The land that doesn’t understand the phrase, ‘lack of snow’.
Before landing at Oslo Gardamoen airport on a clear and bright February morning, I had the chance to enjoy the fantastic views of the fjords and inlets south of the city. Mountains stretch as far as the eye can see and the land is covered in a blanket of white snow that resembles a scene from The Lord of The Rings. After the short flight from London I was looking forward to getting on my skis that afternoon, if possible.
I’m heading to the town of Lillehammer, location of the 1994 winter Olympic Games and one of the most famous ski regions of Norway. The airport is an easy 2 hour train ride away or the same time by bus transfer. The roads are clear and I’m confident of getting some skiing in by the end of the day.
My accommodation is situated just outside the main town of Lillehammer right next to the main ski area of Hafjell. I’m staying in a cosy cabin perfect for the slopes, no walking or buses required. Hafjell is the largest skiing area in this region and has an abundance of ski slopes to suit all levels, especially beginners and intermediates. The lift system is modern and efficient (you don’t get many queues here) and includes a main gondola that whisks you up to the central part of the mountain where several chairlifts, T-Bars and Drags provide plenty of choice. The wide selection of ski runs fan out from the top and make their way down the mountain, all ending up back at the Hafjell centre. Greens, blues, reds and black runs are available, and beginners can easily progress off of the nursery slopes here and explore the more of the mountain without fear of getting stuck.
Photo: Night skiing at Hafjell ski resort, Norway
For more adventurous skiers, there is the opportunity to go further afield and explore other ski areas in the region. Kvitfjell was the location for the men’s Olympic downhill run and still hosts a world cup race every winter. The steep north facing slope is a challenge for even the very best skiers, but if you can handle it, the well groomed piste will pull you back for more and more. There are a total of five ski areas all within easy reach of Lillehammer, so you won’t get bored even if you do like to find new slopes every day of your holiday.
Back in Hafjell, I’ve checked in, changed into my ski gear, got my skis from the rental shop and I still have time to ski, especially as I’ve heard the lifts are open to 8pm tonight! Yes, it is dark, but the floodlights provide 7 kilometres of skiing for anyone that doesn’t fancy getting into some After-ski action (I tried finding the Norwegian equivalent for Apres Ski and found out it’s simply After-ski, perfect). Woodies Bar right at the bottom of slopes starts up around 3pm and continues until the late hours with live music and a great atmosphere. The town of Lillehammer close by also has a wide choice of restaurants and bars, but I’m happy to settle into Woodies once I drag myself off the slopes, for a few beers and some warm and very welcome food.
What have I enjoyed about skiing in Norway?
The great snow conditions, friendly people who all seem to speak perfect English, the wild and stunning scenery, comfortable accommodation, wide open slopes that never seem crowded, Woodies bar and I’ll say it again, the great snow conditions!
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