Myrkdalen Resort Guide

Myrkdalen is located in Norway's spectacular fjord region and receives some of the highest snowfall in Europe. The snowy slopes are perfect for both learning on and off-piste skiing.

We love the fact Myrkdalen's still relatively undiscovered and uncrowded, even in peak weeks (very different from the Alps). Myrkdalen has quiet slopes with rarely any lift queues, making skiing feel safer and more enjoyable, and it means you can maximise your ski time. The gentle terrain and compact nature of the resort make Myrkdalen a brilliant destination for families and beginners.

Myrkdalen typically opens at the beginning of December and remains open daily until the end of April. The highest point of the mountain is 1,060 metres, which may not sound a lot but because of the cooler climate (helped by its northerly latitude), Myrkdalen remains a snow-sure resort despite its low elevation.

Since the first ski lift opened back in 2003, the resort has steadily grown with continued plans to add something new every year. The most recent addition is a six-seater express chair lift opening up more terrain to explore.

Myrkdalen excels in its confidence-building slopes. First-timers will find their feet in no time, allowing them to enjoy the whole mountain experience. Intermediates will love the wide-open spaces and quiet slopes, giving them the chance to pick their own line at their own pace.

More experienced riders will revel in the easy-to-access and abundant off-piste terrain.  There’s also a dedicated snow park with different sections to cover all levels of experience from beginner to advanced. There is something to suit all abilities.

For those learning to ski, there is a green area at the resort's base with a handful of short and wide route options. The Transporten green run is 400 metres of gentle slope through a gorgeous treeline next to the beginner area. The slope flattens off as you reach the base of the resort and is a moment's ski or walk away from cafes and the ski school meeting point.

Myrkdalen has long stretches of broad routes that are ideal for practising turns. When you are ready to progress to blues, we recommend heading to the top of the resort to follow Hyrtamyra - an easy-going blue run with a steady descent to Storhaugekspressen. From here, you are also near the Fjellstova restaurant and the wide, sweeping Myrkdalsløypo blue route back to the bottom.

For a long, cruisy red run offering a range of challenges, the Overland section of the mountain is ideal for skiers and riders looking to pick up speed. Serviced by a highspeed chair at the end, it’s perfect for lapping, improving your technique and trying out new skills.

Combining steeper terrain with the option to venture off-piste, the routes accessible from the Kari Traa lift - both off and on piste – are one of the personal favourites for many of our more experienced members of the team. A short ski to the right of the Kari Traa lift (no skinning or boot packing required) and you have a vast playground of wide open off-piste, with superb views of the valley. At the end of it, the Vetlebotn mountain restaurant is located perfectly for a well-earned breather, snack, meal, local beverage or just to enjoy the beautiful views and admire the fresh tracks you’ve just made.

The long season and high annual snowfall make Myrkdalen an excellent place to try your hand at off-piste for the first time. For more experienced skiers and snowboarders, there are endless touring and hiking opportunities to access some fresh powder. There is also an avalanche training area in the resort and courses are available to those who would like to develop their backcountry skills. We always recommend hiring a guide.

The 4* Myrkdalen Hotel is the hub of the resort and is located at the bottom of the mountain for a true ski-in ski-out experience The rental shop is conveniently located opposite the hotel, a one-minute walk from the lobby.

Nearby are the 4* Myrkdalen Apartments; each furnished to modern, Scandinavian design, and are available as a studio, two-bed or three-bed. A fully fitted kitchen is provided in every apartment for those looking for a self-catering option, and most units include a log burner or fireplace for a cosy evening in.

The on-site shop is open daily next to Myrkdalen Hotel, supplying basic breakfast items and a few essentials. It takes about five minutes to walk between the apartments and the shop but if you wish to stock your fridge, we recommend travelling to the nearby supermarket. We recommend a fly-drive holiday to get the most out of self-catering in this resort.

All of the restaurants in Myrkdalen are found at the hotel, with three options to choose from included in your stay.

