Geilo Resort Guide

Geilo is one of our favourite ski resorts, not just for the stunning Oslo-Bergen mountain train ride to get there, but also for its outstanding scenery, snow-sure terrain, uncrowded slopes, excellent food and accommodation, plus a wide range of non-ski activities to indulge in.

If you’re planning a skiing holiday in Geilo, we’ve got you covered! As frequent skiers in Geilo for 20+ years (and where our very own Andy Hemingway lived for five years), we have produced our Geilo Resort Guide using our intermate knowledge of the area.

Geilo is nestled between two of Norway’s most famous national parks, the Hardangervidda National Park and the Hallingskarvet National Park. They’re both incredibly beautiful and provide a wonderful backdrop for any ski or non-ski activities you choose to do here. Plus, you will be well looked after during your time in Geilo, as the staff and locals are remarkably friendly, which really enriches the overall experience.

So read on for insider knowledge about the terrain, the facilities, the best places to eat and the best places to stay. Discover the array of thrilling non-ski activities and experiences to try (like dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides and ice karting), and find out why Geilo is such a winning multi-generational holiday destination - even Norway’s royal family has skied here!

Geilo is one of Norway's largest ski resorts, spanning two sides of a pretty valley, separated by the Ustedalsfjorden Lake. Its five peaks have 46 slopes and 20 lifts which are accessible from six base areas: Vestlia, Kikut, Havsdalen, Slaatta, Geiloheisen and Halstensgård. Three ski buses connect the two sides.

As well as being popular with Norway’s royals, Alpine teams regularly choose to train here, as Geilo’s slopes are wonderfully prepared and it’s consistently snow sure. Snow is abundant in Geilo, lasting from November until Easter (even if Easter falls in late April) when the resort closes. The north-facing slopes on Vestlia and Kikut hold their snow particularly well at the end of the season. The slopes are refreshingly quiet too, compared to better-known resorts in the Alps. Long lift queues and bottlenecks at the end of each run don't occur in Geilo, even in peak periods.

Geilo is an exceptional learning ground for first-timers. Green and blue runs are quiet, unintimidating and not too long, with plenty of places to rest. Both sides of the lake have two magic carpet areas and English-speaking ski schools if you want to practise more. The lift staff are amazingly helpful too, which is reassuring if you find chairs and drag lifts a little daunting.

Vestlia and Slaatta are the two best areas for beginners to be based. Vestlia has short nursery slopes and fast chair access to the top of Bjødnahovda and Kikut for some long and gentle tree-lined runs. Across the lake, Slaatta boasts equally excellent learner slopes and a superb ski school. To access top-to-bottom greens and blue slopes from here, there are connecting routes to neighbouring Geiloheisen and Halstensgård, with beautiful views across the valley.

Four of the five peaks have red runs, but we recommend starting at Geiloheisen to access the most diverse terrain on the north side of the lake. Most of the slopes in Geilo are impeccably groomed, but two runs (one red, one black) are left alone for you to play amongst the moguls. There are a handful of timed runs too, if you are keen to challenge yourself to a time trial PB.

For expert skiers who are looking for off-piste and technical terrain, Geilo won't be your best option. But expert terrain does exist elsewhere in Norway, such as Myrdkalen in the incredible fjord lands, three hours west of Geilo by car, or hidden gem Gausta, a little closer to Oslo and about two hours southeast of Geilo. Both resorts offer a mixture of groomed and ungroomed terrain and runs suited from beginner to expert - brilliant all-rounders if you have a group of mixed ability levels.

Alternatively, Narvik tops the list for combined powder and backcountry skiing terrain. This most northerly resort is also very close to Sweden's Riksgransen and Björkliden resorts if you want to turn your holiday into an Arctic ski safari adventure.

Cross-country skiing is a national obsession for Norwegians and Geilo is one of the country's premier cross-country resorts. Graded from green to black, there are more than 340 miles of immaculately prepared classic and skate-skiing trails - the biggest cross-country area in Norway. Free to access, trails extend from the village up onto the Hargdangervidda mountain plateau.

