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Geilo
A traditional mountain village, Geilo is situated 800 metres above sea level in the mountains of Central Norway. For over 100 years it has welcomed skiers. Today, it offers a wide range of uncrowded slopes, excellent children's facilities and world-class kite-skiing.

Skiing
Geilo offers 39 runs in all - 10 green, 9 blue, 15 red and 5 black. Above the tree line, slopes are wide, uncrowded and ideal for gaining confidence. There's also a variety of runs through the trees down to the village, including some thigh-crunching blacks and mogul fields.

Some of the world's best kite-skiing is to be found nearby on Hardangervidda, Europe's largest mountain plateau. If you've never experienced the thrill of skimming across the snow on skis or a board, powered by the wind, qualified instructors are on hand to teach you.

You can also join a guided cross-country ski tour - Geilo has over 220km of prepared slopes and regularly hosts the World Cup and other international races. Snow boarders can choose from three terrain parks. Tobogganing, snowmobile racing, snow shoe trekking, ice fishing and dog sledding are among the other activities on offer.

Geilo has also been called a 'children's paradise', with three special areas in the ski centre, where youngsters can develop their skills. There's also a full range of family activities and events on offer to keep the little ones amused off the slopes.

As a mountain community where people have lived for generations, Geilo has a charm and atmosphere quite different to purpose-built resorts. In the centre, you'll find wooden houses, painted in the traditional Norwegian style. While a white clapboard church with pointed steeple looks out on to a rolling landscape of snow-covered fells and frozen lakes.

Geilo became a resort about a century ago, with the coming of the railway. Even today, you can virtually step off the station platform on to the slopes. The short distances make getting around easy. Ski down the mountain and you'll practically find yourself in the village centre.

Of course, the village has expanded and developed since the early days of skiing. Today, there's a wide range of restaurants, bars and shopping on offer. You can pamper yourself in two spas (including Scandinavia's first Shiseido spa). Or even go bowling in a bowling alley. But at its heart, Geilo remains an authentic and welcoming mountain community.

Accommodation
Geilo has accommodation to suit most tastes and budgets. There are traditional log cabins and chalets with open fires and private saunas, cosy B&Bs and hotels fully equipped with under-floor heating, triple-glazed windows and indoor swimming pools.

More information
For more information about skiing in Geilo go to www.visitnorway.com.