Italy, with its Mediterranean climate, is known worldwide for its sun, warmth, sea, and the light that envelops everything. It is a land of contrasts, where the sweetness of rolling hills coexists with the majesty of the mountains. On one hand, the sun-kissed beaches tell the tale of an eternal summer; on the other, the Alps and the Appennini rise like silent giants, reminding us that snow is part of our horizon, even if it rarely reaches the low altitudes of the lands of Siena, where I was born, just over 300 meters above sea level. In my childhood, the very idea of snow belonged to distant lands, a poetic fantasy painted by Christmas stories and fairy tales.
Alps surrounding Lake Maggiore, Northern Italy
But there was a moment—an exceptional event—that forever etched itself in my memory. The snowfall of 1985. A rare, almost mythical occurrence. I remember standing by the window, eyes wide with wonder, as delicate white flakes descended from the heavens, covering my familiar world with unfamiliar magic. My young mind, brimming with imagination, saw the snow as fragments of clouds that had chosen to fall and dance upon the earth.
The only true mountain near my childhood home was Monte Amiata, a silent guardian at the southern edge of Tuscany. It held the rare privilege of winter’s embrace, its peak adorned with a modest blanket of snow. But for me, snow was synonymous with the far North—an imaginary land where Santa Claus rode his sleigh through endless fields of white, where winter was not an anomaly but a faithful companion.
Unlike the children of northern Italy, who might spend a 'settimana bianca', a skiing week in the Alps, my family’s modest means did not allow such luxuries. The Alps themselves felt distant, almost unattainable, and even the smallest snowfall in our region caused enough disruption to remind us that our world was not designed for winter’s touch.
Monte Amiata, Tuscany
Years later, my life took an unexpected turn, and I found myself in Norway—a country where winter does not arrive as a fleeting guest but as a sovereign ruler. The landscapes of this northern realm were precisely what I had dreamed of as a child: vast expanses of pristine white, forests weighed down by snow, and cities that continued to function despite nature’s icy grip. Here, winter was not a disruption but a way of life, met with preparedness and efficiency. Roads remained clear, trains and buses ran undeterred, and people embraced the season as an integral part of their identity.
It was in Norway that I first strapped on a pair of skis, experiencing the exhilaration of gliding through a world sculpted by snow. Cross-country skiing—or ‘langrenn’ as the Norwegians call it—was more than a sport; it was a deep connection to nature, a practice once essential for survival, enabling people to traverse great distances through the winter wilderness.
Beyond cross-country skiing, Norway offers a multitude of unique snow-related experiences. Snowshoeing allows for the exploration of untouched landscapes, while dog sledding—hundekjøring—provides the thrill of traveling across vast white expanses powered by a team of huskies. One can try ice fishing by drilling a hole into the frozen surface of lakes or take on the challenge of snowboarding and high-altitude skiing at the many ski resorts. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, a snowmobile excursion or a soak in an outdoor hot tub surrounded by glistening snow create unforgettable moments.
But what is snow, truly? It is more than frozen water. It is a veil that transforms the world, a silent architect reshaping landscapes with its gentle touch. It is the lure of the mountains, calling skiers and mountaineers to their frozen heights. And in Norway, snow is tradition. Families venture into the wild with their bottles of ‘Solo’—Norway’s beloved orange soda—and a bar of ‘Kvikk Lunsj,’ the indispensable chocolate companion for any excursion.
The Norwegians have learned to measure time through snow. In winter, it blankets the valleys and peaks. In spring, it lingers only at the highest altitudes. In summer, it clings stubbornly to the most resilient crevices, melting ever so slowly—now faster than ever before due to the relentless grasp of climate change.
Yet, snow is more than a physical presence; it is light in the darkness. During the long, sunless months, it reflects the moon’s glow, illuminating the land with an ethereal radiance. It is a beacon of winter, a silent comfort to the heart, a reminder that even in the coldest, darkest season, there is beauty to be found. Norway has given me what my childhood dreams only hinted at. Here, the snow is not an ephemeral wonder but a constant companion, shaping the land, the people, and now, my own life.
Norway is a winter paradise, offering some of the most exclusive and breathtaking snow activities in the world. Whether you're into adrenaline-pumping ski touring, snowshoeing, or unique Arctic experiences like dog sledding, Norway has it all. Below, you'll find handpicked recommendations covering top destinations and activities.
Dog Sledding Adventures
Trasti & Trine – Alta
Location: Alta, Northern Norway
Trasti & Trine offers a truly authentic dog sledding experience. Located in the heart of Finnmark, this lodge is run by passionate mushers who provide guided dog sledding tours through breathtaking Arctic landscapes. Whether you choose a short ride or a multi-day expedition, you'll get to experience the deep connection between mushers and their huskies.
