Hafjell - a family paradise

Hafjell Alpine Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in Norway, offering both family friendly skiing as well as something for those seeking a little more action. Located just 15 minutes north of Lillehammer, Hafjell is one of Norway’s most accessible ski destinations. 
In the Summer/fall of 1988 the alpine center was built underpin the seriousness of Lillehammer’s bid to host the 17th Winter Olympic Games.  On the 15th September 1988 this endeavor paid off as news came in that the bid had been successful. The 1994 winter Olympics would be hosted by Lillehammer!  Building on this achievement, Hafjell has grown to become Norway’s third largest ski resort. 
Hafjell has long been associated with alpine skiing. In 1939 the International Student Downhill Skiing Championships took place in the resort.  The course had its start at what is today’s peak area and finished at the current base station.  In 1958 the Norwegian national championships took place on the same course.  

Snow Guarantee!

Hafjell enjoys early and continued snowfalls throughout the winter months, something that attracts enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders alike.  In addition, there are 200 snow cannons which produce a staggering 6 truck-loads of snow every minute! This combination of fresh and manmade snow allows us to create a solid base, which in-turn leads to pristine slopes every day!

Easy to get to.

Hafjell is located just off the E6 (the main road from Oslo to Trondheim), approximately 2 hours’ drive north of Oslo and 15 minutes-drive north of Lillehammer.  Trains run frequently between Oslo central station / Oslo airport to Lillehammer with a corresponding bus to take you the rest of the way to Hafjell (approx 15 min) 

Whichever way you decide to travel to Hafjell you will be amazed at how easy it is to get to. 

Hafjell for families

Hafjell has a total of 4 family areas: one at the bottom of the facility, two at the top of the gondola next to Favn and KIDS Gaia at the top of the mountain, next to Gaiastova.  All these areas offer a variety of ski based games and other activities for children of all ages. Also during summer season, when the Bike Park is open, there is a pumptrack, playing park and more for the kids at Favn.

Situated at the bottom of the slopes, right next to the ski school building, our first family area offers wide open slopes which aren’t too steep and a variety of lifts to try. Perfect for beginners! 

The two other family areas can be found at Favn at the top of the gondola. Here there are two magic carpets, elements for kids as well as an Audi Ski Run slope! Fun for the whole family!

Kids Gaia is the fourth of our family areas and can be found at right by the Lift at Gaiastova (at the top of the mountain), just a short walk from the car park and the restaurant, and best of all, the lift is free!      

Also you will find a number of great trails on the woods for children. The most populare, Isas Cabin Slope, is just of slope number 1 (green) and is very well signed - easy to find and enjoy!  

The Gondola

The gondola whisks you quickly and comfortably up to Favn and the gondola top and to two of our family areas. Here you will also find the Kids ‘’Frontyard’’ terrain park consisting of some small jumps and slalom gates designed for the smallest members of the family. There is also a small cabin for everyone to use, the perfect place to eat your packed lunch and take a break from the cold.
Getting back to the top of the slope is easy, with the Magic Carpet lift you simply step on and off…simple!!

For those wanting more of a challenge, take the button lift up from Favn to the top of the beginner slope which winds its way gracefully through the forest back to the top of the gondola. 

At Favn you will also find the Audi Ski Run: a slalom slope with real start gates and a timer. Here you get the chance to be a real star! Challenge your family and friends to a race and share the video direct on Facebook!
 
Looking for something good to eat? At the top of the gondola you will find the culinary heart of Hafjell, restaurant Skavlen as well as the restaurant at the first floor of our apartment hotel, Favn. Here you can sample mouthwatering lamb shanks, delicious Italian pizzas and of course the best cinnamon buns in Hafjell. Skavlen is, however, just one of the many fine restaurants dotted around resort, so you won’t be spoilt for choice! 

Terrain Parks for everyone!

Here in Hafjell, we have terrain parks to suit all abilities and ages.  The smallest skiers and snowboarders can try their hand at jumping on the small jumps in ‘’Front-yard’’ for kids, and for those a little older who want to try something a little more challenging, ‘’Backyard’’ park is just across the way! Here you will find rails, boxes corners and medium sized jumps. Interested in rails and boxes?  Try the rail garden on the way into ‘’Main-Park.’’  Finally, with its huge jumps and fun features, ‘’Main-Park’’ is the perfect playground for those experienced riders who really want to put their skills to the test.

‘’Main Park’’ in Hafjell is reputed to be the best in Norway and one of the top 10 best terrain parks in the world.  Some of the best upcoming ski and snowboard stars train in Hafjell because of its reputation and many big-name competitions, the X Games to name just one, have been held here

With night skiing in Hafjell becoming more popular, we have now set up floodlights in the ‘’back-yard’’ park, so you can now ride the park even when it’s dark.

Unforgettable Hafjell

With its combination of: fantastic skiing for both beginners and experts alike, varied terrain, top class amenities, location, accessibility and unbeatable views, it is no wonder Hafjell has become one of Scandinavia’s top ski destinations.  In spite of this you will rarely find yourself sharing the slopes with hundreds of other skiers, and queues at the lift stations are a rare occurrence. 

WELCOME TO OUR WINTER PARADISE!