This Norwegian mountain resort has 71 km of ski slopes and 100 km of cross-country trails. Winter activities include husky sledding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing around the lake.
Trysil, Norway's largest ski resort, lies two and a half hours from Oslo near the Swedish border. You can glide down Trysilfjellet mountain's steepest black runs, ski through pine forests on gentle green slopes, or mush a team of huskies across snow-covered valleys. In the village restaurants, you'll taste regional dishes like "rakfisk" (fermented trout) and locally hunted moose, prepared according to centuries-old recipes.
Skiing and Winter Sports
Trysilfjellet mountain has 69 runs and 31 lifts covering all sides of the peak. You can ski under floodlights several evenings each week, with the last lift running at 8 PM. Look for the SkiStar Guides in red suits - they lead group lessons and know the best spots, including the tree-lined Vihammerskogen runs and the terrain parks. Most hotels and apartments connect directly to the slopes, letting you start skiing right from your doorstep.
Getting to Trysil
Fly to Scandinavian Mountains Airport, 45 minutes away across the Swedish border, with direct flights from Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and several European cities. From Oslo Airport, take one of seven daily buses for the two-hour journey to the resort. If you're traveling by train, stop at Elverum station (70 kilometers away) and catch one of the regular connecting buses to Trysil.
Local Food Scene
The 30+ restaurants and cafes spread from the mountain summit to the village center serve distinctly Norwegian mountain fare. Local chefs cook with ingredients from nearby forests and rivers - you'll find moose steaks, "pultost" (traditional sour milk cheese), and "rakfisk" (fermented trout) on many menus. Stop at Glunot bakery for their gluten-free pastries, or warm up at the slope-side restaurants serving everything from wood-fired pizzas to Asian dishes.
Winter Activities Beyond Skiing
Lead your own dog sled team through snow-covered forests on trips lasting from 20 minutes to full days. Take evening sleigh rides under starlit skies or drill holes for ice fishing on frozen lakes. Join local guides tracking moose through the woods or photographing the northern lights when conditions are right.
Summer Activities
The mountain transforms into a biking destination with 100 kilometers of marked trails from May to October. Ride smooth family trails or technical single tracks, with bikes and instruction available at the main center. The surrounding rivers have good spots for trout fishing, while marked hiking paths wind through the surrounding valleys and forests.
Weather and Best Times to Visit
Winter temperatures average -8°C in January, rising to 15°C in July. The ski season runs from November to April, with the most consistent snow from December through March. For summer activities, plan your visit between June and September, when days are long and warm enough for biking and hiking.
