Our Beitostølen ski trip, Norway. Norway in February has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, particularly Beitostølen. This small village, three and a half hours north of Oslo, is a winter wonderland.
The snow is thick and deep. And every corner you turn is filled with a magical landscape. Like it’s never been touched and just waiting to be discovered.
If you are looking for a family-friendly ski resort in Norway, Beitostølen is one of the country’s hidden gems. Tucked away in the Valdres region, on the edge of the Jotunheimen mountains, it offers reliable snow, uncrowded slopes and an atmosphere that feels authentically Norwegian. For families wanting to learn to ski without the pressure of larger Alpine resorts, a Beitostølen ski trip is hard to beat. This is our account – updated with accurate information – of our first trip. But you can also click to read all about our subsequent ski trip to Beitostolen (we loved it so much we went back).
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
About Beitostølen, Norway
Beitostølen is a small mountain community which is so welcoming to outsiders. Full of Norwegian hospitality and good spirits.
With traditional red buildings and hillsides of wooden lodges. It is set against a backdrop of frozen lakes and trees heavy with snow.
Beitostølen sits at around 900 metres above sea level, with ski slopes rising higher into the surrounding mountains. Its location means it benefits from long, snowy winters and crisp, clear days. Norway is known for its strong outdoor culture, and here you feel it everywhere – from families skiing together to locals heading out on cross-country trails after work.
There’s enough to keep the visitor occupied in this village. With a scattering of restaurants.
There are a couple of small supermarkets, a few ski wear shops, a gift shop but not a huge amount more. Because of this it retains more authenticity than some of the larger resorts.
It was also small enough that when we visited the children made firm friends. As did we, and it was lovely bumping into friendly faces to have a chat and catch up with how everyone was getting on.
Unlike some purpose-built mega resorts in the Alps, Beitostølen feels like a real village first and a ski resort second.
How we found it on our Beitostølen ski trip, Norway
I fell in love with this little ski resort. Which really is the absolute best place for beginner or intermediate skiers to get on the slopes and find their ski mojo.
Apart from anything it was so quiet when we visited with sometimes empty slopes and never a queue for the chair lifts. It’s somewhere not to feel rushed or crowded. And to be able to really enjoy the views and calm.
For families learning to ski, this lack of queues is invaluable. No long waits in freezing lift lines, no pressure from faster skiers behind you – just space to practise, fall over, get back up and try again. Beitostølen has a great mix of gentle green and blue runs, making it ideal for building confidence.
We are a family that, before Norway, were growing to love skiing. We’d visited the French Alps the year before and the children had taken a couple of lessons.
They certainly couldn’t ski, could just about stand up and glide a few feet unaided, but loved the idea of it and were keen to learn. We took a ski trip to Beitostølen with Crystal Ski which was the perfect way to enjoy this resort.
Booking a ski holiday to Norway with flights, transfers and accommodation included made the whole experience incredibly smooth. Arriving in Oslo and transferring through the snowy Norwegian countryside was an adventure in itself.
The ski school
The ski school here was fantastic. With a gentle Norwegian touch that was both encouraging and reassuring. It was an environment that my children absolutely thrived in and were desperate to ski there at every opportunity.
With an hour and a half of ski school every morning they absolutely shone. By the end of the week they were confident enough to take the ski lifts to the top of the surrounding hills and weave their way to the bottom with their classes. It was fantastic to watch them grow in confidence. And really quite emotional to see them mastering skiing in a way I could only dream of.
Norway is the birthplace of modern skiing, and you can feel that heritage in the teaching style. The instructors focus on balance, enjoyment and being comfortable on the snow rather than pushing too hard too quickly. That approach worked wonders for our six and nine year old.
Staying in the town at Stølstunet Apartments, Beitostølen
Beitostølen is a small town and we stayed in the Stølstunet Apartments, Beitostølen. As with everything when you travel with Crystal Ski it was all pre-booked and waiting for us when we arrived.
The Stølstunet apartments were perfect with all mod cons, a fantastic open-plan space for dining and relaxing. And my favourite, the bathrooms with underfloor heating.
It was the perfect retreat at the end of a day on the snow to come back inside, get warm and relax.
Self-catering worked brilliantly for us on this Norway ski trip. With supermarkets nearby we could prepare simple dinners and cosy up together in the evenings, watching the snow fall outside.
But it was the snowy environment that called us out time and time again.
Mr Globalmouse relived his teenage years skiing and spent hours out with the children. All happily taking in the views of frozen lakes and snow filled forests from the top.
Learning to ski on a Beitostølen ski trip, Norway
I was desperate to join in but having never skied before I wasn’t sure I ever would.
My first attempt was not pretty. In fact, it was mildly terrifying and I ruled out a repeat, deciding I would be better off sipping the hot chocolate and taking the photographs from the sidelines. But I was persuaded to give a private lesson a go with Tor, head of the ski school at Beitostølen. He was ever-patient and positive as I took in gentle hills with a look of fear frozen on my face.
