotels and makes a scenic backdrop for post-ski strolls and early morning runs alike.

As a working town, you're not limited to the options in your hotel or on-mountain in Voss which gives you a huge amount of variety throughout a week's stay.

Breakfast is included at most hotels in Voss as standard, with spectacular buffets in particular at the Scandic Voss and Fleischer's Hotel. But if you fancy a change one day, or want to pick up a mid-morning coffee and pastry, there are a few options in town:

Vossabakst - Freshly baked breads, buns, pastries and cakes, plus hearty sandwiches for taking on-mountain for lunch.

Kringlo Bakery - A popular locals' spot for coffee and pastries. Make sure to try the authentic Norwegian Lefse (a flatbread with a sweet filling).

Tre Brør Cafe - Right in the centre of Voss, this cafe serves breakfast throughout the day, focusing on Norwegian specialities like freshly baked pastries and locally produced cheeses and yoghurt.

There are a few on-mountain cafes and restaurants in Voss, but most customers either visit the largest, Hangurstoppen, or take the gondola down to the town for lunch.

Hangurstoppen Restaurant - Located at the top of Voss Gondol, enjoy panoramic mountain views whilst perusing the lunch menu. Dishes served are made with local ingredients from several farms around Voss.

Après (or 'afterski' to the locals) is fairly relaxed during the week, but on Saturdays everything changes and you can expect dancing on tables and plenty of sing-alongs.

Hangur 818 bar at Hangurstoppen - Each evening, Hangur 818 serves high-quality, contemporary cocktails, snacks and pizza but it's Saturdays where you'll find a lounge vibe afterski and DJ set.

SkiBarBula, Bavallstunet - If you're looking for a true Scandinavian 'afterski' experience, head to SkiBarBula for a lively party every Saturday. Just make sure you don't miss last lift or that you have another way back home!

From fast food to fine dining, Voss has a range of evening dining options to suit every taste and budget.

Haik at Scandic - The Scandic hotel's restaurant offers relaxed dining with local ingredients. A wide enough menu to eat here a few times - and you can enjoy a game or two of shuffleboard with a drink afterwards.

Alpino Pizzeria - You can’t go wrong with a classic mountain pizzeria. Here you’ll find a hearty selection of pizzas that suit all budgets.

Restaurant Magdalene - The main a la carte and buffet restaurant at the Fleischer's Hotel with a range of international and local, modern yet classic dishes.

Flor’n restaurant - Located in the Ringheim Hotel, enjoy fresh, local ingredients grown and caught in the surrounding area. The menu changes regularly depending on what is in season.

Voss Bowling - For casual dining, grab a pizza or burger from the cafe at Voss Bowling in between games. Not just for kids!

Vossevangen Grill & Steakhouse - Hearty portions with a focus on meat dishes. The venison and the cowboy burger come recommended.

Vossa Sushi - For something a little different, choose from an extensive menu at Vossa Sushi. Already very popular despite only opening in 2023.

Restaurant Elysée and wine cellar tour - One of the most famous wine cellars in the world is located opposite the Scandic Voss, inside the Park Hotel Vossevangen. The wine tasting is a must-do whilst you’re in the resort. We think the best way to try a selection of wines is by pairing them with a three-course gourmet meal at the hotel's restaurant. An essential experience when staying in Voss.

Elva Restaurant - Exceptional fine dining at the Elva Hotel. An ever-changing three course menu is served Sunday to Friday but we recommend visiting on a Saturday for the special seven course tasting menu. Booking far in advance is recommended.

Restaurant Seckman, Fleischer's Hotel - Enjoy an evening of fine dining at this historic hotel located at the base of the mountain, serving seasonal, traditional Norwegian cuisine.

Voss is not a huge party town, but there are still plenty of places to unwind with a drink after dinner and get to know the locals.

Haik Bar - A sometimes lively bar in the Scandic, with lots of seating and games including shuffleboard.

Fredrik's Bar - A beautiful authentically decorated bar in the Fleischer's Hotel where you can relax with the sounds of a crackling fire and sometimes live music on the grand piano.

Skrot Kafé & Bar - This recently opened bar is where you'll find the locals after a day's work. A great gin selection and plenty of local beers including one brewed just for them by Voss Fellesbrggeri.

Tre Brør Bar - By night, this relaxed café transforms into a chilled bar - a great spot for a nightcap.

Indoor skydiving at VossVind - If you’ve ever wanted to fly but don’t fancy jumping out of a plane, this experience is fantastic! Full gear and teaching included. You’ll be soaring in no time.

Snowshoeing and guided trips- Satisfy your inner explorer and head out on a guided snowshoeing excursion organised by Wild Voss, who also specialise in ski touring.

Indoor swimming pool - Complete with slide, diving pool, sauna, and a floating obstacle course at weekends!

Voss Bowling - Eight lane bowling alley with a cafe & bar and arcade area.

