Family Winter Holiday in Norway – Top 5 Ski destinations


Are you dreaming of a week of winter wonderland and family fun outdoors, hot chocolate and evenings spent in front of the log fire? Why not consider some of the most fabulous ski resorts in Scandinavia? Scandinavians are known for being family oriented, for their tall mountains and snowy winters. All you’ll need to create that memorable winter family holiday.

You’ve probably heard that all Norwegians are “born with skis on their feet”. Well, not sure about that, but I’ve skied for as long as I can remember, and so has our children. We truly enjoy skiing and outdoor fun in Winter time. These recommendations are based on our own experience, all destinations included are top quality ski resorts, with children’s ski schools, slopes and lifts, some with exceptional nursery/childcare facilities.

Trysil (1.132m) is is Norway’s largest and most popular ski resort, perfect for families; There’s family restaurants, brilliant nursery facilities, skiing trolls, sami tent for storytelling, children’s adventure trial in the slopes etc. which are just extraordinary compared to any other ski destination in Europe. 31 lifts and 3 children’s slopes. Open 3.November-21.April˚ trysil.com

Kvitefjell (1.039m) was developed for the Winter Olympics in Norway 1994, situated a 45 minutes drive further along the valley after Lillehammer. The popular ski resort today is catering for all abilities but tends to be popular also among advanced skiers. Great cross country facilities too. 11 lifts and 2 children’s slopes. Open 2.November-21.April˚ kvitfjell.no

Hemsedal (1.450m) also known as the Alps of Scandinavia is the top ski resorts in Northern Europe. This is also a destination for young people and has some of a party reputation. Worth keeping in mind when booking accommodation. Nevertheless, still included in our list with some of the best slopes in Norway. 24 lifts and 2 children’s slopes. Open 1.November-4.May˚ hemsedal.com

Norefjell (1.010m) was developed for the Winter Olympics in 1952, situated only 1 hour outside the capital, Oslo. With a award winning SPA & Ski in Ski Out resort at the top of the mountain where you can choose to stay in the hotel or in a self catering apartment, this is the ultimate solution for any family. Overall a great family ski resort with lots of activities for children, within easy reach. 13 lifts and 3 children’s slopes. Open 16 November-April˚ norefjell.com

Geilo (1.178m) is the most traditional ski resort, 3.5 hours drive from Oslo. It’s Norway’s most charming ski circus with the tiny mountain village surrounded by cross country and ski slopes. You’ll ski straight into the village centre, where there’s lots of nice restaurants and shops. Lots of Norwegian families has come here for generations. 18 lifts and Open 3.November-27.April˚ geilo.com

Fly with Norwegian, British Airways or SAS. Get a rental car through Avis or Hertz. Ski in Ski out; Stay in a hotel, apartment or a norwegian style mountain lodge. Be tech savvy and book your holiday accommodation online through the ski resort site or visitnorway.com -or talk to a travel agent like baltictravelcompany.com

Can you guess to which resort we will be going next time? Are you planning a ski holiday with the family? We’d love to hear about it!

˚Opening times may vary depending on snow conditions. They may open weeks before or later, please check with the destination.
Images are all from skiing in Trysil; photo 1 and photo 2 and 3.

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