Alpine skiing

In winter, we swap our hiking boots for skis to enjoy the snow-covered mountains. Some kids even hit the slopes as soon as they’re able to walk.

You see, the majority of Norway’s best ski resorts are super family-friendly, with children’s slopes and ski schools.

But family-friendly does not mean boring. These ski destinations also offer challenges for the more advanced skiers. You can cruise down a diamond piste, challenge yourself on jumps and rails, or chase the perfect powder further up the mountains.

It’s this combination of beginner’s fun and action-packed slopes that make the Norwegian ski destinations so popular. Friends and families can go on ski holidays together, even if they’re not at the same skill level. If you travel without kids, head for a cold one in a lively "after ski" bar and enjoy a good meal in a nice restaurant. You can read more about the various alpine destinations further down.

Learn the basics

If you’ve never tried alpine skiing, don’t worry. Most destinations have ski schools for adults as well, with skilled instructors who are eager to help you discover the magic of skiing.

Want to get a head start? Check out pro skiing tips from three fearless youngsters!

Ski in, ski out

Many Norwegian resorts have ski lifts literally right on the hotel doorstep – which also means that you can ski all the way back to your room after a long day in the slopes. And after a quick change of clothes, you can lean back and relax with tasty and often local food and drinks in front of you.

In many resorts, you can even round off the holiday with some quiet time in a nice spa, play in a swimming pool, and even surf on an indoor wave!

Summer skiing

After Easter, spring skiing marks the end of the busy winter season, but also the start of the relaxed “enjoy a beer in the sun” season.

If you thought those signs of spring mark the end of the skiing season, think again. There are high-altitude resorts in Norway, where you can have fun on snow all summer long.

However, getting an early start is essential. The glaciers can be icy at first but will soften with the first rays of sun to provide hours of good skiing. By about midday, the slopes might turn more slushy – a perfect time for a cold beer, a swim, and some sunbathing.

When these summer ski centres open and close depends on the snow and weather conditions, so check the snow report before you go.

If you find yourself near Oslo, you can also find your flow indoors at SNØ all year round.

Alpine destinations in Norway

From slopes between snow-capped trees in inland valleys to ski resorts above the fjords or below the northern lights – each alpine destination is unique in its own way. Take it from Olympic champion Aksel Lund Svindal, who says it’s been an eye-opener to have skied all around the world, only to realise that Norway has some of the most wicked conditions on earth.

These are some of the best places to go alpine skiing in Norway:

Eastern Norway and the Oslo region

Several of the country’s largest – and most snowsure – ski centres are located in Eastern Norway, within easy reach of the capital and close to airports. Oslo has a varied and exciting winter park just over 30 minutes from the city centre, as well as a nearby indoor ski arena, SNØ, that’s open all year.

Fjord Norway

In Fjord Norway, you’ll find dramatic scenery with high peaks and fantastic possibilities for powder hunters. In most resorts, you’ll get a magnificent fjord view all the way down!

Southern Norway and Telemark

Southern Norway is usually known as a summer island paradise, but the region also has some great ski resorts. In Telemark – the cradle of modern skiing – you can take the cable car Gaustabanen inside Mount Gaustatoppen, and freeride down the mountainside with or without a guide.

Trøndelag and Northern Norway

In Northern Norway, you get a panoramic view of the fjord from the ski centre Narvikfjellet. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be joined by the northern lights! The largest alpine resort in Trøndelag is spread over four mountains in Oppdal.