Map
of Scandinavia | Tourist Offices 
| Scandinavian
SKI RESORTS 
SCANDINAVIA
by Bob Enzel
 |
The Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark have been home to cross country skiing, ice skating and ski jumping since the beginning of winter sports. While some downhill skiing is available in Finland and Denmark, most sportsmen participate in the Nordic sports.
Alpine skiers visiting Norway or Sweden won’t find any mile-high vertical drops, jagged peaks or ski circuses that connect ski terrain. What they will find are excellent resorts that provide a variety of outdoor activities to singles and families. In a way, Sweden and Norway’s world famous smorgasboard dining carries over into the variety of activities available. Both will amaze and satisfy even the most persnickity traveler.
NORWAY
The city of Lillehammer, a former headquarters of the Olympics, remains the focal point on a visit to the alpine venues of Kvitfjell and Hafjell. These two areas, 20 and 10 miles north of Lillehammer, have interesting statistics. Kvitfjell’s nearly two-mile downhill course was described as “a skier’s dream” by members of the U.S. Ski Team.
Norway has several alpine areas to visit. Two that are generally featured by SAS Airlines are Geilo and Voss. Both are well-established resorts. Geilo is in the heart of Norway’s mountains and Voss is in the center of Norway’s fjord region. Geilo is the larger of the two and its lovely village setting makes it comfortable for families. In April Geilo will hold the “Skarverennet,” the world’s largest cross-country race.
Hemsedal markets itself as, "The Scandinavian Alps" and may well be Northern Europe's largest ski resort. Overall, Norway's six resorts offer a combined uphill capacity of approximately ninety thousand per hour. Norefjell is the closet resort to Oslo and was host to the sixth Winter Olympics in 1952. The largest descent in all of Scandinavia can be experienced at Norefjell. All these areas have a friendly après-ski scene that include live music and dancing, fondue, good drink and plenty of company.
SWEDEN
Sweden’s Vasa Ski Race continues to celebrate the country’s unification. The race starts in Salen, one of Sweden’s more popular downhill areas. Also covered in the book are: Are, another well-known resort; and Storlien, a small area that has operated for seventy years and is host to the Swedish Royal family. Riksgransen, is located north of the 68th parallel, which means you can ski until mid-summer under the midnight sun. Lastly, Bydalen is a resort made up of four areas, known for its emphasis on family vacationing.
ICELAND
As a skiing lifestyle change of pace, we've included a couple of areas in Iceland. While Icelandair does not package ski trips to Iceland it does package them to other European ski resorts allowing a Reykjavik layover in either direction.
Visitors who wish to ski Iceland will find about a dozen smallish areas from which to select. Nearest to Reykjavik is Bláfjöll Recreation and Ski Center, the largest ski resort in Iceland. Generally speaking, Icelandic resorts are relatively low in altitude, Spartan in operations and utilize mostly surface lifts. Should you decide to layover for a visit—coming or going—make the decision before leaving the U.S., as it is much less costly.
For more information, contact:
SCANDINAVIAN TOURIST OFFICES
ICELANDIC TRAVEL INFORMATION
Internet: www.icelandtouristboard.com or www.travelnet.is
SCANDINAVIAN TOURIST BOARDS Of DENMARK,
FINLAND, ICELAND,
NORWAY and SWEDEN
(212) 885-9700
Fax (212) 885-9710
Internet:
www.goscandinavia.com, also
visitNorway.com,
visit-Sweden.com
E-mail:
info@goscandinavia.com
SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES (SAS TOUR DESK)
(800) 221-2350
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