IN A NUTSHELL

Snowsure and family-friendly with some challenging off-piste terrain, Gausta has pretty much something for everyone

Gausta SKI RESORT

At an elevation of over 945m, Gausta is a snowsure resort that caters for most levels of skiers with some challenging off-piste on offer.

It is a family paradise where the kids can play around in the kids area, activities with mascots Huski and Flaks, and even their very own après-ski!

End the ski day with a good massage, relax by the pool or in the floating outside saunas. The view are always great. From the sauna you can jump direct into the fresh lake.

THE SKIING IN Gausta SKI RESORT

You can access 37 slopes offering 45km of groomed terrain as well as varied off-piste possibilities serviced by 13 lifts covering the 4 ski areas.

Skiing from Gaustatoppen
Gaustatoppen is one of the most famous and iconic mountains in Norway at 1883m - it has one of the greatest views in Norway. You can take a train inside the mountain to the top. Then you can choose if you want to ski off piste or take the train back down.
Experience world-class skiing at its finest during the winter and spring at Gausta! Here, you'll discover a well-marked trail down Langefonn, along with exhilarating steep chutes that will thrill advanced skiers. Please note that these trails are off-piste and undertaken at your own risk.

To fully relish skiing from the majestic Gaustatoppen, knowledge, experience, and the right equipment are essential. Furthermore, keeping a keen eye on weather conditions and avalanchewarnings is crucial to ensure a safe and unforgettable adventure.

The resort also offers guided ski touring and snowshoe tours as well as 85km of cross country trails.

WHAT IS THE SKIING LIKE AT Gausta?

Gausta Ski Resort is a versatile, scenic destination in Norway offering a great experience for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers alike. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect by skill level:

Beginners
Ideal for First-Timers: The Vatnedalen and Gaustablikk areas have wide, gentle green slopes and sheltered nursery runs, ideal for absolute beginners and families. There are magic carpets, button lifts, and efficient progression zones.
Kids’ Areas & Lessons: Dedicated children’s areas are located near the main hotels, with magic carpets and playful learning features. Gausta’s highly regarded ski school offers lessons for all ages, starting from basic skills to beginner progression, with small group sizes and English-speaking instructors.
Progression: As skills advance, beginners can confidently explore an array of easy greens and gentle blues, smoothly connecting different peaks and sides of the resort.

Intermediates
Extensive Blue & Red Runs: Approximately half of Gausta’s marked slopes are blue and red, making it a true intermediate paradise. Well-groomed blues wind around all three main peaks, complemented by flowing reds such as Sondreløypa and family-friendly, confidence-building runs like Telemarksvingen.
Exploration & Comfort: Intermediates have nearly the whole resort at their feet, with scenic runs, tree-lined options, some gentle bumps, and the ability to traverse between mountain sections without steep surprises. Night skiing and well-connected lifts add to the variety.

Advanced/Expert
Challenging Runs & Off-Piste: About 50% of Gausta’s terrain is red and black, with notable steep slopes (like Svart’n) and ample marked and unmarked off-piste zones for strong skiers seeking adventure.
Gaustatoppen Summit Experience: For expert skiers, the Gaustatoppen peak (1,883m) offers a bucket-list freeride experience: take the Gaustabanen funicular to the summit for steep couloirs, deep powder, and advanced off-piste descents (guides recommended for steeper, unmarked lines).
Freeride: There are seven freeride routes down Gaustatoppen, ranging in difficulty, and a dedicated avalanche-safe marked run (Langefonn) as entry-level off-piste. Experts appreciate the challenge and scenery, though on-piste “extreme” terrain is somewhat limited compared with alpine mega-resorts.

is Gausta good for families?

Gausta is widely regarded as an excellent ski resort for families. It’s specifically designed to offer convenience, fun, and memorable experiences for parents and children, whether your family is full of keen skiers or you’re trying the sport for the first time.

Free Lift Passes for Kids: Children under 8 ski for free, making it very cost-effective for families with young children.

Ski Areas for All Ages and Abilities: Gausta’s slopes are clearly graded, with 40% beginner, 45% intermediate, and some advanced terrain, so kids and parents can progress together. Nearly every lift connects to a gentle green or blue run, allowing families to explore much of the mountain together, even as skills develop.

Dedicated Children’s Zones: There are multiple children’s learning areas equipped with magic carpets, playful terrain features, mascots (Huski and Flaks), and on-snow activities—so the youngest skiers have a safe place to play and learn.

Excellent Ski School: The Gausta Ski & Snowboard School offers lessons for all levels, including beginner programs for little ones—often with English-speaking instructors—and small group sizes for individualized attention. Lessons often start right outside the main family hotels and bakeries, so logistics are fuss-free for parents.

On-Site Family Amenities: Family rooms, apartments, and cabins are available, often with connecting options or extra beds. The Gaustablikk Fjellresort has a playroom next to the lobby, a family-friendly pool with sauna and hot tub, and table tennis, shuffleboard, and board games—all great for après-ski family bonding.

Easy Resort Navigation: The ski rental, school, groceries, bakery, restaurants, and lifts are centralized and within a short walk—hugely simplifying days with young children or mixed-ability groups.

Non-Ski & Off-Slope Activities: Families can enjoy fun with the mascots, marshmallow grilling at the Gapahuken, disc golf, snowshoeing, and scenic train rides on the Gaustabanen—all adding variety to a week at Gausta.

Positive Family Reviews: Families consistently praise the “cozy, friendly atmosphere,” “quality of the beginner areas,” “ski-in/ski-out access,” and “relaxed, helpful staff.” Kids love popping in and out of the trees and playgrounds, and parents appreciate how easy it is to regroup at lifts, cafes, or their accommodation.

In summary:
Gausta stands out as one of Norway’s most family-friendly ski resorts—combining great value (especially for young children), dedicated children’s zones, excellent instruction, and a compact, accessible layout. Add in highly rated food, a cozy resort feel, and a range of non-ski activities, and it’s easy to see why families return year after year.

Gausta Property Map