Hemsedal, Norway

Resort Overview for Hemsedal:

Hemsedal has grown to become what many consider Norway's leading winter sports resort. It boasts some of the country's most extensive and testing terrain and has been the site of a World Cup Super Giant Slalom. The modern lift system includes four high speed detachable quads.

Rich in heritage, Hemsedal village, which markets itself as 'The Scandinavian Alps' offers high quality accommodation, facilities and ever improving deals for families. The 'Alps' image is promoted to underline the fact that, unlike much of Scandinavia, the mountains around Hemsedal rise steeply and impressively rather than being the gentle rolling hills you're likely to encounter in most other northern European resorts. The local mountain peaks reach 2000 metres (6562 feet), the highest in Scandinavia.

In common with other resorts on this latitude, the snow starts to fall early and the season can last from the middle of November in to May. However, Hemsedal has a large amount of artificial snowmaking equipment to ensure the availability of slopes throughout the season.

The resort is located pretty well equi-distant from Oslo and Bergen in the heart of Norway and has an international, cosmopolitan feel with 65% of guests arriving from abroad - especially Holland, Germany, the UK and other Scandinavian nations.

The Skiing in Hemsedal:

Hemsedal's extensive ski area is one of only half a dozen in Scandinavia to offer a vertical of 800 metres or more (all the others, except Åre in Sweden, are in Norway). It is located about 2km (just over a mile) from Hemsedal village, although you can stay slopeside and all the way along the road from the resort to the slopes. There is a second smaller ski area included on the lift ticket at Solheisen, 11km (7 miles) away. It has three drag lifts serving half a dozen trails which cater for all abilities.

For beginners there's a special ski area at the bottom of the mountain and long gentle cruisers to move on to. Intermediates have a good range of trails including challenging routes down through the trees and bowl skiing above the treeline. Hemsedal has plenty to entertain more advanced and expert level winter sports fans - especially if you take them up on the many guided tour options including off piste and high mountain touring.

On piste there are some steep mogul fields and a long World Cup course down from the area's high point at Totten peak. Slalom fans have a self-timer course and there are weekly races for almost all ages and abilities and in all disciplines. Parallel races with two competitors descending together are organised twice a week at the Solheisen centre. There are vast cross-country trails, 220km (138 miles) locally. Two trails (the 2km and 3km) are floodlit until about 11pm daily.

Telemarking is popular and it's possible to take a mountain top expedition on telemark skis, skiing up with animal skins under the skis to give grip and then skiing down again. Night skiing is available from 5.30 until 9pm four evenings every week. This night skiing covers tough and intermediate stand trails as well as the gentle slopes.

Après Ski in Hemsedal:

Hemsedal has a reputation for both a good variety of nightlife, down from sophisticated piano bars; and a range of very lively night spots, such as Garasjen, Hemsedal Cafe and Stavkroa. Dancing into the small hours is available on selected nights.

There are plenty of organised evening activities, including sleigh rides with mulled wine and a weekly 'Rumpe Rally' tobogganing evening at Hemsedal ski centre and Solheisen ski centre. Those who has had their fill of Tyrolean evenings in the Alps will enjoy the rough and tumble of the weekly Viking Adventure at Huso Fjellgard.

Accommodation in Hemsedal:

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