Floodlit night skiing not only gives you more time on the slopes, but it's also a wonderful way to enjoy the resort from another perspective. Lifts stay open in Geilo:

• Friday on the Vestlia side until 8pm
• Tuesdays on the Slaatta side until 7.30pm
• Additional nights during the holidays

If you're an early bird, Vestlia's slopes open at 7.30am on Saturdays during peak times for early morning skiing, with breakfast served in the hotel from 7 to 7.30am.

The Panorama Tour - Geilo High Five is an organised trip around Geilo. You'll get to ski the finest slopes, enjoy the best views from the five peaks over the majestic national parks Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda, and sample tasty food. The tour can take anywhere between one and a half to four hours. Suited for skier levels able to ski up to blue runs.

Geilo is a designated national park village, with an authentic charm that more commercialised resorts can’t match. A selection of modern and historic hotels radiate from the lake to the edge of the village, while traditional wooden cabins can be found amongst the trees at the foot of the slopes. Wherever you choose to stay in Geilo, you’re guaranteed a truly authentic Norwegian experience.

The award-winning, ski-in ski-out 4*+ Vestlia Resort is favoured by so many of our customers because of its unrivalled ability to cater for families and couples without compromise.

This luxury hotel has excellent facilities and services, including an adults-only spa, a separate family pool, kids’ playland, cinema and a ten-pin bowling alley. It’s located at the foot of the slopes, with a range of rooms and suites either facing the slope or overlooking the Ustedalsfjorden, Hallingskarvet and Geilo village, and is a stone’s throw from the ski school. Last but by no means least, the on-site restaurant, which is open to the public as well as hotel guests, serves incredible food which is worth the visit alone.

Across the lake is 4*+ Dr Holms Hotel. This impressive building was built in 1909, originally as a health retreat when Victorians prescribed ‘clean mountain air’ for respiratory ailments.

This iconic hotel is a top dining location in Geilo, with a range of bars and restaurants that include a modern breakfast room, a gourmet restaurant, a 1950s-style diner and bowling alley, plus a wine cellar where you can try wine tasting and fine dining. The hotel is located in the heart of the village, a short stroll from Geilo train station and near to the Slaatta nursery slopes and ski school, and offers a range of rooms, suites and apartments.

Cabins in Geilo provide a totally different yet special experience to the hotels. These traditional wooden cabins are well-insulated and inviting, and provide a full kitchen and living and dining area as standard, making them a great home from home. Nothing beats ending a day’s skiing followed by a home-cooked meal, with a glass of something nice, curled up beside a roaring log fire.

The 4* Geilolia Forest Cabins are dotted throughout a woodland area at the foot of the ski slopes in Vestlia. Each cabin has a spacious living area, well-equipped kitchen, porch or terrace, and are available in a range of sizes, from two to five bedrooms - selected cabins have a fireplace or wood burner and private sauna.

Across the other side of the lake, near the Slaatta Ski Centre, is an area of woodland that is home to 26 3*+ Bardøla Cabins that sit alongside the 3*+ Bardøla Hotel, which is perfect if you want a break from cooking and decide to dine at the hotel. These cabins were originally 18th-century farm buildings with traditional grass roofs that have been relocated and updated inside with modern facilities, but retain their original charm. They are wood-panelled throughout with modern fixtures and fittings, a family-sized dining room, a fully-kitted-out kitchen and large sofas for relaxing in front of the fire.

We’ve tested and tasted our way around a variety of Geilo’s eateries and bars. Wherever you go in Geilo, the food is top-notch, so we've listed a handful of recommendations that cater to different needs.

(In order of left to right on the trail map).

Kikut Bistro - a characterful log cabin at the base of Kikuttoppen, serving homemade dishes made from fresh ingredients. It is considered one of the best bistros in the Norwegian mountains and it's open for lunch and dinner.

Kikuttoppen Vinbar - sitting atop the Kikut mountain is probably the smallest wine bar in Norway - certainly the smallest with the best view!

Vaffeltoppen - this is THE place to go for waffles and a selection of toppings. Head to the top of Bjødnahovda.

SkiKafeen - for fuss-free food with a family-friendly menu, head here! In the Vestlia base area.

Havsdalskroa - on the slopes in Havsdalen, this restaurant serves local specialities, pizzas and burgers. There is a self-service counter and occasional barbecues - perfect for a pitstop.

Taubane Kroa - serves street food and is a great lunch spot. The self-service restaurant is at the base of the Geiloheisen chairlift at Geilo Taubane.

