Norway
Located in the heart of Norway’s fjord country, the Voss Resort ski resort is one of the most accessible and iconic ski areas in western Norway. Just 99 kilometres from Bergen, Voss combines the charm of a genuine mountain village, a deep-rooted skiing heritage and a very modern approach to transport, thanks to a cable car directly linked to Voss railway station. The resort is now the largest ski area in western Norway, with 40 kilometres of groomed slopes, 24 varied runs, 10 ski lifts and quick access from the town centre to the summit of Hangurstoppen.
Voss Resort lacks the sheer scale of the major Alpine resorts. Its identity is different: more Nordic, more straightforward, more compact, yet also very comprehensive. People come here to ski against the backdrop of Western Norway’s landscapes, to enjoy a well-organised and versatile ski area, to experience night skiing on over 11 kilometres of floodlit slopes, or to combine downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, freeriding and a stay in the village. The resort also stands out for its particularly convenient rail access: from Bergen, the train journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to Voss, then the cable car takes you up the mountain in under ten minutes.
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The Voss Resort ski area
The Voss Resort ski area is centred around Hangurstoppen, Slettafjellet, Horgaletten and Bavallen. It offers a wide variety of skiing, with slopes suitable for both beginners and intermediate skiers, as well as a few more challenging areas for experienced skiers. The official website lists 40 kilometres of groomed slopes, 24 runs and 10 ski lifts, with a gondola lift included in all ski passes.
The resort is particularly appealing to skiers who like to mix things up: family-friendly slopes, faster runs, freeride areas close to the lifts, a snow park, ski cross, night skiing and cross-country trails. According to Skiresort.info, the winter sports area stretches from 284 metres to 964 metres above sea level, offering approximately 680 metres of skiable vertical drop, which confirms its profile as a typical Norwegian mid-mountain resort, yet with a sufficiently varied terrain to offer some proper runs.
The resort highlights, in particular, a 3.6-kilometre downhill run, described as one of the longest in Norway, as well as a 4.2-kilometre family run. These two features set the tone for the ski area: a resort capable of satisfying experienced skiers whilst remaining genuinely accessible to families and intermediate skiers.
Voss Resort, a historic Norwegian ski resort
Voss Resort boasts a rich history in the development of Norwegian skiing. The first ski lift at Bavallen opened in 1948, making Voss one of Norway’s historic skiing destinations. The resort recalls that residents of Bergen, as well as British and American visitors, began visiting Voss for skiing as early as the 1960s, particularly following the construction of the old Hangursbanen.
This rich history gives the destination a unique character. Voss is not a resort built artificially around skiing: it is, first and foremost, a Norwegian village, with its own local culture, a landscape of fjords and mountains, and a long-standing connection to winter sports. The recent modernisation, with the new cable car and developments around Hangurstoppen, is therefore part of a history that began long before modern mountain tourism.
Must-try experiences at Voss Resort
Take the cable car up to Hangurstoppen
The cable car is one of the landmarks of Voss Resort. It provides a direct link between the centre of Voss and the railway station and Hangurstoppen in under ten minutes. Open all year round, it makes the mountain accessible to skiers, walkers, families, hikers and visitors who simply wish to enjoy the views.
This connection is one of the resort’s major strengths. In many ski destinations, arriving by train remains a theoretical possibility or requires a subsequent road transfer. In Voss, the experience is much smoother: take the train to Voss, hop on the cable car right next to the station, and then head straight up the mountain.
Enjoy the Hangurstoppen Restaurant
At 808 metres above sea level, Hangurstoppen Restaurant offers a panoramic experience at the top of the cable car. The restaurant is open all year round, serving everything from coffee to full meals. Its location makes it a prime spot: for a lunch break whilst skiing, a day out on foot, a meal with a view, or a meeting point after an activity.
Discover the estate’s restaurants
The dining options at Voss Resort are not limited to Hangurstoppen. The resort boasts several dining options: Gamle Hangursrestauranten, serving Greek cuisine, Storastovo, specialising in grilled dishes, and Varmestovo, a simpler spot offering hot drinks, pastries, paninis and snack-style food, particularly during night skiing hours.
Experience night skiing
Night skiing is one of the most distinctive features of Voss Resort. The resort boasts over 11 kilometres of floodlit slopes, open several evenings a week, with runs ranging from green to black. The snow park is also included in this night-time offering, making it a truly comprehensive experience.
For a short break in Norway, this option really changes the way you experience the resort. You can arrive by train, ski during the day, extend the experience after sunset, and then soak up the atmosphere at Hangurstoppen or Bavallstunet. In a country where winter light is a key part of the travel experience, night skiing offers real added value.
Accommodation at Voss Resort
Voss Resort offers a range of accommodation options, mainly cabins and apartments situated close to the mountain. The resort caters to families, groups of friends, couples and skiers looking to minimise logistical hassles. The official website highlights accommodation offering a good standard of comfort, quick access to activities, proximity to the ski lifts and the chance to stay in a peaceful setting.
