Norway (Lillehammer Area) - Short Winter Hol, Some skiing
Discussion
Hi All,
We’ve got a rare opportunity to squeeze in a ‘term time’ holiday with the kids in late Jan, likely to be 5-6 days spanning a weekend and I’d love to take them somewhere with gaurenteed snow to give them a real taste of winter, including learning to ski for the eldest and for the youngest (SEN), some general messing about in snow.
Have been looking at Alps but it (understandably) feels expensive, considering we’re skiing newbies and the youngest would probably prefer to mess around anyway (sledding, tubing etc.)
I’ve been googling and ski resorts in Norway, and resorts such as Hafjell, Lillehammer, Kvitfjell look like a great shout? Flights from LHR to OSL take only 2hr are very fairly priced, 5-6 days car hire also looks very reasonable and these resorts are barely 2.5hr from the airport. There appears to be plenty of sensibly priced ski in/ski out accommodation near lifts etc. Lift passes and equipment rental also looks fair on site, especially seeing as we won’t necessarily want to ski for the full 5 days.
Snow cover looks pretty much ‘guaranteed’ for this period and the resorts look great, with plenty of restaurants and family areas, things to do etc. Modern cosy cabins overlooking snowy vistas with fires seem commonplace.
However….this all may seem great in theory, but am I missing anything here? Furthermore, does anyone have any further advice or experience in these areas of Norway? Better still, any other recommendations of resorts within say 3hrs of Oslo Airport?
Thanks in advance,
Matt
We’ve got a rare opportunity to squeeze in a ‘term time’ holiday with the kids in late Jan, likely to be 5-6 days spanning a weekend and I’d love to take them somewhere with gaurenteed snow to give them a real taste of winter, including learning to ski for the eldest and for the youngest (SEN), some general messing about in snow.
Have been looking at Alps but it (understandably) feels expensive, considering we’re skiing newbies and the youngest would probably prefer to mess around anyway (sledding, tubing etc.)
I’ve been googling and ski resorts in Norway, and resorts such as Hafjell, Lillehammer, Kvitfjell look like a great shout? Flights from LHR to OSL take only 2hr are very fairly priced, 5-6 days car hire also looks very reasonable and these resorts are barely 2.5hr from the airport. There appears to be plenty of sensibly priced ski in/ski out accommodation near lifts etc. Lift passes and equipment rental also looks fair on site, especially seeing as we won’t necessarily want to ski for the full 5 days.
Snow cover looks pretty much ‘guaranteed’ for this period and the resorts look great, with plenty of restaurants and family areas, things to do etc. Modern cosy cabins overlooking snowy vistas with fires seem commonplace.
However….this all may seem great in theory, but am I missing anything here? Furthermore, does anyone have any further advice or experience in these areas of Norway? Better still, any other recommendations of resorts within say 3hrs of Oslo Airport?
Thanks in advance,
Matt
Norway is horrendously expensive. Friends were there in the summer for some glacial skiing and their overriding comment was that it was extortionate. Well that and the strange door in the basement of their airbnb that let to another house.
I have another friend who goes to Norway every winter, but his daughter has done her ACL, so they’re not going this year (I consequently I’ve not seen them at training). But I’ll message him and find out where he goes. IIRC he takes the train to the ski resort.
I have another friend who goes to Norway every winter, but his daughter has done her ACL, so they’re not going this year (I consequently I’ve not seen them at training). But I’ll message him and find out where he goes. IIRC he takes the train to the ski resort.
Suspicious_user said:
Norway is horrendously expensive. Friends were there in the summer for some glacial skiing and their overriding comment was that it was extortionate. Well that and the strange door in the basement of their airbnb that let to another house.
I have another friend who goes to Norway every winter, but his daughter has done her ACL, so they’re not going this year (I consequently I’ve not seen them at training). But I’ll message him and find out where he goes. IIRC he takes the train to the ski resort.
Yes, certainly cost is a consideration...although I did do some basic research and found that supermarket food (as we are self catering) is not too horrific compared to the UK if bought away from the resort, which we will do 'enroute'. Fuel also compares with UK prices and ski rental/passes seem to be a fair chunk cheaper than places in the Alps I have looked at. However, thanks for any info you can find from your friend.I have another friend who goes to Norway every winter, but his daughter has done her ACL, so they’re not going this year (I consequently I’ve not seen them at training). But I’ll message him and find out where he goes. IIRC he takes the train to the ski resort.
Anyway, in the meantime, BA flights from LHR to OSL are booked (<£100 ea with 23kg bag), Car Hire for 6 days (Large Auto 4WD SUV) booked (<£180) and accommodation is looking like it will be £150-200 a night, which I feel seems fair for a 3 bed detached cabin near the slopes. However....we'll keep an eye out for mysterious door ways....
I understand food and drink on the slopes can be horrific, but I don't think that's necessarily Norway specific and as a family with our younger (fussy) lad tow, I don't think this will be a huge issue for us....but something we'll factor in for lunches. It helps (a little) that the GBP->NOK is at the highest it's been for at least 20 or so years! (13.65Kr) - Be nice if that carries on up for the next month or so!
