Skiing in Norway and Sweden: the best ski resorts in Scandinavia

Skiing in Scandinavia is different from the Alps. The mountains are lower and rounder, but the snow is often good, distances are short and the slopes are perfect for families. In many places you stay ski-in/ski-out, and after a day on the slopes a sauna, a fire and long, bright spring evenings await.

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Skiing in Norway

Norway has some of Scandinavia’s largest and most family-friendly resorts, from the Olympic slopes of Hafjell to the Scandinavian Alps in Hemsedal.

Trysil, Norway

Norway’s biggest ski resort, with slopes on several sides of the mountain, dedicated children’s areas and plenty of ski-in/ski-out lodging. Read our full guide to skiing in Trysil.

Stay here: See rooms at Radisson Blu Resort Trysil, with ski-in/ski-out access and a spa.

Hemsedal, Norway

The Scandinavian Alps, with steep mountains and après-ski with a Norwegian soul. Read our guide to skiing in Hemsedal.

Stay here: See rooms at Skarsnuten Mountain Resort & Spa

Hafjell, Norway

The 1994 Olympic slopes just north of Lillehammer, and one of Norway’s most family-friendly resorts. Read our guide to skiing in Hafjell.

Stay here: See rooms at Hafjell Hotell

Kvitfjell, Norway

The 1994 Olympic downhill and sunny family slopes on the west side. Read our guide to skiing in Kvitfjell.

Stay here: See rooms at Gudbrandsgard Hotell

Beitostølen, Norway

World-class cross-country and family slopes by Jotunheimen. Read our guide to skiing in Beitostølen.

Stay here: See rooms at Beito Resort Hotel

Skiing in Sweden

Sweden has Åre, Scandinavia’s best-known Alpine resort, with a lively village and World Championship history.

Åre, Sweden

Åre is Sweden’s biggest ski resort and has hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships several times. You get downhill skiing, cross-country trails and a lively mountain village. Read our full guide to skiing in Åre.

Stay here: See rooms at Copperhill Mountain Lodge, with ski-in/ski-out access, a spa and a free ski bus.

Sälen, Sweden

Four ski areas in Dalarna and the starting line of the Vasaloppet. Read our guide to skiing in Sälen.

Stay here: See rooms at Sälens Högfjällshotell

How to choose a ski resort in Scandinavia

Think about what you want from your holiday. For a large ski area with plenty of lifts and lodging on the slopes, Trysil is a natural choice. If you dream of steep mountains and lively après-ski, Hemsedal suits you well. Hafjell is perfect for families who want Olympic slopes, while Åre offers a lively village and an atmosphere reminiscent of the Alps.

• Largest and most family-friendly: Trysil

• Steep mountains and après-ski: Hemsedal

• Olympic slopes and family holidays: Hafjell

• A lively village: Åre

More than downhill

Perhaps the best thing about skiing in Scandinavia is the variety. Most resorts have groomed cross-country trails, and many visitors combine downhill in the morning with a cross-country tour after lunch. In the evening a sauna, a fire and good food await, and as spring arrives the days become long and bright.

Getting there

Trysil, Hemsedal and Hafjell are a few hours’ drive from Oslo, and Åre is easy to reach by train or plane. That means less time travelling and more time on the slopes, and makes a long weekend in the mountains easy to plan.

When should you book?

The winter holidays and Easter are peak season in Scandinavia, and the best ski-in/ski-out places fill up early. Book several months in advance if you plan to travel during these weeks.

Frequently asked questions about skiing in Norway and Sweden

What is the largest ski resort in Norway?

Trysil is considered Norway’s largest ski resort, with slopes on several sides of the mountain and many ski-in/ski-out places to stay.

Which Scandinavian resort is best for families?

Trysil and Hafjell are among the most family-friendly, with children’s areas, gentle runs and lodging close to the slopes. Åre suits families who also want a lively village.

When is the best time to ski in Scandinavia?

The season often runs from November to April or May. January and February bring cold, clear days, while March and Easter offer long, bright days and spring snow.

See also all our ski resorts, including the Alps and North America.