Ski and spa

Norway has long traditions for skiing, both downhill and with our national pastime, cross country skiing. The 173 ski resorts around the country come in many sizes, offering a variety of snow conditions and with varying histories. Interest in skiing has not declined, with big new lodges and hotels popping up at the largest resorts, offering luxury accommodation, tasty food, and spa facilities. We have collected the most popular ones here!

1. Hemsedal

"The Scandinavian Alps", as Hemsedal is also called, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its stable snow conditions, stunning surroundings, and central location in south-eastern Norway have made Hemsedal one of the largest and most popular destinations for winter breaks in Norway.

Enjoy outdoor activities both on the slopes or off-piste, not to mention cross-country skiing, dog sledging, snowshoeing, ice climbing, horse-drawn sleigh rides. Afterwards, head to the dreamy spa-area at Fyrí Resort, at the foot of Hemsedal Ski Area. The spa includes both an indoor and outdoor pool, day beds, fireplace, and a bar with refreshments.

The hotel also has a games room with shuffleboard, billiards and table tennis, and several lounges for relaxing.

Skarsnuten Hotel also offers spa facilities at 1,002 meters above sea level, with a spectacular view of the Hemsedal valley. Relax and replenish in one of its saunas, foot baths, adventure showers and jacuzzis or a hop into a freezing ice bath. If you want to take your well-being to the next level, treat yourself to a wonderful spa treatment, where professional therapists tailor your experience to fit you.

3. Norefjell

The mountains at Norefjell, just 90 minutes from Oslo, offer peaceful nature with a grand view. In winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding from the peaks down towards the frozen lake. This place is ideal for families and daredevils alike, or for those you simply want to slow down and take a break in their busy everyday life.

Recharge your batteries at Norefjell Ski & Spa, which won the prize as best spa resort in 2023. The wellness area consists of various jacuzzis, outdoor and indoor champagne baths, hot and cold cups, foot baths, a Finnish sauna and an IR sauna.

The spa also offers a wide range of luxurious treatments. The hotel has been designed with a focus on Nordic nature with plenty of wood and stone, and the lovely views all around give you the feeling of being at one with your surroundings.

4. Geilo

The village of Geilo is located in a valley, surrounded by 20 lifts and 46 alpine slopes. The area is home to everything from children's areas to terrain parks and black slopes, and the best part is that you can use the same ski pass in all lifts! A bus is available to shuttle you around the valley. When you need a break, just stop by one of the many restaurants and hotels or chill completely at a relaxing spa.

The idea of wellness has been important all the way from the start of the resort, ever since the venerable Dr. Holm's Hotel first opened its doors in 1909. The historical luxury hotel offers a spa area with a pool, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, saunas, Turkish steam baths, and a spa where you can order relaxing, invigorating, or cleansing treatments.

On the other side of the valley, you find the very much newer hotel Vestlia Resort. Unwind and enjoy its Vestlia SPA, which includes a swimming pool, slide, jacuzzi, sauna and showers. It also has a wonderful peace zone where you can relax in delightfully comfortable loungers.

5. Hafjell

A 2.5-hour drive from Oslo, you'll find a paradise for skiers and cross-country lovers at Hafjell. The large ski resort has excellent slopes for both beginners and the more advanced, and ready access to freshly groomed cross-country trails in the surrounding mountain plateaus.

Want a unique spa experience? On top of Hafjell, almost 1,000 meters above sea level, you will find Ilsetra. The mountain farm has four apartment buildings, offering a restaurant, bar, fireplace lounge, and wellness area with a heated outdoor pool and various saunas. Ilsetra has a beautiful location, close to nature, hiking trails, cross country ski trails, and alpine resorts.

If you are looking for a bit of fun for the kids, Hunderfossen Winter park is just down the road, while the Jorekstad Swimming Facility is a little further away. Make sure to check opening hours in advance.

6. Oppdal

The village of Oppdal has long traditions for winter sports and is one of central Norway’s most popular winter destinations. If you want to go alpine skiing, you can choose between four mountains and a number of lifts and slopes. If you prefer cross-country, the prepared trails are many and the mountain plateaus wide.

When you need a break from all the activities, get in zen mode at the Quality Hotel Skifer, located in the center of Oppdal. Lean back in one of its saunas, go for a foot bath or just enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in the lounge area.

If you want to have a swim or the kids want to splash around a bit, visit the Aquatics Center at Oppdal Kulturhus. It's just a few blocks away from the Skifer Hotel, and is also close to shopping, restaurants, and the ski center.

7. Gaustablikk

Situated at the foot of the Gaustatoppen mountain, just 2.5 hrs from Oslo. Gausta Skisenter is usually one of the first resorts to get snow in Norway. The resort offers 37 slopes, several children's areas, and parks with jumps and rails for twintip and snowboarders.

Two floating saunas have recently been installed at Kvitåvatn lake, close to the Gaustablikk Mountain Lodge. Enjoy the delicious heat while gazing out across the beautiful natural landscape, with Mount Gausta as the undisputed highlight.

8. Beitostølen

If you're looking for a ski center that is perfect for families, beginners, and carving enthusiasts, you should head to Beitostølen. It's also paradise if you want to learn cross country skiing, or simply want to enjoy a peaceful holiday with beautiful, winter wonderland views.

The hotel Riddergaarden's unique location, at the base of the hill, invites you to ski right up to the door. Its spa area offers outdoor swimming in the fresh mountain air and access to a delicious hot tub with a view of the slopes. Open for the whole family to enjoy.

Just a couple of minutes' walk from the slopes, you will find Beito Resort. This hotel also has a wellness center, consisting of a gym with fitness equipment, sauna, and a 25-metre pool. Dive in!

9. Hovden

Located almost halfway between Oslo, Bergen and Kristiansand, The Hovden Alpine Centre has expanded in recent years and has become a popular ski center for many Norwegians. Hovden is well adapted to every age and skill level - from the youngest children to professional skiers and snowboarders, and offers more than 42 kilometres of slopes, as well as plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafés.

Hovden is perfect when you want to combine cold winter activities with water fun. Let the kids dive and slide down the 70-meter-long water slide in Hovden Waterpark, or enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, saunas, and its artificial waterfalls and river.

There are lots of accommodation options at Hovden, depending on what you desire, with everything from small cabins to starred hotels.