Norway Ski Holidays from the UK
Norway ski holidays offer UK skiers snow-sure slopes, uncrowded pistes, short flight times and outstanding value. With a ski heritage stretching back over 4,000 years and more Winter Olympic gold medals than any other nation, Norway combines world-class skiing with a uniquely Scandinavian experience of fjords, forests and Northern Lights.
Holiday World Ski Classics features six Norwegian ski resorts — Geilo, Beitostølen, Gausta, Myrkdalen, Norefjell and Voss — with ATOL-protected packages from London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Choose from short 3–4-night ski breaks or full 7-night holidays, with flights typically under two hours and resort transfers of 90 minutes to three hours.
Norway’s ski season runs from November to May — one of the longest in Europe. Reliable snow, gentle terrain and English-speaking ski schools make Norwegian resorts particularly popular with families and beginner-to-intermediate skiers, while resorts like Gausta and Norefjell also offer rewarding off-piste and freeride terrain for more experienced skiers.
Why Choose Norway for Your Ski Holiday
For UK skiers looking for something a little different, Norway ski holidays offer a magical blend of breathtaking scenery, reliable snow, and relaxed Nordic charm. With world-class resorts, short flight times, and excellent family-friendly facilities, Norway ski resorts are fast becoming one of Europe’s top winter destinations. Here’s why you should choose Norway for your next ski holiday:
1. Snow-sure and long season — Norway’s northerly latitude and high-altitude resorts (Beitostølen sits at 900m, Geilo at 800m) deliver reliable snow from November to May. Many resorts offer a snow guarantee, refunding your lift pass if conditions fall short.
2. Short flights, easy access — Direct flights from London to Oslo take around two hours. Bergen is served by direct flights from London and Aberdeen. Transfers to most resorts take 90 minutes to three hours, making Norway ideal for weekend ski breaks as well as full-week holidays.
3. Outstanding for families and beginners — Wide, quiet slopes, excellent English-speaking ski schools, free lift passes for under-7s at most resorts, and a wealth of non-ski activities (dog sledding, snowshoeing, tobogganing) make Norway one of Europe’s best family skiing destinations.
4. Great value compared to the Alps — Lift passes, ski hire and lessons are competitively priced. Holiday World packages including flights, accommodation and transfers often start from under £1,000 per person for a seven-night stay, with half-board hotel options available to lock in costs before you travel.
5. Unique experiences beyond skiing — Combine your ski trip with a Norwegian coastal voyage on the Havila line, chase the Northern Lights, ride the world-famous Oslo–Bergen railway through Geilo, or unwind in a mountainside spa. Holiday World is the only ski company offering Cruise ’N Ski combination holidays in Norway.
Norway Ski Holidays – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to ski in Norway?
A: Norway’s ski season runs from November to May, one of the longest in Europe. December to February offers the best snow and coldest temperatures, ideal for downhill skiing and Northern Lights viewing. March and April bring longer, sunnier days with reliable spring snow — a popular choice for families. Easter is peak season in Norway and should be booked early
Q: How do I get to Norwegian ski resorts from the UK?
A: Fly direct from London to Oslo (approximately 2 hours) for eastern resorts including Geilo, Norefjell, Beitostølen and Gausta. For western resorts (Myrkdalen and Voss), fly to Bergen (2 hours direct from London or Aberdeen). Transfers by bus or train take between 90 minutes and 3 hours depending on resort. Holiday World arranges all flights and transfers as part of your ATOL-protected package.
Q: Is Norway expensive for a ski holiday?
A: Norway ski holidays can be surprisingly affordable. Lift passes, ski hire and lessons are competitively priced, and Holiday World packages including flights, accommodation and transfers often start from under £1,000 per person for seven nights. Half-board hotel deals help lock in costs, and the pound’s current strength against the Norwegian krone makes eating out and shopping good value by recent standards.
Q: Is Norway good for beginner skiers?
A: Norway is one of Europe’s best destinations for beginner and intermediate skiers. Resorts like Beitostølen, Geilo and Myrkdalen feature wide, uncrowded slopes, gentle gradients and excellent English-speaking ski schools. Most resorts offer free lift passes for children under 7 and dedicated children’s learning areas with magic carpets and gentle drag lifts.
Q: Can I combine skiing with a Norwegian coastal cruise?
A: Yes. Holiday World is the only UK ski operator offering Cruise ’N Ski holidays in Norway. Combine 2–6 nights on a Havila Voyages coastal cruise from Bergen — sailing above the Arctic Circle with opportunities to see the Northern Lights — with a ski holiday at Geilo, Myrkdalen or Voss, all reachable by train from Bergen.
