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Snow-sure resort
Stunning views
Off-slope activitiesSnow-sure resortStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesSnow-sure resortStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesSnow-sure resortStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesGeilo is one of Norway’s oldest and most established ski resorts, and a seven-time winner of Norway’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards. Set on a high mountain plateau at 800m between Oslo and Bergen, the landscape here is something completely different from the Alps: wide open fell terrain, birch forests, and big skies that stretch in every direction. There’s a gentle, distinctly Scandinavian character to the place that suits anyone looking for a ski holiday with a more relaxed pace and unique kind of beauty.
The skiing spreads across two areas on either side of the village, Geilo and Slaatta/Vestlia, reaching up to 1,178m. With 46 runs across around 34km of groomed pistes and three terrain parks, the resort is compact but varies, offering a good balance of beginner, intermediate, and more challenging slopes. Floodlit skiing on Tuesday and Fridays extends the short midwinter days, and the northerly location keeps snow conditions reliable across a long season that typically runs from late November through to late April.
Beyond the alpine terrain, over 500km of groomed cross-country trails make Geilo one of the premier Nordic skiing destinations in Norway. Off the slopes, Geilo has a thriving winter activity scene, with dog sledding, snowkiting, snowmobiling, and ice fishing all on offer. The village has good restaurants, good restaurants, cosy hotels, and an authentic Norwegian mountain atmosphere. It’s a place where the overall winter experience matters as much as the downhill skiing.
Check out Geilo ski deals to start planning your trip.
Geilo is one of Norway’s oldest and most established ski resorts, and a seven-time winner of Norway’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards. Set on a high mountain plateau at 800m between Oslo and Bergen, the landscape here is something completely different from the Alps: wide open fell terrain, birch forests, and big skies that stretch in every direction. There’s a gentle, distinctly Scandinavian character to the place that suits anyone looking for a ski holiday with a more relaxed pace and unique kind of beauty.
The skiing spreads across two areas on either side of the village, Geilo and Slaatta/Vestlia, reaching up to 1,178m. With 46 runs across around 34km of groomed pistes and three terrain parks, the resort is compact but varies, offering a good balance of beginner, intermediate, and more challenging slopes. Floodlit skiing on Tuesday and Fridays extends the short midwinter days, and the northerly location keeps snow conditions reliable across a long season that typically runs from late November through to late April.
Beyond the alpine terrain, over 500km of groomed cross-country trails make Geilo one of the premier Nordic skiing destinations in Norway. Off the slopes, Geilo has a thriving winter activity scene, with dog sledding, snowkiting, snowmobiling, and ice fishing all on offer. The village has good restaurants, good restaurants, cosy hotels, and an authentic Norwegian mountain atmosphere. It’s a place where the overall winter experience matters as much as the downhill skiing.
Check out Geilo ski deals to start planning your trip.
Geilo's slopes have a character all of their own. The terrain is open and rolling, with wide pistes, gentle gradient changes, and views across the Hardangervidda plateau. It's a relaxed, scenic experience that rewards smooth technique and enjoyment of the landscape rather than aggressive speed and steep descents.
The two ski areas sit on either side of the village and are connected by a ski bus. Together they provide 46 runs across a good mix of difficulties, with the majority suited to beginners and intermediates. Terrain parks add freestyle options, and tree skiing through the birch forests provides a different challenge when the snow is good.
Geilo is one of the best beginner destinations in Scandinavia. The gentle, open terrain is naturally forgiving. Falls are softer on the wide, well-groomed slopes, and there’s always space to practise and build confidence without the space feeling too crowded. Dedicated nursery areas at the base of both ski areas have surface lifts and patient instructors, and from there you can progress to green and easy blue runs smoothly.
The resort’s relatively modest altitude means weather can feel less extreme here than in higher Alpine resorts. These generally calm conditions make learning a lot more comfortable. For those who want guided instruction, Geilo’s ski schools have an excellent reputation for working with beginners of all ages.
WeSki insider tip: The Vestlia side tends to be quieter and has some of the gentlest beginner terrain. Start there and build confidence before exploring the main Geilo slopes.
Intermediates have plenty of slopes to work with across both ski areas. Red runs here provide satisfying, flowing descents with enough variation to keep things interesting. The terrain on wider pistes is perfect for clean carving, while the birch forest runs add a more intimate, natural feel. You won’t find the long, sustained descents of Alpine resorts, but the variety within this compact area is sufficiently good.
