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Ski resorts in Hemsedal

Hemsedal ski resort has an idyllic mountain location in the Hallingdal Valley between Bergen and Oslo, and is often called ‘The Scandinavian Alps’ because of the rugged peaks surrounding the village. It is known for its consistently good snow, excellent grooming, and wide range of activities.

The village is characterised by its relaxed atmosphere and mountain charm. History and tradition are captured in its century-old log buildings, stave churches, mountain dairies and local Hallingdal foods, giving Hemsedal a typically Norwegian feel.

Hemsedal is a ski resort of international class with wide, well-groomed pistes, a large terrain/snowboard park, and designated areas for children and beginners. It’s difficult to beat Hemsedal in terms of diversity – the ski resort offers everything from impressive downhills, to challenging off-piste, to 130kms of cross-country trails.

The 34 pistes cumulatively traverse a distance of approximately 36kms, and are distributed over 12 green pistes, seven blue pistes, nine red pistes and six black pistes. The longest of these pistes is six kilometres. The various slopes are connected by a system of 17 lifts.

Besides the slopes, Hemsedal offers a vast range of other entertaining pastimes. The ski resort offers paragliding, indoor swimming, ice-climbing, tobogganing, dog-sledding, horse sleigh rides, guided snowshoe hikes, paragliding, snowmobiling, paintball, kite-skiing and various motor activities. Additionally, there is a games centre where you can play bowls, simulated golf, billiards, darts and more.

The winter season at Hemsedal runs from November to May. The ski resort can be accessed by road rail or air, followed by a bus transfer. If you have time constraints, the quickest and easiest way of reaching Hemsedal is by catching a plane to Oslo, and completing the journey by bus.

Skiing in Hemsedal

Hemsedal is located high in the scenic Hallingdal Valley, between Oslo and Bergen. It is one of Scandinavia’s largest winter destinations, popular for its beautiful scenery, reliable snow conditions, and pristinely groomed slopes, affording fantastic skiing. Additionally, it is close to many of Norway’s other major attractions, including the legendary Sognefjord.

Variety and diversity characterises Hemsedals network of pistes. The pistes are wide and well groomed, and skiing is suited to all levels of expertise. There are 34 runs in total, spanning 36kms, and divided between 12 green pistes, seven blue pistes, nine red pistes and six black pistes. Seventeen lifts link the slopes at Hemsedal, the longest of which is six kilometres.

Hemsedal is also known for its cross-country skiing, with 130kms of groomed cross-country trails in valley and forest terrain. From most apartments and cabins in the valley, you can the access the groomed valley trails directly. Additionally, there is a terrain/snowboard park rated as one of the best in Europe, and a significant amount of superb, testing off-piste skiing in Hemsedal. Off-piste routes are best tackled with a guide, due to safety considerations.

The ski season at Hemsedal extends from November to May. The resort can be reached by means of road, or either air or rail transport followed by a bus transfer.

Apres-ski in Hemsedal

The fun does not stop at skiing in Hemsedal. Non-skiers, or those wanting a break from the slopes, can try their hand at paragliding, tobogganing, ice-climbing, paintball, indoor swimming and kite-skiing. Dog-sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides are a relaxing way to enjoy the magical, snow-blanketed scenery. There are two activity centres – offering games, a sports bar and various motor activities.

Nightlife at Hemsedal is provided by a selection of restaurants, bars, and a youth discotheque. The village has a comprehensive range of facilities, including a childcare centre, a pharmacy and medical amenities, a petrol station, conference facilities and a variety of shops. There is a rich offering of accommodation, ranging from quiet, family-friendly cabins to luxurious apartments and hotels.

There are a number of restaurants and après-ski venues in Hemsedal, including a youth discotheque. The resort has a variety of accommodations, including hotels, a mountain lodge, a guesthouse, apartments, chalets and upmarket cabins. The village is well-equipped to serve visitors, with an array of shops, a post office, petrol station, pharmacy, childcare, and medical and conference facilities.

Hemsedal is a great starting point for excursions to some of western Norways most enticing scenic attractions. It is only 85kms from the ski resort to the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord, and along the way are numerous beautiful glaciers and waterfalls.

Transportation to Hemsedal

Visitors to Hemsedal can access the resort by road, or by rail/air followed by a bus transfer. Of these options, air travel is by far the quickest and easiest, but also the costliest. Norway’s railway network is comfortable and efficient, and is a good alternative to flying if your budget is on the tight side. Taking your own vehicle can be stressful, unless you have plenty of time and driving stamina.

If you do decide to drive, you should head for Newcastle, from where you can catch a car ferry to Bergen. Once in Bergen, continue your journey by car along Highway seven until Gol, and then take highway 52 from Gol to Hemsedal. The distance between Bergen and Hemsedal is 273kms.

Taking rail transport from the UK to Hemsedal involves taking the Eurostar from Waterloo station to Brussels, and then a sleeper train to Copenhagen. From Copenhagen, you can take a connecting train to Oslo. Norway’s efficient rail system is a good way of travelling around the country. From both Oslo and Bergen you can get a direct train to Gol (30kms from Hemsedal) and then a bus transfer the rest of the way.

Air transportation is expensive, but is much quicker than driving or taking a train to Hemsedal, and a good means of travelling if you have time constraints. From the UK you can fly directly to Oslo or Bergen, from where you can either take a bus, a train to Gol and then a bus, or hire a car to drive to Hemsedal.

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