Fantastic winter conditions
HAFJELL/KVITFJELL, Rarely have the two ski destinations, Hafjell and Kvitfjell, had more magical winter conditions. This leads to record-breaking visits!
The winter holiday weeks are well underway in both mountains, and tourists are flocking from most neighboring countries. Danish, Swedish, and German guests are filling up chairlifts and ski rentals, enjoying good meals at dining establishments, and delighting in the snow-filled winter in Innlandet. With so many guests knocking on the doors of the ski destinations, it is particularly gratifying to be able to offer them the best that Norway has to offer - in February.
- We can't help but smile from ear to ear. Being able to give guests such value for their money, with truly authentic winter conditions, is absolutely fantastic. Not only is there a continuous dump of new snow, but we also have long periods of sunshine, blue skies, and dance floors!
Increasing in both mountains
That's what the communications manager at Alpinco, Veslemøy Eineteig Wedum, says. The week that has just passed, week 7, is traditionally full of winter holiday guests from Denmark and Sweden. This year, even more than before.
- We have an increase in guests in both mountains. 12% up in Hafjell and 14% in Kvitfjell compared to last year. The main reason is probably that most people around us, in Scandinavia and Europe, look to us to experience the ultimate winter, and that is understandable," she says.
During the weekend, Kvitfjell also hosted the first of a total of two World Cup events they will host this winter: first up were the men in February and then the women in March. Here, too, the elite got to experience proper winter conditions, and the TV images coming from the mountain were a delight to the eye.
"Saturday's race was held in magical winter landscapes. It was touching," says Wedum.
It is not a new phenomenon that foreign tourists fill up the mountains during the weeks Norwegians are not skiing, but the increase is so significant that it brings joy to many.
"We see that all our external operators in the mountains are also increasing. The ski school has been fully booked and could not accept more students, while the ski rental had to close online bookings due to high demand," she says.
Real Winter
Restaurants around the mountain report the same. Generally, the mountain is crowded, even in the cross-country ski tracks, and tourists seem to choose Norway because of the winter.
"The snow is everywhere here. It's so beautiful," says Julie Vadsholt Torstensen, who is visiting Hafjell with her Danish boarding school.
"You are so close to the snow and nature. I have always dreamed of experiencing winter and skiing, so this is a great experience," she says.
Easter is approaching, and for both mountains, these are usually weeks with heavy traffic. However, this year Easter is extra special.
"This year we are incredibly lucky with the calendar. Easter comes early, already at the end of March, so that means fantastic skiing conditions and no slush. Everything is set for a phenomenal Easter on proper fantastic conditions," says Wedum.
Something for Everyone
Both mountains have major events on the agenda, including concerts for everyone, as well as races for the whole family, children's activities, and fun with mascots.
"We typically have many families visiting throughout the season, but also during Easter. Then the most important thing for us is to offer low-threshold fun that everyone remembers and can enjoy," she says.