Q: Do I need a visa to ski in Norway?
A: British passport holders do not need a visa for short-stay tourism in Norway (up to 90 days). Norway is part of the Schengen Area. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. Check the latest entry requirements on GOV.UK before travelling.
OUR 6 NORWAY SKI RESORTS
Beitostølen Ski Resort — A compact, family-owned resort at 900m altitude with 21 alpine runs, 320 km of cross-country trails and some of the gentlest beginner terrain in Norway. Everything is within walking distance, including ski-in/ski-out accommodation, spa and swimming pool. Ideal for families with young children and cross-country enthusiasts.
Gausta Ski Resort, - Centred beneath Gaustatoppen (1,883m), one of Norway’s most iconic peaks, Gausta offers 37 slopes across four ski areas with 45 km of groomed terrain. Advanced skiers can ride the Gaustabanen funicular inside the mountain to the summit for freeride descents. Voted Norway’s Best Ski Resort 2019–2023 by World Ski Awards. Family-friendly at the base, adventurous at the top.
Geilo Ski Resort — Winner of Norway’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards (2019–2023), Geilo sits midway between Oslo and Bergen on the scenic Bergen railway. Two ski areas share a single lift pass with 46 slopes and 34 km of groomed terrain. Over 200 km of cross-country trails, dog sledding and on-mountain dining round out a superb family destination. Holiday World offers 7 Geilo properties.
Myrkdalen Ski Resort, — Western Norway’s most complete ski resort, just two hours from Bergen Airport. Myrkdalen receives around 5 metres of snow annually — one of the highest snowfalls in Europe — and its season often runs from late November to early May. 24 runs, ski-in/ski-out hotel, night skiing three days per week, and a unique fjord-cruise day excursion.
Norefjell Ski Resort — Just 90 minutes from Oslo, Norefjell boasts Northern Europe’s greatest vertical drop at over 1,000m. A 1952 Winter Olympic venue, the resort has 30 slopes, 14 lifts and a luxury ski-in/ski-out spa hotel. Excellent tree skiing, quiet pistes and two terrain parks make it a strong all-round choice.
Voss Ski Resort — Western Norway’s largest ski resort with 40 km of groomed alpine trails and 24 descents, including a giant slalom and Super-G course. The Voss Gondol whisks skiers from the lakeside town centre to the summit in nine minutes. Night skiing three evenings per week. The shared lift pass with nearby Myrkdalen adds further variety. Two hours from Bergen by train or car.
Holiday World Ski Classics is a UK-based specialist tour operator offering bespoke Norway ski holidays, including Geilo, Voss and Norefjell, with departures from the UK and full ATOL protection.
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| Beitostølen ski resort offers 21 runs serviced by 9 lifts as well as an expanse of off-piste terrain. There are also 320km of cross country ski trails, snow park, lifts, family-friendly slopes, a large variety family-friendly activities and some challenging slopes await you. In Beitostolen you are within walking distance to everything; to the slopes, trails, dining experiences, cultural activities, entertainment and anything else adults and children dream of.
The resort is known for its family friendly slopes, but you can also find challenging slopes in Raudalen right across the valley. Two of the ski slopes are lit.
WHAT IS THE SKIING LIKE AT Beitostølen?
Beitostølen is an outstanding destination for beginner and intermediate skiers, with a smaller—though enjoyable—offering for advanced skiers. Here’s what you can expect for each level:
Beginners
Best-in-Class for Beginners: Beitostølen is a paradise for learners. Nearly the entire resort is accessible, with wide, gentle green and blue slopes and an unintimidating layout. Even red runs are manageable for progressive beginners, and there are virtually no steep or challenging “no-go” areas.
Dedicated Kids’ Zone: Children and total beginners benefit from a designated beginner area near the village, complete with magic carpets, easy drag lifts, and playful terrain features.
Ski School: The ski school is highly rated, offering private and group lessons for all ages—including special kids’ programs focused on safety, confidence, and fun.
Gentle Progression: Learners can explore almost the whole resort, gaining confidence before moving onto the more challenging (but still gentle) reds.
Intermediates
Plenty of Fun: Intermediates will find most of Beitostølen’s main area suits them—easy blues and approachable reds dominate, making it ideal for cruising, practicing turns, and building confidence.
