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Hemsedal
Located between Oslo and Bergen in the 'Scandinavian Alps' of central Norway, Hemsedal offers exceptionally scenic and challenging skiing and snowboarding - including Northern Europe's highest winter piste. Its rich and varied terrain also includes runs for all ability levels. The après ski scene is lively.

Skiing
Skiing conditions here are often called 'alpine' but in many ways are better. The northerly latitude means that conditions correspond to 1,000 metres higher than those in the Alps. Snow quality is excellent - light, powdery and deep, thanks to the stable inland climate. It generally remains good from November all the way through to May.

While the area offers some of northern Europe's most challenging terrain, there are 49 runs catering for all standards - 20 green, 12 blue, 9 red and 8 black. These include mogul runs and some off-piste, both above the tree line and down through the pine and birch woods. Thanks to a clever layout, the various sectors and the best viewpoints are accessible to all standards of skiers. For example, a green beginner piste runs for a scenic 6km from the top of Totten down to the valley floor.

Families are well catered for, with Norway's largest children's ski area. This alone has 8 lifts. There are daily free activities and free lift passes for under-sevens, if wearing a helmet (also free). A crèche is available for kids over 3 months.

A wide range of further activities includes snowmobiling, dog-sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides by torchlight, tandem paragliding, even climbing frozen waterfalls. There are three terrain parks open to skiers and snowboarders, including one just for beginners. Floodlit skiing is available four days a week.

The Resort
Hemsedal offers all the shopping and entertainment facilities you would expect of a large, modern resort. In particular, there's a huge selection of restaurants catering for everything from quick snacks to full-scale gourmet feasts.

As the night wears on, the town's wide array of bars, discos and night clubs come into their own. The après-ski here is reputed to be the liveliest in Norway!

Accommodation
There's a wide choice of accommodation, with a particularly good selection of ski-in and ski-out cabins with private sauna. Further down in the valley are comfortable hotels with heated pools. A free bus service provides transport to the slopes.

More information:
For more information go to www.visitnorway.co.uk.