Norway

Norwegians have been skiing for centuries, long before skiing became an organised sport. Today, professional athletes like Petter Northug and Oddvar Brå are not only sports stars, but also folk heroes, embodying the Norwegian national spirit.

Skiing first emerged as a popular recreational activity and sport in the mid-1800s, and is now practiced worldwide. What was once a necessity for getting around large snowdrifts during winter is now enjoyed by people of all ages for fun and fitness.

In earlier times, skis were essential for everything from delivering mail to hunting. The Norwegian sagas state that the Sami – the indigenous people of the North – were so skilled at skiing that animals couldn’t escape them!

For centuries, skis were also used for military purposes. Soldiers were trained not only to travel quickly on skis but also to carry heavy loads and shoot while standing on them. These "ski soldiers" were elite fighters, able to fight and survive in the harshest, coldest conditions.

A ski rebel and Telemark turns

In the mid-1800s, a very skilled and creative craftsman in Norway was working on innovations that would go on to transform skiing from a purely practical activity into a sport and thrilling leisure activity!

Norwegian pioneer Sondre Norheim, later known as the father of modern skiing, was carving alpine and Telemark turns in his hometown of Morgedal, Telemark, long before it was cool. Using his self-designed shorter skis with curved tips and flexible wicker bindings around the heel, he revolutionised both skiing techniques and equipment. Just like that, terms like Telemark turn, Telemark landing, and slalom were born.

His groundbreaking style became widely recognised in 1868, when he won a race in Christiania (now called Oslo) that combined cross-country skiing, jumping, and slalom.

Sources: Store norske leksikon, Norges Skiforbund

A ski isn't just a ski

Norway's oldest ski, discovered near the town of Drevja in Nordland in 1959, dates back an astonishing 5,200 years and is made of wood.

Since then, skis have evolved and are now primarily made from synthetic materials, with each new type of ski requiring equipment tailored to the specific sport.

We have many types of skis that, at first glance, may look like regular cross-country skis. These include fjellski (mountain skis for rugged terrain, often with metal edges), skøyteski (lightweight skis for skating-style skiing on groomed trails), felleski (classic cross-country skis with integrated grip strips), and randonné skis (back-country skis designed for off-piste adventures). Snowboards, which offer a different style of mountain riding, have also become a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to traditional skiing.

Year-round fun

Today, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy skiing and snowy fun. While cross-country skiing is a strong Norwegian tradition, alpine skiing has grown into one of the most popular winter sports in Norway, and we have plenty of world-class ski resorts.

Or perhaps you prefer to be carried by the wind? Try kiting in the snow on skis or a snowboard! Some pro daredevils even launch themselves off a ski jump! At the legendary Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo you can enjoy the thrill of jumping — from the safety of a ski simulator. Or just enjoy the panoramic views over Oslo from the top of the ski jump hill.

Do you think that Norwegians take a break from skiing in the summer? Think again! The snow never melts on the highest mountains and glaciers, so you can hit the slopes in the summer! Away from the mountains, we just switch to roller skis and glide along the road — because once a skier, always a skier! You can also enjoy winter every day at the SNØ indoor skiing facility. The resort is located in Lørenskog, just a short train or car ride from Oslo.

Visit a historic ski destination

For two magical weeks in February 1994, the world turned its eyes to Lillehammer, in the Gudbrandsdalen valley, where the Winter Olympic Games unfolded in a true Norwegian winter wonderland. A remarkable 1.2 million visitors braved the cold to cheer on their heroes, and Norway ended up as the top nation with 10 gold, 11 silver and 5 bronze medals. Since then, our country has contributed with plenty more world famous ski kings and queens — and we couldn't be prouder!

Kvitfjell, built for the 1994 Olympic Winter Games, quickly gained a reputation among alpine enthusiasts for its steep slopes and technically challenging layout. It remains a key stop on the World Cup circuit, attracting top athletes from around the globe. This year, the World Cup competitions were held in Kvitfjell, with the women’s events from February 28th to March 2nd and the men’s events on March 8th and 9th. The World Cup wraps up in Hafjell on March 15th and 16th, where the men will compete for the first time in decades in slalom and giant slalom. For more details, visit the competition website.

Norway is also home to has several fascinating ski museums that offer a deep dive into our rich skiing history and culture, showcasing everything from thousand-year-old skis to the evolution of skiing techniques.