Message from Tripadvisor •
Closed until Dec 7, 2024
Skigeilo
Skigeilo
4
Temporarily closedClosed until Dec 7, 2024
About
Explore Geilo, one of the largest ski resorts in Norway, with a wide selection of restaurants and hotels right by the slopes. Here, you'll find a variety of exciting activities both on and off the slopes suitable for the whole family.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
27 within 3 miles
Attractions
13 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
40 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
16
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
2
TheAviator0765
Ripon, UK1,030 contributions
Dec 2022
This will be similar to a review I did for Hemsedal four years ago, but as a Brit who's just enjoyed a fourth ski holiday in Geilo, seems timely to write one. I think there's a few things to understand about skiing in Norway to give anywhere a fair review. Norwegians all ski naturally, and their instructors speak better English than most Brits. Some things may be considered as drawbacks, depends on your priorities really: Runs are fewer and shorter, there's less vertical involved, fewer dramatic or pretty views, fewer reds and blacks, less opportunity for off-piste. Smaller resorts mean you might get a bit bored over a week. Booze is expensive. But food in the restaurants may not be more expensive than the higher-end French resorts. It can be cold (we experienced -18 degrees C), but so can the Alps, and Norwegians all know how to dress for the weather! No bubbles, only chair lifts, t-bars and button lifts (think of it as a free gym). Plus points: less crowded, fewer queues, more politeness everywhere, more family friendly, less anxiety, more FUN! For kids, lots of jumps and bumps and fun parks, plus areas to test yourself against the clock on slalom! Lower altitudes (highest point at Geilo is only 1178 metres), so I think less tiring on the body.
OK, now I've got that out of the way, a few things about Geilo. We enjoyed four days skiing there, with a travel day at each end (it's about 3:20 drive from Oslo Gardermoen, nearer 4 in winter conditions). We were lucky, we didn't lose any time due weather, but it can happen; (check out weather forecasting on yr.no, brilliant), be prepared with a nice meal and some good books. There's other things to do in Geilo anyway.
Our accommodation (Ustedalen) wasn't ski in / out, but is very well served by a frequent ski-bus service. If driving, lots of parking at the bottom or at Havsdalen. The resort base is spread along the valley, with adjacent ski hire at Slatta or by Dr Holm's hotel, so from there you can catch your lift or button and be on your way. Now be warned, the beginner slopes at Slatta will almost certainly be open when bad weather closes everything else, chances then of a refund are slim. So it might be wise to check the weather ahead, and buy ski passes to exclude forecast days of high winds or heavy snow.
As for queues, we queued once in our four days, five minutes, but it was December 26th!
Geilo has fewer reds and blacks than larger resorts, though hard work was continually ongoing to open as many runs as possible. We had lots of runs and fun on what was available. Some might get bored by this, depends on the individual. The runs don't really link, but turning left or right at the top of a lift tends to give an option of at least a blue or a red. Thus navigation is straightforward to find a number of runs from the highest point to the base without stopping.
We only used one or two restaurant in general for eating, Havsdalen is excellent!. There's a fair amount of choice, and not just pizza or polser either! We've skied in Norway for over 25 years, and one of the significant developments we have seen is catering for skiers on the mountain.
So no bubbles. But the lifts aren't really that long, and I guess the investment required isn't really justified. But modernisation occurs between very one of our visits!
But in sum, we had a lovely time in Geilo. I think we knew what to expect, and the advantages and disadvantages. Because of that, going in with our eyes open, we didn't suffer any disappointments. For the broad minded, families or learners, it really is worth considering.
OK, now I've got that out of the way, a few things about Geilo. We enjoyed four days skiing there, with a travel day at each end (it's about 3:20 drive from Oslo Gardermoen, nearer 4 in winter conditions). We were lucky, we didn't lose any time due weather, but it can happen; (check out weather forecasting on yr.no, brilliant), be prepared with a nice meal and some good books. There's other things to do in Geilo anyway.
Our accommodation (Ustedalen) wasn't ski in / out, but is very well served by a frequent ski-bus service. If driving, lots of parking at the bottom or at Havsdalen. The resort base is spread along the valley, with adjacent ski hire at Slatta or by Dr Holm's hotel, so from there you can catch your lift or button and be on your way. Now be warned, the beginner slopes at Slatta will almost certainly be open when bad weather closes everything else, chances then of a refund are slim. So it might be wise to check the weather ahead, and buy ski passes to exclude forecast days of high winds or heavy snow.