Exclusive Experience: Combine your tour with Arctic gourmet cuisine prepared by chef Johnny Trasti. Stay overnight in cozy wooden cabins surrounded by snowy wilderness.
Website: www.trastiogtrine.no/en
Engholm Husky Lodge – Karasjok
Location: Karasjok, Finnmark
Engholm Husky Lodge is a secluded retreat in Karasjok, offering a more personal, in-depth dog sledding experience. The lodge itself is handcrafted, giving visitors a unique and cozy atmosphere.
Exclusive Experience: Try multi-day expeditions where you take care of your own sled dogs while traveling through the Arctic wilderness. Perfect for those who want an immersive adventure!
Website: www.engholm.no
Arctic Experience on Senja
Mefjord Brygge – Senja
Location: Senja
Mefjord Brygge is a hidden gem on the island of Senja, known for its dramatic mountains, fjords, and untouched wilderness. While mainly a fishing village in the summer, winter transforms Mefjord Brygge into a hub for Arctic adventures, including Northern Lights watching, winter hiking, and wildlife safaris.
Exclusive Experience: Stay in waterfront cabins and embark on thrilling guided snowmobile or skiing trips through Senja’s rugged landscape.
Website: www.mefjordbrygge.no
Ski Touring in the Lofoten Islands
Location: Lofoten, Northern Norway
Lofoten is one of the most stunning ski touring destinations in the world, offering the unique experience of skiing down peaks with a direct view of the ocean. The season typically lasts from February to May.
Exclusive Experience:
- Ski from summits like Geitgaljen and Stornappstinden with breathtaking fjord views
- Stay in a traditional rorbuer (fisherman’s cabin) while enjoying fresh local seafood
- Local guides can tailor ski tours to your skill level and weather conditions
Website: www.visitlofoten.com and www.alpineguides.no
Snowshoeing in Loen and Nordfjord
Loen and Nordfjord Snowshoe Adventures
Location: Western Norway
Snowshoeing in Loen and Nordfjord is an unforgettable way to experience Norway’s fjords and towering peaks in winter.
Exclusive Experience:
- Take the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven and snowshoe with panoramic views over Nordfjord
- Explore the Jostedalsbreen glacier area on a guided snowshoe trek
- Enjoy scenic trails through deep valleys, peaceful forests, and frozen waterfalls
Website: www.loenskylift.no
Top Ski Resorts in Norway
Norefjell – Oslo’s Closest Alpine Resort
Location: Viken, Eastern Norway
Norefjell is a premier ski resort just a 1.5-hour drive from Oslo, perfect for a quick ski getaway.
Main Highlights:
- Stunning fjord views while skiing
- Largest vertical drop in Norway
- High-end spa and wellness hotels
- Excellent facilities for families and beginners
Website: www.norefjell.com
Geilo – Family-Friendly Luxury
Location: Buskerud, Eastern Norway
One of Norway’s oldest and most well-developed ski resorts, Geilo is perfect for families and luxury seekers alike.
Main Highlights:
- 40+ slopes for all levels
- Excellent kids' and beginners' areas
- Dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing
- High-end spa hotels and gourmet restaurants
Website: www.geilo.com/en
Hemsedal – The Scandinavian Alps
Location: Buskerud, Eastern Norway
Known as the “Scandinavian Alps,” Hemsedal has the best off-piste skiing and the biggest vertical drops in Norway.
Main Highlights:
- Best free ride and off-piste terrain
- Long ski season
- Vibrant après-ski scene
- Fantastic ski schools for all levels
Website: www.skistar.com/en/hemsedal
Cross-Country Skiing – Available Everywhere
Norway is a paradise for cross-country skiing, with thousands of kilometers of groomed trails in all major mountain areas. Popular regions include:
- Hardangervidda National Park
- Rondane National Park
- Lillehammer & Olympic Trails
No matter where you go in Norway, you’ll find beautifully maintained trails for both classic and skate skiing.
World Cup Ski and Ski Touring in Narvik
Location: Narvik, Northern Norway
Narvik hosts the FIS Alpine World Cup and is known for its unique high-mountain skiing with spectacular views over the Ofotfjord.
Main Highlights:
- One of Norway’s steepest and longest ski runs
- Unparalleled ski touring routes with fjord-to-summit descents
- A great mix of alpine and off-piste skiing
Website: www.narvikfjellet.no