I’m not going to be taking part in the Winter Olympics any time soon. But with Tor’s kind manner and careful teaching, I found myself taking the ski lifts myself and slowly descending the nearby hills.
It was exhilarating and something I’d love to spend more time nurturing.
The dream of us being a family that skis together is very much alive.
Learning to ski as an adult is humbling. But doing it in a calm, supportive environment like Beitostølen makes it far less intimidating. The wide, forgiving slopes and excellent instructors give you space to progress at your own pace.
Other activities in Beitostolen
There are lots of fun activities around Beitostølen in the winter. Including ice fishing, husky dog sledding, snow rafting, cross-country skiing and more.
Cross-country skiing is particularly popular in Norway, and Beitostølen has miles of prepared trails stretching across frozen lakes and through forests. Even beginners can try shorter routes and experience this quintessentially Norwegian pastime.
We went for a swim at one of the local hotels and took walks in the picturesque frozen roads. Breathing in the beautifully fresh Norwegian air and wondering if we could live there we loved it so much.
But it was the skiing that called the children back time and time again.
I was so pleased as this trip for us really was about mastering this. And to say the children, at ages six and nine, have got it is an understatement.
They absolutely relished in the opportunity to ski and thrived in the ski school.
They are so proud of the medals they got at the end of the week and have declared that we HAVE to come back to Beitostølen. And my son said, “not for one week next time, but two!”.
Travelling with Crystal Ski – A Beitostølen ski trip, Norway
Travelling with Crystal Ski means flights, transfers and accommodation are included. And you can pre-book ski hire, lessons and ski passes, meaning it’s super easy when you get there.
If you’re new to the slopes or looking for somewhere that is primarily about skiing in the most magical, wonderful setting imaginable, then Beitostølen is for you.
This winter wonderland glows from within and we can’t wait to return. (And we did…check out our review of our return ski trip to Beitostolen here).
For families searching for the best ski resorts in Norway for beginners, Beitostølen offers gentle slopes, outstanding ski schools and a peaceful atmosphere that makes learning to ski a joy rather than a stress. Combine that with dramatic Scandinavian scenery and true Norwegian hospitality, and it becomes a ski holiday we will treasure for years to come.
Check out our video of our time on the slopes at Beitostølen here.
To find out more about travelling to Beitostølen, Norway with Crystal Ski click the link here.
Read more of our Norway and skiing posts here –
Read our Norway for Kids travel guide for everything in this beautiful country. And why not check out our complete guide to Beitostølen and for all things skiing then see our ultimate guide to skiing with kids. We also have a guide to the best ski resorts for kids in Europe.
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It looks like a wonderful ski resort. We’ve wanted to try it for a while, but have been waiting for Monkey to get older… which he is now. I would never have thought of Norway but I definitely would now!
I really recommend Norway, I think they have a really great approach with children (and adults) and it is just so beautful!
We are itching to go back to Norway, such a beautiful country. None of us have done skiing before, I’m not sure if I’m have enough!
It really is a gorgeous country isn’t it? And if I can have a go at skiing then honestly, anyone can!! I’m so not brave but really enjoyed it. Hope you get to try.
Wow, it looks AMAZING!!
I am a terrible skier so most definitely feel your pain there, but I’m glad you persevered. x
Thank you – I’m so pleased it’s not just me!! 🙂
Looks fabulous – and so beautiful! I would be a hopeless skier – not even sure I would be brave enough to try – so go you!! I could certainly see myself enjoying open fires and hot chocolates tho 🙂
Thank you!! If I can (sort of) ski than everyone can!! So don’t rule it out….but nice to spend time with the hot chocolates too 😉
Wow! Looks like you had an amazing time! I so want to build up the courage for our first ski holiday.
I would say ‘Go for it!!’, it really is one of those things you just have to grab the moment and it’s so worth it, especially to see the kids really loving it.
This looks gorgeous – my only two ski experiences have been in Lapland so this sounds like it would be the perfect place for me and my daughter to learn. I need to start quickly as I suspect she’ll be much better than me! What lovely snowy scenery as well.
Oh I would love to ski in Lapland!! And yes, my kids are WAY past what I can do…typical!!
I adored the first two photos of this post – it looks so stunning there.
Thank you – and I think it could be the most beautiful place I’ve been to…. 🙂
This really sounds like a wonderful holiday – and I’m so glad you got to try it too and liked it. It sounds like there will be more skiing for you all in future, so your kids will definitely be happy too!
Yes the kids can’t wait to ski again so I’m not going to be left behind 😉 Thank you!
I am itching to take my skiing as I love it and we are saving to go next year once Sebby is 3 and can join in with more. Looks like you had an amazing time
That’s so good you’re going into it knowing you already love it – I’m sure the kids will too – mine adored it and would go tomorrow if they could!
Blue sky, white horizon – it looks like paradise! I’d love to ski one day!