For a different ski experience, the cross-country trails are well worth trying. Even a couple of hours on the Nordic tracks gives you a completely new perspective of the mountain landscape, and not to mention, a serious workout.
WeSki insider tip: Try the runs through the birch forests on the Geilo side when the light is flat. The trees give better depth perception and the terrain is more interesting than the open fell.
While advanced skiers traveling to Geilo will enjoy skiing here, it is definitely worth managing your expectations. Geilo’s 378m vertical drop and fell-style terrain won’t provide the sustained steep skiing of an Alpine resort. That said, its black runs have genuine pitch, and when conditions are right, off-piste opportunity through the birch forests provides engaging tree skiing. Terrain parks also add freestyle challenge for those who want to push their skills in a different direction.
For backcountry enthusiasts, the Hardangervidda plateau provides outstanding ski touring terrain that’s vast, open, and remote. This is proper wilderness skiing that requires experience and preparation, but the quality of terrain and the sense of space are exceptional.
WeSki insider tip: Geilo’s terrain parks are well-maintained and less intimidating than big Alpine parks. They’re a great place for advanced skiers to develop freestyle skills in a relaxed setting.
Geilo’s snowboarding community is active and welcoming. Its wide, well-groomed pistes suit all-mountain riding, and the birch forests provide plenty of natural features. Geilo also has three terrain parks catering to different levels, making it a solid freestyle destination for boarders. Overall, the resort’s compact area means you can lap the park and the pistes efficiently without long traverses.
Within the resort, off-piste options are found through the birch forests between the marked runs. After fresh snowfall, the tree skiing can be excellent - the birch forests are well-spaced and the terrain is manageable. For serious backcountry, the Hardangervidda plateau extends in every direction - one of the largest mountain plateaus in Europe, providing wilderness ski touring on a grand scale. A guide is essential for Hardangervidda excursions.
Geilo’s ski schools provide group and private lessons for all ages, with instruction readily available in English. The Scandinavian teaching style is typically calm, encouraging, and focused on enjoyment alongside progression. Children’s programmes are excellent, with dedicated areas and structured courses.
Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out Geilo ski deals to get started.
Geilo has three terrain parks across the two ski areas, including a beginner park, an intermediate park with varied features, and a more advanced setup with larger jumps and technical features. The parks are well-maintained and the atmosphere is friendly and inclusive, making it a great setting to develop freestyle skills.
Geilo is an outstanding family destination. The village is safe, walkable, and compact enough that parents don't have to worry about challenging logistics. Many hotels have swimming pools and wellness facilities, providing a comfortable base for rest days and off-slope downtime. Gentle terrain, excellent ski schools, and a wide range of activities beyond skiing all contribute to a holiday where everyone stays entertained.
Young children thrive in the nursery areas and snow gardens, and the relaxed atmosphere means parents can enjoy their own time on the mountain without worrying about crowded or intimidating slopes. Older children and teenagers tend to gravitate towards the terrain parks and tree runs, while the cross-country trails offer something different for active teens looking to branch out. Trollklubben childcare in Vestlia takes children from as young as two, giving parents the freedom to ski knowing the little ones are looked after.
Geilo does off-slope adventures particularly well. Dog sledding, snowmobiling, and snowkiting create the kind of memorable experiences that make a holiday more than just a ski trip. Family dining is straightforward too, with restaurants serving good Norwegian food at reasonable prices and mountain cafés where hot chocolate and waffles have become something of a tradition.
Geilo’s range of activities is one of its strongest features, and this is a resort where the activities beyond skiing are as much of a draw as the slopes themselves.. A combination of fell-style terrain, Nordic tradition, and excellent infrastructure means rest days and non-skiers have a wide range of experiences available throughout the holiday.
Beyond the pistes, Geilo’s plateau setting and Norwegian outdoor culture provide exceptional winter experiences:
For days off the slopes, Geilo provides a satisfying mix of relaxation and exploration:
Geilo’s dining scene reflects Norwegian mountain traditions, with a focus on hearty, honest food and local ingredients. Game, fish, and traditional dishes appear on the menu prominently, and the quality across the village’s restaurants is consistently good. Mountain hut lunches on the slopes are a popular choice for a cosy midday break.
WeSki insider tip: Try reindeer steak or stew. It’s a Norwegian mountain classic that you’ll struggle to find outside Scandinavia. Norwegian waffles with brown cheese (brunost) and sour cream are also a must-try for the full mountain café experience.
