Cheap Ski Holidays in Norway

Norway is fast becoming Scandinavia's top ski destination, always famous as a winter wonderland offering a fantastic choice of winter activities, but over the last couple of seasons, it is becoming more and more popular for skiers and snowboarders.

Norway's temperatures are colder than your average European resorts but are no colder than USA or Canada. Another myth is that it is dark all the time, well that’s simply not true, granted is that it gets darker earlier in December and January, similar to UK daytimes, however, almost every ski run in flood lit and makes it more magical skiing at dusk. And with cold weather, comes fantastic snowy conditions, making Norway a perfect place to ski and the seasons are usually longer than the average European ski resort too.

Geilo in Norway offers some excellent skiing, particularly for beginners, with its wide, uncrowded slopes and excellent ski schools. This is a charming resort, rich in traditional character, with two areas to enjoy after a day on the slopes, relaxed during the week and getting livelier on weekends.

Beitostolen offers a friendly, safe environment that suits families, beginners and improver’s best. Based on the edge of the Jotunheimen National Park, Beitostolen also offers some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery and some amazing off piste opportunities. The village centre offers a great choice of bars and restaurants but still offers a relaxed atmosphere of an evening.

Hemsedal, probably the most famous ski resort in Norway, with beautiful forested slopes, huge powder bowls and a huge selection of off piste challenges makes this a resort for all levels of skier. Snowboarders have been returning here year after year with its amazing terrain and snow parks and half pipes. There are two main villages in Hemsedal and both offer excellent choices in bars and restaurants, along with some beautiful traditional accommodations.

Lillehammer, famous for hosting 1994 Winter Olympics, offers a beautiful town with a wide selection of shops, bars and restaurants and an endless list of non ski opportunities. The nearest ski area is Hafjell, little over 15 kilometres from Lillehammer, the ski area caters well for beginners, families and intermediates, uncrowded slopes, excellent English speaking ski school and a wide range of beautiful scenic runs.

For the non skiers in your party, the choice of activities are endless, but to name a few, why not try a husky dog safari, a tree top walk, a search for Santa, snowshoe excursion under the stars, or maybe you would enjoy a day at the Langedrag Nature Park and Mountain Farm?? The choice is huge.

Another plus point for skiing in the beautiful country, is the unusually short transfers to these resorts ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours, amazing considering you normally need to drive for hours to experience such wonderful ski conditions. So for a ski holiday that is pure magic and a totally winter paradise, give Norway a go, you wont be disappointed. Its simply stunning.

Money

The official currency is Norwegian Krone (NOK) divided into 100ore. Larger establishments accept major credit cards and travellerscheques. Use of credit cards is widespread, withEurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club themost common. Visitors should be aware that credit cards aregenerally not accepted as a means of payment in Norwegiansupermarkets and petrol stations. Foreign currency and travellerscheques can be exchanged at banks and major post offices, as wellas many hotels and travel agents, although for poorer rates. ATMsare available in all towns and cities.

Time

Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Language

Norwegian is the official language, but English is widely understood.

Climate

Despite its northerly location, the climate in Norway istemperate, thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream flowingalong its coast. The interior highlands have an Arctic type ofclimate in winter with snow, strong winds and severe frosts, butduring fine summer spells the daytime temperatures can rise above86°F (30°C) with long hours of sunshine. By contrast, thecoastal areas have comparatively mild winter conditions. Gales,rain and cloud are likely along the west coast, particularly inwinter, and the rainfall is frequent and heavy. The lowland areaaround Oslo is the driest and warmest part of the country insummer.