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Best amenities
Off-mountain activities
Stunning views
Great après-skiBest amenitiesOff-mountain activitiesStunning viewsGreat après-skiBest amenitiesOff-mountain activitiesStunning viewsGreat après-skiBest amenitiesOff-mountain activitiesStunning viewsGreat après-skiHemsedal spreads across three peaks between 620 and 1,450 m (2,034 to 4,757 ft) and delivers a solid 810 m (2,657 ft) vertical. You’ll ski 53 slopes via 21 lifts, including Lodge Express by SkiStar Lodge, and a top-to-base run of about 6 km (3.7 mi). The vibe is simple and social: wide pistes, clear signs, family areas with Valle, terrain parks and a Fun Ride, plus night skiing on selected evenings.
Hemsedal spreads across three peaks between 620 and 1,450 m (2,034 to 4,757 ft) and delivers a solid 810 m (2,657 ft) vertical. You’ll ski 53 slopes via 21 lifts, including Lodge Express by SkiStar Lodge, and a top-to-base run of about 6 km (3.7 mi). The vibe is simple and social: wide pistes, clear signs, family areas with Valle, terrain parks and a Fun Ride, plus night skiing on selected evenings.
Skiing in Hemsedal has a distinct character. The runs are wide and well-groomed, the mountain layout is straightforward, and all pistes funnel back to a single base area - so you're never far from where you started. The views from the top are expansive: rugged peaks, snow-covered fells, and forested slopes stretching in every direction. It's a mountain that rewards exploration without ever feeling overwhelming.
The three peaks each have their own personality. Totten is the highest point and home to some of the steeper terrain. Tinden is a favourite with intermediates for its flowing reds and blues. Roni sits between the two and connects the ski area neatly. A separate area, Solheisen in Grøndalen (around 12km up the valley and included on the same lift pass), adds quieter slopes and excellent off-piste access for those wanting a change of pace.
Hemsedal is a genuinely encouraging place to start skiing. The base area has dedicated nursery slopes and gentle lifts, and the children's zone - one of the largest in Norway - gives new skiers of all ages space to build confidence away from faster traffic. Once you've found your feet, there's a green run that winds all the way from the summit of Totten down to the base, giving beginners that satisfying feeling of skiing from the very top of the mountain.
The progression from greens to easy blues is smooth, with wide pistes and good visibility making it easy to pick up speed gradually. Solheisen is also worth a visit for newer skiers - its quieter slopes and relaxed atmosphere provide an ideal environment to practise without the weekend crowds.
WeSki insider tip: Take the Solheisen ski bus for a half-day session midweek - you'll often have the slopes almost entirely to yourself, which is perfect for building confidence.
Intermediates will find plenty to work with across all three peaks. The blues and reds on Tinden are flowing and well-maintained, and the 4km blue run that drops down to Hemsedal Sentrum (the village centre) is a satisfying way to end the day. As your confidence grows, the reds off Totten and the runs linking the peaks offer more varied terrain with some welcome steeper pitches thrown in.
The ski area is compact enough that you can lap your favourite runs easily, but varied enough that you won't get bored in a week. Confident intermediates should also try some of the marked ski routes that sit between groomed pistes and full off-piste - they're a great way to test your legs in softer snow without committing to anything too serious.
WeSki insider tip: The Hollvin Express eight-seater chair is the quickest way to rack up vertical. Ride it first thing before the weekend crowds arrive and you'll get a good few laps in on freshly groomed terrain.
The piste map might look modest at first glance, but Hemsedal has some properly demanding terrain for experienced skiers. The Tottenloypa (piste 6) and Sahaugloypa (piste 8) blacks are steep, sustained, and satisfying - the latter is also floodlit for night skiing, which adds a completely different dimension. There are further steep pitches scattered across Totten and Tinden that reward those willing to explore beyond the main routes.
Off-piste is where Hemsedal gets particularly interesting. The terrain around all three peaks is forgiving and accessible, making it a strong choice for skiers transitioning from groomed runs to powder. For those with more experience, the backcountry above and around the resort opens up extensive ski touring possibilities - hiring a local guide is well worth it. Heli-skiing is also available from the surrounding high peaks when conditions allow.
WeSki insider tip: The off-piste terrain near Solheisen is often overlooked by visitors but holds snow well and sees very little traffic, especially midweek. A local guide can show you lines you'd never find on your own.
Hemsedal has serious snowboarding credentials. The terrain parks - known collectively as Park Hemsedal - are among the most photographed in Scandinavia, with features ranging from a blue park for progressing riders through to a red park with larger kickers, rails and boxes. The wide, well-groomed pistes suit carving, the accessible off-piste is ideal for freeriding, and the resort's night-riding sessions extend the fun well into the evening.
