Skiing in Norway

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Norway is not a single ski resort, but a vast winter sports destination with very different regions. The main factors to consider are the mix of alpine skiing and cross-country skiing you want, and the distances between your accommodation, the ski area and other destinations. If you want to visit several regions, plan for travel days; for daily skiing, it is usually best to choose one clear base.

Verschneite Berglandschaft mit einer Skispur im Storutladalen im Jotunheimen-Nationalpark in Norwegen. Photo: Frankemann / Wikimedia Commons

Key facts

Innlandet and Gudbrandsdalen bring together destinations such as Trysil, Hafjell and Kvitfjell.
Hallingdal is home to Hemsedal, Geilo and Ål Skisenter, among others.
Telemark and Setesdal stretch from Gausta and Rauland to Hovden.
Voss, Myrkdalen and Sogndal are separate destinations in Fjord Norway.
Oppdal and Meråker are in Trøndelag; Northern Norway includes Narvikfjellet, Målselv and Tromsø.
Alpine skiing and cross-country skiing are different kinds of trips; snow conditions, openings and connections vary by area and date.

Six regions, different kinds of trips

Several well-known alpine destinations are in the east and south. Innlandet and Gudbrandsdalen bring together Trysil, Hafjell, Kvitfjell and Skeikampen. Hallingdal connects Hemsedal, Geilo and Ål Skisenter. For a more southerly location, consider Telemark and Setesdal, with Gausta, Rauland and Hovden. These are independent destinations, not part of one shared lift network.

If you want to combine fjord scenery with days on the slopes, compare destinations in Fjord Norway: Voss Resort, Myrkdalen and Sogndal are not part of a shared ski network. Farther north, Trøndelag offers its own bases in Oppdal and Meråker, while Northern Norway has Narvikfjellet, Målselv and Tromsø. Moving between these subregions means arranging new transport and accommodation each time.

Weigh up downhill skiing, cross-country trails and winter scenery

A winter holiday in Norway is about more than alpine slopes. Cross-country skiing is a distinct and widespread winter sport throughout the country, but trails, elevation and access differ from those of alpine ski areas. When choosing where to stay, consider whether you prioritise daily lift access, longer cross-country outings, or a combination of the two. Families may also want to consider how easily each group member can reach ski school, beginner areas and meeting points.

Getting there and length of stay

Some larger ski resorts can be reached by train or direct ski bus. Whether the connection works for your accommodation depends on the station, connecting bus and location of your lodging; allow for luggage and the journey to the lift when planning travel time. Choosing one fixed base avoids long daily transfers; if you want to visit several subregions, plan for extra travel days and changes of accommodation.

Ski holidays in Fjord Norway

At Voss, a gondola connects the railway station with the slopes. Myrkdalen offers terrain parks, ski cross and a children’s area by the hotel. In Hodlekve, Sogndal, five lifts and Dalalåven Café add to the runs. Three independent destinations for your ski holiday in Fjord Norway.

Ski holidays in Hallingdal

Hallingdal brings together independent ski areas: Hemsedal’s runs across three peaks, Geilo’s pistes on both sides of the valley, and Ål’s Svartebergløypa. In Geilo, Vestlia, Kikut, Slaatta and Havsdalen offer different starting points for children and beginners.

Ski holidays in Innlandet and Gudbrandsdalen

Innlandet and Gudbrandsdalen bring together Trysil, Hafjell, Kvitfjell and Skeikampen as distinct destinations. Trysil connects four ski areas; Hafjell and Skeikampen offer extensive cross-country trail networks, while Kvitfjell is known for its striking alpine race courses. Kvitfjell is about 45 minutes north of Lillehammer.

Ski holidays in Northern Norway

Narvikfjellet’s gondola runs from the edge of the city to 656 metres, and its chairlift continues to 1,000 metres. Målselv combines 14 runs with cross-country skiing and places to eat and drink. Tromsø Alpinpark is close to the city and offers private ski and snowboard lessons.

Ski holidays in Telemark and Setesdal

Gausta combines family slopes with the ungroomed Langefonn route for experienced skiers at Gaustatoppen. Rauland offers forest and high-mountain trails, while Hovden provides lift access to Hovdenut and Storenos and an extensive network of trails through forest and mountain terrain.

Ski holidays in Trøndelag

Oppdal links four mountain areas: Vangslia, Hovden, Stølen and Ådalen offer different valley access points, children’s slopes and freeride terrain. Meråker is an independent ski resort with weekend and holiday operations according to its 2026/27 seasonal schedule. Stølen also has local dining options.