Skiing in Bergen

Because Bergen is close to the sea, snow is unusual in the city even during winter. Normally it is only between 10 - 20 days with snow on the ground. But do not worry - there are plenty of opportunities to experience the Norwegian winter.

Skiing close to Bergen city Center

On the mountains surrounding the city, the temperature is normally several degrees lower than in the city center. This means that while it can rain in the city, the precipitation can fall as snow on the mountains. On Ulriken (643 m) the temperature is often 3-4 degrees lower and on Fløyen around 2 degrees lower than in the city.

Fløyen

At Mount Fløyen, you will often find snow in the winter. Floodlit cross-country trails at Fløyen is about 5 kilometers long and the ski track is quickly prepared when the snow conditions are good. It is one of the most visited ski trails in the immediate vicinity of Bergen.

The trail is hilly and often has excellent ski conditions even if it is no snow in the city center. When it is daylight, the trip can be extended to Rundemanen. Also, when the weather is really good, you can also ski across Vidden to Ulriken.

The hills down to the city center are popular for tobogganing when the weather allows it, so avoid skiing up/down Fløysvingene and Tippetue, especially during weekends. 

Ulriken

On beautiful, snowy winter days, a ski trip across Vidden to Fløyen can be a fantastic experience. Take the Ulriksbanen cable car up to the mountain, and you will be greeted by flat and beautiful terrain – perfect for cross-country skiing.

Be aware that this trip is not recommended when the weather is bad and it is poor visibility, and not if you are an inexperienced skier. There are no marked trail, other than cairns that can be difficult to see. The weather can change in an instant. 

Totland

Totland is a popular destination on nice winter days. Only 7 min from Nesttun by bus, it is relatively easily accessible. On good snow days, you can enjoy prepared trails on 9.8 km round trip. The highest point is Livarden (683 meters above sea level).

Gullbotn

In this outdoor area about 40 minutes from the city center, there is a floodlit cross-country trail. The floodlit trails goes up to the first plateau towards Gullfjellet and is prepared as soon as the conditions are good.

The cross-country trail has two loops, the longest is 3.5 km, the short one 1.5 km. Get off at the bus stop Gullbotn Vest.

Alvøen 

Alvøen sports grounds is a quick bus ride from Bergen City Center and offers 2 km of light trails. If the winter is good, they prepare the tracks. Go to Skyss.no to check buses going towards Alvøen. 

Skiing near Bergen

Voss

With two ski resorts and long traditions for skiing, Voss is popular and one of the most established ski destinations in Norway. Voss also frequently hosts World Cup Events. The temperature in Voss is normally several degrees lower than in Bergen.

At Myrkdalen ski resort, about 25 min from Voss, the snow conditions are normally excellent, with good opportunities for powder snow and off piste skiing (always check the avalanche warnings on varsom.no). Even if it rains in Bergen! You can take the local train from Bergen to Voss (1.5 hours - see VY.no). There is a free ski bus going to Myrkdalen that corresponds with the train from Bergen (Bus Voss – Myrkdalen)

Kvamskogen

Kvamskogen is the most popular winter destination for the inhabitants of Bergen, in part because it is only a one hour drive away by bus or car. There are two ski resorts and also prepared cross country tracks. Some of the highest peaks are 1300 meters above sea level, making the area colder and snowier than Bergen. But note: If it rains in Bergen, there might be rain in the lower parts of Kvamskogen as well. 

There is a ski bus to Eikedalen, the largest ski resort, and also regular bus to Kvamskogen (see skyss.no). The second ski resort Furedalen is perfect for beginners.