Ski touring in Vatnahalsen and Myrkdalen

Combine an unforgettable ski touring experience in the Voss area with a truly spectacular train journey on the Flåm railway.

Even though the Flåm railway only takes around one hour, it is one of the most celebrated rail trips in Europe, if not the world.

Navigating past breathtaking fjords, majestic mountains and shimmering lakes, the journey between the mountain station of Myrdal and Flåm offers jaw-dropping panoramas at every turn. Going from around 1,000 metres above the ocean down to sea-level, it is also one of the steepest in the world.

From Myrdal, you have easy access to a number of excellent skiing runs. The location near the Storeskavlen glacier, between the weather systems of the west and the east, produces fantastic powder snow that lends itself perfectly for backcountry skiing adventures.

A great base on your skiing trip is the Vatnahalsen Hotel, conveniently positioned at the top of the mountain, close to the Flåm railway. The hotel is easily accessible from the international airports of Oslo and Bergen via the Bergen railway, which stops in Myrdal.

At Vatnahalsen, you also have Fjord Norway’s largest skiing resort Myrkdalen within easy reach. Offering slopes to put every skill level to the test, Myrkdalen has terrain parks, ski cross slopes and great off-piste terrain. With an annual snowfall of around five metres, it makes a great alternative to ski touring. Myrkdalen is easily accessible by train from Voss, which is on the same train line as Vatnahalsen.

Stay safe and find out about the avalanche risk before you set out. Read more about safety in the mountains here and about local conditions on varsom.no.

Quick facts (Vatnahalsen, Myrkdalen)

Main ski touring season
February to early May

Level recommended
Beginners to experienced

Epic run
From Vatnahalsen, ski all the way down to the bottom of the Flåm Valley, then take the Flåm railway back up. This combination of train and freeriding is a unique skiing experience.

Types of skiing terrain
Open mountain landscape
Easier terrain with shorter runs
than on the coast

Types of accommodation
Hotels and cabins

Restaurants and bars
You can eat slow food or fast food in a variety of restaurants and eateries, drink locally brewed craft beer, and hang out in one of the many bars.

Museums and art galleries
Voss has a rich cultural and natural heritage – visit the Voss Folk Museum and the medieval Vangskyrkja, or explore the mountain area between the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord.

Excursions and other winter activities
Voss is the extreme sports capital of Norway, and you have plenty of options when it comes to exciting activities in the air, the water, or on the ground (snow covered or not).

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Vatnahalsen.
Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik

Myrkdalen.
Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik

Vatnahalsen.
Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik

Alpine skiers in in Myrkdalen, Fjord Norway

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Ski touring in Vatnahalsen and Myrkdalen

Vatnahalsen Mountain resort

On Vatnahalsen you will find peace and quiet between mountains and fjords, at the top of Flåmsdalen, with spectacular scenery on all sides.The hotel… Read more

Vatnahalsen Mountain resort

Myrkdalen Mountain Resort

Myrkdalen is a modern ski resort with family-friendly ski areas, slopes with all levels of difficulty, terrain parks and a great off-piste terrain. Read more

Myrkdalen Mountain Resort

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Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information at Voss' official website.

By train

There are several daily departures to Voss from both Oslo (6 hours) and Bergen (1 hour and 15 minutes). There is a shuttle service from Voss to Myrkdalen.

The Flåm Railway ("Flåmsbana") loops its way from Myrdal to Flåm, nestled 865 metres below in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord. Vatnahalsen is only accessible by train.
By road

It is relatively easy to get to Myrkdalen by car. The road E16 (the main route between Bergen and Oslo) goes through Voss, from where you can take Rv13 to Myrkdalen.

Many express buses serve Voss from elsewhere in Norway.
By plane

Bergen Airport is the closest gateway for both international and domestic arrivals to Myrkdalen and Vatnahalsen. Travel time from Bergen to Voss is around 1,5 hours.

You can also fly to Oslo and jump on the train towards Bergen. The travel time from Oslo to Voss is around 5,5 hours.

Safety in the mountains

Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.

Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings. This is especially the case for ski tourers - check the current situation in your area on varsom.no and make sure you follow the advise given.
Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

A skier with a view of snowy mountains and a fjord in Romsdalen, Fjord Norway

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