The 10 best places to ski in Scandinavia
There’s more to skiing holidays in Europe than can be found in the Pyrenees and the Swiss Alps. How about heading to Sweden or Norway for your snowy adventure this year?
Boasting some of the best slopes and scenery in the northern hemisphere, Scandinavia is a magical part of the world to get your winter sports fix. Throw in the Northern Lights, husky rides, and some après-ski fun, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a holiday of a lifetime.
Snow season in Scandinavia runs from December through to April, and while snow is never guaranteed, it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll catch some good conditions if you head there around this time of year. Be wary of Easter week though, as it tends to be more expensive and the pistes are more crowded.
So, without further ado, here we give you our 10 top places to ski in Scandinavia.
Reward tip: Fly to Norway or Sweden with Norwegian for your winter holiday and earn CashPoints to get a discount on your summer getaway. It’s a win-win!
And to get to those resorts that are a little farther away, you can earn even more CashPoints by hiring your car with Avis!
Norway
1. Hemsedal
Hemsedal sits between Oslo and Bergen, and is known as the Scandinavian Alps. It’s very easy on the eye, with rugged mountains and snow-powdered forests setting a postcard-perfect scene for the winter sports lovers that flock there each year.
As well as some top-notch skiing (including several black pistes), this Norwegian ski resort has plenty of other winter activities to enjoy, from dog sledding and horse sleigh riding to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Fly to Oslo and drive for around 3.5 hours
2. Trysil
Based on the magnificent Trysilfjellet mountain, Trysil is Norway’s largest ski resort. Featuring over 70 kilometres of skiable slopes – many of which are green and blue runs – it’s a firm favourite for families.
If you want to do a few runs with the adults on the tougher slopes, drop the kids off at the children’s area. There’s plenty to keep them entertained, from magic carpets and forest trails to talking trees and treasure hunting!
Tip: While at Trysil, don’t miss the Northern Lights tour where you’ll snowshoe your way up the mountain in search of the aurora borealis.
Fly to Oslo and drive for around 2 hours
3. Norefjell
Situated beside a lake in Norway’s Noresund region, Norefjell is best known for hosting the Giant Slalom and Downhill events at the 1952 Winter Olympics. The challenging runs are a great place to get an adrenaline rush!
Feeling competitive? Try out one of Norefjell’s arenas, where you can measure your speed in the speed trap and compete against your friends or the clock!
Tip: If you fancy splashing out on your accommodation at this top Scandinavian ski resort, Norefjell has an award-winning hotel and spa right on its doorstep, perfect for some après-ski R&R. Book a room at Norefjell Ski & Spa via Norwegian Reward and earn CashPoints on your reservation.
Fly to Oslo and drive for around 2 hours
4. Hovden
Situated in Norway’s Aust-Agder county, Hovden ticks all the boxes for a family ski holiday in Scandinavia. In addition to cosy digs and tons of après-ski amenities, it features 14 kilometres of groomed runs, 170 kilometres of cross-country skiing, and the Bukkerittet terrain park, where snowboarders and freeskiers can get their kicks.
Kids aren’t left out either – Hovden features a children’s ski park, as well as the Aqualand indoor waterpark.
Fly to Oslo and drive for around 4 hours
5. Stryn
Ever fancied flying down the slopes then heading to the beach on the same day? Stryn Sommerski, situated 1,065 metres above sea level, is the most famous summer ski centre in Northern Europe.
Open from around the beginning of June to mid-July each year, this ski centre is small in comparison to other resorts, but makes for a unique summer excursion when visiting Western Norway.
And there’s plenty more to do in and around Stryn besides skiing, as the village sits at the heart of Nordfjorden, a nature-lover’s paradise known for its spectacular glaciers, mountain peaks, thundering waterfalls and picturesque fjords.
If you’re heading here in winter, you can still enjoy all the usual snow and ski activities at Stryn Vinterski, which has 12 slopes and a snowpark.
6. Oslo Vinterpark
Oslo Vinterpark is a good Norwegian ski spot if you’re heading to Oslo on a city break and fancy a bit of fun in the snow. A mere 30-minute drive from the city centre, you can sight-see and hit the slopes in the same day!
There are gentle runs for beginners, wide slopes for families, and more challenging slopes for experienced skiers. If you’re a snowboarder, there’s a ‘super pipe’ with your name on it!
Fly to Oslo
Sweden
7. Sälen
They say variety is the spice of life. And that’s exactly what you get at Sälen. A popular place to ski in Scandinavia, this vast winter wonderland is made up of four separate resorts linked by a free ski bus: Lindvallen, Högfjället, Tandådalen and Hundfjället. Together, they make up the largest ski area in Sweden.
As you can imagine, there’s something here for everyone and Sälen is an especially family-friendly ski destination with a great selection of slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers. If you’re an expert, there are plenty of opportunities to find your way off-piste too!
Tip: Sälen is a good ski resort for adventure-seekers, so don’t miss out on the night skiing, ice-karting and ice-climbing on offer here.
Fly to Oslo and drive for around 3 hours
8. Hemavan Tärnaby
With just 18 kilometres between them, a ski holiday in Hemavan Tärnaby gives you two resorts for the price of one. The skiing at both is guaranteed to get your blood pumping, thanks to the area’s high altitude and thrilling mountainside runs, but they have their fair share of gentle slopes too.
If you like to retire quietly after a day on the snow, these resorts might not be for you – they attract a young and lively crowd, who come for the trendy après-ski party scene.
Fly to Bodø and drive for around 4 hours
9. Funäsfjällen
Funäsfjällen is another box-ticking Scandinavian ski destination. Consisting of six skiable areas, 60 peaks over 1,000 metres, and boasting the most downhill runs on one ski pass in all of Scandinavia, this resort truly has something for every winter sports enthusiast.
Funäsfjällen offers healthy mix of blue, green, and red slopes, as well as some black ones. Throw in 300 kilometres of cross-country tracks, plenty of accommodation options, nearly 30 restaurants and eight ski schools, and you won’t want for much while you’re here.
Fly to Trondheim and drive for around 2.5 hours
10. Åre
A quaint mountain village brimming with alpine charm and top après-ski amenities, Åre is one of the most popular ski resorts in Scandinavia. With 89 slopes and 46 lifts, it’s one of the biggest, too.
Divided into three areas, Åre Björnen and Duved/Tegefjäll are perfect for newbies and families with kids, while Åre village caters for more experienced skiers. Its slopes have been used in various World Cup competitions.
Around the mountain Åreskutan you’ll find summit tours and challenging off-piste areas, not to mention incredible views.
Fly to Åre and drive for around 1.5 hours
Ready to hit the slopes?
Whether you’re a newbie to snow sports or a seasoned black-run skier, the slopes of Scandinavia have got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up to Norwegian Reward and earn CashPoints on your flights and car hire, and let the fun begin!
Tip: Want more European skiing options? Check out our tips on choosing a ski resort in the Alps.