Raudalen Area: A quick taxi or shuttle ride from the main village, the Raudalen side offers slightly steeper red and a handful of black runs, catering to confident intermediates ready for a new challenge. Enjoy smooth progression from the center slopes to Raudalen as your skills improve.
Advanced/Experts
Limited, but Enjoyable: Beitostølen Ski Center itself doesn’t have true black/difficult slopes. For advanced runs, head to Raudalen Alpinsenter (covered by the same lift pass), where you’ll find a few reds and challenging blacks, plus some scope for off-piste and guided ski touring. The area is fun but not extensive; dedicated experts may want steeper or longer descents elsewhere.
Freestyle & Off-Piste: A modest snow park with beginner-friendly jumps and rails lets everyone have a go, but it’s not extreme. Off-piste/out-of-bounds areas are limited, but there are options for powder and snowcat-accessed terrain for advanced groups with guides.
is Beitostølen good for families?
Beitostølen is an excellent ski resort for families and is often recognized as one of the most family-friendly destinations in Norway.
Gentle, Accessible Slopes:
The resort features wide, easy slopes that are ideal for beginners and families learning together. The Barnebakken children's area has a magic carpet and gentle terrain for the youngest, while dedicated slopes and a "Barneland" area encourage playful, safe learning.
All pistes and key amenities are close together, making it easy for families to regroup or take breaks—most accommodation is ski-in/ski-out or just a very short walk from the lifts.
Exceptional Kids' Facilities and Activities:
Children's playgrounds, wave runs, adventure courses, and playgrounds are found right at the foot of the slopes, while instructors and mascots help make the experience fun and memorable for young kids.
A large 17-acre Winter Playland gives children room to toboggan, try ski games, and play away from the ski slopes.
Group and private children's ski school lessons are available for all ages and abilities, with fun progression levels (like "snow mouse" for first-timers and "wolf" for more advanced kids).
Compact, Convenient Resort Layout:
The entire village is compact, walkable, and convenient—accommodation, lifts, ski school, equipment rental, and shops are all centered at the base of the slopes.
Family-Focused Accommodation:
Options include the Radisson Blu Resort (with indoor pool, playroom, and family suites) and Riddergaarden Apartments (luxury self-catering with direct slope access and a fantastic indoor/outdoor pool and spa). Most hotels/apartments provide children’s menus, indoor play areas, and games rooms.
Activities Beyond Skiing:
Beitostølen runs a packed program off the slopes: snow rafting, airboarding, dog sledding, evening bumboarding, snowkiting, horse riding, and tobogganing. In the summer, the central activity park offers more fun for all ages.
The village hosts regular family events, fireworks, and New Year’s celebrations | |
| 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. | |
| What makes Geilo's ski area a top choice for skiers to Norway?
Geilo ski resort is neatly split into two main sides, connected by a free ski shuttle bus. On one side is Geilohovda / Slaatta / Havsdalen, and across the fjord is Vestlia / Kikut - both covered under a single lift pass. In total, Geilo offers around 46 alpine slopes, serviced by 20 lifts (14 surface lifts and 6 chairlifts). It provides about 34 km of ski terrain with approximately 18 km easy (green/blue), 12 km intermediate (blue/red), and 4 km difficult (black and mogul) runs. The vertical drop is approx. 373 m from top to bottom.
Both ski areas welcome all levels: very easy nursery slopes and conveyor lifts at Vestlia/Kikut for beginners; more challenging red/blues and a few black runs on Geilohovda/Slaatta for intermediates and adventurous skiers
There’s a strong food scene on the mountain: six to eight slope‑side dining options. You’ll find Skikaféen in Vestlia for fast family meals; SlaattaStugu with fresh buns and soups; Havsdalskroa for local‑ingredient pizza; Kikut Bistro and the Kikuttoppen Vinbar at 1,000 m offering elevated cuisine and expansive views. Also don't miss Vaffeltoppen for waffles with a view, plus cozy huts and packed‑lunch rooms dotted around the slopes.
The ski bus takes you easily from one side of the valley to the other so that all slopes are easily accessible. In all base areas you will find slopes suitable for children and beginners, these are also connected to larger slopes and ski lifts. Geilo has two ski schools that help you with skiing and technique. In all base areas, you can also hire modern and newly prepared skis for all levels.
WHAT IS THE SKIING LIKE AT GEILO?
Geilo is one of Norway’s most family-friendly and accessible ski resorts, offering well-groomed, crowd-free slopes that cater superbly to beginners and intermediates—with a modest but enjoyable offering for advanced skiers as well.
Is Geilo good for beginners?
