08 Mar SKIING IN KVITFJELL, NORWAY
After years of carving down the slopes of Austria, Switzerland, the French Alps, Germany, and even Italy, Norway somehow is a destination that is often overlooked for skiing. Which is surprising, considering it’s just a short flight from Amsterdam and packed with ski and snowboard potential. Our curiosity finally led to Kvitfjell — a destination promising fresh terrain and a very different kind of alpine adventure.
Photo by Erland Husom
Skiing in Kvitfjell, Norway
Kvitfjell isn’t just any ski resort; it hides one of Scandinavia’s steepest challenges — a black piste with jaw-dropping drops of up to 64%. But before taking that plunge, there’s plenty more to discover. Last year, the resort expanded with a brand-new west side, opening up fresh terrain and views from its highest point at 1,039 meters above sea level. Altogether, Kvitfjell now boasts 34 kilometers of slopes, from gentle green runs to adrenaline-pumping descents. Families will find it a welcoming destination too, with plenty of kid-friendly slopes to practice those first turns. Just keep in mind: what’s marked as “blue” here might feel suspiciously like “red” anywhere else!
The Olympic Town
Kvitfjell was originally built for the Lillehammer Winter Olympics in 1994. After the Games, a private investor took over and ensured the resort remained true to its purpose: skiing at the highest level. But Kvitfjell’s fame doesn’t rest on its Olympic legacy alone. Each March, the town transforms during the World Cup ski competition, when athletes from across the globe descend the notorious black piste at speeds of up to 130 km per hour. The spectacle is broadcast worldwide, putting Kvitfjell firmly on the map of international ski destinations.
Winter Wonderland
A traditional Norwegian farm in the middle of the piste
Best places to stay in Kvitvjell
It’s a small town so there are only 2 hotels. The biggest and best hotel is Gudbrandsgaard Hotel. The hotel holds up to 79 guests and has a spa that includes a large swimming pool and a gym. After an intensive day of skiing, your body can use a warm jacuzzi, let me tell you! The hotel has a charming and traditional Norwegian interior and four floors. Rooms are quite spacious and look out on the piste or forest.
Food is taken seriously here, with several tempting options under one roof. Hidden away in the hotel’s exclusive wine cellar, guests can sample rare vintages or even reserve the space for an intimate private dinner. The main restaurant, Prepperiet, sets the mood with a crackling fireplace and a menu that impresses — the pumpkin soup and ravioli stand out as some of the best you’ll ever taste. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style on the first floor: hearty mornings fit for champions, and crisp, fresh veggies at midday to keep you energized for the slopes.
I can honestly say, it’s the best food I’ve had around a ski resort!
Gastronomy in Kvitvjell
One thing I MUST mention is the food in Kvitvjell. If you’ve been skiing before, you know that lunch on the slopes is usually greasy and fat. Fries, pasta, cakes and sausages are some of the dishes you will find at most ski resorts. In Kvitfjell it’s different. I can honestly say, it’s the best food i’ve had around a skiresort! You have a few options;
Dinner at Fôr
Tyrihanstunet
This charming and traditional Norwegian place, is right on the piste and a great stopover to have a nutritious lunch. I ate the shrimp sandwich and it was huge! If you are a coffee addict, this is also the place because they serve the best coffee on the piste.
Plaza Café
Situated next to the skishop is the Plaza Café. Come here for quality burgers, spaghetti, salads and drinks.
Koia
For gluhwein, gourmet sausages and beer you come to this 300 (!) year old loghouse.
Lunch at Tyrihanstunet
The 300 year old Koia house is perfect for a après ski
Ski Conditions (and the World Cup challenge)
After a night of heavy snowfall, Kvitfjell greeted skiers with perfect conditions: fresh powder blanketing the slopes like soft clouds. The sun may have stayed hidden, but the runs were pure joy. For those craving extra adventure, there are off-piste options, though best reserved for the more experienced. And then, of course, there’s the infamous World Cup piste. Stretching 3.5 kilometers, steep, black, and beloved by the “Speedy Gonzales” types, it’s not for the faint of heart. Tackling it is a true confidence boost — even just making it down in one piece feels like a small victory.
Go a little off piste and find stunning paths like these!
Our verdict
We loved it! But skiing in Norway is a little different from what you might be used to in Austria for example. Après-ski does exist in Kvitfjell, but it’s far from the main attraction. Visitors come here first and foremost for the scenery, the relaxed family atmosphere, and the chance to sharpen their skills on the slopes. The resort draws a steady stream of guests from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, with growing interest from the Netherlands and Germany as well. For families and couples especially, Kvitfjell is an ideal choice — not only for its welcoming vibe, but also because it pairs perfectly with a city break in Oslo, just a three-hour train ride away.
So if you’re looking for something a little different from what you are used to, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and great gastronomy, Kvitfjell is worth a visit this winter!
Love,
Elke
For more info about Kvitfjell and it’s surroundings, visit their website.
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