It might surprise some, but you don't have to venture far from the Norwegian capital city to enjoy some winter skiing. Here's what you need to know about skiing in Oslo.
Skiing in Norway might conjure up images of remote cross-country skiing trails, or perhaps family-friendly resorts nestled in the heart of the Scandinavian mountains, far away from the cities.
Although both those images are true, there's also a surprising amount of skiing available in and around Oslo. It might be the capital city, but Oslo is surrounded by nature making it an ideal destination for winter sports married with convenience.
Within the city limits, you'll find well-maintained trails and slopes suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned skiers.
Whether you're planning a dedicated Norway ski trip or looking to add a few days of skiing to your visit to Oslo, the city's ski offerings are diverse and accessible.
The proximity of ski areas to the city centre means you can easily combine a day on the slopes or out on the tracks with an evening exploring Oslo's cultural and culinary experiences.
Downhill Skiing in Oslo
Let's start off by looking at the best ski resorts and places for alpine skiing in the capital.
Skimore Oslo at Tryvann
Now known as Skimore Oslo, the complex at Tryvann in the hills above Oslo is the biggest and most popular ski resort in the capital region. It's easy to reach on the T-Bane, being a short walk or shuttle bus ride from Voksenkollen station.
As for opening, snow tends to arrive towards the end of the year, from mid-November into early December. In most years, only a select few runs will be open until the snowfall is substantial enough.
When fully operational, Tryvann offers 18 runs of varying difficulty with 11 chairlifts to move people around quickly. For beginners, there's lessons and equipment rental on offer.
One thing you're unlikely to find here is peace and quiet. That's especially true if you visit on a weekend, so plan a trip midweek if you want to enjoy the slopes without battling the crowds.
The park is open in the summer too, but without snow it transforms into a park for off-road biking, hiking, and climbing.
Oslo Ski Center at Grefsenkollen
In the north of the city, Oslo Ski Center offers a smaller resort with more locals and a focus on the ski schools. There are two main hills, and both are reachable by local bus.
Bærum Ski Club at Kirkerudbakken
About ten miles west of Oslo, Kirkerudbakken offers four runs including a main slope of 550 metres in length. Typically, the site is open during the evenings and all day at weekends. Ski rental and lessons are available.
Cross-Country Skiing in Oslo
Given its status as the nation's capital, it might surprise you to learn of the fantastic opportunities for cross-country skiing in Oslo.
There is a vast network of maintained tracks in the hills surrounding Oslo, free for all to enjoy. Approximately 90km of the trails are lit, so afterwork skiing is hugely popular.
Trails are well marked with clear signposting, but it's still a good idea to plan your route in advance if you're not used to the trails. Although the trails start off busy, they thin out the farther away from the city you get.
Essentially, there are starting points wherever the city and forest meet, especially near T-Bane stations and bus stops. Head to Sognsvann lake for a good introductory area. If you need to rent skis, your best bet is likely to be Skimore Oslo.
Year-Round Skiing
Since the recent opening of Snø, year-round skiing is now possible in the Oslo region. The impressive indoor ski resort features alpine slopes and a mezzanine cross-country trail.
The centre is located near Lørenskog station to the northeast of Oslo. There's even a Thon Hotel on site should you wish to make a few days of it.
Watch a Skiing Event
In my first year in Oslo, I watched a biathlon event up at Holmenkollen. It was one of the coldest ever days I experienced, but I was fully taken in by the sights and the sounds.
If you're in Oslo during the winter or early spring, it's worth checking the calendar of events to see if there's a major event on. World-class competition takes place at Holmenkollen, so that's a good place to start your search.
You can also visit the recently-rebuilt ski museum, located inside the famous ski jump.
Where are your favourite places to ski in and around Oslo? Let us know down in the comments.
