Åslia Skisenter (often referred to by locals as the “Nannestad-bakken”) is a hidden gem located in Maura, just a 10-minute drive from Oslo Airport Gardermoen. While Norway is famous for its massive alpine resorts, there is something uniquely charming about a local community hill. Åslia is the perfect example of “neighbourhood skiing”—accessible, friendly, and focused on the pure joy of being on the snow.
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Skiing and Snowboarding
The Slope and Lift
Åslia is a classic single-slope center featuring one reliable T-bar lift that takes you to the top of a well-groomed, 0.9 km run. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a map; the layout is simple, allowing parents to keep an eye on their kids from the bottom while enjoying a coffee.
The hill offers a surprising amount of variety for its size, with enough incline to keep intermediate skiers engaged and a gentle wide base perfect for those taking their first turns.
Freestyle and Kids’ Area
Despite its cosy size, Åslia punches above its weight with a dedicated Terrain Park. Local enthusiasts often set up a selection of rails and jumps, making it a favourite hangout for local teenagers practicing their freestyle tricks. For the youngest members of the family, there is a dedicated children’s area that provides a safe and fun environment to build confidence.
Points of Interest and History
What makes Åslia special is its heart. The center is a pillar of the local community:
- Community Driven: From the 2025 season, the center is operated by the local sports club, Bjerke IL Fotball, ensuring that all proceeds go back into supporting local youth and sports.
- Proximity to Gardermoen: It is perhaps one of the most accessible slopes in the world for travelers, located just minutes away from Norway’s main international airport.
- Night Skiing: Åslia is a local favorite for “after-work” laps, offering floodlit skiing that creates a magical atmosphere during the dark Norwegian winter evenings.
Facilities at Åslia
You don’t need to bring much more than your enthusiasm:
- Varmestue (Warming Hut): A cozy indoor space to warm up your toes and enjoy a packed lunch.
- Ski Rental: If you don’t have your own gear, they offer ski and snowboard rentals at very friendly, local prices.
- The Kiosk: A small kiosk serving the essentials—hot cocoa, coffee, waffles, and snacks to keep your energy levels up.
Entertainment and Activities
Beyond the downhill thrills, Åslia offers a unique twist on winter fun:
- Sledding (Akebakke): On specific evenings, the slope is opened up for organized sledding using special sleds designed for the T-bar lift—a hit for birthday parties and group events!
- Cross-Country Access: Being in Nannestad, the center is surrounded by miles of beautifully groomed cross-country trails that connect into the wider Romeriksåsene network.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Incredible Accessibility: Located just 10 minutes from Oslo Airport (Gardermoen), it’s one of the easiest hills to reach for a quick session.
- Budget-Friendly: One of the most affordable lift passes in the region (typically around 330 NOK for a day pass), making it great for frequent visits.
- Free for Young Kids: Children under 7 often ski for free (with a helmet), making it a very low-cost entry point for families.
- Ideal for Beginners: The wide, gentle slope and simple T-bar lift provide a stress-free environment for those learning the basics.
- Floodlit Night Skiing: The entire hill is lit up on weekday evenings, perfect for a post-work or post-school energy burn.
- Community Vibe: Operated by the local sports club (Bjerke IL), the atmosphere is friendly, unpretentious, and run by people who love the sport.
- Crowd-Free: You’ll rarely find the long, frustrating lift lines common at the major resorts during peak weekends.
Cons
- Limited Variety: With only one main run, experienced skiers or snowboarders may find it repetitive after an hour or two.
- T-Bar Only: There are no chairlifts or gondolas, which can be tiring for beginners or young children not yet used to “pull” lifts.
- Weather Dependent: Because it sits at a lower altitude (205m to 355m), it relies heavily on cold snaps for snowmaking and can have a shorter season than the high-mountain resorts.
- Basic Amenities: The facilities are limited to a small kiosk and warming hut; you won’t find full-service restaurants or retail shops here.
- Limited Opening Hours: During the week, it usually only opens in the late afternoon/evening, so you have to plan your trip around their specific schedule.
Conclusion
Åslia Skisenter isn’t trying to be Trysil or Hemsedal, and that’s exactly why we love it. It represents the “soul” of Norwegian skiing: a place where the local community gathers, where kids learn to love the snow, and where you can get a few hours of fresh air without a massive price tag. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed family afternoon or a quick evening session.
Our Thoughts
We visited Åslia on a Tuesday evening and were struck by how much it felt like a community hub. The staff (many of them volunteers) were incredibly helpful, and there’s a real sense of pride in the hill. It’s the kind of place where people actually stop to chat at the lift. If you’re staying near Gardermoen or just want a “low-key” day away from the bustling tourist crowds, Åslia is a breath of fresh air.
Key Information
https://everysnowday.com/resort/nannestad/
To keep our mountain guides free for everyone, we partner with some of the transport providers mentioned above. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services that our team has researched and found reliable for winter travel.
To keep our mountain guides free for everyone, we partner with some of the transport providers mentioned above. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services that our team has personally tested and found reliable for winter travel.
