Bergen is an excellent starting point for both cross-country skiing and downhill skiing. Within the city limits, you will find groomed cross-country ski trails. If you are looking for the highest peaks, there are several great downhill slopes for the whole family within an hour or two of the city. If you prefer freeriding or ski touring, there are also options close to Bergen. Here is a complete overview of the best options for your next skiing adventure.

Bergen offers groomed trails virtually right outside your door. Put on your skis and leave the city behind. Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen - Visit Norway

Cross-country skiing trails - Totland

Travel time: Approx. 15 - 20 minutes by car from Bergen city centre

Totland is the most obvious option for those who want to go cross-country skiing without spending the whole day travelling. The trail network is groomed when conditions allow, and the terrain is varied enough to offer both quiet family trips and slightly more demanding sections. Here you will find modern floodlit trails and good parking facilities. Check the weather forecast and trail status at loyper.net or Yr.no before you set out. We at De Bergenske are happy to provide you with more details.

Cross-country skiing or ski touring at Gullbotn Ski Park

Travel time: approx. 30 minutes by car from Bergen city centre

Gullbotn has groomed floodlit trails that are prepared by Bergen municipality and the sports club Gullfjell as soon as conditions allow. The longest circuit is 3.5 kilometres long and is suitable for both training and those who want a quiet family trip. There is a heated shelter that is open during the winter season - keys can also be borrowed from the Friluftsrådet (the local outdoor recreation dept.). Visit loyper.net for updated trail status before setting out.

Cross-country skiing on the plateau between Fløyen and Ulriken

Travel time: The funicular runs from Bergen city centre – approx. 8 minutes to the top

When Ulriken dons its winter dress, Bergen is at its most majestic. And wonderful trails await.

This is one of the most unique skiing experiences in the Bergen area. After riding the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen, you follow the ridge east towards Mount Ulriken on skis, with the city lying below you on one side and the plateau and mountains on the other. The trip is approx. 6 kilometers one way and requires that there is snow at lower altitudes - something that is not always a matter of course in Bergen. Check Flø ibanen.no for opening hours and prices, and Yr.no for snow conditions.

The floodlit trail at Alvøen

Travel time: Approx. 15–20 minutes by bus from Bergen city centre

Alvøen sports facility is one of the most accessible options for cross-country skiers in Bergen, and you don't need a car to get there. When winter conditions allow, 2 kilometres of floodlit trail are prepared, well suited for a quick ski after work or a leisurely weekend trip. Take the bus from the city centre towards Alvøen – see routes and departures at Skyss.no.

The ski resort in Eikedalen – close and family-friendly

Travel time: Approx. 50 minutes by car from Bergen city centre

Eikedalen is a family-friendly ski resort in Kvam Municipality, well suited for both experts, families with children and beginners. The resort has several long slopes in exciting terrain, a ski school and equipment rental. The snow conditions are often better here than in Bergen, and the facility is sheltered by a valley. Even when it's seven or eight degrees Celsius in the city, there may still be good conditions and snowy weather in the mountains. There is also night skiing with floodlights when conditions are good. More information and prices can be found at Eikedalen.no.

Voss resort – a gondola straight from the train

Travel time: Approx. 1 hour by car (the E16) or train from Bergen railway station

Train from Bergen, gondola up. Voss Resort is just an hour away – and closer than you think. Photo: Karoline Fosse - Visit Voss

Voss is often the natural first choice for Bergen residents who want to go downhill skiing. Voss Resort has a solid offering with over 40 slopes, 10 ski lifts and slopes for every level - from wide and gentle beginner slopes to demanding off-piste terrain.

For those who want the mountains all to themselves. Ski touring in the Voss mountains gives you freedom, silence and views that are hard to put into words. Photo: Kjartan Haugen - Visit Voss

Voss is one of the more well-known resorts in Norway. Here you will find a ski school, equipment rental and several restaurants on the slopes. With a direct train connection to Bergen railway station, this is also a good alternative for those who do not want to drive. A recently installed gondola takes you straight up from the train station to the highest peaks. Find more information at Vossresort.no.

Myrkdalen Ski Centre – a powder paradise

Travel time: Approx. 1.5 hours by car from Bergen city centre (the E16 via Voss, then the Rv13 north)

Myrkdalen. Powder, altitude and one of Western Norway´s most snow-sure destinations – only an hour and a half from Bergen city centre. Photo: Sverre F. Hjørnevik - Fjellandsby

Myrkdalen is located in the same valley as Voss, but is even more open and at a higher altitude. The facility is known for having lots of snow. Myrkdalen is one of the places in Western Norway with the most precipitation and has 22 slopes and 9 lifts. Here, you will find activities for the whole family. Myrken, as it is called by the locals, has great opportunities for powder. Two express lifts and multiple ski lifts take you quickly to the top, so you can enjoy a variety of trails, with everything from spacious, family-friendly slopes, to fun ski cross and fierce red and black slopes.

Find more information at Myrkdalen.no.

Are you planning a ski trip from Bergen? Always check snow and weather conditions at Yr.no and avalanche warnings at Varsom.no before heading out.