Bavallstunet
Bavallstunet is the most central option. The accommodation is just a short walk from the ski lift, reception and après-ski venues. The apartments are located above the reception, making them a convenient choice for those who want everything within easy reach.
Bavallslia
Bavallslia is located below the Bavallsekspressen chairlift. The atmosphere here is a little quieter, whilst still being close to reception, the ticket office and the lifts. It is a good option for families or visitors who want to combine peace and quiet with quick access to the ski area.
Tråstølen
Tråstølen is situated higher up in the mountains and offers more panoramic views. According to Voss Resort, many of the accommodation units offer ski-in/ski-out access in winter and direct access to hiking trails in summer. This is undoubtedly the most appealing area for those who want to feel fully immersed in the mountain environment.
Hotels in Voss
For visitors who prefer to stay in the town centre, Voss Resort also recommends several hotels in Voss, including Park Hotel Vossevangen, Scandic Voss and Fleischer’s Hotel. This option is ideal for those who want to combine skiing, train travel, restaurants, town amenities and quick access to the cable car.
Voss Resort in summer
Voss Resort is also a year-round destination. In summer, the cable car provides easy access to Hangurstoppen, the hiking trails and mountain activities. The resort promotes an active lifestyle, offering hiking, cycling, paragliding, swimming in Valbergstjørni, scenic viewpoints, family activities and access to the stunning landscapes of Norway’s fjords.
Hanguren Panorama
One of the most accessible summer experiences is Hanguren Panorama, a scenic circular walk of around 800 metres located near the top station of the cable car. The route is suitable for families, pushchairs and visitors with reduced mobility, making it a very easy walk to discover the landscapes of Voss without having to embark on a long hike.
Cycling and bike park
Voss Resort is also expanding its cycling offering. The official website has announced the opening of a new bike park and a skills park for children at Hangurstoppen in June 2026, featuring features suitable for different ages and ability levels. This development confirms the resort’s commitment to strengthening its all-year-round appeal.
Voss, a village for outdoor activities
Voss is known in Norway as a village with a strong focus on outdoor activities. The Voss Resort website highlights the proximity between the town centre and the natural surroundings, with activities such as tandem skydiving, paragliding, wind tunneling, a treetop adventure park, cycling, rafting, hiking, golf and river swimming. The Hardanger and Sognefjords are also just a short drive away.
Skiing at Voss Resort: the resort’s highlights
Excellent rail links
The main advantage of Voss Resort is its accessibility. Voss station is located at the foot of the cable car, with regular trains from Bergen and Oslo. From Bergen, the journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to Voss; from the station, the cable car takes you up to Hangurstoppen in under ten minutes. For a ski resort, this seamless train-and-cable-car connection is a major selling point, being both practical and a more sustainable option in terms of transport.
A proper Norwegian ski resort
Voss Resort is not just another tourist destination: it is a resort with a rich history, a strong local culture and a well-established reputation in Norwegian skiing. Having opened in Bavallen back in 1948, it has played a key role in the development of skiing in western Norway and retains its authentic character.
A compact yet comprehensive range
With 40 kilometres of slopes, 24 slopes, 10 lifts, a snowpark, night skiing, cross-country skiing and ski touring routes, Voss Resort offers a very comprehensive experience for a resort of its size. It is a resort well suited to short breaks, families, groups and skiers who want to try a variety of activities without getting lost in a resort that is too vast.
A family-friendly destination
With three children’s play areas, free zones for the youngest visitors, a ski school, equipment hire and accommodation close to the ski area, Voss Resort is very family-friendly. The destination also retains a village feel, which is easier to get to grips with than a large international ski resort.
A year-round resort
With its cable car open all year round, its trails, Hanguren Panorama, family-friendly activities, cycling facilities and proximity to the stunning landscapes of Fjord Norway, Voss Resort has real potential beyond the winter season.
Expert tips for making the most of Voss Resort
For a first visit, the best option is to arrive by train from Bergen and take the cable car straight up. This experience perfectly encapsulates the essence of Voss: a mountain that’s easily accessible, with no break in the flow between the village, the station and the ski area.
Families may wish to focus on the beginner areas of Grebbesbakken, Trollbakken and Badnakrokje, particularly during their first few days on the slopes. For intermediate skiers, the long family runs and red runs offer the chance to enjoy a varied day’s skiing without it being too challenging.
Experienced skiers would be well advised to keep an eye on snow conditions to make the most of the freeride areas near the lifts and the ski touring opportunities towards Lønahorgi. As always when venturing off the marked trails, safety equipment, knowledge of the terrain and guidance from a professional are recommended.
For a truly authentic Voss experience, you should plan at least one night-time skiing session. Skiing under the floodlights, then rounding off the evening at Hangurstoppen or Bavallstunet, gives you a real sense of why the resort places such a strong emphasis on this activity.
In summer, Hanguren Panorama is the easiest route for a first outing, particularly with children, pushchairs or visitors who aren’t used to hiking. The more active can round off their day with cycling, paragliding, a swim at Valbergstjørni or a trip to the fjords.