Halstensgård Kafe - a retro cafe at the base of the Halstensgård lift. A popular spot for coffee, and you are welcome to bring a packed lunch.

Slaattastugu - bakery serving traditional Norwegian cakes and pastries.

Cafés and restaurants in Geilo are often multi-functional, where daytime coffee houses and bustling lunch venues transform into buzzing pubs and ambient bars by evening. A la carte and international restaurants can also be found in Geilo. Here are our top spots...

Sofia’s Café and Bar - a local favourite, serving traditional and international dishes for lunch until evening. Located on the northern side of the lake at the Bardøla Hotel.

Perleporten Café and Bar - a welcoming venue in the town centre where you can grab fresh coffee, cake, waffles or something heartier for lunch like a smash burger or sandwich. Open from late morning until 7pm on weekdays and Sundays, and midnight Friday and Saturdays.

Vestlia Resort - a la carte restaurant and lounge/bar. Both serve fresh, seasonal dishes from generous and diverse menus for lunch and dinner.

Smakeriet Restaurant and Bar - specialises in Norwegian grill, serving up locally sourced meat, seafood and seasonal veggies from their charcoal grill, accompanied by recommended wine pairings.

Hallingstuene - brings you fine dining with Geilo’s very own celebrity chef, Frode Aga. Expect Nordic flavours using locally sourced organic ingredients. Located in the centre of the village close to the train station.

Bowl & Dine - a playful, American-style restaurant that accompanies the eight-lane ten-pin bowling alley at the Dr Holms Hotel.

As with everything food-related in Geilo, takeaway venues are a cut above anything you'd find elsewhere.

Pizza - Peppe's Pizza offers eat-in, take-out and pizza delivery. Located in the village centre and open 11am to 10pm most days.

Chinese - Golden House serves Geilo’s best Chinese food. Eat-in or take-away.

Kebab - Eat’n’run Café & Kebab serves up a range of tasty home-baked cakes, cheesecakes and pasties, soups and burgers and of course, kebab rosti. A handy place for quick eats, eat-in or takeaway lunch and dinner.

As a small village with an emphasis on family holidays, Geilo isn’t a place for wild après ski (or ‘afterski’ as the Norwegians say). That’s not to say there’s nowhere to stay up and party with the locals, and here are some top recommendations:

Havsdalskroa - join the largest après in Geilo, at the centre of the Havsdalen ski area. With live music and table dancing it’s the place to go to let your hair down and join the party. Food is served here too - table reservation is recommended.

Ski Bar/Piano Bar at Dr Holms Hotel - complete with cosy atmosphere, open fire and great views across the valley, is a draw for the après crowd looking for a place to unwind.

Off-Pist - late-night bar/club in the centre of the village with theme nights and a dance floor. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9pm to 2.30am.

Geilo really delivers on things to see, do and experience, with an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Because you are located next to the vast and beautiful Hardangervidda Plateau - Europe’s largest high-mountain plateau - you are all set to enjoy nature’s playground.

Dog sledding

Meet your team of friendly, well-trained Alaskan huskies, and then head off on a three-mile taster, a full-day trip or an overnight experience. Great fun for all the family. Dog sledding is bookable through Geilo Husky and Geilo Dog Sledding.

Horse sleigh ride 

Take a cosy sleigh ride into Geilo town or explore the outskirts and the forest. Rides last about 45 minutes and are operated by the Geilo Horse Centre at a chosen location. These are popular so best booked in advance!

Snowshoeing (guided)

Join a guided snowshoe walk on specially designed walking shoes, to pad softly across deep snow around Geilo’s forests while spotting for animal tracks. Upgrade your snowshoe experience with a Norwegian campsite dinner around the fire. Group and private walks are available. Go to the Geilo website to browse local snowshoeing guides.

Fatbike taster

Like mountain biking but with bigger tyres, snow-biking or ‘fatbiking’ has become very popular in Norway in recent years. The wide tyres help you to float on the snow, following the same principle as off-piste skis. Book your fatbike taster at GeiloAktiv.

Langedrag Nature Park

The Langedrag Nature Park is 40 to 50 minutes by car from Geilo, but is worth the visit. It's home to around 500 animals that you can meet up close, including reindeer, elk, wild boar, arctic foxes, lynx and wolves. The foxes are particularly friendly and will let you give them a treat.