Norwegian après culture focuses on comfortable hotel bars, candlelit restaurants, and a sense of hygge that makes the evenings as enjoyable as the skiing. You can expect a warm drink by a fire, good food, and easy conversation, with a vibe that’s relaxed and sociable. There’s a pure Nordic cosiness that visitors tend to appreciate over high energy party scenes.
The village has a handful of bars that pick up in the evenings, and some of the hotels host live music nights. It’s low-key but satisfying, the kind of après-ski where you might discover a great local beer or have a long conversation with a Norwegian family at the next table.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Geilo ranges from grand historic hotels to modern apartments and cosy cabins. Norwegian mountain hotels tend to include breakfast and many have spa facilities, which adds good value. Self-catering cabins suit families and groups who prefer more independence.
The village is spread along the valley, with most properties within reach of both ski areas. Staying near the village centre gives you the best access to restaurants and shops, while cabins on the outskirts provide more peace and space.
The Geilo ski pass covers both ski areas, all lifts, and the connecting ski bus. Multi-day passes also include access to the terrain parks.
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Geilo ski holiday through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Rental shops in Geilo village carry a full range of ski, snowboard, and cross-country equipment. The shops are well-stocked and staff are knowledgeable, particularly about Nordic skiing gear. Booking ahead during Norwegian school holidays is recommended.
Geilo village is walkable, with the main street connecting hotels, restaurants, and shops. A ski bus runs between the two ski areas throughout the day. In the evening, the village is compact enough that most destinations are within walking distance. Taxis are available for trips further afield.
The nearest airport is Oslo Gardermoen (around 250km), with direct flights from the UK. Driving from Oslo takes around three and a half hours. Geilo also sits on the main Oslo-Bergen railway line, making it accessible by one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. From Oslo, the train takes around four hours; from Bergen, around three.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and scheduled transfers to Geilo. Add them to your Geilo ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Yes, in the best way. Geilo’s fell-style terrain is open and rolling rather than steep and dramatic. The ski area is smaller than major Alpine resorts, but the overall winter experience, with activities like dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowkiting, and Norwegian mountain culture, makes it a genuinely unique kind of ski holiday. It suits families, beginners, and anyone who values breadth of experience over vertical metres.
Norway is generally more expensive than most Alpine countries, particularly for dining and drinks. However, accommodation can be competitive, especially in self-catering cabins. The ski pass is reasonably priced for the terrain available, and activities like cross-country skiing are excellent value. Setting a budget for meals and planning some self-catering days helps manage costs.
Outstanding. With 227km of groomed Nordic trails, Geilo is one of Norway’s top cross-country destinations. The trails range from gentle valley loops to more challenging mountain routes, and the Hardangervidda plateau setting is spectacular. Equipment rental and lessons are readily available for those who want to try it for the first time.
Absolutely. The Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen is one of the great European train journeys, crossing the Hardangervidda plateau with dramatic mountain scenery. Geilo is a stop on this line, so you can incorporate the journey into your trip. From Myrdal (a nearby station), you can also ride the Flam Railway down to the fjords.
It’s one of the best ski destinations for non-skiers. Dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, spa facilities, and the scenic Bergen Railway provide a wealth of activities that don’t involve skiing. The village atmosphere is welcoming and the landscape is beautiful - you’ll have a memorable holiday even if you never clip into a binding.
The most common route is to fly to Oslo and either drive (around 3.5 hours) or take the Bergen Railway train (around 4 hours). Direct flights to Oslo from several UK airports are frequent and affordable. The train journey is scenic and stress-free, and many visitors consider it a highlight of the trip rather than just a transfer.
4.9/5I usually book flights, transfers, hotel, ski rental and lift passes myself but this year used WeSki for a trip to Morzine. It was so much easier. Everything worked perfectly - transfers arrived on time and there was plenty of feedback throughout the whole process giving you confidence the holiday would go smoothly.
A really useful service that is so much easier to use than other 'all-inclusive' sites. It nicely bridges the gap between a travel agent and booking the trip yourself online. I will use WeSki every time I go skiing from now on.
We booked a late minute skiing trip to Morzine through we ski. We looked at booking the trip ourselves but could get anywhere near the price quoted by we ski. The company was excellent and we had no problems at all from start to finish. I would definitely use them to book another weekend skiing trip.
Seamless experience from start to finish. I was spending ages trying to sort out a weekend break and managed to do it with we ski in minutes and for the same price as booking it all up yourself. Flight, transfer and accommodation was all as expected and faultless.
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