Skiing in Norway and Sweden: Top resorts

Roshina Jowaheer

Updated 28 November 2016 at 7:59 am·5-min read

The Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden were made for family ski holidays, offering guaranteed snow cover, quiet slopes and dedicated kids' areas for a stress-free getaway.

Whether you or your children are taking your first ski trip or want to combine your holiday with other winter activities, Scandinavia's ski resorts promise to keep the kids and adults happy.

SEE ALSO: Revealed! The cheapest ski resorts for winter 2016/17

SEE ALSO: Top ten ski resorts for thrill-seekers

With a plethora of snow and ice activities, the Swedish and Norwegian mountains provide plenty of fun right through Christmas and Easter. Top-notch ski schools, cosy accommodation close to the slopes and child-friendly restaurants mean you can enjoy the best of a traditional ski break in a destination you may have never thought of.

We've picked some of the best ski resorts in Norway and Sweden for family-friendly skiing...

Best for mixed abilities: Vemdalen, Sweden

Situated in west Sweden near the border with Norway, Vemdalen's reliable snow record and quiet slopes are ideal for young families and nervous skiers, while its black runs and mellow powder offer excitement for the more advanced. The three different ski areas of Vemdalen, Björnrike, Vemdalsskalet and Klövsjö/Storhogna, are covered on the same lift pass and are all linked by a ski bus. For those wanting to try a different activity, dog sledding and snowmobiling are must-dos, while Sameland is an a new experience in Björnrike, which allows you to meet reindeer, learn about Sami people and enjoy a traditional meal in a Sami house. Ski Safari offers a week-long Learn to Ski holiday for a family of four staying at Fallmoran Apartments from £1,215 per person.

family skiing in are, sweden, scandinavia

Best for families new to skiing: Sälen, Sweden

Sälen is a group of four interlinked ski areas not far from the border with Norway. Combined they are the largest ski area in Sweden and offer a fantastic holiday base for families and those interested in skiing and exploring the stunning Swedish fells. The connected resorts of Lindvallen and Högfjället are the quintessential choice for families, especially those new to the snow. The high number of wide open green slopes is a paradise for young children and is ideal for building the confidence of those just starting out on skis or snowboard, while the fantastic Experium complex provides unbeatable off-slope entertainment for all the family. Sälen's wide range of activities includes snowmobiling, husky sledding and ice-karting for an all-round family holiday. skiSweden offers a seven-night holiday for a family of four staying at Sälen Ski Lodge from £930 per person.

Best for kids of all ages: Trysil, Norway

With its high proportion of confidence-boosting green and blue runs, varied family facilities, guaranteed snow promise and numerous activities, Norway's largest ski area Trysil is ideal for toddlers to teens. More than 80 per cent of the accommodation is ski-in, ski-out, which makes it even easier for families to access the slopes. Children can enjoy the kids' ski area, which features magic carpets, forest trails and even a talking tree. Families can even leave the slopes and enjoy a water park at Turistsenter's Radisson Blu, which showcases an indoor surf wave. Ski Safari offers a seven-night Learn to Ski holiday for a family of four staying at Radisson Blu Resort Trysil from £1,295 per person.

reindeer on ski slopes in sweden, scandinavia

Best for young children: Geilo, Norway

Start the family holiday with a scenic train journey to one of Norway's oldest resorts, Geilo. The resort fringes the country's largest national park and families can try dog sledding, fat biking, ice fishing, tree-top rope courses and cross-country skiing, as well as a visit to the Langedrag Nature Park & Mountain Farm. The two ski areas, Geilo and Geilolia, are linked by shuttle bus and offer novices unintimidating slopes, helpful lift attendants and an award-winning ski school. After skiing, choose from a selection of restaurants serving pizza, local game and seafood. Ski Safari's week-long Learn to Ski holiday for a family of four staying at Vestlia Resort costs from £1,375 per person.