If you or your clan are secret adrenaline-loving thrill-seekers and like things that go fast, here are some entertaining options at Dagali Fjellpark about a 30-minute drive from Geilo. We recommend using a hire car to get here.

What can I do at Degali?

Tobogganing - take the lift and whizz down Norway's longest groomed toboggan run, steering your sledge as you speed downhill. Great fun from 10 years and over.

Snowmobiling - ride past stunning scenery, looking out for elk, deer and eagles. Being environmentally conscious, Norway has strict rules on where snowmobiles can be used but this is a designated snowmobiling area 15 miles outside Geilo.

Winter paintball - have a blast paintballing at Dagali - it's lots of fun in the snow. Play in teams or as individuals, in games like ‘capture the flag’, for a bit of friendly competition. Suitable for 14 years and over.

Ice karting - This is indeed as it sounds - go-karting on a frozen lake. Powerturn buggies are also available at the same location. Helmets and overalls are provided.

Swimming pool and water slides

Vestlia Resort has a superb family pool with an 82-metre waterslide, whirlpool and children’s pool. You don't have to be a guest at Vestlia to come for a splash about.

The best soft play

If an awesome pool isn't enough, then Vestlia Resort also has a huge soft play area. The kids can go wild up the scramble nets, scampering through tunnels and shooting down the slides - an explorer’s paradise for the tots.

Bowling

Take your pick from two bowling alleys. Dr Holms Hotel, in the village centre, has a six-lane ten-pin bowling alley and diner, then on the opposite side of the valley, Vestlia Resort has an eight-lane bowling alley. Both are open to the public as well as hotel guests.

Ice bath and sauna

Get those endorphins surging with a chilly plunge in the icy lake, followed by a warming sauna. Snow and ice bathing not only stimulates blood flow but makes you feel... alive! Sauna and Ice bathing in Ustaoset is accessible by bus, train and car (approximately a 10-minute drive from Geilo). Alternatively, sauna and snow bathing in Geilo is also an option.

Spa and massage

Vestlia has a separate spa area from its main swimming pool, with a steam room, plunge pool, saunas and treatment rooms. Meanwhile, there’s a superb wellness centre at Dr Holms which has six treatment rooms and a hydrotherapy bath to soak sore muscles.

While you are in Geilo, we highly recommend a day trip to the fjords using the famous Flåm Railway. It's a wonderful scenic way to travel to the quaint little town of Flåm, as you roll through the mountains - the snowy sugarcoated landscapes, dramatic rocks and serene waters are just so beautiful. If this sounds like a treat you want to experience, we can help to organise this for you when booking your holiday, just let us know!

Geilo is located between two of Norway’s major cities, Oslo and Bergen. Both are accessible by rail and make fantastic add-ons at the start, end or part-way through your week.

If you're travelling with young ones you'll appreciate the convenience of having all the facilities you need in one place. The Vestlia (south) side of the resort is particularly good in this respect, with ski rentals, ski school and childcare all in one place at the base of the slopes and lifts.

A superb crèche

The Trollklubben crèche is staffed with certified carers who look after babies from six months old to children up to eight years old. Nowhere else in Norway has this service! Perfect if the littlest members in your group are too young for ski school. Conveniently set at the base of the Vestlia ski slopes. Daily activities range from stories, drawing and sledging, to sculpture building and singing. You can pay by the hour, day or week. Opens daily 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Ski Play

An alternative childcare option for older children who can already ski, Ski Play is designed to have some supervised fun on skis away from mum and dad. Sessions are run by ski school instructors and last 80 minutes.

Best family-friendly ski area

Home to a purpose-built beginner area that surrounds the Forest Cabins and Vestlia Resort, the Vestlia section of the resort on the north-facing slopes is particularly good for families. There are three child-friendly lifts, a slalom course and a self-timer piste, as well as a beginner’s snow park, sledging slope and high ropes course with a zip line and café.

Kids patrol

What does the ski patrol team get up to during the day? Kids can find out by joining the patrol team to see how the radio works and how to call in an injury. Kids Patrol runs on selected Wednesdays and is great for children between five and 10. You'll need to bring your ski pass, ski equipment and be dressed for the conditions.

