Hemsedal Information

Apres-ski

Hemsedal has one of the liveliest après ski scenes in Norway, with a young crowd helping to drive the party atmosphere - although there’s plenty for families and older guests too.

For friendly après-ski fun, Elgen Microbrewery in the Skogstad Hotell (tel: +47 3205 5000; www.skogstadhotell.no) offers drinks and a cosy, chilled-out atmosphere in Hemsedal village.

Further up the slopes, Skistua Afterski (tel: +47 3205 5970) and Experten Sportsbar (tel: +47 3205 5410) are popular post-ski venues at Hemsedal Skicentre – the former hosts regular live rock music, while the latter has a range of pub-style games.

For late-night après-ski, Hemsen Nightclub (tel: +47 3205 5410) is a great option for those in a party mood.

Eating out

There are around 20 eateries in total in Hemsedal. While this means visitors aren’t swamped with options, the quality of the restaurants available is generally good.

Try out local favourites Kjøkkenkroken (tel: +47 3205 9966; www.kjokkenkroken.no) for delicious – and filling – burgers, Champagneria Montana (tel: +47 3100 4710) for tasty tapas, and Skogstad Sushi (tel: +47 3205 5000; www.skogstadhotell.no) for the best Japanese cuisine in town. All of these eateries are located in Hemsedal Village.

Additionally, the restaurant at the Harahorn hotel (tel: +47 3205 5110; www.harahorn.no) in Grøndalen is one of the best in the region, and serves traditional and modern Norwegian dishes based on locally sourced ingredients.

Among the other options, Peppe's Pizza (tel: +47 3205 9557) sells good quality Italian cuisine for those on a budget.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Hemnsedal has a good selection of activities outside of skiing and boarding, with most off-slope facilities based either at the base of the slopes or in the original village.

Those who can’t get enough of the white stuff will enjoy the cross-country skiing options available; conditions are excellent, with 130km (81 miles) of machine-prepared trails and another 80km (50 miles) of marked mountain tracks.

Other outdoor activities in Hemsedal include dogsledding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, paragliding, guided mountain tours and ice climbing. There is also the opportunity to learn how to be prepared for when disaster strikes in the form of an avalanche – a number of operators offer short courses in avalanche safety, including Ski Patrol (tel: +47 3205 5330).

The resort runs a programme of cultural events and performances featuring music, dance and singing. The village is also home to a cinema, which is within the City Hall.

Family fun

Hemsedal ski resort’s large Valleland children’s area is the perfect place for young skiers and families. This area offers easy and short slopes with lifts, play park, and a variety of activities, as well as a ski school especially for small children. The Solheisen ski area is also particularly well suited to families.

Off the slopes, Skogstad Hotell (tel: +47 3205 5000; www.skogstadhotell.no) has a health and fitness centre that’s suitable for children. However, if you’re looking for some time away from the kids Valles Barnepass Day Care (tel: +47 32 055 320) in Hemsedal Skicentre provides a range of childcare options for children aged six months and older.

Children up to the age of six do not have to pay for ski passes if wearing a helmet, while those between eight and 15 pay a heavily discounted fee.

Retail therapy

There is a good selection of quality shops in Hemsedal village for clothing and sports equipment, as well as souvenirs and decorative items.

Finbeck & Fia (tel: +47 3206 0690) is the local fashion shop, while Hemsedal Sport (tel: +47 32 060 350), Totten Sport A/S (tel: +47 3206 0577) and Skistar ConseptStore (tel: +47 3205 5395) have a good selection of sports clothing and gear.

Splashing out

Located at an elevation of 1,100m (3,609ft) next to the Solheisen Ski Centre, the Harahorn hotel (tel: +47 3205 5110; www.harahorn.no) provides luxury lodgings. Spend a romantic night in one of the suites or cabins and have a three-course meal delivered to the room cooked by the hotel’s very capable kitchen staff.

Hotels

There is an increasing amount of convenient slopeside accommodation in chalet-style buildings, as well as options in the village and on the mountain. Most of the accommodation in Hemsedal is in the form of apartments, but there also some catered chalets and hotels. Visitors can also choose between luxurious cabins with saunas and whirlpools to traditional cabins with more basic facilities.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap