Ski & See the Fjords in Western Norway

From the beautiful gateway of Bergen, you'll journey by bus, train and even electric boat through the snow-capped mountains, glassy fjords and frozen waterfalls of western Norway.

The blissfully quiet and snow-sure ski resorts of Voss and Myrkdalen are perfect for all levels: complete beginners and backcountry tourers alike, while picturesque Flåm and its world-famous railway are essential add-ons.

How you ski and see the area is up to you - spend a week in one resort and take your pick of day trips or travel around and find out time and time again why the Norwegians are famed for their hospitality on a Ski & Fjord Explorer Ski Safari.

Read on to discover why Norway’s fjords are a must-visit destination this winter, or if you’re sold on the idea already, call our team on 01273 224060 or enquire online for a tailor-made price. We were one of the first to offer ski holidays to the region back in 2012 and our team heads back every season to refresh our knowledge.

One of the best things about western Norway’s fjords is how accessible they are - just a breezy 2 hour flight to Bergen from several UK airports.

It’s then 2 hours to Voss by tram and train or 2 hours to Myrkdalen by shared bus transfer. Both journeys are filled with spectacular scenery along the way so expect a fight over who gets the window seat (there’s always the return journey!).

As well as skiing, you’ll have the opportunity to journey into the heart of the fjords themselves. Serene cruises, exhilarating RIB rides, delicious Viking meals, tranquil snowshoe hikes and one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world are just a taste of what to expect, and can all be done in a day trip from either Voss or Myrkdalen.

Only 40 minutes apart by bus and skiable on one lift pass, Voss and Myrkdalen remain under the radar for UK skiers. That means blissfully quiet slopes and not a lift line in sight, even over peak periods.

Beginners will find it easier to learn and progress without fear of collision, intermediates can let it rip on long groomers, and off-piste aficionados won’t have to search hard for fresh tracks after a storm. And with just a handful of hotels in each resort, don’t expect that to change any time soon.

Speaking of off-piste, snow is a big deal here. Voss and Myrkdalen receive some of the highest snowfall in Europe - 6.6 metres on average and over 10 metres in a good season. That’s significantly more than most resorts in the Alps receive and not far off what you might expect in Japan!

Due to the coastal location, the snow tends to be dry and light, providing perfect powder conditions and a soft, forgiving surface to learn and land on after an inevitable spill.

A magnet for adrenaline-sports junkies the world over, Voss is a lively town with a strong food culture and a brilliant ski area.

The famous Bergen to Oslo railway line is a spectacular way to arrive. The 1 hour 15 minute train from Bergen city centre stops right outside both of our recommended hotels - the modern 4* Scandic Voss and traditional 4* Fleischer’s Hotel - and right next to the state-of-the-art Voss Gondola too.

This game-changing addition to the resort in 2020 takes you to the slopes in under 10 minutes, providing door-step access to the mountain from the heart of the town.

The ski area itself caters well to beginners and families with wide and gentle slopes and a highly-regarded English-speaking ski school. Intermediates are treated to some thigh-burning reds and blacks - the Horgaletten downhill is a team favourite - while experts won’t need to go hunting for powder. Sometimes the best stashes are just off the pistes.

Typical of Norway you’ll also find miles of cross-country tracks, floodlit slopes in the evening and lively ‘afterski’ (their version of après) at the Hangurstoppen restaurant.

As a working town, there’s heaps to do off the slopes in Voss.

On a poor weather day, go indoor sky diving at VossVind. It’s an amazing experience that our whole team tried in 2019.

If the kids need a break from the skiing, take them to the indoor swimming pool with slides and diving boards at Vossabadet or to the bowling alley, arcade and giant soft play area at Voss Bowling.

Food is a big part of the town’s culture and tradition. Dining and a cellar tour at the Park Hotel are a must for any foodie or wine-lover. Holding over 40,000 bottles of wine, people fly here from all over the world for a taste. The food is local, seasonal and perfectly paired.

The other culinary speciality is only for the more adventurous - ‘smalahove’ aka sheep’s head. The dish, literally consisting of half a sheep’s head, is most popular from September to December when 70,000 are produced. But you can sample it year-round at Smalahovetunet, a short taxi along the valley from Voss.

7 nights in Voss from £755pp »

Celebrating its 20th birthday this year, Myrkdalen is an up-and-coming resort where convenience is king.

Myrkdalen is best reached by road, and the compact centre is car-free once in resort, so we’d advise the shared transfer. It’s a two hour journey that will fly by as you pass snow-covered forests, glistening lakes and frozen waterfalls.

They say good things come in small packages and Myrkdalen's compact nature is proof of that. Centred around the 4* Myrkdalen Hotel and Apartments, once you arrive there’s no chance of getting lost on or off the slopes as everything is within a two minute walk (or in the hotel itself). This includes the ski rental shop and lifts.

