I’ll level with you. Norway isn’t the first place I think of when it comes to ski resorts. Summer, fjords, and boating – yes, but with the Swiss and French Alps nearby, skiing takes a bit of a back seat for foreigners. And this is exactly what makes ski resorts in Norway so special.
Compared with the rest of Europe, Norway’s resorts are quiet, small, and unique. And while daylight hours may be a concern, you might have the Northern Lights to guide your journey home after a day on the slopes (disclaimer: this is a big maybe).
What isn’t a maybe is the cosy accommodations you’ll come home to. With roaring fireplaces, traditional saunas, and snuggly bedding, your winter wonderland dreams will all come true.
Now, the best ski resorts in Norway don’t come cheap, nor do the apres-ski beers. But you’re paying for something special here: reliable snow and an unusually long ski season. Norway has close to two hundred ski resorts. Yes, the 173 resorts offer different snow conditions, accommodations, and social scenes.
Luckily for you, I’ve done the leg work for you and assembled the ten best ski resorts, each with a top accommodation recommendation. You’re welcome!
So strap in and let’s dive into the best ski resorts in Norway.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Staying in a Ski Resorts in Norway
Norwegian ski resorts aren’t just for skiing. They offer the full winter experience. From the moment you arrive, Norwegian hospitality wraps you up in the world of Hygge. And if you still aren’t clued up as to what that means, you only have to experience the warmth, cosiness, and hospitality around here to get the picture.
If you’re backpacking Norway you can find some no-frills lodges or cabin rentals. While luxury isn’t guaranteed, functionality, cleanliness, and being just a stone’s throw from the lifts usually are. Jumping into the mid-range options category, there are plenty of boutique hotels with Scandinavian-inspired interiors, heated floors (which you’ll really appreciate after a day in ski boots), and hearty breakfasts loaded with local salmon.
And if you’re splurging, Norway is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world. They do luxury like no other. Picture private cabins with hot tubs, saunas, and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks with the Northern Lights dancing above them.
The best ski resorts in Norway stand out because they’re all about peaceful serenity. Forget about the chaotic crowds in the Alps and teenagers waking you up as they arrive home at ungodly hours of the morning. Most of these resorts are more family-oriented, with activities like sledding, cross-country trails, and even reindeer sleigh rides – because we’re too close to the North Pole not to.
Another plus is the amenities. Most resorts have ski-in/ski-out facilities, with gear rentals and wellness facilities all built into your accommodation package.
Compared with the rest of the world, Norway’s resorts feel less about making money, and more about connecting visitors with nature and Nordic traditions. Forget the commercial ski resort scene, and launch yourself into the world of hygge.
Log Cabin in the Mountains, Oppdal Ski Center
- > $$
- > 5 Guests
- > Patio with mountain views
- > Free private parking
4-Bed Cabin with Fire Place and Jacuzzi, Trysil, Hedmark
- > $
- > 8 Guests
- > Private jacuzzi
- > Roaring fireplace
Pellestova Hotell Hafjell, Hafjell Alpine Resort, Oppland
- > $$$$
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Suites with mountain views
- > Delicious breakfast served daily
Fýri Resort, Hemsedal, Viken
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Indoor and outdoor pool
- > Conference and business facilities
The 10 Top Ski Resorts in Norway
Whether you’re a professional carver or a newbie trying to master your pizza wedge, Norway’s ski resorts have something for every type of traveller. Don’t trust me? Just continue reading for a little more validation:
Log Cabin in the Mountains, Oppdal Ski Center | Overall Best Value Ski Resort in Norway
This mountain cabin just outside Oppdal is perfect for a small travelling family. It’s small and compact yet has all the necessities for a short stay: a full kitchen with a dishwasher, a patio with gorgeous views of the mountain, and two private bedrooms.
Places to Visit Nearby
- Gjevillvatnet Lake
- Breen
- Olbu
Oppdal is best known for its expansive terrain (relative to other ski resorts in Norway) and uncrowded slopes. It’s a dream come true for free riders and families seeking untouched powder and slope variety without the lift lines.
This five-sleeper cabin is a few miles from the main town in a lush and peaceful residential neighbourhood near the Gjevillvatnet Lake. It feels peaceful and private, especially with the patio’s uninterrupted views of the mountains.
Wooden walls, floors, and ceilings give it the classic cabin vibe. Plus, it has all the kitchen appliances you could possibly need.
4-Bed Cabin with Fire Place and Jacuzzi, Trysil, Hedmark | Best Budget Ski Resort in Norway
Trysil is Norway’s biggest ski resort, with perfect groomers, top-end ski schools, and family-friendly vibes. It has 31 lifts servicing 68 slopes around Mount Trysilfjellet, so you could spend days here and not explore the entire resort.
This cabin is more spacious than you’d expect. It’s got an open-concept living space with a full kitchen, a living area with a fireplace, and an eight-person dining table. But the main event here is the jacuzzi on the deck. Just take note – you might have to climb through the snow to get to it!
Pellestova Hotell Hafjell, Hafjell Alpine Resort, Oppland | Most Luxurious Ski Resort in Norway
Hafjell is best known for its lively village atmosphere. It’s the ideal spot for a road trip in Norway as it’s a short drive from Lillehammer and combines scenic slopes, lively après-ski, and a cultural scene into one winter wonderland package.
The Pellestove Hotell in Hafjell looks unassuming from the outside, but as you step inside, it feels more like Hollywood meets Scandinavia. It’s done in a classic modern Scandi style, with huge glass windows, bespoke wooden furnishings, and warm lighting.
