Main season: February to May
Level recommended: Beginners to expert
Epic run: Oksen
Types of skiing terrain: A wide range of skiing terrain - From the massive Rosendal alps, the Røldal powder paradise and the panoramic peaks around the Hardangerfjord with a 360 degree view towards fjord arms, glaciers and expanses.
Types of accommodation: Hotels, lodges and tree top huts
A wide range of opportunities
There is a wide variety of ski touring terrain in Hardanger. Here you'll find everything you are looking for - and more! From the panoramic peaks surrounding the Hardangerfjord with a 360 degree view towards mountains, glacier and fjord arms, to the massive peaks that form the Rosendal alps, and the powder paradise Røldal located in one of Europe's most snowy areas. Great snow loads makes ski touring in Hardanger normally last until late spring - and if you don't know where to start of your magical ski touring adventure these four areas are a matter of course to put on your bucket list:
The Oksen peninsula
The mountains surrounding the Hardangerfjord are unique when it comes to ski touring with their long descents combined with spectacular fjord views. In the heart of the Hardangerfjord the Oksen peninsula sits idyllically between four fjord arms and offers a panoramic view like no other. In other words this might be the ski touring area in Hardanger with the absolute best view. Three of the most popular ski touring peaks in Hardanger, Oksen, Ingebjørgfjellet and Midtfjell, are located here.
From fjord to peak: Oksen in the middle of the fjord paradise - rib and ski tour with Hardangerfjord Adventure
Combine an adventurous rib boat tour with a ski tour to Oksen together with Hardangerfjord Adventure. The 1241 meter tall peak is located at the very edge of the Oksen peninsula and offers a striking 360 degree view towards fjord arms, glaciers, expanses and mountain peaks. This is the ski tour for anyone looking for a steep upcent rewarded by a panoramic view and exciting and playful decent. Read more about this package here.
Folgefonna Glacier
Folgefonna glacier is the southernmost glacier in Norway and the third largest one in the country. The glacier is probably most famous for its summer ski and spectacular blue ice hikes during summer season but also got a bunch of winter adventures to offer. On the glacier you come close upon the wild and raw nature which is simply breathtaking! However, it is important to be aware of the additonal risk the glacier withholds as deep crevasses and unstable layers in the glacier can create dangerous situations and therefore require expertise not only about ski touring but also about how to travel on a glacier. Because of this one should always bring a competent guide when entering a glacier.
From glacier to fjord: An amazing crossing of Folgefonna with Folgefonni Glacier Team
Join Folgefonni Glacier Team on an amazing crossing of Folgefonna glacier including more than 1500 meters to ski all the way down to the Hardangerfjord. This ski tour offer an unique adventure travelling trough the beautiful contrasts of the Hardanger nature: glacier, mountains and sparkling fjords. Read more about this package here.
The Rosendal Alps
The magnificent Rosendal Alps stand out from the rest of the mountains in Hardanger with their extra pointy tips and steep mountain sides, and with a breathtaking view towards Folgefonna glacier and the Hardangerfjord it is truly spectacular. The ski touring season in these mountains normally lasts until late May/early June and there are ski touring routes for every skill level among popular peaks like Melderskin, Bjørndalstind and Gygrastolen.
From fjord to alp: Gygrastolen with Hardangerfjord Adventure
Combine a guided rib and ski tour to Gygrastolen with Hardangerfjord Adventure. The queen of the Rosendal alps, Gygrastolen, offer a 1330 long decent all the way down to the Hardangerfjord with exciting and fun skiing through various mountain- and forest terrain. Read more about this package here.
Røldal powder paradise
The mountain village Røldal holds one of the most snow rich areas in Europe. This is where you'll find the best powder skiing in Hardanger, which is taken to good use by Røldal ski resort and events such as Røldal Freeride Challenge. Loads and loads of powder in combination with steep slopes and mountain hills creates the perfect playground for every skiing enthusiast.
From powder to powder: Winter andrenaline with Trolltunga Active
Trolltunga Active know Røldal and the area around like their own pockets and are experts at finding the best areas for powder and playful skiing. The exact location of their ski tours therefore vary based on snow and weather conditions as well as the participants skill level and wishes. Read more about the package here.
Safety on tour - in the safest hands of the locals
The mountains in Hardanger are massive with steep mountain sides in every direction. Even though this landscape is both majestic and magnificent it also becomes a weather and avalanche-prone terrain. Before going on ski touring it is therefore extremely important to familiarize with the mountains and terrain, and check both the weather- and avalanche forecast. It is also important to prepare properly with the equipment and knowledge necessary for ski touring. Read about how to go ski touring safely here. If you´re not familiar with the mountains and terrain you're ski touring in, you should always bring local guides. Hardanger got several great guiding companies that not only got the knowledge about the mountains and avalanches but also love what they do and are dedicated to creating unforgettable nature experiences. The guides adjusts the tours based on snow- and weather conditions, as well as the participants skill levels.
Contact information for the local guide companies:
Hardangerfjord Adventure:
Phone: +47 932 04 417
Email: post@hardangerfjord-adventure.no
Booking: https://hardangerfjord-adventure.no/en/winter-mountains/
Folgefonni Breførarlag:
Phone: +47 951 17 792
Email: post@folgefonni-breforarlag.no
Booking: https://www.folgefonni.no/tours#skiing
Trolltunga Active:
Phone: +47 991 12 121
Email: mail@trolltunga-active.com
Booking: https://www.trolltunga-active.com/book/todo
Afterski in the heart of national romance
After a full day of skiing there is no other worthy end to the day than getting the full Hardanger experience. Relax with a visit in Heit Sørfjorden Sauna, the spa section at Hotel Ullensvang or the great indoor swimming pool Hardangerbadet at Hardangerfjord Hotel. A visit to Hardanger is simply not complete without a taste of the award winning cider from Hardanger, preferably combined with a delicious meal at one of the culture rich restaurants.
Etter ein heil dag med skia spent på beina er det ingen annan verdig avslutning enn afterski på ekte Hardangervis. Kople av med eit avslappande besøk i Heit Sørfjorden Sauna, spaavdelinga på Hotel Ullensvang eller det flotte Hardangerbadet tilknytt Hardangerfjord Hotel. Eit besøk i Hardanger er heller ikkje komplett utan å få ein skikkeleg smak av Hardanger og den prisvinnande Hardangersideren, gjerne kombinert med middag på ein av dei mange lokale kulturrike restaurantane.
