Winter’s best holiday destinations for families

Skeikampen

Skeikampen is a snow-guaranteed destination, where the ski season often starts in November and can last until mid-May.

Skeikampen has lots child-friendly cross-country skiing trails and the Skeikampen Ski Resort is perfect for families with children, snowboarders and those who enjoy off-piste skiing. The ski resort has 21 slopes and 11 lifts. It’s very child-friendly, with a large focus on terrain parks. The children’s area, located at the bottom of the resort, has two conveyor belts and is free of charge. The ski school also has its own go-cart facilities and snowracing events.

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Narvik

Narvik is beautifully located in Northern Norway’s Arctic landscape, offering a wide range of winter activities. One of the most popular attractions is Narvikfjellet, famous for its spectacular views of the Ofotfjord and city. Hotel Narvik is located right across the street from the ski lift to Narvikfjellet. It takes you up to 1006 metres above sea level in minutes.

On Narvikfjellet, it is possible to ski or snowboard from over 1,000 metres above sea level and almost all the way down to sea level. The resort is suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers of all ages. 

Located close to Lofoten, Vesterålen, Troms and northern Sweden, Narvik is a great destination for a short weekend trip or a longer adventure holiday.

Ål in Hallingdal

Hallingdal is one of Europe’s best cross-country skiing destinations and popular winter activities include cross-country skiing, sledding, kiting, downhill skiing, ice skating and dog sledding.

“Ål in Hallingdal is perfect for family activities all year round,” says Linda Dalene Bjerke from the Ål Visitor Centre. Here you can enjoy 430 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails with panoramic views of spectacular mountains, as well as through the woods and close to the city centre. Ål has two of Norway’s longest sledding runs at Skarslia Ski- og Akesenter. Both young and are sure to feel the adrenaline rush while racing down the mountain.

You can also enjoy downhill skiing at two ski resorts: Skarslia Ski- og Akesenter and Ål Ski Resort. Every weekend during the winter, you can join a kiting class at Bergsjøstølen. Dog sledding is another popular activity. Hallingdal Holiday Park is a great choice for the youngest visitors, with its own ice rink and indoor playground," concludes Linda Dalene Bjerke.

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Flå

Flå is close both cross-country skiing trails and downhill slopes.

"Høgevarde Fjellpark is a new ski resort with a wonderful lounge in a modern lavvo with glass walls. There is a bunny slope and family slope for young people and adults. There are also 50 kilometres of beautiful cross-country skiing trails here," says Edith Kallus, Hotel Manager at Thon Hotel Bjørneparken.

Turufjell ski resort has two lifts with seven slopes, with more planned. Here you’ll find everything from bunny slopes to slopes for those looking for more speed and excitement. Turufjell also offers 65 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails.

In the centre of Flå, there is also a four-kilometre-long illuminated skiing trail and it takes about an hour to drive to major ski resorts such as the Norefjell Ski Resort and Nesbyen Ski Resort. Here you can check out other activities to enjoy when staying in Flå.

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Tromsø

Tromsø has lots to do and see for families with children, including special Northern Lights tours in the evening for families. But there are also plenty of opportunities for skiing and several ice rinks to choose from.

"In the city of Tromsø, we recommend visiting Polaria, an aquarium with seals, fish and king crab. The Northern Norwegian Knowledge Centre is also very interesting. Here you can watch films about the Northern Lights. In Charlottenlund, there is a nice 10 kilometre long cross-country skiing trail in the middle of Tromsøya, as well as an outdoor ice rink and ice skating arena in Tromsdalen. You can also easily travel to Tromsø Alpinpark by city bus," says Zillah from the Tromsø Visitor Centre.

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Kautokeino

For families looking for something different, Kautokeino is an experience in itself. "We are at the 'top of the world' here in Kautokeino. You don't have to go on an organised Northern Lights tour either, but can simply walk outside of town away from the light pollution. You'll then be able to see the Northern Lights on a cloudless night with moderate activity," says Maia, who works at the city hall in Kautokeino. Tourists enjoy ice fishing, going on a snowmobile tour and reindeer sledding.

"Snowmobiling is popular. You can ride a snowmobile on your own along marked trails or go on a tour with Hættas opplevelser. There are also trails for cross-country skiing. The landscape is completely white and quiet. All you hear is your own heartbeat and the sound of your ski poles. In Kautokeino, we also have reindeer sledding and ice fishing. You can ride a scooter to a lake, where you can ice fish, light a bonfire and enjoy outdoor recreation," says Maia.

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Otta

With Otta as a base, there are lots of great opportunities to go skiing in magnificent nature, only a stone's throw from the Rondane National Park.

"Here you can enjoy several national parks with varied nature. I would definitely recommend skiing from Lemonsjøen or Rondane. Lots of Danes travel to Rondane because it’s flatter and beginner-friendly, so it’s jokingly called the 'Danish National Park'. There are also ski tows at Mykjisæther and Lemonsjøen. Lemonsjøen is the largest, but both ski slopes have wonderful cross-country skiing trails adjacent to them. There is a large network of trails in Rondane and Skisporet.no shows which trails were last prepped," says the Otta Visitor Centre.

Other popular activities in the area are Fron Badeland, or 'Fronsbadet' as it is called. Here, you'll find a swimming pool, diving pool, climbing wall, sauna, ice shower and jacuzzi. It's also possible to take a snowcat from Høvringen, go dog sledding and downhill sledding, and Dombås has a popular ski arena that is open to everyone."

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Norheimsund

Norheimsund is beautifully located by the Hardangerfjord and is famous for the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall. There are also great winter activities to enjoy here. In Kvamskogen, the Furedalen Ski Resort has three lifts and a separate ski tow for children. There are also cross-country skiing trails with 60 km of prepped trails during the winter season.

"The most popular trails run from Furedalen to Mødal and are prepped to the foot of Såta. Another popular trail goes to Mødal from Løkjentunet. The trail from Ungdomsheimen, Aktiven, and into Steinskvanndalen is also popular," according to Furedalen.no.

The Aktiven Ski Lift is also a popular ski tow with beginner-friendly downhill slopes for families with children and a lounge. At the top of the ski tow is also a nice recreational area with cross-country skiing trails leading to Steinskvandalen.

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