Skiing in Norway

If you want to go skiing, you're at the right place. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, there are plenty of options, from slopes to off-piste adventures. But it’s not just about strapping on your skis and heading downhill. Safety and precautions are extremely important, especially if you’re going for ski touring and freeriding. So please be prepared, do research and take care.

Alpine and snowboarding in ski resorts
If you’re looking for a fun and relatively safe day of skiing or snowboarding, there are many ski resorts to choose from. Some of the largest and most well-known are:

South:

• Trysil

• Hemsedal

• Geilo

• Hafjell

• Kvitfjell
  
  North:

• Narvik

• Riksgränsen (just over the border to Sweden, but worth a mention!)
  

Cross-country skiing
Norway is known as the home of cross-country skiing, with an extensive network of trails throughout the whole country. It's a more chill activity than going down-hill, and you have time to enjoy your surroundings. I love cross-country skiing during sunrise or sunset. Especially combined with a cinnamon bun and a hot chocolate.

You'll find trail almost everywhere, but heres a few really good areas with beautiful surroundings:

• Sjusjøen

• Beitostølen

• Nordmarka, in Oslo
  

Freeriding and off-piste
For those seeking more adventurous skiing experiences, Norway offers incredible freeriding and off-piste options. But please be safe and hire a guide if you're not familiar with the area.

A few thinks to keep in mind:

• Preparation: Always be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in mountainous areas where the weather can shift quickly. Dress in layers to adjust to the temperature and always wear a helmet when skiing or snowboarding.

• Avalanche risk: If you’re going off-piste, it’s crucial to be aware of the risk of avalanches and other dangers. Taking an avalanche safety course is highly recommended. Always carry avalanche equipment like a transceiver, shovel, and probe, and check avalanche forecasts in advance. The website varsom.no provides excellent, up-to-date information.

• Guide: For beginners and those unfamiliar with the areas, it’s highly recommended to use a guide if you plan to ski outside groomed trails. A guide can help you find the best spots while ensuring you stay safe. You’ll typically find good guides in areas with good ski opportunities, so check the local options where you are.
  

Need to rent equipment?

• Ski resorts: All major ski resorts have rental shops where you can rent everything from skis and snowboards to boots, helmets, and other safety gear.

• Sports shops: Many sports stores in larger cities like Oslo, Tromsø, and Bergen also offer ski rentals. This can be convenient if you’re planning a ski trip from the city and want to arrange gear before heading to the mountains.

• Tour companies: For those who want to try cross-country skiing, freeriding, or backcountry skiing, many guiding services also rent specialized equipment like mountain skis and avalanche gear.