Resorts covered: 1 | Season: Dec–Apr | Best airports: Oslo (OSL), Bergen (BGO)
Norway is a different kind of ski destination — not about scale or après-ski, but about snow quality, authentic Nordic culture, and the extraordinary experience of skiing in a country where the sport is woven into national identity. Norwegian powder is legendary: cold, dry, and preserved for days by sub-zero temperatures. Hemsedal leads Norway’s resort offering.
Why ski in Norway?
Norwegian skiing offers something the Alps can’t — true cold-weather powder, a culture that takes snow sports seriously at every level, and a combination with one of Scandinavia’s most compelling city destinations (Oslo). The resorts are smaller than Alpine giants but the quality of snow, grooming, and mountain culture is outstanding. For experienced skiers looking for something different, Norway is a compelling destination.
The best ski resort in Norway
Hemsedal
Norway’s finest ski resort — the “Scandinavian Alps” — with 55km of impeccably groomed piste, exceptional off-piste powder culture, and a genuine Norwegian mountain village atmosphere. Three hours from Oslo, Hemsedal combines world-class snow quality with authentic Nordic character in a way that Alpine resorts struggle to replicate.
Read our full Hemsedal guide →
How to choose
Hemsedal is Norway’s benchmark resort for international visitors. Geilo and Trysil are alternatives — Geilo is smaller and more family-oriented; Trysil in eastern Norway is the country’s largest resort by piste km and popular with families. Hemsedal offers the best terrain variety and snow quality for the majority of skiers.
Getting to Norway for skiing
Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) is the main hub — frequent direct flights from UK and European cities. From Oslo it’s 3 hours to Hemsedal by road. Hiring a car is the most flexible option. Bus and coach services connect Oslo to the major resorts in season. Winter driving in Norway requires winter tyres (mandatory) and confidence on mountain roads.
Frequently asked questions
Is Norwegian skiing expensive?
In line with mid-range Alpine resorts once you account for lift passes and accommodation. Food and drinks are expensive by European standards — Norway has high prices overall. Self-catering in a cabin (hytte) reduces costs significantly. Lift passes are comparable to mid-range Alpine resorts at current exchange rates.
What makes Norwegian snow different?
Norwegian winters are consistently cold, which preserves powder snow for days after a storm. The dry, cold air produces light, low-density snow similar to the best days in the Alps — but reliably, for days at a time. This is what draws powder enthusiasts from across Europe.
Can I combine Oslo and skiing?
Absolutely — Oslo is a world-class city destination and a natural combination with a Hemsedal ski trip. Fly into Oslo, spend 1–2 days in the city, drive to Hemsedal for the skiing, and return through Oslo. The Holmenkollen ski jump above Oslo is worth visiting as a ski culture landmark.
Myrkdalen
Norway’s best-kept powder secret, tucked into a steep valley above Voss in western Norway. Average annual snowfall exceeds 6 metres, rivalling the snowiest alpine resorts in Europe. Only 30 km from Voss and 180 km from Bergen, Myrkdalen offers exceptional off-piste touring terrain, 33 km of marked pistes with a 770 m vertical, and dramatic fjord views. Ideal for powder hounds and touring skiers who prefer quality over glitz. Easily combined with the Bergen Railway — one of Europe’s great scenic train journeys.
Read our full Myrkdalen guide →
Ski lessons and activities: Browse ski lessons and activities in Norway on GetYourGuide →