Leikeland (Playland) - Inside Voss Bowling you'll also find this amazing kids' soft play area for ages 2-12. Full of slides, tunnels, ball pits and more. Plus, new for 2024 all ages can play a fast-paced game of laser tag (booking required).

Folk and open-air museums - Visit Stalheim Folk Museum to see a timeline of the changes in rural Norway from the late Middle Ages to today. Located at the Stalheim Hotel. Then a 15-minute walk from Voss town centre is Finnesloftet, a national monument built in 1295, which is Norway’s oldest wooden non-ecclesiastical building. The medieval banqueting hall is the only one of its kind still standing. Lastly, Voss Folkemuseum has preserved the Mølstertunet farmstead with all its original buildings, giving you an authentic feel for the history of the area.

Take a day trip to the fjords and ride the Flåm Railway. The magical journey starts by boarding the first train at Voss Station which ascends by 1,300 metres, taking you across the roof of Norway over the Hardangervidda, the largest mountain plateau in Europe and Norway’s largest national park.

You pass the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, which was filmed in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, before reaching the mountain station of Myrdal. From here you join the Flåm Railway, a technical masterpiece that twists 20km (12.5 miles), and descends to the valley bottom, passing dramatic scenery and waterfalls, until finally meeting Aurlandsfjord in Aurlandsdalen. This valley is known as Norway’s Grand Canyon, rich in nature and breathtaking scenery - all in all, a must-do trip!

Three areas at Voss have been specifically dedicated to children:

• Badnakrokjen - A great place to meet and play with other children flaunting a fantastic terrain for fun and games. You’ll find special activities and free ski races during weekends and across all school holidays. The ski races are free of charge and hosted on Saturdays and Sundays, from 1 pm (sign up before 12.45pm).
• Grebbesbakken - Located in Bavallen with a gentle slope, it’s the perfect place for children and beginners to get a comfortable introduction to skiing, allowing them to progress at their own pace. There’s a 50-metre ski carpet which is open every day and ideal for those with little experience.

• Trollbakken - In front of Hangurstoppen Restaurant is Voss’ newest family-friendly area and it is perfect for kids learning to ski or snowboard. It consists of a gentle slope and a 65-metre magic carpet (belt). Child-friendly ski races happen from here throughout the season, and this is all accessible just metres from the Voss Gondol.

Voss also becomes an extremely attractive destination for families because children up to the age of six receive a free lift pass, helmet and ski rentals!

Off the mountain, there are heaps of kid-friendly activities including the pool, bowling alley and soft play area, while there are dining options to keep the fussiest eaters happy.

Voss Resort's ski school runs from two locations - Hangustoppen at the top of the gondola and Bavallen. Most of our customers will learn from the former.

Lessons are taught by fluent English-speakers and cover all abilities and disciplines, including alpine, carving, telemark, snowboarding, off-piste, cross-country and freestyle.

Our customers regularly mention how good the ski school is and how much they improve, whether it's their first-time skiing or they're taking their first turns off-piste.

Group lessons run for two, three or five days with each lesson lasting 150 minutes.

Private lessons are available for 100 or 150 minutes.

Where is Voss?

Voss is located in the West of Norway, roughly one and a half hours from Bergen Airport.

How do you get to Voss from the UK?

The most popular airport to fly into Bergen from is Gatwick, however, there are also flights available from London Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle and Aberdeen. From the airport, it's a 30-minute bus journey to the train station. The train route to Voss is a highlight in its own right. The journey is one hour and 15 minutes of rolling past fjords, pine forests and dramatic rock formations as you wind through the countryside to the mountains.

What is the closest airport to Voss?

Bergen International Airport

When does Voss open for skiing?

The lifts usually open at the start of December.

When does the ski season end in Voss?

The season typically runs until late April.

How high is Voss?

Voss town sits just 54 metres above sea level and the highest accessible point on the mountain is 964 metres. This may not sound that high, but the cooler temperatures ensure Voss remains a snow-sure resort all season long.

What time zone is Voss?

Voss runs on Central European Time (CET), which means they are one hour ahead of the UK.

Do you need a car in Voss?

We don’t recommend hiring a car here. Everything within Voss’ town is within walking distance and the best route to the resort is via train or by shuttle bus.

How cold does it get in Voss?

The average temperature doesn’t drop below -7°Cat the top of the mountain in the coldest months of January and February, whilst the town averages -5°C. Voss’ climate allows for a long season without compromising with high altitudes. As with any winter holiday, bringing the correct equipment will shield you from cooler temperatures, but you don’t require any specialist clothing compared to a holiday in the Alps.

How dark does it get in Voss?

Norway is a large country and naturally, the further north you go, the shorter the days are. Voss is located in Southwest 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,  night skiing is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays  and Fridays.

Is Voss expensive?

The price for food in Voss is similar to other European ski resorts when you get on the mountain. But it’s worth noting the cost of alcoholic beverages across Norway is slightly higher than average.