Andy Hemingway

Skier

I was fortunate enough to be introduced to skiing from 4 years old and have been doing so ever since. My parents used to drive my sister and I to explore different resorts in Austria, France and Switzerland each winter. That’s where I developed a passion for skiing and all things winter. I completed a ski instructor’s course in Canada after university and then spent five winter seasons working in both Norway and Sweden. I’m lucky enough to have skied a growing list of resorts around the world taking in North America, Japan, mainland Europe and a vast number of resorts in Scandinavia too.

Gausta, Norway. Taking the train – inside the mountain – to Gaustatoppen’s mighty peak. The journey itself is a mind-blowing feat of engineering with incredible Cold War history. It was a top secret listening post to intercept Russian communications. And then when you step out you really feel on top of the world. The views are absolutely astounding and there’s some really exciting ski terrain to explore here too.

Our Fjords and Mountains itinerary is an all-time favourite of mine and my young family too. Using the world famous Bergen Railway as your transport between the ski resorts of Geilo of Voss is so simple and family-friendly. Additionally, it’s a wonderful way to see more of Norway’s spectacular scenery.

Gausta, Geilo, Norefjell, Kvitfjell, Myrkdalen, Voss & Trysil in Norway. Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba & Tokyo in Japan.

Hopefully I'll be able to take the family away to Gausta this coming Easter. It’s super snow-sure all the way through to the end of April and beyond. In addition, they’ve invested considerably over the last 5 years to improve the facilities and service, making it - in my view - the resort to visit in Norway right now. Plus it is a fantastic resort for families with plenty of confidence-building runs for the kids!

I'm a Yachtmaster qualified skipper. And yes you can sail and ski in one trip, particularly in the Norwegian Fjords!

Try somewhere new and get a good pair of boots with a foot bed. Happy feet, happy skier!