Because Bergen is close to the sea, snow is unusual in the city even during winter. Normally it is only between 10 - 20 days with snow on the ground. But do not worry - there are plenty of opportunities to experience the Norwegian winter.

Skiing close to Bergen city centre

On the mountains surrounding Bergen, temperatures can be several degrees lower than in the city centre, meaning rain in the city can fall as snow up top.

Fløyen

At Mount Fløyen, you'll often find snow in winter. The floodlit cross-country trail is about 5 kilometers long, and the track is quickly prepared whenever snow conditions allow. It's one of the most popular ski trails in Bergen.

The trail is hilly and often has excellent ski conditions even when there's no snow in the city centre. In daylight, you can extend the trip to Rundemanen, and when the weather is really good, you can even ski across Vidden to Ulriken.

The hills down to the city centre are popular for sledding whenever conditions allow, so avoid skiing up or down Fløysvingene and Tippetue, especially on weekends.

Ulriken

On beautiful, snowy winter days, a ski trip across Vidden to Fløyen can be a fantastic experience. Take the Ulriksbanen cable car up to the mountain, and you will be greeted by flat and beautiful terrain, which is perfect for cross-country skiing.

Be aware that this trip isn’t recommended in bad weather and poor visibility, or if you are an inexperienced skier. There are no marked trails, other than cairns that can be difficult to see. The weather can change in an instant. 

Totland

Totland is a popular destination on nice winter days, and relatively easy to reach, just 7 minutes from Nesttun by bus to Riple. On good snowy days, you can enjoy a 9.8 km round trip on prepared trails. The highest point is Livarden, at 683 meters above sea level. 

Alvøen 

Alvøen sports grounds is a quick bus ride from Bergen city centre and offers 2 km of lit trails. Whenever snow conditions allow, the tracks are prepared for you to enjoy. Go to Skyss.no for buses towards Alvøen. 

Skiing close to Bergen

Gullbotn

In this outdoor area about 40 minutes from the city centre, you'll find a floodlit cross-country trail. Get off at the Gullbotn Vest bus stop to reach it. The trail goes up to the first plateau toward Gullfjellet and is prepared as soon as conditions allow.

The trail has two loops: the longer one is 3.5 km, and the shorter one is 1.5 km. There's also a ski jump in the area, open on select days, where you can borrow skis and give it a try. 

Totræna winter park

About 1 hour from Bergen you can enjoy beautiful, flood-lit cross-country trails at Totræna, on the way to Kvamskogen. There are different trails and length vary from 1.5 to 5.4 km. You have access to a toilet, shelter and even a place to prepare your skis, in the park. The winter park is only acccesible by car, and there is a small parking fee. 

Voss

With two ski resorts and a long tradition for skiing, Voss is one of Norway's most established ski destinations, and frequently hosts World Cup events. The temperature in Voss is normally several degrees lower than in Bergen.

At Myrkdalen ski resort, about 25 minutes from Voss, snow conditions are normally excellent, with good opportunities for powder and off-piste skiing, even when it's raining in Bergen (always check the avalanche warnings on varsom.no). You can take the local train from Bergen to Voss (1.5 hours, see VY.no). A free ski bus connects with the train from Bergen to Myrkdalen (Bus Voss – Myrkdalen).

Kvamskogen

Kvamskogen is the most popular winter destination for Bergen locals, in part because it's just a one-hour drive away by bus or car. There are two ski resorts, as well as prepared cross-country tracks. The highest point in the ski area reaches 981 meters above sea level, while some of the surrounding peaks rise to 1,300 meters, making the region colder and snowier than Bergen. Note, though, that if it rains in Bergen, the lower parts of Kvamskogen will also see rain. 

There's a ski bus to Eikedalen, the largest resort, and regular buses to Kvamskogen (see skyss.no). The second resort, Furedalen, is perfect for beginners, though its low elevation (342 meters above sea level) means it's more likely to see rain instead of snow when the weather is wet in Bergen.