As for queues, we queued once in our four days, five minutes, but it was December 26th!
Geilo has fewer reds and blacks than larger resorts, though hard work was continually ongoing to open as many runs as possible. We had lots of runs and fun on what was available. Some might get bored by this, depends on the individual. The runs don't really link, but turning left or right at the top of a lift tends to give an option of at least a blue or a red. Thus navigation is straightforward to find a number of runs from the highest point to the base without stopping.
We only used one or two restaurant in general for eating, Havsdalen is excellent!. There's a fair amount of choice, and not just pizza or polser either! We've skied in Norway for over 25 years, and one of the significant developments we have seen is catering for skiers on the mountain.
So no bubbles. But the lifts aren't really that long, and I guess the investment required isn't really justified. But modernisation occurs between very one of our visits!
But in sum, we had a lovely time in Geilo. I think we knew what to expect, and the advantages and disadvantages. Because of that, going in with our eyes open, we didn't suffer any disappointments. For the broad minded, families or learners, it really is worth considering.
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rodrigo A
Sao Paulo, SP468 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
This is a great attraction, specially with child! As all thinks in Norway, it's expensive for foreigners! But it's a good mountains to ski beginners and snowboarders!
Written January 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bluehammer
Fleet, UK29 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
Geilo Skiing: for first time skiers and intermediate skiers/boarders this place was great. We stayed at Gelolia Hyttenun with a group of 8 (4 adults, 4 kids). The Ski shop was relatively efficient and we were all decked out by mid Monday morning. Pre book your equipment - we did this direct with the ski centre and they were very helpful prior to our arrival. We also booked private ski lessons with them that were fantastic. We had 1 instructor for 1 hour each day with our 5 and 9 year old and they were on Blue slopes by day 3 at the top of the mountain (they had 4 lessons all up). The 11 and 12 year old progressed very quickly with their instructor also and we're on the jump courses and Red slopes by day 4. For the adults we had four 90 minute private lessons together also (3 beginner's, 1 back for a long layoff) and we all progressed to Blues quickly and some Reds when forced too by our coach....2 of us were relatively cautious skiiers hence the lessons really paid off in overcoming our tentative nature's.....unlike our kids who just dived into it uninhibited it seemed!
We skied the Geilolia slopes mostly as it was on our doorstep with great wide slopes and chairlifts so you could just ski there for the week. We also had a great day at Havsdalen across the valley where there is an amazing toboggan run - seriously quick. You need to hire these from the ski shop for 120Nok for the hour. Kids must be over 10 to use them and you need to have snowboard or normal boots on (no ski boots) but they are included in the price. A wonderful long green run for those less adventurous at Havsdalen which the whole family enjoyed racing down together as it's lovely and wide. We didn't check out Slaata but from all reports a great spot too. Geilo is a safe and relaxed atmosphere for skiing, wonderful for kids and we will certainly return.
Note that Apres ski is limited so if you want to ski all day and party all night Geilo may not be for you. If you are a hardcore skier or boarder it will likely be far too tame also.
We skied the Geilolia slopes mostly as it was on our doorstep with great wide slopes and chairlifts so you could just ski there for the week. We also had a great day at Havsdalen across the valley where there is an amazing toboggan run - seriously quick. You need to hire these from the ski shop for 120Nok for the hour. Kids must be over 10 to use them and you need to have snowboard or normal boots on (no ski boots) but they are included in the price. A wonderful long green run for those less adventurous at Havsdalen which the whole family enjoyed racing down together as it's lovely and wide. We didn't check out Slaata but from all reports a great spot too. Geilo is a safe and relaxed atmosphere for skiing, wonderful for kids and we will certainly return.
Note that Apres ski is limited so if you want to ski all day and party all night Geilo may not be for you. If you are a hardcore skier or boarder it will likely be far too tame also.
Written February 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albatros513
Chesterfield, UK105 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
Ski trip to Geilo, Jan 2016
A small ski area (actually two areas on opposite sides of the valley, linked by ski bus service). 20 lifts, most of them drag lifts including a Tbar, 5 of them chairlifts.
