Stay in Oslo during the winter months and combine the buzz of a capital city with good skiing, fresh air and tranquil forests.
Anne-Marie Kefi from France is truly overwhelmed by Oslo's skiing facilities.
- It's incredible to see people on skis in the city centre. Fantastic that you can take your skis on the metro, travel up to Holmenkollen, strap on your skis and go skiing. There's no other capital in the whole world that can offer this. Nature this close to a cultural hub is unique, she says.
Untouched nature
In around 20 minutes from the busy city streets you arrive in untouched nature. More than 2,000 kilometres of prepared cross-country ski-trails bring you deep into the peaceful forests, known as "Nordmarka" to Norwegians.
Central Oslo is also blessed with its own modern alpine ski centre. Downhill skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of challenges at Oslo Winter Park Tryvann.
When you are feeling a little tired or cold, more than 60 cosy cabins welcomes you in for a drink of hot chocolate in front of an open fire.
Ski after dark
For those feeling extra adventurous you can go skiing after dark. At least 90 kilometres of the tracks are lit up until 10 pm. And after some fun in the snow you can head downtown to what is probably the largest après-ski in the world.
Hire equipment/ski schools
If you do not have your own skis or snowboard, or if you feel in need of lessons in cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, Telemark and snowboarding, there are places where you can hire equipment and learn to ski, for example at Tryvan Ski School and Tryvann Winter Park.
Getting here
From Oslo city centre, it takes around 20 - 30 minutes to get to Nordmarka.
By car: From Ring Road 3, exit at Smestad and follow the signposts to Holmenkollen. From the city centre, there are signposts from Majorstua to Holmenkollen.
By underground: This is the easiest way to travel. Take the westbound underground marked Frognerseteren, and get off at one of the last stops. For timetables and updated information about public transport to Holmenkollen, please visit Trafikanten.