I really hope you get the chance to, it’s such an amazing sport and as you say, the views are perfect! 🙂
this looks beautiful! I am definitely not a skiier but I can definitely appreciate that view!!
I wasn’t a skier either, not sure I am one now really, but never say never!! 😉 And the views really were out of this world!
what an adventure – looks divine! Thanks for sharing. Terrific photos.
It really was the most amazing adventure, so much fun! Thank you!
Checking the link now, Nichola, Emma has been desperate to learn how to ski this year but the winter was too mild in Greece when we visited so had melted all the snow, to her disappointment. Beitostolen sounds like the absolute ideal for her and ski loving hubby.xx
Oh what a shame about Greece Oana. I so recommend Beitostolen, just a fantastic environment for kids and adults, I’ve fallen in love with it. Keep checking the Crystal Ski site as well, they have some really amazing deals… x
This looks absolutely beautiful and it sounds like you had a great time. I’ve always fancied the non skiing side of a skiing holiday but not sure I’d be brave enough to actually pop on a pair myself!
Honestly if I can absolutely anyone can!! I hope you go for it and give it a try, you might find you love it! 🙂 Thank you for the comments.
Looks like you had a fab time. We’ve never been skiing. The first picture is simply stunning. X
Thank you so much! This is the first time we’ve properly been skiing and I so recommend it! It’s a great family bonding experience – even though my two oldest are so much better than I’ll ever be!!
I have never even thought of Norway for skiing but you make this sound so appealing! It’s a country I’d love to visit and with 3 adventurous boys this type of holiday really appeals (living in Devon just the thought of seeing snow is exciting enough!)
Yes I’ve really fallen in love with Norway, I think it’s a wonderful country for giving skiing a go and the snow is pretty much guaranteed! Thank you for reading 🙂
My boys would love to go skiing, but the husband isn’t keen at all. I also think I am too heavy at the moment
I was really worried I was too unfit and whilst I think it would have been better to have tried to get a bit more fit before we went it was easy to take it quite gently.
I love Norway although haven’t been for years. It’s not a Country I would think off to go skiing but this has given me food for thought. Looks and sounds perfect for kids
It was my first time in Norway and I have fallen in love with it. It’s such a wonderful place to learn to ski too, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Thank you for reading.
What a lovely post. I have considered Norway for cycling but not skiing. Looks beautiful. I particularly enjoy (but am not good at) cross country skiing. Im guessing lots of opps in Norway.
Thank you Kirstie. Yes, lots of opportunities for cross country skiing which I would love to have a go at. We just fell in love with Norway!
Stunning photo’s, that first one is so beautiful. I went skiing every xmas as a kid and we all love it! I can’t wait till till I can take L. Looks like you guys had a great time
Thank you so much! I think skiing as a family is such a wonderful thing. Thank you for reading and commenting.
wow such a beautiful place and love your photography … its amazing .. but i suck at skiing …
Wow!! It looks like an absolutely amazing place to stay and ski. What a gem of a town. I just can’t get over all the snow on the streets. Being a native Californian I have had limited experiences in the snow. That looks like a winter wonderland to me. So happy the cater to families and that beginners can ski there. Pinning for later.
What a lovely way to learn! I have a ski hound in my family, so I’ve never had the pleasure of a simple resort, but I love the idea of a small village with real life charm. That top photo is absolutely stunning!
This looks so beautiful – what an amazing place for a holiday. Your photos are stunning. Kaz x
Oh my doesn’t it look absolutely stunning there! I’ve never been to a ski resort but this whole place, with the scenery, the quietness and that lovely accommodation is definitely calling my name hehe x
I would recommend it to everybody, it IS that beautiful and they also get snow early in the year, November, staying till April. Every other year the World Cup in Cross Country starts up at Beitostolen and they also host a lot of other big international events, like Biathlon or skishooting.
looks wonderful have never been skiing though i am so clumsy i feel i would have an acident
I’m desperate to visit Norway (and am determined to get there in 2016) but somehow I never picture it for skiing.
Well done for trying again, I bet you are so glad you did. Our boys are desperate to go skiing and this resort sounds just perfect I can see why you have fallen in love with it x
Wow Norway! We love skiing and for years we’ve been to France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Romania! The little one made it so far to Chamonix and Poiana Brasov, but Scandinavian snows have been always on our list ! What was the temperature like? Any good apres-skiing?
Looks and sounds lovely, how old were your kids when you started skiing?
They had two lessons in France the year before but this year in Norway was the first time properly and they were 9 and 6….and my oldest is quite timid but he really loved skiing and now says it’s his favourite sport. The Norwegians were so gentle and encouraging….and Beitostolen was such a magical location and perfect for beginners. We all want to go back!!
This looks like an ideal place to learn to ski. Nice quiet slopes! I’ve only been to one Norwegian ski resort, and I found it very chilled out. Quite a different vibe to the Alps.