Hemsedal Overview

Hemsedal is one of Norway’s most popular alpine destinations, often nicknamed the “Scandinavian Alps” because of its dramatic mountain scenery and relatively high elevation for the region. It sits in the valley of the same name in central-southern Norway.

At the heart of the area is Hemsedal Ski Centre, operated as part of SkiStar. It is one of the largest ski resorts in Norway and is known for its long season (typically from November into May, depending on snow conditions), reliable snowfall, and varied terrain that appeals to beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers alike.

The ski area spans multiple mountains with a vertical drop of roughly 800–900 meters and offers around 50+ marked pistes, alongside extensive off-piste terrain. The layout is spread across three main mountain areas, connected by lifts and shuttle systems. Higher zones tend to offer more challenging red and black runs, while lower sections are more beginner-friendly, with well-designed learning areas and ski schools.

Hemsedal is particularly well regarded for its freestyle and terrain park facilities, which are among the best in Scandinavia, attracting snowboarders and freestyle skiers. Beyond the groomed slopes, the resort is also a major destination for off-piste skiing and ski touring, especially after fresh snowfall.

The village atmosphere is compact but lively, with a strong après-ski culture compared to many other Norwegian resorts. Visitors will find a mix of traditional mountain lodges, modern apartments, and hotels, along with restaurants and bars clustered around the ski base area.

Overall, Hemsedal combines the reliability and organization of a modern Nordic ski resort with a more alpine, adventurous feel than many other Scandinavian destinations, making it a strong choice for both recreational skiing and more demanding mountain experiences.

Hemsedal Ski Information

Resort height - 620m

Snow range - 620 m -1450m

Ski area - 43km

Easy - 29km

Intermediate - 10km

Difficult - 5km

Longest run - 6km

Snowparks - 3

Ski Lifts - 21 (Chairlifts - 5, Drag lifts - 12, Magic carpet - 5)

Things to do in Hemsedal

Activities - Winter in Hemsedal offers a wide range of activities beyond downhill skiing, making it a full mountain destination even for non-skiers or mixed groups. The main attraction is, of course, alpine skiing and snowboarding at Hemsedal Ski Centre, with extensive pistes, terrain parks, and off-piste areas that suit all levels. Cross-country skiing is also very popular, with well-maintained trails winding through the valley and up into scenic mountain plateaus, offering a quieter way to experience the winter landscape. For something more adventurous, visitors can try ski touring into the surrounding peaks, or join guided snowshoe hikes that explore forests and ridgelines away from the main slopes. Families and casual visitors often enjoy sledding, ice skating, and dedicated beginner zones, while thrill-seekers can book activities like ice climbing or fat biking on snow-packed trails. Evenings can be spent unwinding in mountain lodges, spas, or enjoying the resort’s social après-ski scene, making Hemsedal a well-rounded winter destination that combines sport, nature, and relaxation in a compact alpine setting.

Restaurants - Restaurants in Hemsedal reflect the resort’s mix of relaxed mountain charm and modern ski-resort energy, with more than 20 options ranging from casual slope-side cafés to higher-end dining experiences. You’ll find everything from quick ski lunches and burgers to Italian-inspired dishes, pizzas, and more refined multi-course dinners, often with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. In the ski area itself, places like slope-side eateries and lodge restaurants make it easy to grab a warm meal without leaving the mountain, while in the village of Trøym there are more traditional restaurants, pizzerias, and cafés serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a more elevated dining experience, hotels and resorts such as Fýri Resort Hemsedal offer atmospheric restaurants with mountain views and international menus, while ski-in spots like Hollvin provide convenient comfort food right by the lifts. Overall, dining in Hemsedal is informal but varied, with a strong emphasis on convenience for skiers combined with a growing number of stylish, destination-worthy restaurants.

Nightlife - Après-ski and nightlife in Hemsedal are among the most lively in Norway’s ski scene, especially considering the resort’s relatively small size. The atmosphere typically builds from late afternoon as skiers come off the slopes and gather in mountain-side venues for drinks, music, and socialising before heading down to the village. A hallmark of Hemsedal’s après-ski culture is its energetic, often party-oriented vibe, with live DJs, themed events, and crowded terraces during peak season weekends. Unlike more subdued Nordic resorts, Hemsedal has a distinctly international feel, attracting a mix of Scandinavian visitors and travellers from across Europe who are looking for a more Alpine-style party scene. As evening progresses, the focus shifts to village bars and clubs, where the nightlife continues late into the night, especially during holidays and peak winter weeks. At the same time, there are still quieter options available—cozy pubs, wine bars, and lodge-style lounges—for those who prefer a more relaxed end to the ski day.

Airport Transfers - How to get to Hemsedal

We can organise your transfers from Oslo Airport, Bergen Airport. You can also choose between a shuttle transfer which can be more economical if only a few people are travelling or a private transfer which will take you direct from the airport to your accommodation.

Distance to Oslo Airport: 215km

Distance to Bergen Airport: 275km