Hemsedal's off-piste is approachable and varied. Much of it sits close to marked runs, so you can dip in and out without committing to long traverses or exposed terrain. The powder bowls visible from the top lifts are a good starting point, and the forested slopes lower down hold snow well after a storm. For those looking to go deeper, the high mountains surrounding the valley are excellent for ski touring, and local guides can access terrain that feels genuinely remote while remaining within a reasonable distance of the resort.
Hemsedal Ski School, run by SkiStar, provides group and private lessons for all ages and abilities. Valle's Ski School caters specifically to children aged 3 to 9, using play-based learning to build skills and confidence. English-speaking instructors are widely available, which is reassuring for UK visitors. Private lessons can be tailored to specific goals, whether that's mastering parallel turns or tackling off-piste for the first time.
Park Hemsedal is split across multiple zones to suit different levels. The blue park has smaller features for those getting started with freestyle, while the red park raises the bar with bigger jumps, longer rails and creative features. There's also a skicross course and fun zones with banked turns, rollers and small hits - ideal for families or anyone looking to add some variety to their day. The parks are well-maintained throughout the season and regularly reshaped.
Hemsedal is one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in Scandinavia, and it shows. The children's area at the base is one of the largest in Norway, covering 70,000 square metres with dedicated beginner lifts, a snow play zone (Gaupeland), toboggan runs and a carousel. Valle's Ski School takes children from age three, and the play-based teaching approach means younger ones usually enjoy themselves without realising they're actually learning. All runs feed back to the same base area, which gives parents peace of mind knowing everyone ends up in the same place.
Older children and teenagers have plenty to keep them engaged. The terrain parks are a big draw, with the blue park providing a safe entry point for freestyle, while more confident teens can progress to the red park. Night skiing is available several evenings a week, and there's ice skating, snowmobiling and dog sledding when they want a break from the slopes. The fun zones scattered across the mountain - with rollers, banked turns and small jumps - add variety to a day's skiing without anyone needing to leave the piste.
For parents, the compact resort layout and excellent ski bus service make logistics simple. Dining options at the base and in the village are family-friendly, with casual spots serving burgers, pizza and hearty Norwegian dishes alongside more refined options for an evening out. The SkiStar Lodge properties are particularly convenient for families, with ski-in/ski-out access and on-site facilities. Norway is also remarkably welcoming to families in general - English is widely spoken, the infrastructure is excellent, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive.
Hemsedal is well set up for rest days and non-skiers. The combination of dramatic mountain scenery, a good spread of activities and a village that's easy to navigate on foot means time away from the slopes feels like part of the holiday rather than a compromise. Whether you're looking for adrenaline, relaxation or something cultural, there's enough here to fill several days without touching a ski.
The mountains around Hemsedal provide a brilliant setting for winter activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. Many of these are easy to arrange through local operators and suitable for families:
For days when you'd rather stay off the snow, Hemsedal has a solid selection of indoor and low-key options. The village is compact and walkable, so you can easily fill a rest day without needing transport:
Hemsedal's dining scene is more varied than you might expect for a resort of its size. Norwegian cooking leans heavily on local ingredients - think elk, reindeer, freshwater fish and hearty root vegetables - and the best restaurants here do them proud. You'll find everything from fine dining with valley views to casual slope-side lunches and late-night pizza, so there's something for every mood and budget:
WeSki insider tip: Try traditional Norwegian raspeballer (potato dumplings) or a reindeer stew if you see them on a menu - they're hearty, warming and properly local. Pair with a Norwegian craft beer for the full experience.
Hemsedal's après-ski scene has a split personality - and that's part of its appeal. During the week, evenings are relaxed and low-key, with a quiet drink by a fire or a casual dinner in the village. Come Friday and Saturday, however, the resort transforms. Norwegians from Oslo and Bergen pour in, the music gets louder, the terraces fill up, and the energy can rival anything in the Alps. It's enthusiastic, unpretentious and genuinely fun.
The action starts at the ski base and shifts into the village as the evening progresses. Hemsedal has a surprising number of nightlife venues for its size, including several nightclubs that keep going well into the early hours at weekends. If you prefer something calmer, there are plenty of hotel bars and lounges where you can enjoy a cocktail without raising your voice.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Hemsedal is split between two main areas: the ski base (Alpin Village) and Hemsedal Sentrum (the traditional village centre, also called Trøym), about 5km apart. The ski base area has the most convenient slope access, with the two SkiStar Lodge properties providing true ski-in/ski-out. Cabins and apartments are the most common accommodation type, and many near the base are within walking distance of the lifts. The village centre has more traditional hotels - including Skogstad Hotel and the boutique Skarsnuten Hotel - plus restaurants, shops and nightlife. The Fýri Resort near the slopes is a popular choice for couples and keen skiers, with heated pools, multiple dining options and a contemporary design. A free ski bus connects both areas throughout the day, so staying in the village is practical even without a car.
