Geilo, Norway

Resort Overview for Geilo:

Geilo is one of Scandinavia's larger resorts, located mid-way between Oslo and Bergen in the Upper Hallingal Valley. Known locally as the "Gateway to Norway's Roof", Geilo is situated on the edge of the Hardangervida Plateau, the biggest mountain plateau in Europe with miles of marked and prepared trails. A traditional Norwegian ski adventure would be a week or more on cross country skis, staying at tourist cabins along the way. The resort height at 1175m/3855ft is low in comparison with the Alps but due to its northerly latitude snow is guaranteed here from mid November through until early May.

Geilo has been welcoming visitors since 1890, well before the opening of the Bergen Railway in 1909 but it wasn't until 1935 that modern day tourism really started to take off when one of Norway's first slalom races was held here and since then developments have continued.

The first chairlift, Geilo Taubane, was installed in 1954 and it was in the 1950's that Geilo's first ski school started up. Over the years many international ski competitions have been staged here including the Alpine World Cup in 1986 and 1990. Not surprisingly, with its 220km of cross-country piste the Cross-country Master World Cup was held here in 1993 and the world's largest cross-country ski race, the Skarverennet has been held here no less than 25 times.

Set amidst beautiful scenery on the banks of Ustedalen Fiord, Geilo's ski lifts emanate from 4 different points on one side of the fiord with a second (bus linked) ski area at Vestlia on the other side. The resort is perfect for families with a host of different types of accommodation available, from secluded log cabins and budget self catering chalets to the exclusive five-star Dr Holms Hotel.

Famous throughout Norway the Dr Holms Hotel combines stately European turn of the century architecture with the traditional Norwegian style and attracts a wealthy upmarket clientele with its relaxed atmosphere and excellent facilities.

The Skiing in Geilo:

Geilo's skiing areas are on either side of the Ustedalsfjord. The Vestlia Skisenter which is linked by bus with the Geilo side has a range of terrain for all abilities including a snowboard section and cross-country trails. Most of the easier green runs are here including the longest green, the Bjorne-loypa. The Geilo side has four skiing areas; Halstensgard Heisen, Geilo Heisene where the first chairlift the Geilo Taubane was installed in 1954, Slaatta Skisenter and Havsdalen. The Halstensgard area has recently had a new lift installed which has opened up three new slopes. The skiing is fairly steep in this section with mainly red runs and the Olkorken, a challenging black run. Slaatta probably has the best nursery areas with wide gently green piste making it suitable for families.

From Havsdalen its possible to access the highest point in the area , Havsdalshovda which rises up to 1178m and is the only tree free area. From here there are slopes to suit all abilities including a cross-country track. Geilo itself has a good variety of terrain, the runs are not exceptionally long but they varied with easily accessible off-piste and plenty of steep, especially the Ola-loypa. There is a floodlit slope for night time cross-country.

Après Ski in Geilo:

In the Scandinavian countries apres ski is known as after ski and tends to start fairly early - around 3pm. Geilo has a number of lively bars and ski lounges in which to relax. One of the most popular for late afternoon sessions is the Dr Holms Prescription Bar which often has live music sessions. For dancing one of the busiest places is the Nightclub Bardola. Also well recommended are the log cabin style Laven in the Vestlia Hotel.

Accommodation in Geilo:

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