Kids race

Every Saturday an informal kids race is held. All participants get a medal!

SuperDisko

Disco on skis is held every Friday (in the flood-lit Vestlia skiing area) for the younger crowd. There'll be disco lights, music, DJ and fun activities.

There are two ski schools (Geilo Skiskole and SkiGeilo) in three locations: Vestlia, Slaatta and Havsdalen. Most people attend Vestlia or Slaatta, but all locations offer group and private skiing and snowboarding lessons for different ages and ability levels. 

Lessons are divided into level grading, depending on your experience:

• Level 1 'White' - you'll start here if you've never skied.
• Level 2 'Green' - you can stop, turn and use the lift on green slopes.
• Level 3 'Blue' - you can take the lifts, turn and stop on blue slopes.
• Level 4 'Red' - you can ski at a good and controlled speed on red slopes.

Types of lessons available:

Group Ski School - 60 to 80-minute lessons, taught in age brackets, making sure everyone is learning at the same level. Group sizes vary depending on your ability level and age but as a general rule of thumb, the youngest and least experienced learners will be taught in small groups, ranging between two and six participants. Whilst learners on 'Level 4' red run skiing, can be in groups of 15 max.

• Vestlia - for ages four to adult. Meeting point: Trollklubben children’s area.
• Slaatta - for ages four to 14. Meeting point: 150 m from Dr Holms Hotel.

Private Lessons - personalised private lessons.

• Vestlia - for ages three and up, available in 60, 90 or 120-minute sessions, for groups of up to 10. Meeting point: outside the information centre.
• Slaatta - for ages two and up, available as 55 to 110-minute sessions. 40-minute sessions for toddlers are also available. Meeting point: by the ski school flag next to the lift.

WeekendSki - weekend courses for children aged six years to 15 and designed to improve skiing skills whilst having fun. Lessons are 80 minutes on Saturday and Sunday and require a minimum of three people. Meet at Trollklubben children’s area.

SnowPlay and Snowplay - snowy playtime on or off skis. Let the kids play while the parents attend ski school. For children aged five and over.

Flights from the UK to Oslo or Bergen are just under two hours. To reach Geilo from the airport, we can arrange a regular road transfer or a rental car but we recommend the rail journey as it’s such a civilised way to travel and simply too pretty to pass up. It takes on average four and a half hours by train from Oslo Airport to Geilo, via Oslo Central Station. This sounds quite long but in practice, the time passes quicker than you think, thanks to the comfortable carridges and the beautiful scenery.

Oslo Bergen Railway

One of the biggest draws to Geilo is the journey to reach it by train. Regarded to be one of the top 20 rail journeys in the world, this is where your Geilo holiday experience really begins! Relax as you roll into the mountains, and peer from the large windows towards frozen fjords, snow-dusted pine forests and dramatic rock formations. The national parks in this region are just stunning!

In particular, we love the ease and comfort of the journey. Carriages are spacious and there’s room to move around - you won’t be sardined in your seat! If you are travelling with young children, we recommend booking the Family Carriage which has a soft play area on board, with books and DVDs which is separate from the rest of the carriage. It also has wide bays for buggies and all the extra ‘stuff’ that finds its way in with the family luggage. The facilities are designed with accessibility in mind too, so you can sit back and enjoy the journey, knowing that the little ones are safe to let their hair down for an hour or two, before pulling into Geilo Station.

Interested in booking the Oslo-Bergen train to Geilo? We can offer ski holidays to Geilo including the rail journey, with departures on any day of the week and for any duration, subject to flights and property availability. Day trips to the famous Flåm Railway to experience the Norwegian fjords can also be included.

Geilo's daily ski bus runs regularly and links between both sides of the valley. They collect from all cabins and hotels in Geilo in the morning and run until the lifts close (night skiing included) - all free of charge. There is also a public bus that travels beyond Geilo (local fares apply).

Central Geilo is quite walkable too, with most shops, bars and restaurants clustered in the village centre, near the train station. If you are based on the Vestlia side, it would take about 30 minutes to walk from Vestlia Resort to Dr Holms Hotel, for example. Thanks to Geilo's local services, you won't need a car to travel around town. However, roads in Geilo are accessible for anyone who is visiting the area by car.