Why Norway's Hemsedal could be the perfect ski destination for British families in 2027

With a ski season stretching into May, spectacular mountain scenery and a growing emphasis on relaxation, Norway's Hemsedal offers British travellers an appealing alternative to the traditional Alpine holiday.

For British families planning their next ski holiday, Norway may not be the first destination that comes to mind. Yet tucked among the mountains of southern Norway, Hemsedal offers an increasingly attractive alternative to the crowded slopes of Europe's better known resorts.

Often referred to as the Scandinavian Alps, Hemsedal combines extensive skiing with a distinctly Norwegian approach to mountain life. Here, the appeal extends beyond the pistes to long afternoons in the sunshine, outdoor swimming pools and evenings spent beside a roaring fire.

And with flights from London to Oslo taking approximately two hours, Norway is closer than many British holidaymakers might expect, although reaching Hemsedal requires an additional journey from the airport.

A ski season that lasts into May

While many European resorts begin winding down after Easter, Hemsedal's ski season typically continues into early May, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the mountains well into spring.

For 2027, the timing is particularly appealing. Easter Sunday falls on 28 March, placing the Easter holiday period comfortably within the resort's traditional skiing season.

Spring brings longer daylight hours, milder temperatures and opportunities for leisurely lunches outdoors. Skiers can spend their mornings exploring the slopes before enjoying the afternoon sunshine.

Easter is also among Hemsedal's liveliest periods, with outdoor concerts and mountain competitions adding to the atmosphere. The SkiStar Winter Games are expected to bring further activity to the resort in late April.

Beyond the prepared pistes, spring is a popular season for topptur, the Norwegian tradition of ski touring. More experienced skiers venture into the surrounding mountains, including peaks such as Skogshorn, combining physical adventure with panoramic views.

A different kind of mountain retreat

One of Hemsedal's distinctive attractions is Fýri Resort, a mountain hotel that brings together skiing, contemporary Scandinavian interiors and a more relaxed approach to après ski.

Situated close to the slopes, the resort is particularly known for its Pool Club, where guests can swim in water heated to approximately 35°C while overlooking the surrounding peaks.

Inside, elegant lounges, open fires and comfortable gathering spaces provide a contrast to the cold mountain air.

The emphasis is as much on spending time together as it is on skiing, making the resort appealing to couples, groups of friends and families seeking a holiday that combines activity with relaxation.

It reflects the Norwegian idea of kos, a sense of warmth, comfort and enjoying life's quieter pleasures.

More than a holiday for skiers

Hemsedal's appeal is not limited to those planning to spend every day on the mountain.

Norwegian snowboarder and two time Olympian Silje Norendal, who spends time in Hemsedal during March and April, has highlighted how the spring atmosphere attracts visitors interested in the sunshine and mountain setting as much as the skiing itself.

For families travelling with different interests or levels of skiing experience, that flexibility can be particularly valuable.

A holiday might involve a morning on the slopes, an afternoon by the pool and an evening enjoying the resort's restaurants and social spaces.

Rather than treating skiing as the sole purpose of a mountain escape, Hemsedal offers the possibility of a broader Scandinavian holiday.

An alternative to the traditional Alps

For British travellers accustomed to France, Austria or Switzerland, Norway offers a different setting without requiring a long haul journey.

The flight from London to Oslo takes around two hours, with onward road transfers required to reach Hemsedal. Travellers should therefore consider the full journey time when comparing destinations.

What distinguishes Hemsedal is the combination of its extended season, mountain scenery and a holiday culture that places considerable value on time spent outdoors and together.

With Easter 2027 falling in late March, the resort presents an option for families looking to combine a traditional ski holiday with the brighter days and more relaxed atmosphere of a Scandinavian spring.

For those willing to look beyond the familiar Alpine destinations, Hemsedal makes a compelling case for putting Norway on the winter holiday shortlist.

Image credit: ESS Group.