Ski resorts in Norway are ready for winter

The start of the 2009/10 winter season is just around the corner at ski resorts in Norway, too. The first lifts on the slopes and trails at well-known ski resorts around Lillehammer, Svalbard and Oslo open as early as October. Norway has already seen its first snowfall, laying the essential foundation for enjoying winter sports in the great outdoors. In addition, Norway has a relatively large number of indoor ice rinks, where all kinds of winter and ice sports can also be enjoyed.

Unlike in the Alps, where disciplines such as alpine skiing and snowboarding have traditionally been more popular with tourists, in Norway—as the name might suggest—Nordic skiing disciplines such as cross-country skiing are very popular. Ski jumping is also highly regarded in Norway, even if, for most tourists, it is usually a sport to watch rather than take part in. Norway’s largest and most modern ski jumping facility is currently being built at Holmenkollen in Oslo and is due to be completed in March 2010, before the end of the winter season. The trails at the ski resorts in Lillehammer, Oslo and Svalbard are in excellent condition, making cross-country skiing through Norway’s forests a carefree pleasure.

A winter holiday in Norway is particularly affordable in the spaciously equipped ski cabins and holiday apartments in Lillehammer, Oslo and Svalbard. Larger groups will find extremely practical accommodation here at remarkable prices, and can start enjoying winter sports virtually right on their doorstep. There is never a shortage of snow in Norway in winter, so the season often lasts well into May.