Skiing in Norway
Whether you’re an experienced skier or a complete novice, there’s no better place to hit the slopes. It’s home to world-class ski areas and wild, rugged mountains with perfect snow conditions.
Skiing is a way of life in Norway. It’s something many of us learn to do almost as soon as we can walk. And it’s something we’ve been doing for millennia.
The oldest known image of a person on skies was carved into a rock on the island of Tro in Nordland, some 5,000 years ago. This Stone Age image even inspired the logo of the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer.
Most of the bigger resorts are found in southern Norway, either located near the fjords or further inland. Once you cross the Arctic Circle, though, the terrain becomes wilder, the mountains more rugged. This is the place for avid skiers and snowboarders – for those of you who want to go off-piste and explore untouched peaks.
When is the best time to ski in Norway?
As long as there is snow on the ground, you’ll find us Norwegians on skis. The season usually starts earlier here than elsewhere in Europe, in late September to early October.
As temperatures drop and snow cover grows, peak ski season arrives – which for most resorts is from December to April.
But it is spring skiing that holds an extra-special place in our hearts. This is a time when the long days and milder weather create a festival-like atmosphere, with many resorts staying open until late April or even early May or June.
“What is really nice about springtime skiing,” says Rebekka Maria Bohrer, one of our Coastal Experience Team members, “is that you have the sun warming you again. You get that feeling of spring but you still have the snow.”
(Image credit: Norefjell Ski Resort/VisitNorway.com)
There’s a different atmosphere in Norway’s ski areas at this time of year. In winter, the most passionate skiers take to the slopes, but in spring, skiing is even more widely enjoyed. This is especially true at Easter.
“Easter is one of the most anticipated holidays in Norway. Many Norwegians go to their cabins and ski. It’s tradition,” says Rebekka.
“You bring hot chocolate and an orange and find a place where you can enjoy the sun. I don't dare to say it's more important than Christmas, but it's a time of year when the cities empty and everyone is outside. Going skiing is one of the most important things to do, even if you ski just a short way.”
Where are Norway’s best ski resorts?
10 minutes from Narvik
Narvikfjellet: skiing with a view
This is northern Norway’s largest ski resort and the future host of the 2029 FIS Alpine World Ski Championship. With six lifts, 16 runs and extensive trails for cross-country skiing, you’ll find everything you need and more. But the most exceptional thing about Narvikfjellet? It has to be the location.
It's situated just moments from the port of Narvik, which we call at on our North Cape Line voyage. The resort boasts panoramic views over the fjord below, which is lined by sharply rising snow-capped mountains. And thanks to its position inside the Arctic Circle, it offers the unique opportunity to ski beneath the Northern Lights in winter and the Midnight Sun in spring.
2 hours from Bergen
Myrkdalen: a winter wonderland
One of Norway’s most famous resorts, Myrkdalen is a snow-sure skier’s paradise, with some of the best powder in Europe. There are nine ski lifts and 22 trails, as well as accessible off-piste terrain.
Want to catch some air? This Norway ski resort is also famous for its snowparks, with jumps and rails for experts and kids alike. And if you can prise yourself away from the snowy peaks, you’re not far from Flåm and the famous Sognefjord – both of which can be visited before or after your voyage with us.
(Image credit: Sverre F. Hjørnevik - Fjellandsby/VisitNorway.com)
1 hour from Ålesund
Strandafjellet: ski like a local
One of western Norway’s best resorts when it comes to good snow conditions, Strandafjellet is nestled in the heart of the fjords. Look out over the glacial landscape as you ski down its 18 slopes, or enjoy what is perhaps Scandinavia’s best freeride area and explore the extensive off-piste terrain.
As for après-ski, the picturesque town of Ålesund is around an hour away, where you can rub shoulders with the locals in its bars, cafés, and restaurants. In winter, The Coastal Express stays in port from 09:45 til 20:00, meaning you can easily enjoy a day on the slopes before heading back to your ship.
(Image credit: Haavard Myklebust/VisitNorway.com)
2.5–3 hours from Oslo
Hafjell and Kvitfjell: Winter Olympics legacy
Situated only 50km from one another, Hafjell and Kvitfjell both hosted events at the 1994 Winter Olympics. Today, you might still find aspiring Olympians racing down Norway’s longest black run at Kvitfjell.
