Crossover in Voss
The term crossover in Voss is strongly related to the yearly event Vossa Jazz, through a so called Extreme Jazz concert. When fist introduced, this was set on an outdoor stage built in snow on the mountain top of Hanguren, where skydivers and paragliders held a show.
Crossover has thus become a way to explain the possibility for visitors and locals to experience a mix of Voss' local culture and traditions through activities such as rafting, skydiving, hiking, biking and skiing.
During events such as Ekstremsportveko (the Extreme Sports Week) you can get a taste of Voss through the culinary menu Vossameny. In Voss you can also take advantage of the range of activities offered, in order to get that personal crossover experience that suits your level and needs.
Winter
Voss is the skiing metropolis of Western Norway, with runs suitable for the entire family. Our two ski centres feature 50 kilometres of alpine runs and 19 ski lifts. The season varies, depending on snowfall and weather conditions. Opening of the ski centres can therefore be in mid-November or December and closing in April/May.
Voss Resort has its main welcome centre in Bavallen, 5 kilometres from Voss town, with access to the ski centre by cable car in walking distance from Voss town. Voss Resort is a renowned and long-established ski resort with 12 lifts, 14 runs and a terrain park.
Voss Fjellandsby (which means Voss Mountain Village) is located in the area of Myrkdalen, only a 25-minutes drive from Voss town centre. This is a new ski centre in development, with 6 lifts, 11 runs and a terrain park.
Other winter activities:
Summer
For nearly 200 years Voss has been welcoming visitors in search for adventures based on nature, local culture and traditions.
Voss is also an excellent base for exploring the region, located close to Bergen and between the fjords of the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord. Whether you are looking for peace and quiet in picturesque surroundings or feel like challenging yourself through participating in activities, Voss has something for every taste.
Walking and hiking
Voss' mountainous landscape attracts both eager Norwegians and guest from abroad to Stølsheimen and other mountain areas.
The walking and hiking routes in Voss vary from short walks on gravel roads to marked paths leading into the mountains. Most of what can be considered walking routes here in Voss follow gravel roads that have been developed in connection with typical Norwegian farming traditions, often leading to crofts or cottages ("sætre" or "setre" in Norwegian) in the mountains that are used during summer time.
Hiking routes most often follow the varying surface of the landscape, considered "natural paths" by Norwegians, that has been formed from the same traditions. As a day tour, glacier hiking in Finse or at Folgefonna Glacier is also possible from Voss.
Cycling and mountain biking
The well-known heritage trail, Rallarvegen (the Navvies Road) leads to Voss, and by taking the train to Finse you can cycle this trail in one day. If you are interested in mountain biking, Mt. Hanguren and Bavallen in Voss Resort is a good area. In addition you have a choice of routes for cross country cycling within Voss.
Other summer activities:
- Mountain riding in Stølsheimen
- Family and white water rafting
- Sea and river kayaking
- Round trips and day trips from Voss to Flåm and the Sognefjord or to the Hardangerfjord area
- Tandem skydiving
- Tandem paragliding
Events
Throughout the year Voss has a range of yearly events that over the years have become well-known nationally as well as internationally:
- Vossa Jazz
- Ekstremsportveko
- Voss Blues and Roots Festival
- Smalahovesleppet
- Osafestivalen
Upcoming events
- Voss 2013 – FIS Freestyle World Championships.
In May 2008 Voss won the bid for the FIS Freestyle World Championships in 2013. Competitions in the freestyle disciplines will take place at both Voss Resort and Voss Fjellandsby. As a preparation for the "grand finale" of the FIS Freestyle World Championships 2013, a number of World Cup Freestyle events will take place in Voss in 2011 and 2012.