Norway skiing holidays could be designed just for families. So if you want a change from the French Alps this winter, the Norway experts at Ski Solutions are sharing the secret of the best Norwegian ski holidays 2022/23 right here.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides, Geilo, Norway
Norway ski resorts are often considered the hidden gems of Europe. Norway ski holidays offer families uncrowded and peaceful mountains, world-class skiing and heaps of amazing, family-friendly activities. This is why Ski Solutions have a great range of luxury ski holidays in various Norwegian ski resorts. The company has been arranging ski holidays for over 35 years, so you’re guaranteed excellent service and a memorable ski experience.
With that amount of expertise, it’s fair to say Ski Solutions know Norwegian ski resorts like the back of their hand. They can recommend the most child-friendly resorts for your family, where everyone’s level of experience is taken into consideration. Plus, planning your holiday is easy because you’re assigned a dedicated account manager and concierge. So you have help at every stage from choosing the ideal resort to selecting luxury accommodation and finding perfect add-ons, like city breaks. As we said, easy!
Now you know why Ski Solutions are a great choice, time to find out why Norway should be your next family ski holiday.
Sunny snow day, Geilo, Norway
Why Norway is made for family ski holidays
Norway ski resorts offer quiet and wide pistes which are perfect for beginners and intermediates. Many gentle ski areas are designed specifically for children. And, if you’re a skiing whizz after a challenge, Norway’s unique backcountry even offers up thrilling, untouched powder fields.
Another huge bonus of skiing in Norway is that the snow is dry, more akin to the conditions of North America than in Europe. Then there’s the advantage of the long-lasting Nordic season which runs from November until late April, so it’s easier to find dates that work for your family and the school calendar.
What’s more, Norwegian lift systems are state of the art, resorts are exceptionally warm and friendly, and of course, you’re permanently surrounded by breathtakingly lovely scenery. Think majestic mountains, impressive fjords and impossibly cute Nordic villages.
The charming city of Bergen, Norway
But Norway skiing is just part of the holiday experience
Needless to say, a major activity in Norway ski resorts is…skiing! On top of regular skiing, you can try cross-country skiing and even night skiing. Geilo resort in Norway actually has a dedicated night-skiing and disco evening with DJs, where kids are given glow-sticks and let loose to ski and dance on the specially lit slopes.
However, there are plenty of other non-ski activities too. Animal lovers will relish the dog sledding which serves up all the thrill of dashing through the snow without any of the exertion and is available at all Norwegian ski resorts,
Fun fact: Alaskan Huskies were born to sled, love running and used to be the main form of transportation in Arctic regions. Oh, and they probably enjoy some cuddles, too! You can also take horse-drawn sleigh rides or go tobogganing, for more traditional winter wonderland excitement.
Northern Lights over Geilo, Norway
Natural wonders are everyday occurrences in beautiful Norway
Alternatively, get closer to sea level and take a boat cruise around the fjords to soak up the majesty of these natural wonders. The spectacular waterways make for easy day trips from ski resorts such as Myrkdalen or Beitostølen.
Or, why not look up? The northern lights can be spotted at any ski resort in Norway if the conditions are right. Between late September and late March, when Northern Norway is dark from early afternoon until late morning, these incredible celestial displays frequently soar across the sky, radiating green, blue and sometimes even pink and violet hues.
If you want something a bit more urban, or a break from ski boots, Ski Solutions can arrange an add-on city trip to your Norway ski holiday, so you can spend time exploring amazing Oslo or Bergen. And of course, there’s typically Norwegian aprés ski and Ski Solutions can recommend cosy bars and family restaurants where you can try local food in front of roaring log fires. Also, a good opportunity for grown ups to sample the Scandinavian tipple, Akevitt. Skål! As they say in Norway!
Which resort to pick for your Norway skiing holiday
Children learning to ski at Beitostølen, Norway
Beitostølen: great for beginners and young snowboarders
Beitostølen is a brilliant family ski resort in Norway and great for beginners thanks to the consistent, great quality snow and quiet slopes.
In total there are two main ski areas and both offer beginner and intermediate slopes, nine lifts and over 320km of cross-country tracks. A big advantage here, is that the children’s slope has its own lift next to the village centre, bliss at the end of a tiring day on the snow and handy for ski schools too. In fact, Ski Solutions partners with a range of local ski schools so families can easily arrange lessons as part of their holiday.
