Norwegians love coffee, sandwiches, brown cheese and tacos. They hate small talk and will not say hello unless you meet on a nature trail or ski resort. This is where the shy and quiet coffee-lovers will suddenly turn into world-class champions and leave everyone speechless. So, what’s it really like to ski in Norway and how to act like a local?
Where the worlds collide
Visiting and/or working in a ski resort in Norway is like experiencing a glitch in the matrix where different lives and lifestyles perfectly collide into a beautiful snowy chaos.
You will meet people anywhere from a broke European backpacker trying to hitchhike his way through the top to a millionaire who thinks he’s the centre of the universe.
Have you seen those videos where business owners post phone calls with their rich clients and crazy rich requests? You could probably open your own account if you decide to work in a ski resort.
My own experiences
Last winter, I spent a season working in a café at one of Norway’s busiest ski resorts, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. 
Each morning began with a drive up the mountain through glistening snow, the sun slowly edging over the peaks. Occasionally, I’d pass groups of determined hitchhikers, hoping to reach the slopes without paying for a lift ticket or bus fare.
The resort itself was a constant whirl of activity. One moment, I’d pause to watch families laughing together as they mastered the beginner slopes. The next, news would spread that a fellow staff member had taken a tumble and couldn’t work for a few days. Life at the resort was a mix of joy and unpredictability, with little time to catch my breath.
By evening, a different sort of chaos unfolded. A group of teenagers – children of über wealthy holidaymakers – would gather in the café, hoovering up leftover pastries because their parents were off enjoying their own long holidays and had forgotten to sort them out with dinner. I rarely knew whether to laugh or shake my head, but those moments became part of the rhythm of mountain life, quirks and all.
Skills vs. freedom
There’s a common joke that Norwegians are born with skis on their feet. These people have mad skills. Even if you think you know what you’re doing on the slopes, at some point you will find yourself jealous of a 10-year-old. Just embrace it and move on.
While it’s true that Norwegians are super skilled and experienced when it comes to basically any winter sport, there’s a key quality where they stand out. As good as they are, they don’t do it for the medals and praise. In fact, most Norwegians are incredibly shy about their accomplishments and probably don’t see them as such.
If Norwegians are born with skis on their feet, they are also born with an innate connection with nature that they carry within themselves their entire lives. The slopes are their church, and skiing is their prayer. Norwegians are incredibly good at staying present, appreciating their surroundings and paying respect to Mother Nature. It’s not about climbing the highest mountain, it’s about being with the mountain, having fun, and feeling free.
Where to actually go skiing
Not enough mountains or snow – not a familiar concept in Norway. There are more ski resorts and ski slopes than your holidays will ever be able to cover. So, here’s the official list by “Dagens Næringsliv” of Norway’s top alpine resorts:
- Trysil – Norway’s largest ski resort.
- Hemsedal – has been ranked amongst the favourites for many years running because of excellent off-piste opportunities and the best après ski in the country.
- Hafjell – known for the Olympic standards and extra-long season.
- Kvitfjell – has the longest black trail in the country.
- Voss – just getting there is one of the most beautiful journeys you will experience. And once here, you can enjoy a slalom run, super-G run and even night skiing.
- Myrkdalen – known for wide trails and plenitude of snow, perfect off-piste terrain.
- Geilo – a classic winter sports resort and considered one of the oldest in Norway.
- Hovden – largest ski resort in Southern Norway with incredible views sitting at 1183 metres high and a delicious pizza spot.
- Narvikfjellet – largest ski resort in Northern Norway with unparalleled views and an extra-long season.
- Oppdal – buy 1 ski pass and get access to 4 mountains. Largest ski centre in Trøndelag, which is known to produce 80% of Norway’s ski champions.
- Gausta – another excellent spot for off-piste trails and stunning views.
- Strandafjellet – settled amongst incredible fjords and a perfect freeriding area, it’s a hidden gem not overrun by crowds.
Are you now wondering which ski resort had a family of millionaires for three weeks and the kids roaming free in the pastry section? It’s on the list, for sure.
How to blend in with Norwegians
Drink a lot of coffee. No, seriously. Finnish and Norwegian people are the biggest coffee drinkers per capita in the entire world. They also like it black, no cream or sugar. What goes with coffee? I’m glad you asked. Matpakke is the second most important thing for Norwegians, after coffee. While it might sound exotic, it is a sandwich. Yes, you read it right. Norwegians are obsessed with their daily lunch sandwich. And if you finish your coffee and sandwich with Kvikk Lunsj chocolate, congratulations – you are basically Norwegian.
If you want to drink something a little bit stronger, you might have some planning to do. Getting a drink in a bar or restaurant is not a problem, of course. But if you plan on buying a bottle of spirits and taking it to a private party in your room, beware of very strict alcohol laws in Norway. Any alcohol that is stronger than beer is sold by the one and only shop called Vinmonopolet. Available only in bigger towns and cities and with limited opening hours. If you’re a true Norwegian, you will fulfil your allowed alcohol quota at the duty-free shop in the airport on your way to Norway. Everybody does it.
In Summary
Whether you want to explore some of the best landscapes and slopes in the world or simply to have a nice cup of coffee and a sandwich with a view – Norway is the place to be. No matter your skill level, most ski resorts are perfectly adapted to both families and experts. And in a true Norwegian spirit, the most important thing is to enjoy the moment and connect with nature.
