Family-friendly
ski resorts

Family-friendly ski resorts

Jump out of bed, into your ski boots and hit the slopes!

With so many ski-in/ski-out resorts in Norway, you can practically step out the door and onto the slopes. The resorts cater to different levels of difficulty, from gentle slopes suitable for beginners to off-piste areas for the more advanced skiers.

Stay in control

Ski resorts in Norway tend to be smaller than the huge resorts elsewhere in Europe, making them easier to navigate and get your bearings.

That means that parents can easily keep an eye on the youngest kids without having to stick to them like glue, and as confidence increases and your skills improve – new challenges await!

They are also packed with exciting activities for the entire family!

Free beginner slopes

Most major resorts have dedicated children's areas, including beginner slopes, fun obstacles designed for children, small lifts, and magic carpets (conveyor belt lifts), or mini ski parks that are completely free to use for everyone.

Across Norway, there's a standard rule that children up to the age of 6 or 7 do not pay for ski passes, as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult. Helmets must be used at all times.

Learn how to ski

And don't worry if you're a complete beginner, even if you're older, as the resorts offer ski schools to ensure you have a safe and fun experience.

Many of the larger resorts also offer a variety of programs for kids, such as child care for smaller kids, and Kids Club and activitiy groups for different age groups.

They also provide fun and family-friendly snow parks for all ages. The parks usually have jumps and rails, boxes, and fun obstacles where kids can practise their skiing and snowboarding skills.

The parks are designed to help children learn, build confidence, and have fun with their families.

The largest resorts also offer other family activities, such as ski discos and gatherings around cosy bonfires.

When you're ready for a break, head to cosy cabins at the the end of the slopes. Here you can relax and enjoy tasty food and drink.

Family-friendly accomodation

Enjoy delightful resort hotels with all the commodities, kid friendly activitities and relaxing spas, or rent a cabin or apartment with a kitchen, making family holidays even more convenient.

Read on to find the best ski resort for your family!

Where to go alpine skiing

Eastern Norway

Many of the biggest family-friendly ski resorts in Norway are located in Eastern Norway, from Trysil, Hemsedal and Geilo to Hafjell, Kvitfjell, Beitostølen, and Norefjell.

Even the more southern ski resorts, like Gausta, Vrådal and Rauland, enjoy a lot of soft, white magic during the whole season.

You can fly into Oslo airport or arrive by ferry from Denmark and drive to these destinations. Some can also be reached easily by train or express bus from Oslo or the ariport.

Rest of Norway

In Western Norway, you can get your daily dose of downhill skiing at the two ski centres Myrkdalen Fjellandsby and Voss resort. The quickest way to reach them is to fly to Bergen airport and drive or get public transport from there. It's also possible to drive or take public transport over the mountains from Oslo.

If you want to go skiing in Trøndelag, check out Oppdal Ski Centre. Fly to Trondheim airport and head south in a car or on public transport.

At Narvikfjellet Ski Resort in Northern Norway, you can ski from the mountain and all the way down to the fjord – maybe even under the northern lights. Fly to Harstad/Narvik airport and drive or get the bus to Narvik.

Due to its geographical position far north, Norway is blessed with lots of snow, meaning that snow-covered slopes are virtually guaranteed at the largest resorts!

Fun activities without skis

And if someone in your crew doesn't want to hit the slopes, several destinations offer fun things to do without skis!

Feel the rush as you sled from the top to the bottom of the ski resort! All you have to do is book the adventure, then the resorts will provide you with equipment and get you to the top with a special lift.

Or maybe you'd like to be a dog musher for a day? Join a dog sledding tour and help look after the friendly huskies. You can also give fatbiking or cross-country skiing a go!

When you're ready to go back indoors, most of the resorts have swimming pools and spas. Both Hemsedal and Trysil have a FlowRider pool for indoor surfing! Some resorts offer indoor climbing too, for example at Norefjell.

Relax at the spa

If you'd rather relax, head to the spa. Enjoy soaking in a heated pool, relaxing in a sauna, or book a massage for those sore muscles after a day on the slopes.

It's also possible to book daycare for the little ones if you feel like hitting the bigger slopes for an hour or two.

In Narvik you can visit the world's northernmost wildlife park, Polar Park, with moose, bears, wolves and more.