Edited by MattyD803 on Wednesday 6th December 16:34
Suspicious_user said:
Norway is horrendously expensive. Friends were there in the summer for some glacial skiing and their overriding comment was that it was extortionate. Well that and the strange door in the basement of their airbnb that let to another house.
I have another friend who goes to Norway every winter, but his daughter has done her ACL, so they’re not going this year (I consequently I’ve not seen them at training). But I’ll message him and find out where he goes. IIRC he takes the train to the ski resort.
I was in Lillehammer a couple of months ago with work. It is expensive, but not that much more than London ~ 10-14 quid a pint and 20 quid for a burger.I have another friend who goes to Norway every winter, but his daughter has done her ACL, so they’re not going this year (I consequently I’ve not seen them at training). But I’ll message him and find out where he goes. IIRC he takes the train to the ski resort.
I loved it though - incredible scenery.
OP there is a direct train from Oslo to Lillehammer - very picturesque trip and much easier than driving.
I was there during their hill climb up the side of the ski jump. Some awesome toys running.
Hey Matty,
Just outside Lillehammer is Hafjell which is enough of a Ski Resort for a few days, when it gets some good snow it's usually excellent. One of my best friends is from Lillehammer so have done it quite a few times.
The trick is when getting a pint, just ask for a pint and you'll get some local stuff which isn't so expensive, ignore any of the taps of beers you know, thats one ticket to wallet alleviation.
It is an expensive old place though. We walked up the Ski Jump last time too which was a sight to see, there is usually some sledding up there too using one of the old button lifts.
Just outside Lillehammer is Hafjell which is enough of a Ski Resort for a few days, when it gets some good snow it's usually excellent. One of my best friends is from Lillehammer so have done it quite a few times.
The trick is when getting a pint, just ask for a pint and you'll get some local stuff which isn't so expensive, ignore any of the taps of beers you know, thats one ticket to wallet alleviation.
It is an expensive old place though. We walked up the Ski Jump last time too which was a sight to see, there is usually some sledding up there too using one of the old button lifts.
Terry Winks said:
Hey Matty,
Just outside Lillehammer is Hafjell which is enough of a Ski Resort for a few days, when it gets some good snow it's usually excellent. One of my best friends is from Lillehammer so have done it quite a few times.
The trick is when getting a pint, just ask for a pint and you'll get some local stuff which isn't so expensive, ignore any of the taps of beers you know, thats one ticket to wallet alleviation.
It is an expensive old place though. We walked up the Ski Jump last time too which was a sight to see, there is usually some sledding up there too using one of the old button lifts.
It's not actually that big a drop vertically between the two... But bloody hell it's steep... And the height you'll eventually drop after taking off at speed is Just outside Lillehammer is Hafjell which is enough of a Ski Resort for a few days, when it gets some good snow it's usually excellent. One of my best friends is from Lillehammer so have done it quite a few times.
The trick is when getting a pint, just ask for a pint and you'll get some local stuff which isn't so expensive, ignore any of the taps of beers you know, thats one ticket to wallet alleviation.
It is an expensive old place though. We walked up the Ski Jump last time too which was a sight to see, there is usually some sledding up there too using one of the old button lifts.
Did you do the Troll based theme park terry... Absolutely mad as a box of frogs.
Terry Winks said:
Ha, I haven't heard its a bit bonkers though. I want to try and get there next summer for a few days on the downhill bike.
I'd be interested to see what you make of the riding. I was there for a confere so no chance to pedal but saw very few bikes or trails. If there's riding there, I might have to take a bike if I go again. Terry Winks said:
Hey Matty,
Just outside Lillehammer is Hafjell which is enough of a Ski Resort for a few days, when it gets some good snow it's usually excellent. One of my best friends is from Lillehammer so have done it quite a few times.
The trick is when getting a pint, just ask for a pint and you'll get some local stuff which isn't so expensive, ignore any of the taps of beers you know, thats one ticket to wallet alleviation.
It is an expensive old place though. We walked up the Ski Jump last time too which was a sight to see, there is usually some sledding up there too using one of the old button lifts.
Hi Terry,Just outside Lillehammer is Hafjell which is enough of a Ski Resort for a few days, when it gets some good snow it's usually excellent. One of my best friends is from Lillehammer so have done it quite a few times.
The trick is when getting a pint, just ask for a pint and you'll get some local stuff which isn't so expensive, ignore any of the taps of beers you know, thats one ticket to wallet alleviation.
It is an expensive old place though. We walked up the Ski Jump last time too which was a sight to see, there is usually some sledding up there too using one of the old button lifts.
Funnily enough we have booked our 6 days in Hafjell, in a cabin on Mosetertopen - Hopefully that'll be a good base for us, as it's right on a ski route for ski in/ ski out.
Note taken about ordering a 'pint'
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