Where Myrkdalen excels is in its confidence-building slopes. Similarly to Voss, they're wide, open and very quiet. First-timers will find their feet in no time and go on to enjoy the whole mountain experience, where half of the runs aim to nurture and challenge budding intermediates.

The appeal is not just for beginner skiers but for the off-piste curious too. While the piste map may look small, if you can see it you can probably ski it! This allows you to try going into fresh snow just off the side of the piste, without worrying about getting lost, stuck or in trouble.

Remember all that light and dry snow I talked about earlier? You’ll find it in abundance in the vast backcountry area surrounding the resort. Drawing freeriders from around the world, the options for ski touring are only as limited as your ability and imagination. We highly recommend hiring a guide for the best and safest experience.

The activities in Myrkdalen are all conveniently bookable from the hotel. Take a relaxed horse sleigh ride through the surrounding scenery, feel the wind in your hair with dog sledding along a nearby frozen lake or simply grab a sledge and head to the hill outside the hotel. No matter your age you’ll feel like a kid again.

Whether you’re booked in half board or self-catering next door, make sure you set aside an evening for a sumptuous fondue evening at the Myrkdalen Hotel. Dip freshly baked bread in gooey, bubbling cheese and cook meats right at your table in sizzling hot oil.

7 nights in Myrkdalen from £955pp »

You can’t ski and stay in western Norway without taking a trip to see the fjords themselves. The best way? A magical cruise along the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and picturesque Aurlandsfjord.

30 minutes from Myrkdalen or 1 hour from Voss, you’ll catch the boat from Gudvangen. It’s worth arriving early for time to visit the Viking Village where you can hear stories from the Viking Age and try your hand at axe throwing.

From there it’s a spectacular journey to Flåm by boat exploring the frozen landscape of the fjords. Because of the boat’s whisper-quiet electric motors, you'll not only witness the astonishing scenery, but you'll also be able to take in the peaceful soundtrack of nature that accompanies the views.

Winter is our favourite time for visiting the fjords as they’re free of the cruise ships that travel through during the summer months. You’ll often be the only ones on the water, all the better for spotting seals and the varied birds that inhabit the area.

Flåm is a tranquil reward found at the end of the Aurlandsfjord. The peaceful village is surrounded by an utterly beautiful backdrop and is the perfect base from which to explore it.

Enjoy a new perspective up high with a snowshoe tour to the Stegastein Viewpoint, 650m above the fjords, or head back onto the water with an exhilarating RIB (high-speed boat) tour.

While it’s possible to visit Flåm in a day, we’d always recommend staying here so that you have time to visit the Ægir BrewPub. This Viking-inspired microbrewery is home to a giant central hearth where you can warm up as you sample your way through the fine selection of craft beers. They also offer a special Viking Plank dinner - ideal for trying local delicacies like smoked reindeer. All matched with beers of course!

Both the historical 4* Fretheim Hotel and charming 3* Flåmsbrygga Hotel (where you’ll find the BrewPub) offer rooms with balconies overlooking Aurlandsfjord.

If you thought getting to Flåm was impressive, the next attraction is renowned as one of the best train journeys on Earth - the Flåm Railway.

The steep 20km line takes you from the fjords to the mountaintop, rising up 864 metres through 20 tunnels. The passing landscapes are beautiful and the train stops halfway up at a magnificent waterfall so you can take some snaps and breathe in the refreshing mountain air.

From Myrdal, it’s up to you how you continue your holiday. Head back to Voss or Myrkdalen, spend a few days ski touring or freeriding with a guide from the nearby 3* Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell or take another famous train line, the aforementioned Bergen to Oslo Railway, back to Bergen.

7 night Ski & Fjord Explorer Ski Safari from £1,455pp

You could of course fly straight back home, but why not spend a day exploring the characterful city of Bergen?

Its cobbled streets are full of history and culture including the UNESCO-listed Bryggen, the iconic and colourful harbourfront. Other highlights include dining on freshly caught fish, sightseeing by boat or from the Ulriken Cable Car and plenty of opportunities for shopping and entertainment.

For local secrets and top tips from our Norwegian Sales Consultant, Carina, read her blog on What to Do in Bergen in 24 Hours.

Whether you want to stick to one resort or ski and see everything that western Norway’s fjords have to offer on a ski safari, we can make it happen. Tailor-made ski holidays are what we do best.

We're on hand to offer personal suggestions to help you create your perfect ski holiday, just call our friendly team experts on 01273 224060 or enquire online to get the ball rolling.

Western Norway is a region we frequently visit and absolutely love. Eight of our team visited in 2023 and you can check out the highlights from our last ski trip in April below.

For more advice on where to ski, plus the latest updates from our team and customers on the slopes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.