7 reasons why Norway is ideal for first-time skiers

If you haven’t yet slipped into a pair of skis in Norway, you’re missing a trick. Skiing in the country’s wild, fjord-riven west is terrific for beginners, with gentle, snow-sure slopes delivering a winter wonderland. Wide greens, tree-lined blues and cruisy reds for improving turns and technique beckon; and you’ll have them mostly to yourself. The country's mountains can’t rival the Alps height-wise — but they do receive some of Europe’s highest snowfall. Beyond the slopes, fire-warmed log cabins, husky-drawn sled rides, reindeer-bobbled plateaux and, with luck, dazzling Northern Lights shows bump up the fairytale appeal. Here's why novices should consider a trip to this Nordic beauty.

1. Guaranteed snow all season long

Unlike many other ski areas, in these northern latitudes the flakes start falling as early as October, with slopes remaining blanketed white for six months. Up here, you’re pretty much guaranteed gorgeous powder — increasingly a rarity in the Alps. A short drive from the southwest town of Voss, Myrkdalen, in particular, has a long season, reaching from mid-November to May. Nearby Geilo’s season stretches from late-November to mid-April; from February onwards, you can embrace the morning with sunrise skiing on pristine pistes.

2. Easy slopes abound

Beginners and intermediates are in their element on Myrkdalen’s 22km (14m) of runs, with long, spacious greens for practising turns, sweeping blue runs and more challenging reds. A kids’ area with a magic carpet lift, snow-frosted forest trails and floodlit skiing notch up the family fun. Dropping south to the icy shores of Vangsvatnet, Voss has similarly great confidence-building slopes, with 40km (25m) of broad green, blue and red runs. There are ski schools pitched at all levels, three children’s areas and the top-of-the-mountain Hangurstoppen Restaurant, where farm-to-fork dishes are complemented by mood-lifting views.

Situated east in the frozen wilds of Hallingskarvet National Park — home to herds of wild reindeer — Geilo has scooped Norway´s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards for six years running. It’s a popular choice with families, too, thanks to a free ski bus linking to nursery slopes, four kids’ areas and a nice mix of green, blue and red runs. If you fancy something different, there are 220km (137m) of cross-country trails to swish along in quiet exhilaration.

3. It’s better value than you’d think

Norway, affordable? You’d be surprised. A weakened Norwegian krone and a boom in low-cost flights from the UK has seen prices plummet. If you’re travelling with kids, under-sevens get free lift passes when adults prebook theirs. Other ways to economise include booking a good-value learn-to-ski package, which includes a lift pass, tuition and equipment rental. Also look out for low-season deals, such as Inghams’ ‘buy one lift pass, get one free’ offer in Geilo. Even at full price, lift passes tend to be cheaper than those in the Alps. A six-day ski pass in Geilo, for instance, costs £252 — versus over £400 at more popular European resorts.

4. The landscapes are awe-

inspiring

In a country that lives and breathes friluftsliv — a deep love of the outdoors — winter pursuits aren’t limited to the pistes alone. From Myrkdalen and Voss, one unmissable day trip to Nærøyfjord combines a two-hour electric boat cruise through a UNESCO-listed fjord with a ride on one of the world’s steepest railways. The fjord's beauty is off the charts in winter, with snow-dusted mountains punching up to 1,800m (5,905ft) above glassy waters. After docking, head over to the Flåm Railway. You’ll be glued to the window for your two-hour round trip, which climbs from two metres (6.5ft) to 867 metres (2,844ft) above sea level at a 5% gradient, past frozen falls, lofty peaks and mountain farms.

5. There's hotels to suit every skier

Norwegian resorts nail it, with hotels brilliantly placed for quick, hassle-free access the slopes. Bringing together timber-lodge charm with slick Scandi design, the ski-in, ski-out Myrkdalen Hotel is a great family pick, with a kids’ playroom, three restaurants serving everything from fondue to season-spun Norwegian flavours, and a nearby mountain sauna. For a touch of old-world grandeur, glide over to Fleischer’s Hotel, next to the train station in Voss and a snowball throw from the slopes. Besides riveting views of mountain-rimmed Vangsvatnet lake, it has an indoor pool, a sauna and a bar for post-ski relaxation. Scenically perched next to cross-country slopes, the rustic-chic Highland Lodge brings a dash of alpine cool to Geilo, with contemporary Nordic design and plenty to lure families, including a pool, playroom and pizzeria.

6. You'll be dazzled by the Northern Lights

Seeing the aurora borealis come out to play is the icing on the cake of any Norwegian ski holiday. And with the solar maximum causing a peak of activity until around March 2026, you don’t have to go all the way to the Arctic. With any luck, you’ll see the lights raving brilliantly in night skies over Voss, Myrkdalen and Geilo, where the light pollution is low. Your best chances are on crisp, clear, moonless nights. So, while you might glimpse them any time from late September to early April, the darkest months of winter are ideal for admiring them in all their colour-charged glory against a backdrop of snow-blanketed peaks.

7. You'll find plenty of slopeside action  

Beyond skiing, Norway’s vast white wilderness is ideal for low-impact activities that dive deep into nature. In Myrkdalen, you can swap a traditional wooden sled for a speedy downhill dash on a modern snowracer. Or pad through forests on snowshoes to a Sami-style lavvu (like a tipi) to sip mulled wine beside a crackling fire as the sun slips behind the mountains. To really dial up the adventure, mush your own team of yelping, run-hungry huskies. In Voss, snowshoeing at Mount Hanguren reveals spirit-soaring views of mountains and fjords, while the Voss Folk Museum rewinds time with its recreation of pre-Viking era farmsteads. Or head over to Geilo to try ice karting, fat biking, evening snowshoeing or a post-sauna ice bath. Taster sessions also allow you to give snowboarding and cross-country skiing a whirl.