What can be better than waking up with a fjord view overlooking the majestic Sognefjord, knowing you are only 10 – 15 minutes away from some of the best snow in Norway? The secret to the good snow lies in the locale climate caused by the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest glacier on the European mainland. You are guaranteed a winter holiday unlike anything you have ever had.

In the Sognefjord area you have access to both the Jotunheimen National Park and the Jostedalsbreen Glacier National Park. Because of this great location, you have the choice of a vide range of refreshing winter activities.

Skiing and snowboarding

The two ski centers in Ski Sogn, Sogndal Skisenter and Sogn Skisenter, offer slightly different profiles, providing your skiing holiday with variation and suitable challenges for all levels of skiing. The youngest children and beginners can play around safely in the designated children's areas, the young at heart will find challenges in the fun parks trying out jumps, boxes and rails, and the adults can ski down well-groomed slopes and maybe take a few turns in the powder snow next to the slopes.

Piste map Sogn Skisenter
Piste map Sogndal Skisenter

Lift passes

Prices 2011/2012
The lift pass prices in Ski Sogn are favorable compared to most other places in Norway.

Ski Rental

You can rent ski and snowboard equipment for reasonable prices.

Off-piste skiing/ski touring

The Sognefjord area has some of the best and most versatile off-piste terrain in Norway, ranging from easy accessible areas in and around the ski centres to the highest mountain peaks in Norway in Jotunheimen National Park.

Two of the best freeskiing and ski touring areas are the valleys of Sogndalsdalen and Jostedalen, both having been used for photo shoots and as film locations. The ultimate skiing experience is maybe to ski from a mountain top and all the way down to the shores of the fjord, or skiing down one of the many spectacular glaciers in the area.

The guide companies Fimbul Jostedal and Norgesguidene have local and experienced guides guaranteed to find the best snow and the best places to go.

If you plan to go off-piste skiing without a guide, remember to take into consideration the avalanche risk and weather conditions, and you do this at your own risk and responsibility. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Since you are in off-piste heaven, why not take a day where you combine great skiing with an avalanche safety course to better be able to judge where to go and how to behave outside the slopes? You can also take a powder snow skiing course or a randonnée skiing course.

Cross-country skiing

At the ski centers there are several kilometre of well-roomed cross-country tracks, both at the base and up in the mountains. Some of the tracks are floodlit.

Winter without skis

Explore the blue ice caves
During winter it is possible to explore ice caves under the Nigardsbreen Glacier with a guide. The sight of these amazing abstract ice formations of this 1,000-year-old blue glacier ice will make you think you have entered another world.

The guides take you to ice cathedrals or "blue lagoons", with breathtaking light and sounds you have never heard before. Fimbul Jostedal offers guided trips to the caves, including an overnight stay at Jostedal Hotel.

Ice climbing
Have you ever tried climbing a frozen waterfall? Experienced local guides can take you to the best places to climb some awesome frozen waterfalls. It is not necessary to have any climbing experience, and the guides will provide the equipment.

Snowshoe walks
One of the best view points of the fjord is from the Molden Mountain. From there you have a spectacular view over the Sognefjord. You can get there easily on a guided snowshoe walk with one of the activity companies.  

Fjord cruises and a trip with the Flåm Railway
The most famous tourist attractions are available also in the winter time. Enjoy a fascinating boat trip on the Nærøyfjord or take a trip with the steep Flåm Railway. 

Fjellsportfestivalen
If you can, come during Fjellsportfestivalen in February, a mountain sport festival for the whole family with an exciting program; guided summit tours, children's activities, seminars, competitions and lots of courses, for example photography, jibbing, avalanche safety and climbing. The festival runs parallel to the "student's week" in Sogndal, where some of Norway’s best bands are playing.

Where to stay

Choose between comfortable self-catering cabins at Hafslotun with walking distance to Sogn Skisenter, a room at Quality Hotel Sogndal or high standard cabins at Pluscamp Sandvik.

The luxurious option is Tørvis Ski, Glacier and Fjord Hotel which is situated beside the Sognefjord. 

All hotels offer full-board (including packed lunch), and many of the cabins have wireless internet. Read more about where to stay in the Sognefjord area.

Dining and nightlife

In the small town of Sogndal there are several places to dine. You can for example eat Chinese food, pizza, á la carte and fast food. Sogndal has also got a vibrant nightlife due to the many college students there, and there are often live concerts. Read more about food and drink in the Sognefjord area.