Skiing

The secret to skiing lies in the details

Skiing like a Norwegian can be deeply rooted in traditions and rituals. Or you can forget all about that, and just focus on the adrenaline surging drops and big jumps.

Coming to Norway, you will probably be told the history of legendary Norwegian Sondre Norheim, the inventor of the world's first relatively stable ski binding and often credited as the big pioneer of modern skiing.

However, the world of skiing has moved on since the mid19th century (thank goodness!), and skiing in Norway today could just as well be about snowboarding or twin tip terrain park action – or even snow kiting.

At the high mountain ski resorts the season lasts from fall through spring, and – if based at a glacier – some are even open through the summer. While there are crosscountry trails and alpine resorts all over the country, the largest and most popular destinations are located in the mountains in central and eastern Norway. In addition to lifts, slopes and trails, these will offer accommodation, good foods and nightlife.

If you want a genuine and traditional Norwegian skiing experience, however, you should perhaps not focus as much on technique, or even where and when to go, so much as the relevant traditions. Winter activities are deeply ingrained in Norwegian culture, which explains why there are as many rituals (and opinions) as there are groomed pistes.

Try a crosscountry skiing trip in the forest, and fill your backpack with fresh oranges, and thermoses full of hot chocolate or blackcurrant cordial, a Norwegian “matpakke” (packed lunch), and foam pads for your sitting comfort.

And before you get into your overalls and strap on the skis, talk to a local to get the details right – like what brand of chocolate to buy. Then you’ll blend in with the Norwegians in no time.

Trysil

Skistar / www.skistar.com

Spanstinden

Fredrik Schenholm - Visitnorway.com

Trysil

C.H. - Visitnorway.com

Hemsedal

Hemsedal.com/Nils-Erik Bjørholt

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Winter destinations

Summer destinations

Skiing is believing

A quick glimpse into some of the skiing opportunities in Northern Norway.

Go up or down

Cross-country skiing

Up, down, all around. During winter, you will find groomed trails for cross-country skiing crisscrossing the entire country.
Downhill skiing

Stunning leaps leading to deserted expanses of powder snow, or large ski resorts with all modern conveniences. Either way, it all goes downhill from here.

Safety in the mountains

Return to hike another day

Stay safe by following these simple rules of thumb:

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.
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.

Read the mountain code with supplementary comments.

There is much to enjoy among the peaks, valleys and plateaus, but the beauty and serenity can quickly turn dangerous. Make sure your training, your knowledge of the area, and your equipment, are all equally well suited for the trip.

Leaving it as you found it

Take only pictures, keep only memories

Norwegian philosophy is very much that conservation is everyone's responsibility. Enjoying nature and the outdoors is considered a national pastime, and this is reflected in our attitude towards the preservation and use of the wilderness.

Whether it's hiking in the mountains or biking an idyllic forest road, Norwegians try to leave as small a footprint as possible. Leave it as you would like to find it is the mantra, regardless of whether you are a guest in the landscape or a small fishing village.

Quality of life is what it is all about, not only now, but for the time to come as well. It's about recognizing that everybody else are just as important as ourselves, and taking steps to implement that thought in all aspects of life. It's not easy, nor is it quickly done. But it is definitely worth it.

Sustainability

Norway is a country of outstanding natural beauty, with dramatic waterfalls, crystal clear fjords, majestic mountains, and spectacular glaciers. Preserving this landscape, its communities, and their way of life is essential for locals and visitors alike.

Tourist interview series

“Norway means a total stress-free vacation”

Outdoor enthusiast Gabriel Reboul from Aix-en-Provence in the south of France is running a salad bar. Green thinking is one of Norway’s forces, according to this snowboarder who has quickly become a free spirit addict to the relaxed Norwegian way of life.

Skiing offers

No need to wait until you get here to start planning your trip.