Best Ski Resorts in Norway for Brits to Try This Winter

Researching the best ski resorts in Norway? More and more British skiers are looking beyond the Alps and turning their attention to Norway. It’s snow-sure, uncrowded, and offers unforgettable experiences like dog sledding and ice fishing.

With several Norwegian resorts now featured in Ski Line’s 2025/26 programme, it’s the perfect time to take a Norway ski holiday. Join us as we explore Trysil, Geilo, Hemsedal and Voss as our pick of top 4 Norwegian ski resorts.

The Skiing

Trysil is the largest ski resort in Norway and offers the most extensive downhill skiing terrain among the four. With approximately 70km of pistes spread across four interlinked areas, it caters exceptionally well to beginners and intermediates, while also offering challenging red runs and a couple of black pistes.

Wide, tree-lined slopes and modern lift infrastructure make it ideal for families and mixed-ability groups.

Hemsedal is the best option for more advanced skiers. With around 44km of alpine terrain and the highest lift-served slopes in Norway (up to 1,450m), it provides steep red and black runs, off-piste areas, and terrain parks. It’s often called the “Scandinavian Alps” for its dramatic alpine feel.

Geilo is best suited to beginners and families. The resort has around 33km of gentle, well-groomed pistes spread across two valley sides. It’s perfect for confidence building, with excellent ski schools and short lift queues. There are a few steeper runs for intermediates but limited terrain for advanced skiers.

Voss offers a varied skiing across roughly 45km of pistes, ranging from gentle beginner slopes to more technical terrain. It’s a good all-rounder, especially for those combining skiing with sightseeing. Recent lift upgrades have improved access to the mountain.

Snow Reliability

Geilo leads the pack for snow reliability. Thanks to its inland location and high plateau setting, Geilo benefits from stable, cold temperatures and generous snowfall, backed up by robust snowmaking. The season typically runs from late October to late April, making it one of the most dependable destinations in Europe. The combination of well-groomed pistes and consistent conditions is a major draw for families and beginners who want stress-free skiing.

Trysil ranks a close second. Ski season opens as early as November, and its long season extends into late April. Its higher altitude and snowmaking coverage help maintain good snow cover across its expansive terrain.

Hemsedal, with the highest lifts of the group, offers excellent late-season skiing. Its dry inland climate keeps snow quality high, especially in spring.

Voss, though lower in elevation, receives abundant snowfall due to its coastal location. Snowmaking ensures reliable skiing even when temperatures fluctuate.

Possibility of Seeing the Northern Lights

All four featured Norwegian resorts lie well south of the Arctic Circle, which means they aren’t truly reliable locations for seeing the Northern Lights. While occasional displays can occur if viewing the aurora is a key goal, you’re better off heading to resorts further north in Norway or across the border in Finland.

Geilo offers perhaps the best blend of accessibility and occasional aurora visibility among these four resorts. On crisp, cloudless nights in mid-winter, lucky visitors may see faint green waves flickering over the mountains. Geilo’s relative isolation and low light pollution improve your chances, and local tour providers even offer night-time activities, like dog sledding or snowshoe hikes, that might coincide with an aurora display.

Trysil and Hemsedal also occasionally deliver northern lights sightings when solar activity is high. These resorts experience long, dark nights in winter, so any auroral activity stands out.

Voss sees the fewest aurora displays due to its location and more frequent cloud cover. However, clear nights still offer brilliant starry skies.

Peacefulness of the Slopes

Voss is arguably the quietest of the four, particularly midweek. It’s not a purpose-built resort, and its slopes rarely see heavy crowds. Locals make up the bulk of skiers, and many visitors report skiing whole runs without encountering another person.

Geilo is a close second, known for its calming atmosphere and gentle pace. The slopes feel relaxed even during school holidays, which suits learners and families.

Trysil, despite being Norway’s busiest ski resort, spreads people well across its four sectors. Its modern lift system keeps queues short.

Hemsedal gets livelier on weekends due to its popularity with Oslo residents, but still offers quiet pistes, particularly during the week.

