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.
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.
Adrenalin kick in the capital
For those seeking to combine big city life with daredevil jumps and tricks, or downhill skiing, Oslo is the perfect choice. Within half an hour's reach from the bustling city centre you have the excellent Oslo Winter Park Tryvann.
You will find one of Norway's largest terrain parks at Oslo Winter Park Tryvann.
The park is also host to the annual The Oakley Arctic Challenge. Established in 1999, The Oakley Arctic Challenge was created as an independent alternative to more established snowboarding events. The Oakley Arctic Challenge is owned by the legendary snowboarder Terje Haakonsen.
This winter the Oakley Arctic Challenge event will be Trial World Snowboarding Championships, with a spectacular slope style competition again taking place at Oslo Winter Park Tryvann, from 17 to 19 February 2011.
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.
There are also floodlit slopes at the ski centre.
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.