The runs on the smaller Geilolia side are generally longer and gentler and on the other Slaata skisenter/Geilohiesen side shorter but steeper. Though on this side there is the long, and cold, Tbar serving a blue and a green run. Small by Alpine standards, the ski area at Geilo is good and well maintained, and fine if you are content to ski the same few runs multiple times. This is a personal choice and will not suit everyone. For advanced and expert skiers it's not very challenging. I enjoyed the red runs on both sides of the valley and was happy to ski the blues, just as I do in the Alps, with my wife who is a slower and less accomplished skier. But if you like to eat up the miles on different runs each day, Geilo is not for you.
Unfortunately two lifts were not open during our week which meant we were unable to ski several runs, a pity because it's such a small ski area anyway without having a section closed. We don't know why.
Ski patrol, ski lift staff and restaurant staff were all friendly, helpful and spoke English well. For our January visit, runs and lifts were very quiet, except at the weekend when they were moderately busy. Lifts operated from 9.30 to 15.30.
Two complaints:
1. The artificial snowmaking went on all day, at times shrouding the Geilolia area in a fog of artificial snow. This made it unpleasant to ski there as it reduced visibility so much. We felt it was unreasonable to have the snowmaking on when the ski lifts were open, and it's a factor that would weigh against going there again.
2. The ski bus had very slippery steps and floor, and with snow on our boots we found it treacherous. My wife slipped and fell awkwardly getting off the bus one day, and injured her knee. Others also slipped on the steps. They did replace the material on the steps with carpet while we were there and also our Crystal rep reported the problem the same day. But the aisle needed dealing with as well, hopefully this has been done. But be careful if you use the ski bus in case it's still slippery!
Would we go again? Yes, if we got as cheap a deal again we might, though we would be disappointed if Geilolia was again shrouded in clouds of artificial snow.
A small ski area (actually two areas on opposite sides of the valley, linked by ski bus service). 20 lifts, most of them drag lifts including a Tbar, 5 of them chairlifts.
The runs on the smaller Geilolia side are generally longer and gentler and on the other Slaata skisenter/Geilohiesen side shorter but steeper. Though on this side there is the long, and cold, Tbar serving a blue and a green run. Small by Alpine standards, the ski area at Geilo is good and well maintained, and fine if you are content to ski the same few runs multiple times. This is a personal choice and will not suit everyone. For advanced and expert skiers it's not very challenging. I enjoyed the red runs on both sides of the valley and was happy to ski the blues, just as I do in the Alps, with my wife who is a slower and less accomplished skier. But if you like to eat up the miles on different runs each day, Geilo is not for you.
Unfortunately two lifts were not open during our week which meant we were unable to ski several runs, a pity because it's such a small ski area anyway without having a section closed. We don't know why.
Ski patrol, ski lift staff and restaurant staff were all friendly, helpful and spoke English well. For our January visit, runs and lifts were very quiet, except at the weekend when they were moderately busy. Lifts operated from 9.30 to 15.30.
Two complaints:
1. The artificial snowmaking went on all day, at times shrouding the Geilolia area in a fog of artificial snow. This made it unpleasant to ski there as it reduced visibility so much. We felt it was unreasonable to have the snowmaking on when the ski lifts were open, and it's a factor that would weigh against going there again.
2. The ski bus had very slippery steps and floor, and with snow on our boots we found it treacherous. My wife slipped and fell awkwardly getting off the bus one day, and injured her knee. Others also slipped on the steps. They did replace the material on the steps with carpet while we were there and also our Crystal rep reported the problem the same day. But the aisle needed dealing with as well, hopefully this has been done. But be careful if you use the ski bus in case it's still slippery!
Would we go again? Yes, if we got as cheap a deal again we might, though we would be disappointed if Geilolia was again shrouded in clouds of artificial snow.
Written January 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maurink
London, UK120 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
This area had good slopes for all levels ranging from green slopes for beginners to black mogul slopes for the more advanced. There are even jumps and rails. the slopes are groomed overnight so they are particularly pleasant to ski on in the mornings. One thing I would say is that the area is not very big so once you have stayed there for a week, you know all the slopes very well.
