6 tips for planning your ski holiday in Norway
With its towering mountains, long ski season with guaranteed snow and the stark contrast to city life, Norway is an ideal destination for your ski holiday. However, when travelling abroad, the practical considerations can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why we've gathered 6 of the most important things you need to know if you are planning a ski holiday in Norway, to make sure that you have the best trip possible.
1. Book your ski cabin on Landfolk
Picking the perfect cabin for your winter adventure is the first step towards a great trip. And regardless of whether you are dreaming of exploring the mountains on cross-country skis or enjoying the thrill on the snowy mountain sides on slalom skis or snowboard, Landfolk have cabins that are perfect for you.
Choose a Landfolk cabin with ski-in/ski-out.
Find a Landfolk cabin with cross-country tracks right outside the door.
2. Hassle free skiing: book your ski gear ahead of time
One common question that arises is where to rent ski or snowboard equipment. Luckily, there are excellent options if you prefer to rent and most ski resorts offer this service. Surprisingly, several Norwegian sports stores offer rental services as well, which are often cheaper than resorts, but potentially less convenient.
To enhance your experience:
- Book your equipment with the ski resorts ahead of time. Not only does this guarantee availability, but it's also cost-effective.
- Explore package deals combining equipment and lift passes, often offering slightly cheaper options.
- When booking your cross country skis, don’t forget to inquire about waxing services, especially if you are new to cross-country skiing. This will without a doubt enhance your experience and ensure that your family has a good time.
3. How to get there
Visiting Norwegian cabins in the winter is vastly different from exploring the mountains in the summer, and there are some elements to this that are essential for both your comfort and safety. We have therefore collected some of the most important aspects, so that you can make sure your winter adventure goes to plan.
- Because public transportation is limited, travelling by car is highly recommended.
- Consult your host about access to the cabin. In the winter you might not be able to drive all the way to the door. Your host will have tips and tricks on how they themselves solve potential challenges.
- Be prepared for steep roads, sometimes necessitating four-wheel drive or snow chains. Enquire about this, as well as information on toll roads, from your host or the ski resort. In Norway, heavier cars are required by law to have snow chains available. If you’re unsure about whether this applies to you, you can read more here.
- Research parking options, some ski destinations offer free parking, and some provide shuttle buses. Plan your logistics ahead of time for a stress-free trip.
4. Enrol the kids in ski schools
Every Norwegian ski destination prioritises children and the family experience, which means that you and your family will have a lovely time regardless of where you go. Many places even offer dedicated areas and lifts for children, along with ski schools.
To optimise your experience:
- Research the options before you go, this might help determine your destination.
- Check what languages the instructors speak and what age groups kids are divided into, your kids might benefit from being in different groups.
- Explore whether you can combine the ski rental with the ski school, often a more economical choice.
- Book the ski school with the ski resorts ahead of time, especially during peak seasons like New Year, the winter holidays, and Easter.
5. Clothing and staying warm
Winter adventures are just better on skis, and we have collected some tips to keep you warm and comfortable on a day outside in the snow:
- Layer your clothing, allowing adjustment for changing weather conditions and preferences.
- Bring extra mittens, they get wet easily which is not super fun.
- Wear wool as the innermost layer, providing warmth throughout the day.
- Ensure ski or snowboard boots aren’t too tight, this can make your toes very cold and uncomfortable. Allow space for thick socks and wiggle room for your toes and remember to consider this when booking equipment.
6. Bring your favourite food from home
Leaving your cosy cabin to go grocery shopping during your trip can sometimes distract from the tranquillity of the mountains. Yet, there are advantages to buying locally. Here are a couple of tips for your trip:
- Bring a cooler and shop in advance. It's not only cost-effective, because the prices are often higher in the mountain regions, but it also allows you to enjoy the peace of the mountains uninterrupted. If you are travelling from abroad, it might be cheaper to buy certain things at home, but if you do shop in Norway you won’t regret doing it before reaching the mountains.
- Local stores offer regional delicacies, such as jams, flatbreads, and game meats, providing unique culinary experiences.
- Norwegian grocery stores only sell a small selection of beers and ciders, so make sure you look out for Vinmonopolet (the state liquor store) if you want to buy wine or bring your favourites from home. Just be aware of the strict alcohol import quotas when travelling into Norway. You can read all about it here.
- The opening hours of Norwegian grocery stores are longer than in some countries, but are closed on Sundays. Additionally, regulations vary in mountainous regions, so it's wise to check the opening hours of local grocery stores ahead of time.
Read our article about the best ski destinations in Norway and find the perfect destination for your family’s winter adventure.
Websites like ut.no provide comprehensive information about cross-country trails, mountain cafes, and other enjoyable activities in your cabin's area.
Remember, your hosts are goldmines when it comes to hidden gems in your local area, and they're more than happy to share their tips with you.
Have a fantastic trip!