Skiers can even practice the sport at night in Beitostølen, as two of the resort slopes are floodlit on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Alternatively, give snowboarding a go. The snowboard park here has its own lift, plenty of rails for all levels and a good range of jumps, including two big enough to challenge the keenest young shredder.
Fun ski lessons, Geilo, Norway
Geilo: free ski lessons for under sixes all season
Another family-friendly ski resort in Norway is Geilo which suits both beginners and intermediates thanks to 40km of slopes offering everything from nursery slopes to challenging black runs. Again the pistes are quiet and wide, plus there’s also a floodlit cross-country slope if you don’t want to limit your snow-time to daylight hours.
Snowboarders will be more than happy here, as both sides of the resort have half pipes, one of which is next to a fun park featuring tabletops, rail slides and two gap jumps.
Geilo also has two super local ski schools, both with a fantastic reputation for teaching young children. There’s a crèche at the base of the ski slopes too, which cares for kids from six months to eight years and offers activities ranging from sledging to drawing, sculpture building and singing. Expect to listen to at least one rendition of “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?” on holiday in Geilo.
Spectacular views, Hafjell, Norway
Hafjell: only a couple of hours’ drive from Oslo
Hafjell offers very convenient family ski holidays in Norway as it’s only a two-hour drive from Oslo.
Three nursery slopes among 50 km of varied terrain connected by 18 highly efficient heated lifts make this resort fab for beginners. The wide-open runs will suit intermediates and there are also Olympic-level runs for the more advanced skiers. Indeed, Hafjell is best known for hosting the giant slalom and alpine skiing events at the Lillehammer 1994 Winter Olympics.
Families are well catered for thanks to the resort’s three children’s areas all with unique ski-related themes. The ski school offers group booking and individual lessons as well as a crèche for children aged two and over. And for snowboarders, there’s a terrain park built for all ability levels as well as a snowboarding school.
Ski school at Kvitfjell resort, Norway
Kvitfjell: home to one of the best ski schools in Norway
Kvitfjell offers slopes suited to all skiers, whether just starting out or keen on thrilling black runs. In fact, the resort is a regular venue on the alpine skiing World Cup circuit so if you’re looking for a real challenge, this is the one to choose.
Made up of three distinct sides, Kvitfjell offers 39km of pistes connected by an efficient modern lift system. It also has more than 600km of cross-country trails, all beginning in the resort centre, as well as a snow park with 12 rails/boxes and eight jumps.
Families will love the ski school which has a reputation for being one of the best-established in Norway and caters for all abilities. Plus, separate childcare facilities for kids aged from three to age six and from seven to 15 years, means no one is ever bored or left out. What’s more, there’s a family area in Kvitfjell Vest where there are specific lifts for children, a ‘Kid’s park’ and barbecue cabins for lunch.
Ski School, Myrkdalen, Norway © Sverre F
Myrkdalen: the largest ski resort in Western Norway
The largest ski resort in Western Norway, Myrkdalen also has an average snowfall of five metres each season, one of the highest in Europe.
It’s a terrifically child-friendly resort with uncrowded pistes and designated family-friendly ski areas. At weekends and during school holidays Myrkdalen even hosts complimentary skiing competitions for children. Everyone wins a prize, but don’t give the game away!
If you like a challenge the off-piste skiing is great too and you can hire local guides. This is another resort where Ski Solutions has partnered with ski schools. Ideal if you’re looking to learn or improve your technique, especially as childcare is available for non-skiing kids. And as for snowboarding, Myrkdalen is well suited to novices and intermediates.
Creche mascot, Norefjel, Norway
Norefjell: gorgeously scenic and thrilling to ski
Norefjell, one of the largest ski resorts in southern Norway, is set amidst beautiful scenery and is suitable for families, beginners and intermediates.
There are up to 25km of slopes here with 13 lifts connecting each slope. On top of that, there’s an outstanding snow park and excellent cross-country skiing tracks. Those looking for more thrills will appreciate the resort’s advanced runs. Norefjell is actually home to the country’s highest vertical drops and some of its steepest black pistes.
Families will be glad to know that all of the ski schools in Norefjell are managed by Norway’s former national ski team coach so the very best instruction is guaranteed. Childcare throughout the resort is another family-friendly bonus. Crèches for kids ages two and over are run by ski school instructors and offer activities ranging from sledging to drawing and singing.
Ready for your Norway skiing holiday? Visit Ski Solutions and find out more about family ski holiday offers 2022/23 or call 02074 717 765 and speak to one of Ski Solutions’ Norway experts.