Restaurant Nuten is the main a la carte restaurant where you'll enjoy a buffet breakfast each day and most of your evening meals. The seasonal menu includes options for all tastes using local ingredients.

When you fancy a change, Restaurant Tunet serves tasty Italian-inspired pizzas and pasta dishes, while one night at the Restaurant Nuten Fondue is included in your stay for an extra special evening.

For lunches and more casual dining, there are two modern cafés in Myrkdalen, joining the fast-food style dining at Myrkdalsstovo. At the base area, Kamben Kafè & Bar is a sports-bar style cafè with live sports, simple dishes and a selection of local beers. A really exciting addition is the on-mountain Fjellstova Vetlebotn, which can be found at the bottom of the Kari Traa t-bar. The menu uses ingredients from local farms and it means you no longer have to ski to the base for lunch.

For a relaxed drink, Kamben Kafè & Bar remains open for afterski beers, while we also like the cosy Salto Lobby Bar at the hotel. For more of a party atmosphere, Pudder Afterski opens right out onto the slopes. It's open for après on Saturdays 2pm to 7:30pm and for late drinks Fridays & Saturdays 9pm to 1:30am.

Western Norway is home to numerous fjords making it one of the longest coastlines in the world. The area is of outstanding natural beauty and magnificent geology. Formed in the Ice Age, the area has many waterfalls and cliffs as well as the famous fjords.

Myrkdalen is one of the few easily accessible resorts tucked away in Western Norway. The route to the resort follows sea-level fjords, making the journey a real experience without the winding roads that you find elsewhere. The road itself follows part of the famous Oslo Bergen Railway taking you side by side with one of the best rail journeys in the world. 

Once you are in resort you are indulged by stunning mountains all around. A beautiful place to relax and enjoy the views as you ski.

To see more of the fjords, journey through them by boat and train and stay in Flåm on a Ski & Fjord Explorer Ski Safari. Or for the more adventurous, ski the epic backcountry terrain in the region on a Freeride the Fjords Ski Safari.

Whether you want to stay in resort or travel further afield for a more unique experience, there are plenty of activities to try in Myrkdalen on and off the slopes. A few of our favourites include:

Sledging - As with everything in Myrkdalen, they take things to the next level and sledging is no different! Their snow racers are equipped with steering wheel and snow brakes too. You ride up to the top of the Myrkdalsekpressen chairlift and choose your line and speed. Parents can sit in the hotel's warmth and watch the children enjoying themselves. Although, grown-ups can join in too!

Snowshoeing - Hire snowshoes in Myrkdalen and either head out on your own or join an organised tour with head torches. Stop by one of the mountain huts to enjoy a hot drink under the stars and a roaring fire.

Horse-drawn sleigh - A great way to enjoy Myrkdalen’s scenery. Horse sleigh rides can be arranged to pick you up from the hotel.

Sauna - Located in the small forest beside the kid's slopes, just under the Express Lift is the Myrkdalen outdoor sauna - a perfect place to relax and thaw.

Social gaming - Enjoy shuffleboard, digital darts and duckpin bowling all under one roof at Kamben Kafè & Bar. There’s something for everyone!

The Adventure Forest - After sundown, part of the green forest run ‘Huldreskogen’ is illuminated by colour-changing lights, creating a magical area that kids love to play in. You’ll find it opposite the children's area at the bottom of the ski centre. The lights run between 5.30pm - 9pm (running time may be subject to change during the season).

Night skiing - On Wednesday and Friday evenings, the lifts stay open and the runs are floodlit (included in your lift pass).

Indoor skydiving - Fly like Superman in a wind tunnel! Indoor skydiving is unique, exciting and not weather-dependent. This activity is great fun regardless of your previous experience and skill level, and everyone over five years can try the wind tunnel. Located on the outskirts of Voss which is a 30-minute drive away.

Fjord Trips - Take the shuttle bus to the famous Nærøy Fjord, where you can enjoy a boat cruise to Flåm. In Flåm, you can hop aboard the stunning Flåm Railway for a magical journey to Myrdal and back. Or you can simply enjoy spending a day in the heart of fjord Norway. The shuttle bus will then take you back to the resort. Buses run on Thursdays and Saturdays (always check times for winter).