It’s no secret that Norway can be expensive and this place knows how to do luxury. With its high-end amenities, friendly staff, and excellent location surrounded by cross-country skiing tracks, you can’t ask for much more.
Fýri Resort, Hemsedal, Viken | Perfect Norway in Ski Resort for Couples
The second largest ski resort in Norway, Hemsedal, is loved for its wide open slopes, multiple terrain parks, and bustling village. If you’re not hitting the halfpipe yourself, half the fun is watching others make the drop. The Fyri Resort is one of the best in the country. It’s located close to the lifts at Hemsedal and has some impressive facilities worth noting.
For starters, this spot has an indoor and outdoor pool, huge business or conference facilities, and a bar and restaurant serving delicious food. The rooms aren’t half bad either, with eclectic interiors, unique photography and art, and warm lighting.
If you stay in the warmer months, you’ll have some of the best hikes in Norway on your doorstep.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!Comfortable Contemporary 2-Bed Condo, Kvitfjell Ski Resort, Sandane
As the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, Kvitfjell (Norwegian for White Mountain) really lives up to its name. The entire town and slopes were developed for the games, with tons of snowmaking machines giving nature a helping hand.
You won’t find a more beautiful space to stay in than this two-bedroom condo. It’s decorated in a contemporary style, with bespoke wooden furniture, sleek cabinetry, and wooden wall boards. Dimmable lightbulbs hang from the ceiling, illuminating the space with a warm glow and giving it the cabin vibe we all know and love.
Sunny Cabin with Fjord Views, Myrkdalen, Hordaland
A little-known resort with some of the fastest chairlifts and fewest crowds, you could ski more miles at Myrkdalen in a day than just about anywhere else in the world. Add to that some of the best Norwegian off-piste terrain, and we have ourselves one of the best ski resorts in Norway.
This sun-drenched cabin will elevate your ski resort experience with style. It’s located on a hill overlooking the lake and is just a short drive from the ski lifts at Myrkdalen. After skiing, head back to the cabin to whip up a home-cooked meal with a view. Jokes aside, this kitchen has more appliances than I have in my own home.
Modern Ski-In/Ski-Out Cabin with Mountain Views, Hovden Alpine Center, Nordland
Hovden is another one of the biggest ski resorts in Norway. It’s got world-class terrain both on and off-piste, night skiing, and a children’s slope. The terrain park is one of the country’s best, proving just as much fun to watch as it is to join in on the fun. Disclaimer: you must be an advanced skier to hit the park.
This modern chalet is one of seven. It’s built as a replica of a traditional cabin, with high vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the snowy mountains. The living area is spacious for a group of eight, but the house has enough beds for ten guests.
Pet-Friendly 2-Bed Condo with Mountain Views, Geilo, Viken
If you love to ski as much as you love to unwind at the spa, Geilo is the place for you. It offers the perfect balance for adventure and wellness seekers. I mean, can you think of a better way to spend your ski holiday than hopping between the sauna and the slopes?
When it comes to accommodation, you could rent this private two-bedroom apartment in the heart of this Norwegian ski resort. Everything has been remodelled, from the sunny living room and patio to the private bedrooms with clever storage solutions.
A top-notch deal on top-notch gear.
WANDRD is not your average backpack brand.
And this is not your average sale.
Get up to 40% OFF some of their best and most beloved pieces of gear.
Ski Lodge with Spectacular Views, Gaustablikk, Rjukan
Let’s go ahead and call this Norway’s best-kept secret. It’s home to the highest peak in Telemark County, which you can spot from as far away as Sweden and Denmark. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the resort is highly rated for free riders, with rolling runs and chutes from the peak.
Kollen Ski Lodge is a five-star self-catering accommodation that can accommodate seven guests. The entire space is beautifully designed with a contemporary cabin flair. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls manage to make you feel as if you’re in the mountains, even from the comfort of the living room.
Lysebu Hotel, Oslo Winter Park, Tryvann
If you’re wondering where to stay in Oslo, It’s hard to believe there is a ski resort half an hour from Oslo. Because of its proximity to the capital, Oslo Winter Park is one of the more crowded resorts. But I think it’s a fair price to pay for its convenient location!
The closest accommodation to the resort is the Lyseby Hotel above Oslo. It’s a classic old-school hotel offering all the amenities you might expect, including a 24-hour reception, a restaurant serving breakfast, and a fitness centre. The rooms have all been stylishly refurbished and are stocked with organic skincare products.
You’re also within walking distance of the Voksenkollen metro station making exploring a breeze.
FAQs About Ski Resorts in Norway
Need to know more, want to know more, love to know more?! I gotcha!
Don’t Forget Your Norway Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Norway.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Ski Resorts in Norway
Norway might not be the first place you think of when planning a ski holiday—but maybe it should be.
The country is overflowing with ski resorts, each offering a unique vibe, views, and terrain. From the pristine slopes of Trysil to the charming village ambience in Geilo, the best ski resorts in Norway offer something for everyone.
Budget travellers can opt for simple self-catering lodges, while those after a bit more luxury can indulge in boutique hotels or private chalets with saunas and hot tubs. The resorts here are typically family-friendly, and the rentals in Norway’s ski resorts reflect that.
For a ski trip without the crowds and loud party scene of the rest of Europe, you’ll want to book yourself into the most hygge spot you can find in Norway.
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in Norway.
- Get yourself covered with trusty travel insurance for Europe.
- Backpackers and frugal travelers can use our budget travel guide.
- Sort your SIM for Europe to avoid unnecessary hassle.
- Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