Written June 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Londontraveller738
London, UK3 contributions
Jan 2013 • Family
The slopes in Geilo are great for Families and beginners. They have areas with snowparks, rails , jumps and a halfpipe for those who seek a little more challenging run. They also have airbags which anyone can use, so long as they have twintip or snowboards. Remember not to use your poles, as I found out when I was politely explained as to what this was not allowed.
The facilities are a little tired, especially on the Geilo side of the valley, with older lifts and the buildings being a bit run down and not maintained very well.
The cafes are expensive and pretty much just serve up poor quality American fast foods, so best to either pack a lunch or go without, not worth the cost or the queues.
The lift operators are friendly, but we noticed that many were not very active in engaging with the public, wearing headphones and staying inside the lift cabins on some of the drag lifts.
My wife and son, both beginners enjoyed that they could access most of the slopes after only a few days, and one of the lift operators, an Australian whose name I cannot remember, was particularly helpful with directions, tips and suggestions for activities and a progression list for the slopes.
My kids really enjoyed our time there, we had very affordable accommodation beside the slopes, so ski in and out which saved us a lot of hassles. But pack warm clothes, lots of layers or even pick up some thermals in town.
Shopping is a bit of a hassle in Geilo as many of the shops close not long after the slopes shut, which made it a choice between skiing or shopping. Bit disappointing for my son who had some holiday money from his grandparents.
Overall, highly recommended for families and not as expensive as we were led to believe, with high quality accommodation and ski/travel packages for very reasonable prices, great snow and very new rental equipment.
They just need to give the place a bit of a refresh as it was looking a bit tired.
The facilities are a little tired, especially on the Geilo side of the valley, with older lifts and the buildings being a bit run down and not maintained very well.
The cafes are expensive and pretty much just serve up poor quality American fast foods, so best to either pack a lunch or go without, not worth the cost or the queues.
The lift operators are friendly, but we noticed that many were not very active in engaging with the public, wearing headphones and staying inside the lift cabins on some of the drag lifts.
My wife and son, both beginners enjoyed that they could access most of the slopes after only a few days, and one of the lift operators, an Australian whose name I cannot remember, was particularly helpful with directions, tips and suggestions for activities and a progression list for the slopes.
My kids really enjoyed our time there, we had very affordable accommodation beside the slopes, so ski in and out which saved us a lot of hassles. But pack warm clothes, lots of layers or even pick up some thermals in town.
Shopping is a bit of a hassle in Geilo as many of the shops close not long after the slopes shut, which made it a choice between skiing or shopping. Bit disappointing for my son who had some holiday money from his grandparents.
Overall, highly recommended for families and not as expensive as we were led to believe, with high quality accommodation and ski/travel packages for very reasonable prices, great snow and very new rental equipment.
They just need to give the place a bit of a refresh as it was looking a bit tired.
Written July 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Surfer-chic2
Abergavenny, UK107 contributions
Feb 2017 • Family
We enjoyed skiing here. V much for intermediate at best, but lovely, well pisted slopes. We arrived at the ski centre and our skis were there. We wanted more than basic skis, so we managed to exchange for better ones, but this wasn't guaranteed; there had clearly been a miscommunication in the booking. Thankfully, they had some premium ones to hire; they were excellent skis. V impressed.
We hired passes and had booked ski lessons for our 4 year old. Lessons only run in groups Monday- Friday. We arrived on Saturday. So we had two days of taking out little one out, which was fine: the nursery slope was well designed, with an excellent slope for the next level up- both with easy button lifts to access them.
Unfortunately, our (just) 4 year old had been put into the wrong ski lesson; she was put into white group, which was for beginners, apparently because of her age- but we both used to instruct, so she had skied since she was 2, and we go to our local dry slope every week. Basically, she was put with total beginners, and we were told there was no space for her to move up. Long story short. For two days we were told there was nothing we could do. I ended up going to another instructor (after complaining at the ski centre, and attempting to speak to the boss, to no avail) and he took her, even though she was 3 years younger than the group was supposed to be. So she had fun, but basically didn't learn anything. We took her out in afternoons to actually challenge her; it was basically childcare, not actual ski lesson.
