
Norway
The Scandinavian Alps, combining dramatic peaks with legendary après-ski
2 properties available
About the Resort
Hemsedal is affectionately known as the 'Scandinavian Alps' due to its steep, jagged peaks that stand in stark contrast to Norway's typically rounded mountains. As one of Scandinavia's premier ski resorts, it delivers an exceptionally reliable and long snow season, often stretching from November well into May. The resort is equipped with state-of-the-art express lifts and high-quality infrastructure, making it a top choice for both local and international winter sports enthusiasts.
The Resort
The mountain features a superb mix of wide, perfectly groomed trails ideal for cruising and easily accessible off-piste terrain that challenges seasoned experts. The base area provides expansive, meticulously planned beginner zones, making it an incredibly well-rounded resort. Hemsedal is also globally renowned for its pristine terrain parks, drawing freestyle skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Beyond the pristine pistes, Hemsedal is famous for having one of the best après-ski scenes in Northern Europe, heavily centered around the iconic Stavkroa. Yet, despite its lively afternoons, the resort remains an incredibly popular family destination, offering a harmonious balance of high-energy entertainment and premium, family-friendly ski-in-ski-out accommodations.
On the Mountain
Hemsedal offers beautifully groomed, wide slopes that are perfect for carving, complemented by some of the most accessible lift-served freeride terrain in Norway. Beginners thrive in the massive dedicated learning zone at the base, while freestylers are treated to top-tier, progressively sized snow parks.
Hallingdal Valley / Scandinavian Mountains
Hallingdal is a prominent traditional district in Eastern Norway, renowned for its spectacular alpine landscapes, vast outdoor recreation opportunities, and reliable winter climate.
Location
Resort Details
Ideal For
Families
Expansive children's areas, easy base-level navigation, and excellent ski schools.
Après-Ski Enthusiasts
Home to Stavkroa, famously rated as one of the best après-ski venues in the world.
Freestylers
World-class terrain parks featuring features for all levels, from beginners to pros.
Off-Piste Explorers
Great lift-accessed backcountry and steep drops from the Totten, Tinden, and Roni peaks.
Full Collection
Personal Concierge
Our concierge team knows every property in Hemsedal. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll send personalised recommendations within 24 hours.
Where to Eat
Skarsnuten Hotel Restaurant
Mountain-side near the top of the resort
An elegant dining experience offering panoramic views over the valley and locally sourced modern Nordic cuisine.
Fjellkafeen
Top of the Hollvinexpressen lift
The perfect high-altitude lunch stop featuring hearty mountain food, warming soups, and a fantastic sun terrace.
Lodgen Spiseri
Hemsedal Skisenter Base
A popular, relaxed venue at the bottom of the slopes ideal for a quick, high-quality family lunch.
Hollvin
Base Area
A bustling ski-in/ski-out restaurant providing generous portions of classic alpine comfort food.
Common Questions
The ski season in Hemsedal typically runs Mid-November to early May. The resort averages 4.5m per season of snowfall, so conditions are usually reliable throughout. Hemsedal is known for having one of the longest ski seasons in Europe, often staying open for excellent spring skiing until the first weekend of May.
Hemsedal offers 48km of pistes with a vertical drop of 830m. Hemsedal offers beautifully groomed, wide slopes that are perfect for carving, complemented by some of the most accessible lift-served freeride terrain in Norway. Beginners thrive in the massive dedicated learning zone at the base, while freestylers are treated to top-tier, progressively sized snow parks. It forms part of the Hallingdal Valley / Scandinavian Mountains ski area.
The Scandinavian Alps, combining dramatic peaks with legendary après-ski. Hemsedal is a modern mountain resort, known for its distinctive character and atmosphere. Key highlights include family friendly, beginners, intermediates, snowpark, après ski.
Hemsedal receives an average of 4.5m per season of snowfall. With skiing up to 1,450m, higher altitude terrain holds snow well into spring. Recent snowfall: Excellent natural snowfall supported by a massive modern snowmaking system.
Hemsedal is well-suited for several types of visitors. For families: Expansive children's areas, easy base-level navigation, and excellent ski schools. For après-ski enthusiasts: Home to Stavkroa, famously rated as one of the best après-ski venues in the world. For freestylers: World-class terrain parks featuring features for all levels, from beginners to pros.
The nearest airport is Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), about 220km away (approximately 3h 0min by transfer). Direct express buses (Vy Express) run frequently from Oslo Airport directly to Hemsedal during the winter season. Hemsedal is also reachable by train via Gol Station (30km away). Well-connected by the Vy bus network from major Norwegian cities, making it accessible without a car.
Lift passes in Hemsedal are available as Adult Day Pass (NOK 645), Adult 6-Day Pass (NOK 2950). Passes often cover the wider Hallingdal Valley / Scandinavian Mountains area, giving access to a much larger ski domain. Book lift passes and ski rentals via the SkiStar app well in advance for the best rates and easiest pick-up.
Standout dining in Hemsedal includes Skarsnuten Hotel Restaurant (An elegant dining experience offering panoramic views over the valley and locally sourced modern Nordic cuisine.), Fjellkafeen (The perfect high-altitude lunch stop featuring hearty mountain food, warming soups, and a fantastic sun terrace.), Lodgen Spiseri (A popular, relaxed venue at the bottom of the slopes ideal for a quick, high-quality family lunch.). With 4 recommended restaurants in total, the resort offers an impressive dining scene for a ski destination.
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