Geilo is widely regarded as one of Norway’s best resorts for beginners. Both the Vestlia and Slaatta sides of the valley feature dedicated nursery areas with magic carpets, gentle green runs and well-established English-speaking ski schools offering group and private lessons.
Progression: Magic carpets, gentle lifts, and wide, forgiving slopes let absolute beginners progress rapidly. Dedicated nursery areas, accessible green runs (e.g., Route 66, No 51 and No 68), and free practice lifts are found throughout the resort.
Safety & Comfort: The slopes are quiet, not intimidating, and well maintained, with plenty of places to rest and regroup—ideal for children or adults new to the sport.
Ski Schools: Both group and private lessons are available from two well-established ski schools, with lessons graded by ability level from first-timers to those ready for blue or red runs.
Intermediates
Perfect Cruising: Geilo is a dream for intermediate skiers, with a great mix of blue and red runs that are wide, groomed, and manageable, but still interesting enough to keep you entertained for a week.
Terrain Variety: The Havsdalshovda and Kikuttoppen areas offer less crowded slopes, and the gentle reds off the Trollheisen Chairlift and elsewhere allow for comfortable progression.
Special Features: Night skiing is available twice a week, adding extra fun to a trip, and floodlit trails make for a unique experience.
Advanced/Expert
Modest Advanced Terrain: While Geilo isn’t a big destination for advanced or expert skiers, it does feature a handful of steeper reds and some black runs to provide moments of intensity.
Key Runs: There are a few mogul fields (notably Red 22), occasional timed or race pistes, and some limited off-piste and technical options. The resort leaves one red and one black run ungroomed for moguls and challenge-seekers.
Freestyle: Three well-designed terrain parks cater to freestyle progression, from fun beginner features to challenges designed by Olympic athlete Andreas Håtveit.
is GEILO good for families?
Trollklubben is a ski in/ski out childcare facility, situated in a cozy log cabin at Vestlia. Trollklubben offers childcare for children 0- 8 years old. Their professional team of staff are there to give your child expert care in a fun and safe environment. | |
| Myrkdalen has 24 runs offering everything from family-friendly ski areas, slopes with all levels of difficulty, terrain parks, ski cross slopes to great off-piste terrain. Cross-country skiing is also well catered for as you would expect in Norway.
The resort also offers night skiing min. 3 days a week throughout the season.
Beginners and families are well supported by a dedicated base-area for kids featuring disc lifts, a magic carpet, and gentle runs next to the resort centre and ski school. Wide open and uncrowded pistes make learning to ski safe and confidence-building. Intermediate skiers enjoy long cruisy blues and reds and uncrowded slopes that let them ski at their own pace. Experienced skiers will find ample off‑piste and backcountry powder terrain, accessible without touring.
The ski resort has a total of 9 lifts: 2 six-seater express lifts, 3 t-bar lifts, 3 disc lifts and a magic carpet for the youngest skiers.
Our lift ticket offers the exclusive option to ski at nearby Voss approx. 30 mins away.
WHAT IS THE SKIING LIKE AT Myrkdalen?
Myrkdalen Ski Resort in Western Norway is widely recognized as one of the country’s most versatile and snow-sure areas, offering a well-balanced experience for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers alike.
Beginners
Outstanding for Beginners: Myrkdalen excels for newcomers, with a dedicated beginner zone featuring magic carpets and practice lifts at the base. Wide, gentle green and blue slopes allow for smooth progression, and most of the resort’s terrain is accessible to beginners.
Learning & Confidence: The teaching area is extensive, and the ski school provides private and group lessons for all ages in English. Green runs like “Transporten” and others near the base make for ideal first-time experiences, and relaxed progression is possible through easy blue slopes.
Atmosphere: Quiet, uncrowded slopes—even in peak week—ensure a low-pressure learning environment, making Myrkdalen especially popular for families and school groups.
Intermediates
Variety and Comfort: Intermediates will enjoy the majority of Myrkdalen’s pistes—32km of blue and red runs. Wide-open blues are ideal for practicing turns, while reds on Overland and areas around the top lifts offer cruisy challenges and wonderful valley views.
Progression: Runs like Hyrtamyra and Myrkdalsløypo provide smooth, long descents for skill-building. The terrain is ideal for learners who want to explore the whole mountain at their own pace.
Snow Parks & Fun: There are multiple snow parks and adventure trails, including Forest Cross and beginner to advanced line jumps, for those wanting a playful progression.
