Accommodation
Hemsedal is Norway’s answer to the Alps, a compact but genuinely testing ski area nicknamed the “Scandinavian Alps”, with steep pitches, a World Cup Super-G pedigree and a lively village geared towards families, freeriders and snowboarders alike. It suits intermediate-to-advanced skiers looking for real terrain without the price tag or crowds of the main Alpine resorts, while strong childcare and free skiing for under-7s make it easy for families too.
Best for: intermediate-to-advanced skiers, freeriders and families wanting genuinely testing Norwegian terrain, strong childcare and free skiing for under-7s. It also suits skiers wanting to combine genuine challenge with a manageable, easy-to-navigate ski area.
Not for: those wanting a huge, sprawling ski area, since Hemsedal’s 48km is modest by Alpine standards, or visitors on a tight budget given Norway’s generally higher cost of living.
Hemsedal sits in the Buskerud region of Norway, and has earned a reputation as the country’s most testing ski area, nicknamed the “Scandinavian Alps” for its steep pitches and genuine technical terrain. The resort has hosted a World Cup Super Giant Slalom, giving it a racing pedigree that belies its relatively compact size.
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Hemsedal has also long been a hub for Norwegian snowboarding and freeriding culture, with terrain parks and steep sidecountry drawing riders from across Scandinavia alongside its family-friendly reputation. The village itself sits directly below the slopes, making it easy to walk between accommodation, restaurants and the lifts without needing a car once you’ve arrived.
Hemsedal covers 48km of piste across 82 marked runs from a base of 640m, served by 24 lifts, 6 chairlifts and 18 drag lifts. The ski area is split across three sectors: gentle nursery slopes at village level and in Solheisen for beginners, and the steeper Tottenheis sector, home to the resort’s World Cup Super-G run and its most serious technical terrain. A network of chairlifts and drag lifts connects the three sectors efficiently, and despite the resort’s modest lift count, queues are rarely a significant issue outside the busiest Norwegian and Danish school holiday weeks.
Despite its compact size, Hemsedal’s varied sectors and genuine pitch make it feel more substantial than its piste length alone might suggest, particularly for visitors used to gentler Scandinavian resorts.
Gentle nursery slopes at village level and in the Solheisen sector give beginners a confidence-building start, with ski school groups well catered for.
The bulk of Hemsedal’s pistes suit confident intermediates, with long, well-groomed reds threading between the three sectors.
This is where Hemsedal earns its “Scandinavian Alps” nickname: the Tottenheis sector offers genuinely steep, technical pistes, including the run used for a World Cup Super Giant Slalom, plus off-piste bowls and couloirs for those willing to hike.
Hemsedal has long been a hub for Norwegian snowboarding and freeriding, with terrain parks, natural hits and steep sidecountry that attract riders from across Scandinavia.
Hemsedal benefits from good snow reliability thanks to a combination of snowmaking and its northern latitude, with a season typically running from late November to May. December through February bring the coldest, most reliable conditions, while March and April offer longer days with generally good cover still remaining on the upper mountain. Given its relatively low base altitude for Norway, checking recent conditions before a late-season trip is worthwhile, particularly in warmer years.
Lift passes cover the Vinterland/Winterland ski area, with day and multi-day options both available; children up to age 7 ski free.
Hemsedal’s ski school offers group and private lessons for all abilities, with strong family and children’s facilities including the Trollia Kindergarten. Rental equipment is widely available in the village. English-language instruction is generally available, reflecting the resort’s popularity with visitors from across Scandinavia and further afield.
Hemsedal offers a range of cabins, apartments and hotels spread through the village and surrounding area, most geared towards families and self-catering groups, reflecting the resort’s Scandinavian holiday-home culture. Booking well ahead is advisable during the Norwegian winter school holiday (vinterferie) period, when domestic demand is at its highest.
Hemsedal has a lively village with a strong choice of bars and restaurants for a Norwegian resort, giving it a more sociable après-ski scene than some quieter Scandinavian alternatives. Self-catering remains common given the resort’s cabin-heavy accommodation, with a supermarket in the village making it easy to cook rather than eat out every night.
Hemsedal is particularly well set up for families, with the Trollia Kindergarten, free skiing for under-7s, and gentle beginner terrain alongside the resort’s steeper, more testing sectors. Beyond skiing, the village offers snowshoeing and other winter activities suited to non-skiers or rest days during a longer stay.
Most UK visitors fly into Oslo Gardermoen and drive around three to three and a half hours to Hemsedal, with a hire car generally recommended given the resort’s rural location. Direct flights to Oslo from several UK airports keep journey times relatively short, even accounting for the onward drive.
Hemsedal punches well above its size, offering genuinely steep, technical terrain rarely found elsewhere in Scandinavia, alongside excellent family facilities and a lively village atmosphere. It won’t match the scale of a major Alpine resort, but for skiers wanting real Norwegian terrain without the crowds, or families wanting strong childcare and free skiing for young children, it’s one of the country’s best all-rounders. Its combination of genuine challenge and strong family infrastructure makes it a particularly good choice for mixed-ability groups travelling together.
Yes, gentle nursery slopes at village level and in the Solheisen sector give beginners a confidence-building start, though the resort’s reputation is built on its more testing terrain. Ski school meeting points are conveniently close to the village, minimising early-morning hassle for parents.
Most UK visitors fly into Oslo Gardermoen and drive around three to three and a half hours to reach the resort.
Yes, Hemsedal has excellent family facilities including the Trollia Kindergarten, and children up to age 7 ski free.
Hemsedal benefits from good snow reliability thanks to a combination of snowmaking and its northern latitude, with a season typically running from late November to May. Snowmaking helps supplement natural snowfall, particularly at the start and end of the season.
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