Positioned between Oslo and Bergen and framed by breathtaking mountain scenery, Geilo is one of Norway’s most celebrated ski resorts - and for good reason. Voted Norway’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards for six years running, it combines snow-sure slopes, a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and some of the country’s finest family-friendly facilities.
The resort’s two main ski areas - set on either side of Lake Ustedalsfjorden and seamlessly linked by a free ski bus - offer terrain to suit every ability, from gentle beginner runs to more challenging pistes for confident skiers.
Beyond the slopes, Geilo’s location on the edge of Hardangervidda National Park opens the door to a wealth of winter adventures, including husky sledding, snowshoeing, and an extensive network of cross-country trails.
Geilo offers a well balanced mix of terrain, making it a resort where every level of skier can find their flow. Beginners will feel at ease on the wide, gentle green runs that wind across the lower slopes, while cruisy blue pistes offer the ideal progression for building confidence and technique. More experienced skiers can enjoy the variety of rolling reds and steeper, more technical black descents, including slopes that test even advanced legs.
The resort’s lift network is efficient and easy to navigate, linking the two main ski areas of Geilo and Vestlia, so exploring both sides of the mountain in a single day is simple.
For those who like to mix up their skiing, Geilo boasts five snow parks, each with features tailored to different skill levels - from small jumps and beginner boxes to larger kickers, rails, and freestyle lines. Whether you’re carving long turns on freshly groomed corduroy, gliding through the family areas, or catching air in the park, Geilo’s ski area delivers variety, accessibility, and fun in equal measure.
Master the mountains in Geilo!
Ski school plays a vital role in creating a successful ski holiday, and at skiScandinavia we know that getting it right makes all the difference. In Geilo, ski instruction is designed to support skiers of every age and ability - whether it’s first turns or refining advanced carving skills. The resort’s highly regarded ski schools are staffed by experienced, passionate instructors who speak excellent English, making it fun and easy to grasp new techniques and enjoy the learning process.
For families, synchronised adult and children’s lessons make for a seamless experience, so everyone can progress at their own pace while staying on a similar schedule. Young learners benefit from the four dedicated children’s areas - Trollklubben, Kikut, Slaatta, and Havsdalen - all equipped with magic carpets and gentle terrain to build confidence. Adults can take advantage of tailored tuition in alpine, snowboarding, cross-country, Telemark, or even adaptive skiing.
With trusted local instructors, carefully coordinated timetables, and the personalised guidance of our in-house skiScandinavia experts, you can count on a seamless, stress-free ski school experience from start to finish.
Family ski holidays, the Scandinavian way – stress-free, joy-filled, and expertly planned
At skiScandinavia, we know first-hand just how welcoming and family-friendly Scandinavian ski resorts are. From living, working, and raising our own families across Norway, our ski experts understand exactly what makes this region ideal for a family ski holiday.
Geilo, in particular, offers the ultimate experience for all ages. Its gentle, confidence-building slopes are perfect for first turns, while more challenging runs keep older children and parents entertained. Four dedicated children’s areas make learning fun and safe, and children under six ski for free. The highly regarded ski schools, with English-speaking instructors, cater to all abilities, and the Trollklubben Kids’ Club welcomes little ones from just six months.
Add in easy resort navigation, short lift queues, a compact village centre, and a host of off-slope activities from dog sledding to tobogganing, and you’ve got everything a family needs for a relaxed, memorable week in the mountains.
Stress-free travel to Scandinavia
Enjoy the flexibility to travel your way with convenient flight options available throughout the ski season. Geilo is easily reached via Oslo Gardermoen or Bergen airport, both served by regular connections from the UK and Ireland. From either city, the scenic Bergen-Oslo railway also delivers you directly to Geilo’s village centre, making your journey part of the adventure.
Whether you’re planning a short break or a longer family holiday, our skiScandinavia team takes care of everything - from flights and transfers to accommodation and ski services - so you can focus on what matters, making memories in one of Norway’s premier ski resorts.
Wherever you’re coming from, we make getting to Geilo simple, flexible, and stress-free - just as a Scandinavian ski holiday should be.
Because getting away should be as relaxing as the destination
Overlooking the slopes of Geilo’s Vestlia ski area, Vestlia Resort blends contemporary Scandinavian design with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The hotel offers a choice of stylish rooms, spacious suites, and self-catering apartments, many with stunning mountain views and ski-in/ski-out convenience.
Families are at the heart of Vestlia’s appeal. The hotel is home to Geilo’s largest indoor play land, a fun bowling alley, and a dedicated children’s pool, alongside a welcoming spa and wellness area where adults can unwind after a day on the slopes. Dining is relaxed yet refined, with menus that highlight fresh Norwegian ingredients in both the main restaurant and the cosy bistro.
With the ski lifts, children’s area, and cross-country trails right on the doorstep, plus Geilo’s village centre just minutes away, Vestlia Resort is perfectly placed for guests looking to combine easy mountain access with top-class facilities.
We’ve got you covered!
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