That incredible feeling.
Gliding mile after mile. Or is it maybe your first time?
Fairy-tale forests. Landscapes blanketed in white.
Archaeological finds indicate that people in the Nordic countries have been using skis for more than 5,000 years, which shows that the old saying 'Norwegians are born with skis on their feet' isn't that far from the truth.
Skiing is considered Norway's national sport and it's our favourite pastime in the winter, when the country turns into a ski paradise with countless well-groomed trails.
Cross-country skiing is a good workout, regardless of your pace. No matter how fast or slow you make it up the hill ...
… you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at the top.
In Norway, you can go cross-country skiing almost anywhere. Still, some destinations have made it extra-convenient and fun for ski enthusiasts – hardcore athletes, families and beginners alike.
Experience the best of Norwegian winter – both with and without skis. Join guided tours or a ski school, and rest your legs the following day at spas, tasty restaurants, and more. Why not go on a dog sledding trip or fly down a toboggan run?
The major alpine ski resorts in Norway also offer fantastic opportunities for cross-country skiing. They have an impressive network of groomed trails, which means you can easily combine different activities.
Several of the country's most visited cross-country destinations are easily accessible, located in the mountain areas of Eastern Norway.
In Lillehammer and the Gudbrandsdalen valley, you'll find no less than eleven popular cross-country areas! These include Venabygdsfjellet, Gålå, Rondablikk in the Kvamsfjellet area, Skeikampen and Sjusjøen, which is known as one of Norway's best cross-country skiing destinations.
In Hallingdal, more than 2,000 kilometres of groomed trails await, many centred around Geilo, Golsfjellet, Hemsedal and Nesbyen.
Hovden, Beitostølen, Trysil, and Oppdal also offer superb conditions for cross-country. And from the capital, you can take the metro straight to the fantastic Oslomarka forest.
You can also find trails in dreamlike terrain in Fjord Norway and Northern Norway.
In Fjord Norway, you can check out the lighted ski trails in Nordfjordeid, Voss Resort and Årmotslia by Myrkdalen Fjellandsby in Voss. Or take your skis up Mount Fløyen (with or without the lovely funicular) in Bergen for a cross-country experience close to the city.
North of the Arctic Circle, almost every small town and city offers networks of groomed trail. Go on a cross-country adventure in Alta, Harstad, Mo i Rana, Vesterålen, Bardufoss or the mountain resort Måselv Fjellandsby. If you want to try the ski tracks where the Norwegian cross-country star Vegard Ulvang grew up, Kirkenes is the place to go.
Combine a city holiday with ski adventures in Bodø and Tromsø, or visit Jakobsbakken in Sulitjelma, where the Norwegian national team sometimes go to train. Svalbard is also - unsurprisingly – a skier's dream.
Who knows, maybe you'll get the chance to go on a ski trip while the northern lights dance across the night sky!
Skiing is not just for professional athletes like Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Marit Bjørgen. Although some put on their first ski boots as soon as they learn to walk, others try it for the first time as adults. Both are completely normal!
And if you get hooked, the good news is that you don't have to wait for the winter to arrive …
Sun, summer – and skiing? Yes, it's actually possible!
Visit the trails at the Folgefonna glacier in Hardanger, Stryn Summer Ski Centre and Sognefjellet Summer Ski Centre.
Or head to SNØ outside Oslo – a huge indoor slope.
Here, you're guaranteed prime skiing conditions all year round!
Up for a challenge?
Every year, thousands of ski enthusiasts participate in the 54-kilometre ski marathon called Birkebeinerrennet, which take you over the mountains between Rena and Lillehammer.
Go team!
Norwegians are masters at creating a good atmosphere along the trail. Not only during Birkebeinerrennet but also during the many international competitions held around the country.
If you're inspired to embark on a long trip without any competition …
… try the Troll Trail!
One week. 170 kilometres on skis.
A young chanpion would probably call it a "children's race", but the week-long trip from Høvringen to Lillehammer is best suited for well-trained skiers.
However, this is just one of the routes where you can ski from place to place. And if you don't like planning, don't worry - several providers offer organised package tours.
But skiing holidays are not just about logging kilometres. Treat yourself to a few nights at a mountain lodge and use it as a base for day trips.
Or why not stay in a cosy cabin where you can start your skiing trip right outside the door?
Just remember the mountain code. Especially rule number two: adapt your planned route according to your ability and the conditions.
You can check the avalanche conditions where you are going on the varsom.no avalanche map.
After a day of skiing, you should of course spend your afternoon like a true Scandinavian: in long wool underwear, enjoying a tasty drink by the fireplace.
Now it's your turn.
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