Advanced/Expert
Challenging Pistes and Off-Piste: Advanced skiers can test themselves on steep red and black runs, such as Bygardsløypo No. 2 and Ondrahaugen. The Kari Traa lift provides access to reds, off-piste, and powder terrain.
Freeride & Powder: Myrkdalen is a top Norwegian destination for off-piste and powder skiing, with expansive terrain off Finnbunuten and Krani, as well as tree skiing through birch forests. Powder stashes last for days after snowstorms thanks to low crowds.
Freestyle: The resort features Norway’s largest ski park, with lines and jumps to challenge advanced freestylers and freeriders.
is Myrkdalen good for families?
1000%
Myrkdalen Ski Resort is an excellent choice for families and is often highlighted as one of the most family-friendly ski destinations in Norway.
Dedicated Children’s Zone and Facilities
The resort features a large Kids’ Area right at the base, equipped with its own magic carpet, two easy pommel lifts, and gentle green slopes, making it easy for children or beginners to learn in a safe and supportive environment.
Special children’s slopes, wave runs, and illuminated Adventure Forest (“Eventyrparken”) ensure that kids have fun while improving their skills—even during evening skiing.
Comprehensive Ski School and Childcare
Myrkdalen offers professional ski lessons for all ages and abilities, with dedicated classes for children and a friendly, English-speaking staff.
Childcare is available, allowing parents some time to explore the mountain on their own if desired.
Family-Friendly Events and Activities
Throughout weekends and school holidays, Myrkdalen hosts free kids’ ski races, mascot appearances (Mikkel and Mikkeline), and the Fox Kids Club for extra fun.
Additional activities like horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing, tobogganing, indoor games at the hotel, and ice fishing help keep families entertained off the slopes.
Resort Layout Designed for Families
The resort is compact, with ski-in/ski-out lodging, rental shops, and family facilities all within easy reach—so you can ditch the car for your whole trip.
Kids aged 6 and under ski free (with a helmet), making Myrkdalen very affordable for young families.
Relaxed, Cozy, and Safe Atmosphere
Wide, quiet slopes and a distinctly welcoming vibe contribute to a low-stress experience, even during peak times.
Myrkdalen’s hotel and apartments offer play areas and kids’ clubs for off-snow relaxation, ensuring everyone in the family can unwind
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| What makes Norefjell ski resort suitable for couples and families?
Norefjell ski resort is a family friendly destination with a ski school, child areas and big ski slopes. With 14 ski lifts, 30 ski slopes, lots of easy off-piste and two terrain parks, there is something for everyone.
The resort offers the longest vertical descent in northern Europe as well as access to some great off-piste tree skiing for the more adventurous skiers.
WHAT IS THE SKIING LIKE AT Norefjell?
Norefjell is one of Norway’s most accessible and family-friendly ski resorts, offering a well-balanced selection of terrain for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers—all with stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Beginners
Terrain & Experience: The majority of Norefjell’s ski area is made up of gentle green and easy blue slopes, making it an outstanding choice for beginners and those looking to build confidence.
Learning Areas: Each accommodation cluster has its own learner slope, and there are three main nursery areas close to hotels and apartments—making lessons convenient for families.
Ski School: The resort offers excellent group and private lessons for all ages, starting directly outside the ski & spa hotels.
Progression: After starting on designated green terrain, beginners can explore a variety of unintimidating runs, many of which provide long descents down the mountain—all the way to the lake on scenic routes.
Atmosphere: Quiet slopes, even in peak season, add to the stress-free learning environment.
Intermediates
Terrain: Norefjell is a favorite for intermediates, with plenty of wide blue runs and some gentle reds offering cruisy descents through beautiful pine forests.
Vertical Drop: Ski Norway’s greatest vertical—over 1,000m from summit to lake—on a mix of blue and red runs that offer both length and variety.
Exploration: Intermediates can enjoy the full vertical drop, tree-lined trails, and quiet pistes, and link runs between the different zones for longer cruises.
Snow Parks: Two snowparks with jumps, rails, and fun features are available for those looking to try freestyle in a safe environment.
Advanced/Expert
Terrain: While Norefjell is best known for its beginner and intermediate terrain, there are several red and black runs for advanced skiers, including some of Norway’s steepest pistes.
Challenges: The steep OL Nedre black slope, moguls, and tree-lined descents toward the lake offer short but satisfying challenges. If snow conditions allow, upper mountain and off-piste skiing can be rewarding for skilled skiers.
Olympic History: Norefjell was an Olympic venue, and advanced skiers can test themselves on the same classic trails.
