Destination Norway with Thomas Uhrskov

Crisp air, cold temperatures, and hours spent outdoors. If this is the essence of your winter adventure, then choosing the right place to return to isn’t just a nice extra – it’s essential.

On his trip, Thomas stayed in two very different Landfolk cabins: first, Therese’s traditional log house surrounded by deep silence and ski trails right outside the door, and later, Ida’s bright, modern mountain retreat with panoramic views. Each had its own magic – together showing just how diverse and inviting a Norwegian winter holiday can be.

Ski-in, ski-out simplicity in Therese’s traditional cabin

At their first stop, Thomas has lined up his skis right by the front door on the large veranda that wraps around the traditional Norwegian mountain cabin. As he points out himself, the cabin is ski-in/ski-out, meaning you can strap on your cross-country skis at the doorstep. Just outside the cabin, several trails run past, inviting you to glide straight into the mountain landscape and complete silence.

“It’s hard to explain why this is so fascinating – you’re in the most beautiful nature, and it’s completely silent. You hear absolutely nothing,” Thomas says.

He travelled to Norway with his wife Helle to explore the vast nature – preferably on skis most of the time. As an experienced family of skiers, he also shares his best advice on how to get started skiing in Norway with children.

You can book Therese’s traditional cabin here or view even more cabins close to cross-country trails.

Family skiing tips from Thomas Uhrskov

Take breaks when the kids need them Children have different needs to adults, so let them set the pace and decide when it’s time for a break. A ski day with kids doesn’t have to mean eight hours on the slopes – it often works better in shorter bursts, like two sessions of a couple of hours. Let the children guide the activity and pause whenever their tiny legs start to tire.

Stay close to the slopes It’s a real advantage to stay near the area where your family will be skiing. Keep an extra set of snowsuits and gloves handy in the car or in a locker at the ski resort, so you’re always prepared.

Explore all our cabins with ski-in/ski-out here.

Rent ski equipment and get familiar with it If it’s your first ski trip, there’s no need to buy all the gear straight away. Instead, borrow or rent equipment in advance and let the children get used to wearing it – helmet, boots, and ski suit. Even just playing around in the garden or living room helps them feel more comfortable before the real adventure begins.

Want more inspiration for a family-friendly ski holiday? Join our founder Camilla on her trip to Hovden with her children and grab her packing list here

Light, views, and gentle trails in Ida’s modern mountain retreat

From rustic charm to modern design – their next stop was Ida’s contemporary cabin, where comfort meets nature in an atmosphere full of light and calm. With panoramic views stretching across the mountains, Thomas couldn’t hide his excitement.

The nearby trails are perfect for less experienced cross-country skiers, with gentle climbs and descents. If alpine skiing is more your style, Nesfjellet Alpincentre is just 18 km away, offering wide pistes, modern lifts, and – as Thomas points out – plenty of space across its 15 runs.

Book Ida’s modern cabin here – or explore more retreats near alpine slopes.

Local knowledge at your doorstep

One of the things Thomas valued most about booking through Landfolk was meeting his hosts. After a small detour on the way to Therese’s cabin, he found himself without groceries for the evening. Therese stepped in, pointing him to a 24-hour shop nearby – and even dropped by herself to help and share tips on the best local specialities.

For Thomas, it made a world of difference to have a host who felt like a local expert right at hand.

Norwegian flavours to try

Norwegian cabins are best experienced with a taste of the local delicacies and here’s a few essentials you should definitely get at the local shops:

• Kvikk Lunsj – no day in the mountains is complete without this iconic chocolate bar in your pocket.
• Sausages in lompe – a warm snack wrapped in soft potato flatbread.
• Brunost (brown cheese) – made from cow’s or goat’s milk, it’s delicious on anything, but most Norwegian of all when served on a warm waffle with sour cream and jam.

Ice bathing and sauna

With its countless lakes and fjords, Norway is the perfect place to try winter swimming. For Thomas and Helle, it was a must. “They say it’s something you simply have to do – so we did,” Thomas laughs. This time, the plunge was in Lake Tinnsjøen, one of the world’s deepest lakes, followed by a blissful warm-up in the sauna.

5 tips for winter swimming

• Always bring a friend – it’s safer and more fun.

• Check the conditions: clean water, no strong currents, and always know how to get out before you get in.

• Lay out your towel and clothes beforehand to warm up quickly afterwards.

• Bring extra warm clothes and a hot drink – nothing beats coffee and a croissant while wrapped in a blanket.

• Keep it short: three dips are often better than one long one. The water even feels less cold the second and third time.

Curious to try it yourself? Discover seven breathtaking winter swimming spots across Scandinavia here.

Ready for your own winter adventure?

If you’re dreaming of a similar trip, dive into our handpicked Collection of Norwegian cabins here. Whether you’re after traditional charm, modern design, or a mix of both, you’ll find a cabin that makes winter in Norway feel both easy and unforgettable.