Hemsedal's lift pass is managed by SkiStar and covers all slopes and lifts in the main Hemsedal Ski Centre, plus access to the Solheisen area in Grøndalen. Day passes, multi-day passes and season passes are available, and the SkiStar All Winter pass extends coverage to all SkiStar resorts across Norway and Sweden. Passes can be bought online or via the SkiStar app, and collected from pick-up machines at the resort - buying in advance is typically cheaper. Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Hemsedal ski holiday through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Ski and snowboard rental in Hemsedal is straightforward. SkiStar's own rental shop at the base has a full range of equipment for all levels, from beginner packages through to performance skis and boards. There are also independent hire shops in the village and at some accommodation complexes. Booking equipment in advance - especially during peak weeks - is a good idea, as it saves time and often secures a better rate. Boot fitting is usually included, and most shops will let you swap equipment during your stay if something doesn't feel right.
Hemsedal is easy to get around. The free SkiStar ski bus runs regularly between the main accommodation areas, the village centre and the ski base throughout the day, making it simple to get from door to slope without a car. The bus also connects to Solheisen for those wanting to explore the second ski area. In the evenings, the bus continues to run, connecting the village nightlife with the accommodation areas - useful given that Stavkroa and the main bars are in the village centre. If you're staying at the ski base, most facilities are within walking distance. Taxis are available but should be booked in advance, particularly at weekends. The resort is compact enough that having a car is helpful but not essential.
The nearest airport to Hemsedal is Fagernes (approximately 100km away), though the most common route for UK visitors is via Oslo Gardermoen Airport, which is around 220km from the resort. Bergen Airport is a similar distance in the opposite direction. From Oslo, the drive takes roughly three hours on well-maintained roads. It's also possible to travel by train to Gol (around 30 minutes from Hemsedal by bus or taxi), which connects to both Oslo and Bergen rail lines. Coach transfers run from Oslo Airport to the resort during the season.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private transfers to Hemsedal. Add them to your Hemsedal ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Absolutely. Hemsedal has one of Norway's largest dedicated beginner areas at the base, with gentle lifts, a snow play zone and qualified instructors who teach in English. There's a green run from the very top of Totten all the way to the base, so even in your first week you can experience the thrill of skiing from the summit. The terrain is forgiving, the slopes are wide, and the atmosphere is welcoming. Solheisen, included on the same lift pass, is another great spot for building confidence on quieter pistes.
Hemsedal is often called the Scandinavian Alps, and for good reason. The 810m vertical drop and steep mountain profile feel more Alpine than most Scandinavian resorts. The total piste kilometres (around 50km) are smaller than major Alpine areas, but the terrain is varied, the snow quality is excellent, and the lack of crowds - especially midweek - means you'll ski more runs per day than you might in busier resorts. The overall experience is different: more relaxed, more spacious, and with a distinctly Norwegian character.
Yes. Hemsedal's northerly latitude and altitude (up to 1,450m) provide reliably cold temperatures through the season, which typically runs from early December to early May. Natural snowfall is generally good, and SkiStar's snowmaking system covers a large proportion of the slopes as backup. The resort even runs a snow guarantee, committing to adequate coverage throughout the core season.
Norway is undeniably more expensive than many Alpine destinations, and Hemsedal is no exception - particularly when it comes to eating out and drinking. That said, self-catering in a cabin or apartment can help manage costs, and supermarkets in the village are well stocked. Lift passes and lessons are competitively priced compared to major French or Swiss resorts. Booking through WeSki lets you bundle flights, accommodation, transfers and equipment into a single package, which is often the simplest way to manage your budget.
It depends when you visit. Midweek, the evenings are quiet and relaxed - perfect for families or those wanting an early night. At weekends, Hemsedal comes alive. Norwegians travel from Oslo and Bergen for the skiing and the nightlife, and the bars, clubs and slope-side venues get properly busy. Stavkroa is the epicentre of the weekend party, but there are several nightclubs and live music venues that keep going late. It's one of the liveliest après-ski scenes in Scandinavia.
There are no direct flights to Hemsedal itself. The most common route is to fly into Oslo Gardermoen Airport, which has frequent connections from most UK airports. From Oslo, it's roughly a three-hour drive or coach transfer to the resort. Bergen Airport is a similar distance. WeSki can arrange private transfers from Oslo Airport as part of your holiday package, making the journey straightforward.
Hemsedal is one of the strongest family ski destinations in Scandinavia. The children's area at the base is vast (70,000 square metres), ski school takes children from age three, and the resort layout - with all runs feeding back to one base - makes it easy to keep track of everyone. Norway is generally very family-oriented, English is spoken everywhere, and the combination of skiing, sledding, dog sledding and snow play means there's something for every age. The SkiStar Lodge properties are particularly convenient for families, with slope-side access and on-site facilities.
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