Backcountry Touring - The area in and around Myrkdalen is world-class for backcountry skiers and tourers. Guided overnight trips are organised in April, please enquire for more details.

We can book some of these activities directly for you - speak to your tour coordinator or call us on 01273 224063.

Childcare can be arranged during the day for three hours at a time and for all ages, so parents can relax and enjoy some skiing or snowboarding time together.

Children are encouraged to hit the slopes early here - kids aged 6 and under can ski for free as long as they wear a helmet! This makes Myrkdalen a very affordable option for family ski holidays.

Myrkdalen has a fantastic ski school of highly qualified instructors. Myrkdalen Ski School offers private and group lessons at all levels in alpine skiing, snowboard, park, telemark, cross-country skiing and sitski.

The fastest way to learn or improve your technique is to book a one-on-one or a group session with friends and family. The meeting point is outside the Ski School office at Myrkdalen Square, between Myrkdalsstovo and Myrkdalen Hotel.

Cross Country - Myrkdalen’s terrain is perfect for a taster of Nordic Skiing (Cross Country Skiing). The lesson consists of teaching you how to find your balance on the skis, how to stop and how to get up and down the Myrkdalen’s rolling slopes. It’s a real workout!

Ski Touring and Avalanche Courses - Backcountry touring is an exhilarating way to explore the countryside. As you venture out onto fresh powder, it's important to know how to assess the landscape and select the correct routes. This course will teach you how to traverse safely while gaining crucial knowledge about avalanches, ski touring techniques, and what equipment to pack.

Where is Myrkdalen?

The resort is located in Western Norway, two hours from Bergen International Airport.

How do you get to Myrkdalen from the UK?

An easy two hour transfer to and from Bergen airport. Direct flights from Gatwick, Aberdeen and Liverpool. Indirect flights are available from most regional airports. From Bergen International Airport it’s a swift bus transfer to the resort (approx 2 hours). You won’t need a car in the resort so a transfer is the most economical way to travel!

What is the closest airport to Myrkdalen?

Bergen International Airport.

How do you get to Myrkdalen from Bergen?

The most convenient mode of transport is to take a bus from Bergan International Airport directly to Myrkdalen Resort.

When does the ski season end in Myrkdalen?

The season usually finishes in early May for Myrkdalen.

What is there to do in Myrkdalen if you don’t ski?

As Myrkdalen is situated in western Norway, you have the unique option to take a trip from the resort and journey through the famous Nærøy Fjord on an electric boat! However, if you want to stick to the resort, there are still plenty of non-skiing activities to entertain the whole family. Admire the beautiful scenery from a horse-drawn sleigh or spend an afternoon being whisked along by a pack of huskies!

What time zone is Myrkdalen?

One hour ahead of the UK.

Do you need a car in Myrkdalen?

No! Myrkdalen has a great infrastructure and bus transfers are available to take you to any excursions. We would only recommend a car if you would like to self-cater, as the nearest supermarket is a drive away.

How cold does it get in Myrkdalen?

The average temperature a the top of the mountain in January and February is -5 or -6 degrees and from mid-November until late April, the average temperature stays below freezing. Myrkdalen’s climate allows for a long season and preserves the snowpack throughout the winter. As with any ski holiday, if you bring the correct equipment you’ll be shielded from the cooler temperatures, but you don’t need anything different from a regular ski holiday in the Alps!

How dark does it get in Myrkdalen?

Norway is a large country and naturally, the further north you go, the shorter the days are. Myrkdalen’s located in South West Norway, so even in the depths of winter, you’ll still have daytime skiing from 9am until 3pm. If that’s not enough for you, there’s night skiing available on select days until 8pm!

Is Myrkdalen expensive?

The price for food in Myrkdalen is similar to other European ski resorts. But, it’s worth noting the cost of alcoholic beverages across Norway are on the higher end of the scale due to Norway’s taxation system.