Limitations: The advanced terrain is relatively limited in total distance compared to the beginner/intermediate offering, but is ideal for families or groups where only some need expert-worthy slopes
is Norefjell good for families?
In a word - Absolutely!
Both the Norefjell Ski and Spa resort and the Norefjellstua apartments offer excellent family-size units as well as both being ski in/ski out.
Norefjell resort also has a mascot named Nore Rein. Nore is very popular among the children and he has a dedicated activity programme throughout the ski season. | |
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| 10 lifts service 24 runs and a ton of off piste terrain as well as 11 km of illuminated trails and evening skiing three times a week; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Three areas for children: Trollbakken, Grebbesbakken and Badnakrokjen and four on-mountain restaurants including Hangurstoppen located at the Gondola station - try the Burger made from local produce!
Anyone familiar with Voss knows that SkiBarBula in Bavallstunet has long been known as one of the best places for après-ski in the whole of Norway.
Every Saturday in the winter season from early January from 15:00-20:00. At Hangurstoppen there will be a more relaxed atmosphere, in the form of ‘Ittepaoski’ with a focus on ‘lounge’, good food and wine.
WHAT IS THE SKIING LIKE AT VOSS?
Voss Resort is one of Western Norway’s largest ski areas, renowned for its spectacular scenery, variety, and suitability for all levels—especially beginners and intermediates, but also offering challenges for advanced skiers.
Beginners
Excellent for Learners: Voss is highly regarded for beginner skiing, with wide, gentle green runs (e.g., Vossatassen and Panoramaløypa) starting from the top of the Hangurstoppen gondola and returning to the Bavallen area. There are multiple dedicated children’s and learner areas (Grebbesbakken, Badnakrokje, Trollbakken) featuring magic carpets, drag lifts, and free practice lifts close to the village and main gondola.
Progression: The resort’s layout allows new skiers to enjoy long descents, open spaces for practicing turns, and easy valley runs without fear of getting lost or overwhelmed. The on-site ski school offers group and private lessons for all ages.
Atmosphere: Slopes are manageable and uncrowded, making first experiences positive for adults and children alike.
Intermediates
Variety & Exploration: Over half of Voss’s slopes are blue or red, providing a wealth of cruisy runs perfect for progression. Intermediates enjoy long, scenic runs from Slettafjellet and Horgaletten, both served by T-bars and offering lovely, winding descents through beautiful Norwegian mountain scenery.
Terrain Park: There’s a snowpark near the base for freestyle fun plus easy powder trails to safely introduce skiers to off-piste and powder skiing.
Advanced/Expert
Challenging Runs: Advanced skiers have access to several black runs, including the challenging World Cup Storslalåmløypa (giant slalom course) and the long Utforløype. Steep slopes with 530m of elevation drop test legs and technique.
Freeride & Off-Piste: Voss is known for its plentiful powder and frequent snowfalls—over 500cm yearly—making off-piste riding a highlight. Local guides can show hidden areas, tree lines, fresh powder stashes, and classic Norwegian backcountry just off the main slopes.
Ski Touring: The surrounding mountains offer outstanding ski touring possibilities, with options for guided trips suitable for strong intermediates and up. Voss is also a destination in Norway’s randonee/backcountry scene.
is voss good for families?
Voss ski resort is widely recognized as a good choice for families, offering a well-organized, welcoming, and fun environment for children and adults at all levels.
Free Lift Passes and Affordable Access
All children aged 0–6 get free lift passes, making it very appealing for young families. Helmets for this age group can also be rented for free.
Extensive Children’s Areas & Activities
There are three separate children’s areas: Grebbesbakken, Trollbakken, and Badnakrokjen. Each area includes magic carpets or easy button lifts, gentle slopes, playful terrain features, wave runs, and regular weekend or holiday ski races and activities.
The Trollbakken slope at Hangurstoppen is conveniently located near the gondola top, the main restaurant, toilets, ski hire, and ski school—making the logistics easy for families.
The Badnakrokjen area in the middle of the resort has a small snow park and is the site for regular children’s events and competitions.
Top-Rated Ski School and Childcare
Voss Resort’s ski school is renowned in Norway for high-quality instructors, with lessons tailored for children of all ages, including the youngest skiers. Childcare is available in the resort for little ones who aren’t quite ready to ski.
Easy Navigation and Prime Location
The resort’s design makes it easy for families to navigate and regroup, with runs converging near main lift stations and restaurants. The new Voss Gondol whisks families from town directly into the centre of the ski area in just 9 minutes | |
