Norway’s best-kept skiing secret away from crowded slopes – with stays for £87

AS MUCH of Europe’s ski slopes suffered a slow start to the season, further north in Norway, Hemsedal saw record-breaking amounts of the white stuff.

This favourite ski destination for Scandinavians may be relatively unknown, but it might just be the best-kept secret on the continent.

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In fact, even during one of Hemsedal’s busiest weekends, you’d never wait more than a few minutes to get on a lift.

There are a total of 52 runs spread out across three peaks over 1,000 metres high.

With a good mix of both on and off-piste skiing as well as a small tricks park there’s plenty to keep you challenged. 

The resort has extensive snow-making capabilities, but you’re far more likely to have the real stuff beneath your skis.

In fact, by January of this year, Hemsedal broke a 100-year-old record for having the most snow at that time of year – 117cm of the fresh stuff. 

In contrast, many of the resorts in the Alps had to temporarily close because there wasn’t enough snow. 

Another plus is Hemsedal is substantially cheaper. A one-day pass is just £45 while a three-day pass is only £130.

There are also plenty of inexpensive accommodation options including Skarsnuten Hotel with rates starting as low as £87.

A huge advantage of Skarsnuten is that it’s ski-in and ski-out, with even a place to rent your equipment on site.

If you’re looking for a place to party once the skiing is done for the day, Hemsedal claims to have some of the best après-ski in the world.

Located just a few minutes’ drive from the main lift, Stavkroa could resemble an Ibiza nightclub with its lasers and sound system. The partying starts late afternoon and goes well into the early hours.

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