Best for advanced skiers: Åre, Sweden

A real winter wonderland with spectacular scenery, Scandinavia's largest ski area offers skiing to suit all levels, with a great area for young beginner skiers teamed with fantastic ski instructors who are fluent English speakers. Advanced skiers will really be in their element in Åre as there are awe-inspiring black pistes and highly challenging off-piste slopes, as well as the adjacent Duved, which provides world-class slopes for snowboarding, telemark and carving. Extreme adventures such as heli-skiing are also available. Off the slopes, there's husky sledding, snowmobiling, ice climbing and the Northern Lights to look out for. Iglu Ski offers a seven-night holiday for a family of four staying at the Holiday Club Resort from £854 per person.

Best for extra activities: Beitostølen, Norway

Featuring dedicated beginner slopes, an English-speaking ski school and wide pistes ideal for cruising, the family-run resort of Beitostølen should not be missed. The traditional village has been designed for convenience, with all amenities within walking distance. Families who fancy a break from skiing can try dog sledding, swimming and rafting down the slopes on an inflatable raft. Alternatively, there are many cross-country trails available. In the evening, listen to live music at the low-key après-ski bars. Ski Safari offers a seven-night Learn to Ski holiday for a family of four staying at Bergo Cabins from £1,095 per person.

<p>The extravagant <a href="http://www.alpineguru.com/chalets/france/courchevel-1850/chalet-la-datcha/" target="_blank">Chalet la Datcha</a> is situated in the highest part of Courchevel 1850, just 50 metres from the slopes. Sleeping up to ten guests across five ornately decorated en-suite bedrooms, the chalet combines traditional elements such as wooden floors and exposed beams with distinctive Russian glamour: think sumptuous fabrics, roaring central fireplaces, chandeliers and lamps embellished with gold leaf. Downstairs is a spa area including a pool, hammam, sauna and massage room, plus a ski room with boot heaters and a wine cellar. To add to the luxury, guests have their own private chef and butler. From £6,860 per person per week based on up to ten adults sharing with Alpine Guru.</p>

<p>Located just 100 metres from the church in the old village of Val d'Isere, <a href="http://www.consensiochalets.co.uk/luxury-ski/les-sorbiers/" target="_blank">Les Sorbiers</a> is perfect for families and groups of friends alike, sleeping ten adults and four children. The ground floor has an open-plan living area located around a focal fireplace and adjoining is a snug with TV and office area. The dining room opens onto the kitchen, with double doors leading out onto the garden and terrace, where you can enjoy your private Jacuzzi facing the mountains. The lovely chalet also has a private ski and heated boot locker adjacent to the apartment. From 9,500 euros per week on a self-catering basis with Consensio Chalets.</p>

One of the most exclusive properties available to rent in Aspen’s core, <a href="http://www.alpineguru.com/chalets/united-states/aspen/castle-rim/" target="_blank">Castle Rim</a> is the epitome of luxury and glamour, sleeping up to 12 guests across its six bedrooms and boasting ultra-contemporary interiors and incredible mountain views. Inside, you will find a custom-made kitchen, a huge living area with a wrap-around sofa, separate family room (complete with a bar) and a recreation room with pool table, bar and TV. A beautifully furnished office doubles up as a handy wine room and outside, an enormous terrace features an outdoor hot tub and fire pit. From £1,150 per person per night, based on 12 sharing on a self-catering basis with Alpine Guru.

<p>This beautifully renovated farmhouse is stunning outside and in. <a href="https://www.firefly-collection.com/properties/ferme-de-la-corderie/luxury-ski-chalet/les-gets/france#" target="_blank">Ferme de la Corderie</a> is a luxury ski chalet in Les Gets that mixes rustic charm and sumptuous contemporary style. The vast socialising space features a living area with sofas, armchairs, a roaring log fire and plush faux fur throws, a dining space with an intimate eating area and fluffy sheepskin throws on every chair - a great place to hole up after a day's skiing. The chalet, which sleeps up to 16 people, has a heavy focus on outdoor spaces, with its hot tub, an outdoor Sonos sound system, a heated terrace and steamer chairs, as well as plenty to keep you entertained inside, including spa treatments and retiring to the TV snug. From 12,200 euros per week with Firefly Collection.</p>

Sitting above Verbier’s Chemin de Clou is <a href="http://www.alpineguru.com/chalets/switzerland/verbier/chalet-bibi/" target="_blank">Chalet Bibi</a>, a stylish, secluded retreat with gorgeous mountain views and a wonderful spa. Modern yet elegant, the décor blends traditional wood floors, stone fireplaces and timber walls with cosy, neutral fabrics, contemporary furniture and large windows. Outside is a spacious terrace looking out to the Petit Combin mountain range, accessible from the living room and master bedroom, with five further bedrooms offering a cosy resting space for up to 11 guests. The spa boasts a sauna and hammam, and there’s even a hot tub on the terrace for evenings under the stars. Best of all, the chalet is fully-catered and two days of ski instruction are included in the price. From £2,800 per person per week based on 11 sharing with Alpine Guru.

<p>Originally built in 1788 by one of Morzine's founding families, lovingly converted barn <a href="http://alikats.eu/chalets/chalet-1788-self-catered/" target="_blank">Chalet 1788</a> combines modern luxuries with stunning original features and was made for families. The chalet sleeps up to 12 people in five bedrooms, each featuring a private bathroom. Guests can relax after a hard day on the mountains in the wellness area complete with a sauna and outdoor hot tub, cosy up in front of the log fire in the living room or eat in the stylish dining room surrounded by views of the magnificent mountains. From £2,708 per week on a self-catering basis with AliKats.</p>

Situated at the end of the main Sunnegga piste and offering direct access to the Sunnegga Express funicular, <a href="http://www.matterhornchalets.com/accommodation/chalet-meisters/" target="_blank">Chalet Meisters</a> is ideal for fast access to the slopes while exceptionally spacious and decorated in contemporary style. The sitting and dining room features a fireplace and a sunny terrace looking out towards the iconic Matterhorn and there are three large en-suite bedrooms which sleep up to six people. The interiors are chic and cosy, providing a wonderful home from home. From £7,550 per week with Matterhorn Chalets, including evening fine dining, copious breakfasts and afternoon tea, as well as daily housekeeping.

<p>This ski out chalet in the village of Servoz is ideal for those who love the great outdoors and al-fresco-style living. <a href="https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/Luxury-Villa-Rental/Rent-luxury-chamonix-europe-france-alps" target="_blank">Chalet Servoz</a> has a large terrace with moving shutters that play with the light to create a beautifully tranquil space. The living room is oriented to the south, with big bay windows and a spectacular view of Mont Blanc. All of the furniture is either custom-made with raw wood or an antique piece. The chalet, which sleeps six, is located just five minutes from Les Houches and around 10km from the centre of Chamonix. From £74 per night per person with Le Collectionist.</p>

<p>Situated on the edge of the piste leading down to the Nasserein lift, <a href="http://www.brambleski.com/st-anton/tschoder/" target="_blank">Chalet Tschoder</a> provides splendid views of the surrounding peaks and village. You can ski to and from the chalet making it the ideal spot for even the most astute skier. Rich fabrics and wooden beams create a luxurious setting and at the end of a long day you can relax in the spa and sauna. There is even a gym with the latest equipment and for entertainment, there is a bar to enjoy a pre-dinner glass of Champagne and chat about the day's skiing. The chalet, which is spread over four floors and sleeps up to 14 people, features French windows that open out onto a sunny terrace with a private outdoor hot tub. From £1,945 per person for seven nights based on 14 sharing on a full-board basis and including flights.</p>

The extravagant Chalet la Datcha is situated in the highest part of Courchevel 1850, just 50 metres from the slopes. Sleeping up to ten guests across five ornately decorated en-suite bedrooms, the chalet combines traditional elements such as wooden floors and exposed beams with distinctive Russian glamour: think sumptuous fabrics, roaring central fireplaces, chandeliers and lamps embellished with gold leaf. Downstairs is a spa area including a pool, hammam, sauna and massage room, plus a ski room with boot heaters and a wine cellar. To add to the luxury, guests have their own private chef and butler. From £6,860 per person per week based on up to ten adults sharing with Alpine Guru.

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