Winter sports thread 24/25
- Thread starter VRDoctor
- Start date
We've just booked snowboarding in Geilo, Norway for over xmas.
Havsdalsgrenda Self catering apartments with pool onsite - really looking forward to it after doing Lindvallen, Sweden in 2022 and Ruka, Finland in 2019. Love the nordic countries for winter sports - I've been to Norway snowboarding before but this is the first time we're going as a family (me, wife, 17yr old son, 16 yr old son and 14 yr old dughter). Possibly our last holiday all together for a while as eldest is joining the Marines in June.
Havsdalsgrenda Self catering apartments with pool onsite - really looking forward to it after doing Lindvallen, Sweden in 2022 and Ruka, Finland in 2019. Love the nordic countries for winter sports - I've been to Norway snowboarding before but this is the first time we're going as a family (me, wife, 17yr old son, 16 yr old son and 14 yr old dughter). Possibly our last holiday all together for a while as eldest is joining the Marines in June.
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I've gone with Crystal Ski for Norway (and did with Ruka as well). I went with Ski Safari for Lindvallen.
I don't book ski rental / passes with Crystal Ski as they are a rip off for that - I just book direct with the resort.
Just check Obergurgl resort for snow surety during christmas - it's not uncommon for southern European resorts to be barren of snow at xmas which is why we go to the Nordic countries (and tbh I don't vibe with SE resorts anyway).
I don't book ski rental / passes with Crystal Ski as they are a rip off for that - I just book direct with the resort.
Just check Obergurgl resort for snow surety during christmas - it's not uncommon for southern European resorts to be barren of snow at xmas which is why we go to the Nordic countries (and tbh I don't vibe with SE resorts anyway).
With extra leg room seats and snowboard carriage it was 2800 for the five of us - so 560pp - that's grand less than we did Ruka for in 2019.
Big discounts at Crystal Ski atm - https://www.crystalski.co.uk/ski-holidays/bookaccommodation?productCode=971020&tab=overview&noOfAdults=2&noOfChildren=3&childrenAge=17,16,14&duration=7&flexibleDays=1&airports[]=MAN&flexibility=true&noOfSeniors=0&when=22-12-2024&pkg=4427859035/3/356/7&tra_o=5486656160/6005780&tra_i=5486656238/6005781&units[]=NOR:COUNTRY&packageId=971020NOFG001517348256000001734825600000TOM278817354304000001735430400000TOM27893BA014427859035/3/356/7&index=3&multiSelect=true&brandType=C&bb=SC&room=&isVilla=false&searchType=SKI&durationCode=7115&rmpc=1|2|0|3|0|17,16,14&rmtp=3BA01&rmbb=SC&fc=n&greatDealDiscount=0&bb=SC&price=pp
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Yes - all the places I've been (Ruka, Finland - Lindvallen, Sweden) have excellent restaurants and it looks like Geilo has a good selection too. We always book a restaurant for Christmas day.
Can't really comment on bars as I don't drink but Scandic countries are notoriously expensive for alcohol (although a friend we were with stated it didn't seem much more expensive than then the Alps) but these countries have generally a quieter after ski scene - unless you go to Trysil, Norway in the college/uni Easter break! Trysil is next on our list - hopefully xmas 2026.
Can't really comment on bars as I don't drink but Scandic countries are notoriously expensive for alcohol (although a friend we were with stated it didn't seem much more expensive than then the Alps) but these countries have generally a quieter after ski scene - unless you go to Trysil, Norway in the college/uni Easter break! Trysil is next on our list - hopefully xmas 2026.
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Heading to Geilo in February half term! Haven’t been since my 13th birthday and will be celebrating my 40th there
Can’t wait!! Staying half board at Vestlia resort so hopefully will be well looked after! Looking forward to the train from Bergen to Geilo!
I had always associated Norway with super expensive ski holidays when compared to the French Alps, but France has become really extortionate it seems. Have also experienced the ropier end of the accommodation in various French resorts and would rush to take the family to those. Norway is surprisingly good value which suits us!
We're booked into the Vestlia restaurant for xmas dinner
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If you want a guaranteed 'snow on the ground at xmas' resort, it has to be Norway, Sweden or Finland but the nightlife might nor be what you are looking for - Are, Sweden would be the closest though.
Non Scandi resorts are a coin flip for snow at xmas.
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Oh yeah, they'll be enough to ski/board, just unlikely to be any snow in the actual town if they're wanting the picture postcard xmas photos. Less of an issue if they are a single out for a party I grant you
Geilo was amazing. Bit warm on Xmas day (7c) but rode like fresh spring snow - Thursday morn was icy so headed to the pool instead but softened up in the afternoon. Zero wind all week.
Our apartment on the left
View from apartment
Top of the button lift from appartment
Looking back across the valley from the Vestlia side (free ski bus every 15 mins) - our apartment is off to the right just over the hill.
Just booked Ski STar Lodge in Lindvallen, Sweden for Feb half term '26!