Geilo

Solid snow conditions, some of the most reliable in Europe, plus perfectly-groomed and empty slopes, make Geilo a unique resort. Although there’s not too much to test the experts, most skiers will be happy on the impeccably-maintained pistes.

For beginners, your ski instructor will speak virtually fluent English, and will teach you on the best-groomed slopes we’ve ever skied. The wide, gentle runs are perfect for building confidence and mean that you don’t spend your whole holiday in the nursery zones. You can learn to ski on either side of the valley so, wherever you stay, you won't be far from the ski school.

For intermediates, if you like perfectly maintained pistes that you can just fly down, then Geilo is a dream come true. Couple that with the fact that most of the time you have the slopes to yourself, and this is the ideal area for intermediates. There's more than enough varied terrain to keep progressing through.

This resort isn’t aimed at advanced skiers, but there are a few steep runs if you want to go off for a day and blast down something a little trickier. The terrain is there, just not a huge amount.

The massive network of cross-country trails in Geilo wind their way through the village and around the Ustedalen Lake. The more advanced skiers should make their way up to Havsdalen for tracks above the treeline. For more peaceful wooded trails, head along the valley above Geilolia. All tracks are free to use and can be enjoyed by both classic skiers and skaters.

If you're a boarder who likes jumping and jibbing, then you'll love Geilo. With three parks, the only superpipe in Scandinavia, and lots of gentle slopes for learning to board, every ability is catered for. The 250m long park in Fjellparken has excellent jumps, kickers and rails – and is also open for night skiing. The 700m long Tiril Parken won Park of the Year in 2014 and it's got more than 35 obstacles for all levels.

It’s not just all about the skiing in Norway. Off the slopes, there are some amazing activities to try too – from dog sledding to fatbiking. 

In the evenings, après ski tends to be low key – so no dancing on tables – just a relaxed drink in one of the friendly bars around the village. The village is actually split in two, the Slatta village is the main area, and 2km away you’ll find the quiet Geilolia. Just the luxury Vestlia Hotel and the Forest Cabins are found here but it’s got the ski school, rentals and slopes just a few steps away. From Geilolia accessing the main village and ski runs is easy on the shuttle bus that departs every 10 minutes.