Scenic Beauty

Hemsedal delivers the most dramatic scenery. Snowy peaks, jagged ridges, and broad bowls combine to give it a genuine big-mountain feel. On clear days, the panorama stretches across Southern Norway’s mountainous heartland.

Geilo offers a different kind of beauty with open landscapes, frozen lakes, and the vast expanse of the Hardangervidda plateau. It’s a serene, spacious setting ideal for those seeking tranquillity.

Voss stands out for fjord and lake views. From the top lifts, skiers can gaze down at Lake Vangsvatnet and beyond to snow-covered valleys.

Trysil impresses with endless forested ridgelines and wide vistas toward Sweden. The light here, particularly at sunrise and sunset, is worth experiencing.

Cross-Country Skiing

When comparing the best ski resorts in Norway for cross-country skiing, Geilo easily takes the crown. Geilo is the standout destination for cross-country skiing. With over 500km of groomed trails leading into two national parks, it offers options for every level. Trails start right from the village and wind through forests, across frozen lakes, and up onto high plateaus. Evening loops are floodlit, allowing for after-dinner skiing under the stars.

Hemsedal also provides a strong cross-country offering, with around 250km of trails through valleys and upland terrain.

Trysil has over 100km locally and connects to a larger 500km network. It’s a hub for cross-country competitions and early-season training.

Voss has fewer trails directly in the resort but offers access to excellent nearby areas like Mjølfjell and Myrkdalen. It’s a good base for combining downhill with exploratory Nordic tours.

Off-Piste Activities

Geilo is the best all-rounder for outdoor winter activities. Its frozen lake and surrounding forests provide a stunning backdrop for dog sledding tours, snowshoeing adventures, and even ice fishing. There are also dedicated tobogganing runs and sleigh rides that let visitors explore the landscape in more traditional ways. With its easy access to national parks, Geilo is a hub for peaceful exploration on and off the skis.

Trysil offers a wide range of active outdoor experiences. Families can enjoy dog sledding, guided snowshoe walks through the forest, and evening tobogganing sessions. Wildlife-focused snowmobile safaris also give visitors a chance to spot moose and other Arctic animals in their natural habitat.

Hemsedal is ideal for those who want a more adventurous outdoor programme. It’s known for backcountry ski touring, guided mountain snowshoe hikes, and ice climbing on frozen waterfalls. You can also explore off-trail areas on skis or take part in multi-hour sledding experiences through the valley.

Voss excels in combining soft adventure with its dramatic landscape. Snowshoeing treks take you into the surrounding hills and woodlands, while nearby Myrkdalen offers husky sledding on a frozen lake. The area is also known for accessible winter walking trails and the opportunity to pair outdoor activities with cultural day trips, like fjord-view train rides or frozen waterfall visits.

Accommodation

Trysil offers a wide variety of accommodation styles, most of which are purpose-built for skiers. You’ll find an abundance of ski-in/ski-out apartments, lodges, and family-friendly chalets right by the slopes. The buildings are typically modern, well-insulated, and designed for snowy conditions, often featuring drying rooms, fireplaces, and spacious layouts ideal for families or groups.

Geilo has a more traditional village feel and offers everything from charming wooden cabins to contemporary mountain lodges. Accommodation ranges from slope-side apartments to family-run guesthouses, with many places within walking distance of lifts. It’s a resort with both rustic charm and modern comfort, offering options for most budgets.

Hemsedal blends rustic mountain character with stylish Nordic design. Accommodation here includes hillside cabins, self-catering lodges, and larger apartment complexes. While some properties are right on the slopes, others are nestled in the valley with shuttle access. Interiors often feature Scandinavian decor, saunas, and panoramic mountain views.

Voss offers town-based lodging with easy lift access via the gondola, as well as mountain-side cabins and apartments. Options range from compact and budget-friendly to more spacious units designed for families. The accommodation style reflects Voss’s dual identity as both a ski area and a year-round local hub, so there’s a bit more variety in architecture and pricing than in purpose-built resorts.

Family Facilities

Trysil is arguably the best family ski resort in Norway. With multiple children’s areas, the Valle mascot programme, and extensive English-speaking instruction, it’s tailored for young skiers. Kids under 7 ski free with a helmet, and non-ski activities abound.

Geilo comes close, with gentle slopes, relaxed learning zones, and quiet lifts. It’s ideal for a first family ski trip.

Hemsedal provides a large children’s ski area and ski kindergarten, alongside terrain suitable for older kids and teens.

Voss is quieter and well-suited for independent families, with beginner areas, sledging zones, and cultural attractions like the local museum.

Accessibility from the UK

Voss is the most accessible. With direct flights from London to Bergen and a 1hr45min train ride straight to the resort gondola, it’s hard to beat for ease.

Geilo is also well connected via train from both Oslo and Bergen (3.5–4 hours). The journey is famously scenic and allows for a car-free holiday.

Trysil requires a road transfer (2.5–3 hours) from Oslo, but ski buses and package deals streamline the process. The Scandinavian Mountains Airport is closer, though UK flights are limited.

Hemsedal is best reached by car or coach from Oslo (3.5 hours), with direct transfers available on weekends.

Cost Comparisons

Voss generally offers the best value for money. Accommodation is more affordable than at the larger resorts, and town-based dining options are varied.

Geilo offers mid-range to premium pricing. Lift passes are competitively priced, and families can save through free child tickets and self-catering.

Trysil and Hemsedal are pricier, particularly for on-mountain lodging and dining. However, the quality of facilities, lift systems, and accommodation reflects the price. Dining out is expensive at all resorts, with meals and drinks often costing more than in Alpine resorts. Self-catering or choosing hotels with half-board can reduce costs.

Best Ski Resorts in Norway – A Summary

Resort	Ski Area (km)	Difficulty	Snow Reliability	XC Trails	Family Focus	Scenic Highlights	Off-Piste Activities	Transfer (from UK)
Geilo	~33km	Beginners & families	Very High	500km	Excellent	Lakes, highlands	Dog sledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing	3.5–4h train from Oslo/Bergen
Trysil	~70km	Intermediates, families	Very High	100km+	Outstanding	Forested ridges	Tobogganing, dog sledding, wildlife safaris	3h drive from Oslo / 40min from SCR
Hemsedal	~44km	Intermediates & advanced	High	250km	Very Good	Alpine peaks	Snowshoeing, ice climbing, backcountry sledding	3.5h drive from Oslo
Voss	~45km	Mixed terrain, scenic	Moderate-High	18km+	Very Good	Fjord & lake views	Snowshoeing, husky sledding (nearby)	1.5h drive or train from Bergen

Our Verdict: Norway’s Top Ski Resorts Ranked

1. Trysil

Best all-rounder. Trysil is a little more expensive than other Norwegian resorts, but many travellers find it worth the cost. With the largest ski area, ski-in/ski-out convenience, superb family facilities, and consistent snow, Trysil is the go-to choice for most UK travellers.

2. Geilo

Best for cross-country and peaceful skiing, Geilo strikes a balance between traditional charm and modern convenience. Its wide, gentle pistes are ideal for beginners, and its extensive cross-country trails appeal to Nordic enthusiasts. With fewer crowds, scenic landscapes, and a relaxed pace, it’s particularly attractive for couples and families.

3. Hemsedal

Best for advanced skiers and dramatic alpine terrain, Hemsedal offers the most challenging skiing of the four, including steep runs and exciting off-piste options. The scenery is jaw-dropping, and there’s a strong après-ski culture too. It’s a top pick for adventurous skiers and those looking for a Norwegian mountain destination with a bit more edge.

4. Voss

Best for accessibility and fjord scenery. Easily reached from Bergen, Voss is the most convenient choice for a short or car-free ski trip. It offers a well-rounded ski experience with scenic backdrops and good value lodging. While the ski area is smaller and less snow-sure than some others, it’s ideal for mixed-activity holidays that blend skiing with sightseeing and soft adventure.

With several Norwegian resorts new to Ski Line’s 2025/26 programme, now is the perfect time to try skiing somewhere refreshingly different. Whichever you choose, these are among the very best ski resorts in Norway for UK travellers looking to ski differently this winter.