But you’re more likely to see local Norwegians carving down one of Kvitfjell’s 32 slopes or one of the 30 runs in Hafjell.
(Image credit: Kvitfjell - Erland Husom/VisitNorway.com)
2.5 hours from Oslo
Trysil: Norway’s largest ski resort
Right on the border with Sweden, Trysil is the biggest, most popular resort in Norway. It has everything a ski enthusiast could ask for – 69 slopes, 100+km of cross-country trails, various terrain parks, and a buzzing après scene, with more than 30 eateries to choose from.
Some of the runs even have floodlights, allowing for late-night skiing. And with lots of cabins, hotels, and apartments right on the slopes, you can ski-in, ski-out, no problem.
(Image credit: Ola Matsson – SkiStar/VisitNorway.com)
1.5–3 hours from Oslo
Geilo and Norefjell: For something a bit different
Found west of Oslo, Geilo and Norefjell are popular mountainside retreats for city dwellers. Like most Norwegian resorts, there are slopes and parks for all abilities.
But for something a little different, try tobogganing in Geilo. There’s a 1km-long run where you can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour … if you want to, that is.
Or how about swapping your skis for a sleighride in Norefjell? Head into the wintery woodland for a magical experience, before stopping for a toasty drink around a campfire.
(Image credit: Christoffer Sandmark/VisitNorway.com)
Skiing in the capital: Holmenkollen Ski Jump
You don’t have to be a skier to appreciate Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Perched above Oslo, it’s one of Norway’s most iconic landmarks, offering spectacular views and a glimpse into the country’s deep-rooted passion for winter sports.
The ski jump itself is an architectural marvel – a sleek, steel structure that stands proudly against the skyline. It’s one of the oldest ski jumps in the world, with competitions held here since 1892, making it a central part of Norway’s skiing heritage.
At the base of the jump, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum delves into over 4,000 years of skiing history, featuring exhibits on polar exploration, Norwegian ski traditions, and modern alpine techniques.
Visitors can explore the evolution of skiing gear and techniques, while also learning about Norway’s legendary skiers. For the adventurous, a simulator ride lets you experience the thrill of ski jumping first-hand.
Ski touring in Norway
Northern Norway is the dream destination for ski touring, with dramatic mountains and deep snow lasting late into spring. If you’re experienced, join one of our local guides to hike up the best peaks, before descending down kilometres of untouched powder.
The Lofoten Islands: Wild and wonderful
Deep in the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are an archipelago of jagged peaks and quaint fishing villages, stretching out into the Norwegian Sea. This is a hotspot for backcountry skiing, with descents that take you right down to the edge of the fjords.
(Image credit: Pete Oswald/VisitNorway.com)
The Lyngen Alps: On top of the world
Near Tromsø – Norway’s Arctic Capital – the Lyngen Alps are even wilder and more remote than the Lofoten Islands.
With long, sustained descents, this is the destination for experienced, extreme alpine skiers and snowboarders looking for their next challenge.
Tips for a ski holiday in Norway
Safety first
Skiing – particular tour skiing – can be dangerous. If you’re heading off-piste, make sure you’re with a guide who knows the terrain and will be able to share their local knowledge. And always check the avalanche risk at www.varsom.no.
Ski schools and equipment hire
Skiing is a serious business in Norway. Nearly all of the resorts have ski schools and equipment hire, so there’s no need to worry about adding skis to your luggage allowance or stowing them on your ship.
Pack smart
If you want to swap sea spray for spraying powder, make sure you come prepared, packing plenty of layers that’ll keep you warm on the slopes. But if you’re really stuck, you’ll be able to pick up what you need from a shop in Norway.
Cross-country skiing with Hurtigruten
As Rebekka says, “If you’d like to do the most Norwegian thing, then you have to join a cross-country skiing excursion. As it is with any outdoor activities in Norway, at the end we gather together in a cosy place for a warm drink, to share some stories and to enjoy being outside. That’s the important part.”
