Norway Skiing Holidays
Norway was the birthplace of skiing, in Telemark in south Norway back in the 19th century, and skiing continues to be the number one winter sport throughout the country. Beginning as a necessary mode of transport for residents of the small isolated towns and villages, recreational skiing, as well as cross-country and ski-jumping, has become a way of life for most Norwegians, who are credited with introducing the sport to the rest of the world. With long hard winters, and guaranteed snow, Norway has many popular ski resorts and is home to 30,000km of marked trails. The natural unspoilt beauty of the Norwegian landscape provides a wonderful backdrop, with spectacular scenery, stunning mountains and glaciers, and beautiful lakes and fjords.
Skiing in Norway – The Resorts
Norway is home to some wonderful family-friendly resorts, with excellent facilities, instruction and non-skiing activities. One of the most popular resorts for British skiers is Voss, a beautiful area in the heart of the fjord county, set beside a scenic lake. Voss has 11 runs, spread over 40km, and an extensive range of off-the-slope activities. Another popular resort in Norway is Geilo, attracting international skiers, and with a history dating back 100 years. The resort has plenty of Norwegian character, and a charming friendly atmosphere. With 36 slopes over 215km, Geilo has a wide range of terrain for all levels of skier, an efficient lift system, uncrowded pistes and snow-sure slopes. Trysil is one of the largest ski areas in Scandinavia, with 64 runs over the slopes of the 1,132m peak. Skeikampen is a smaller resort, and offers an ideal base for young children, with a safe small ski area, whilst Gaustablikk is set amongst some dramatic scenery in Telemark, and offers plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation.
Skiing in Norway – The Atmosphere
Skiing in Norway is an excellent choice for families, with free lift passes and helmets for children, designated ski areas and friendly crèches, ski schools and kindergartens. Apres-ski in Norway revolves around cosy bars and traditional restaurants, reflecting the relaxed nature and hospitality of the people, and there is accommodation for all budgets, from luxury hotels to basic cabins. The ski resorts are ideally positioned to enjoy the majestic scenery, lakes and fjords and the major cities of Oslo and Bergen offer interesting weekend trips. Norway is a haven for all manner of winter sports, including cross-country skiing and ski-jumping, and whilst skiing in Norway, visitors can also enjoy tobogganing, ice-skating, snow-mobiling, paragliding, ice-fishing, dog-sledding and sleigh-rides.
Norway Skiing Holidays & Resorts
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