The ski lessons are supposed to be 80 minutes.
The instructors arrive at 9.45/50, and about 10 by the time all the kids are scooped up and off.. (understandable).. but they're back by 11.00.
It's reasonably priced, but not 80 minutes! When we instructed, we would be there 5 minutes early, and we'd plan our lesson with the people we had.. it all seemed very relaxed but quite disorganised.
We booked our other daughter into Trollklubben which was was fantastic. They were wonderful. Our little one loved it, and we were able to be flexible; we picked her up early and took her out on baby skis. She had one key worker all week, and it was gorgeous: warm and sunny and lovely. Totally fantastic.
They need a small shop on site for the self catering. Milk/bread (even at a small extra cost) but it's a ridiculous distance and challenge to get to the supermarket.
The bus goes on time, and is good. It doesn't go very often, though, so getting across to the other side of the resort is quite a challenge if your kids are in lessons!
We hired passes and had booked ski lessons for our 4 year old. Lessons only run in groups Monday- Friday. We arrived on Saturday. So we had two days of taking out little one out, which was fine: the nursery slope was well designed, with an excellent slope for the next level up- both with easy button lifts to access them.
Unfortunately, our (just) 4 year old had been put into the wrong ski lesson; she was put into white group, which was for beginners, apparently because of her age- but we both used to instruct, so she had skied since she was 2, and we go to our local dry slope every week. Basically, she was put with total beginners, and we were told there was no space for her to move up. Long story short. For two days we were told there was nothing we could do. I ended up going to another instructor (after complaining at the ski centre, and attempting to speak to the boss, to no avail) and he took her, even though she was 3 years younger than the group was supposed to be. So she had fun, but basically didn't learn anything. We took her out in afternoons to actually challenge her; it was basically childcare, not actual ski lesson.
The ski lessons are supposed to be 80 minutes.
The instructors arrive at 9.45/50, and about 10 by the time all the kids are scooped up and off.. (understandable).. but they're back by 11.00.
It's reasonably priced, but not 80 minutes! When we instructed, we would be there 5 minutes early, and we'd plan our lesson with the people we had.. it all seemed very relaxed but quite disorganised.
We booked our other daughter into Trollklubben which was was fantastic. They were wonderful. Our little one loved it, and we were able to be flexible; we picked her up early and took her out on baby skis. She had one key worker all week, and it was gorgeous: warm and sunny and lovely. Totally fantastic.
They need a small shop on site for the self catering. Milk/bread (even at a small extra cost) but it's a ridiculous distance and challenge to get to the supermarket.
The bus goes on time, and is good. It doesn't go very often, though, so getting across to the other side of the resort is quite a challenge if your kids are in lessons!
Written February 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmandaJayneT
Hornsea, UK76 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Unbelievably helpful to a skiing halfwit. Boots were super comfy. All issues dealt with in a friendly fuss free way. Thank you
Written February 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Farah A
6 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
It is important to never ever compare the Alpine resorts to the Norwegian resorts. Geilo Skiheiser is distinctively different and has it's own charm. It's a great place for beginners to intermediate riders / skiers, with a modest selection of wide runs that is not overly crowded, making it a great place to learn. The staff are awesome, friendly and super accommodating as well! A great place for a chilled-out family-friendly skiing / snowboarding holiday.
Disclaimer: Travelled in March 2015
Disclaimer: Travelled in March 2015
Written April 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
welshbl0ke
Buckley, UK271 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
Great place. My son loved the snow parks with the variety of different ramps, boxes etc.
Good variety of runs in both sides of the mountain although the Geilo side would benefit from new chair access as only the Central area has one.
That said lovely slopes, quiet so new queues. Highly recommended.
Good variety of runs in both sides of the mountain although the Geilo side would benefit from new chair access as only the Central area has one.
That said lovely slopes, quiet so new queues. Highly recommended.
Written April 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heisann!
Vi er et pensjonert par som liker tur-langrenn.Har du et tips i nærheten av sentrum/Geilo stasjon mht heis i så henseende?
Vi tar gjerne en førjulstur,3-el.4 overnattinger.
Hilsen fra Inger&Pål,Stokke i Vestfold
Written November 9, 2019
Showing results 1-1 of 1
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing