Voss Resort in Norway is the adventure capital of the fjords. Located in the heart of Western Norway, Voss offers a unique combination of high-alpine terrain and spectacular views of deep valleys and lakes. This guide provides all the essential information to help you plan your trip to this vibrant ski destination.
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Skiing and Snowboarding
Lifts and Trails
Voss Resort features a modern lift system, including the Voss Gondol, which whisks you from the train station in the town centre to the mountain top in under 9 minutes. The resort offers 11 lifts and 24 well-groomed trails totalling about 40 km of skiing.
The terrain is diverse, ranging from gentle beginner slopes at Hangurstoppen to challenging off-piste and black runs for experts. For those who enjoy skiing after the sun goes down, Voss has one of Norway’s best evening skiing setups, with over 10 km of floodlit trails.
Freestyle Parks
Freestyle enthusiasts will find a high-quality terrain park near the Tråstølen 6-seat chairlift. The park is equipped with a variety of rails, boxes, and jumps designed for everyone from park beginners to seasoned riders. There is also a dedicated ski-cross trail for those looking for a bit of competitive speed.
Points of Interest and History
Voss is steeped in tradition and known globally as a hub for extreme sports:
- Voss Gondol: One of the most modern gondolas in Northern Europe, providing easy access and panoramic fjord views.
- Rich Alpine Heritage: Voss has produced more Olympic medalists per capita than almost anywhere else in the world.
- Smalahovetunet: A historic farm where you can experience the traditional local delicacy, smalahove (sheep’s head), for the truly adventurous eater.
Accommodation in Voss
From historic hotels to modern ski-in/ski-out cabins, Voss has options for every style:
- Fleischer’s Hotel: A stunning 19th-century hotel located right by the train station, offering a blend of history and luxury.
- Scandic Voss: A modern hotel located at the base of the gondola, perfect for easy mountain access.
- Bavallstunet Cabins: Traditional Norwegian log cabins located right on the slopes, offering a cozy, self-catering experience.
Dining and Nightlife
Restaurants
- Hangurstoppen Restaurant: The largest restaurant in Voss, located at 820m. It offers local ingredients and a spectacular 360-degree view.
- Vangen Café: A local favorite in the town center serving traditional Norwegian comfort food like kjøttkaker (meatballs).
- Store Ringheim (Flor’n): An upscale boutique farm restaurant offering seasonal, locally sourced dishes in a rustic barn setting.
Après-Ski and Nightlife
- Hanguren Après-Ski: Located at the top of the gondola, it’s the perfect place to start the evening with a view.
- Tre Brør Café: A cozy spot in the town center known for its great atmosphere and local craft beers.
- Inside Rock Cafe: For those looking for a livelier night with music and a younger crowd.
Entertainment and Activities
Voss is the “Adventure Capital” for a reason. If you need a break from the slopes, try:
- Vindtunnel (Voss Vind): Experience the sensation of freefall in Norway’s first vertical wind tunnel.
- Cross-Country Skiing: Over 18 km of groomed trails starting from the top of the gondola.
- Dog Sledding: Available nearby in the Myrkdalen valley for a classic Arctic experience.
Accessibility
Voss is incredibly easy to reach. The Bergen Line train connects Oslo and Bergen directly to the village. From Bergen, the journey is only about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultimate Convenience: The ultra-modern gondola starts right at the train station, meaning you can travel from Bergen and be on the mountain in under 90 minutes without needing a car.
- Stunning Scenery: Unlike inland resorts, Voss offers dramatic views of the surrounding fjords and Vangsvatnet lake.
- World-Class Night Skiing: It features one of the best evening setups in Europe, with over 10 km of floodlit trails across all difficulty levels.
- Adventure Capital: Beyond skiing, the town offers unique thrills like an indoor wind tunnel, skydiving, and extreme sports culture.
- Quiet Midweek Slopes: Because it’s a living town rather than a purpose-built resort, the slopes are often incredibly peaceful during the week.
- Excellent for Beginners: With free magic carpets for kids and gentle runs at the top of every lift, it’s a very beginner-friendly environment.
- Access to Myrkdalen: Your lift pass often covers the nearby Myrkdalen resort (just a short bus ride away), which is famous for some of the deepest snow in Europe.
Cons
- Compact Size: With 40 km of trails, it is much smaller than Trysil and may feel limited for high-mileage skiers staying for a full week.
- Weather Vulnerability: Its proximity to the coast means it is more prone to wind and rain/fog than the colder, drier inland resorts.
- Price Point: Like all of Norway, dining and alcohol are expensive compared to the Alps (a pint of beer can easily cost 100+ NOK).
- Limited Après-Ski: The nightlife is generally quieter than Trysil or Hemsedal, though it can pick up on Friday and Saturday nights at Bavallstunet.
- Old Lift Infrastructure: While the main gondola and chairlifts are modern, some parts of the mountain still rely on older T-bars and drag lifts.
Conclusion
Voss Resort is a must-visit for anyone who wants a “complete” Norwegian experience. The ability to take a train from a major city and be on a mountain top within minutes is unmatched. Whether you are there for the adrenaline or the quiet beauty of the fjords, Voss delivers an unforgettable winter adventure.
Our Thoughts
We took the tram from Bergen Airport, then the train from Bergen Central Station direct to Voss, which was a scenic highlight in itself. Arriving in the centre of Voss and stepping straight onto the gondola felt like the height of convenience. We highly recommend grabbing a hot chocolate at Hangurstoppen—even if you aren’t skiing, the view alone is worth the trip. If you have an extra day, the nearby Myrkdalen resort (included on the same lift pass) is famous for having some of the deepest snow in Europe!
Key Information
https://everysnowday.com/resort/voss/
⛷️ Ready for the Ultimate Vertical Challenge?
If you’ve conquered the Olympic runs of Kvitfjell or the powder of Myrkdalen, you belong in Val d’Isère. With 300km of high-altitude terrain and legendary steep descents, it is the natural “graduation” for experts.
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