Winter Sports in Norway

Norway is a country that is particularly known for the enthusiasm of its citizens about winter sports. Indeed, Norwegian people can’t live without having one or two winter sports as their hobbies. So, if you are pondering about traveling to Norway in winter with the purpose of undertaking winter sports activities, that’s surely a good idea! In this article, we will explore more about winter sports in Norway and the best places to go for that purpose. Besides, you may want to explore more about the best locations for skiing in Norway, and this we published in our previous article.

Most Popular Winter Sports in Norway

When it comes to the most popular winter sports in Norway, different types of skiing are doomed to occupy the first places of many rankings. Norwegians are really in love with skiing, and you shouldn’t be surprised about it when reading through this list of the most popular winter sports in Norway. So, let’s have a look at the list.

Cross-country skiing. When it comes to the question of the most popular winter sports in Norway, cross-country skiing beats anything. Cross-country skiing is an inherent part of the Norwegian culture, and even such a famous Norwegian like Fridtjof Nansen is a renowned skier, whose sculpture stands in front of the Holmenkollen Ski Museum. This article of ours contains the best locations for cross-country skiing in Norway.

 

 

 

 

Alpine/downhill skiing. And while cross-country skiing tends to be the most popular sport in Norway, alpine skiing – which is generally more popular than cross-country skiing in many countries – lags behind a bit. However, Norway can boast to have really top-notch facilities and resorts for downhill skiing. And if you are pondering about where to go for alpine skiing in Europe, Norway is, perhaps, among the best destinations for this purpose. Though, that comes at a price. Here you can have a look at the list of the best ski resorts in Norway.

Ski jumping. This is just another ski discipline on this list, and the famous Holmenkollbakken, a ski jump at Holmenkollen, a resort within Oslo, is a bright symbol of this sport in Norway. The Holmenkollen ski jump was rebuilt 19 times, and its arena is able to accommodate up to 70,000 observers. Besides, the Holmenkollen ski jump is the first and oldest ski jump in the world, as it was built back in 1892. Other popular high ski jumps in Norway include the ones at Vikersund (the highest), Lillehammer, Notodden, Rena, and Trondheim.

Biathlon. In recent years, more and more sportsmen and ordinary Norwegians tend to train for biathlon, which is popularized on Norwegian TV. There are several reasons for that. First of all, Norwegian athletes do well in this discipline. Secondly, it is a discipline that actually combines two disciplines: cross-country skiing and shooting, and the Norwegians are unlikely to be beaten in the first discipline. After all, it appears to be a TV-friendly sport, and many Norwegian families tend to watch it on TV.

Snowboarding. This is the sport that captivates the minds of young Norwegians and can compete even with skiing in terms of popularity. Yet, it is expected that this sport is going to become even more popular in the coming years. Besides, there are plenty of facilities for snowboarders, and the links, placed just above, will help you make up your mind about where to go in Norway in order to rejoice at snowboarding.

Curling. This sport is barely more popular anywhere than in Norway. Though… Canada?! The Winter Olympics tend to spark even more interest in this sport in the country.

Ice hockey. The Norwegian National Team can boast really good results in numerous championships. Besides, this discipline is popular among kids in schools. There are plenty of places with adequate facilities for this kind of sport in the country.

Other Winter Activities for Tourists

Dog sledding. One of the most popular types of winter activities in Norway, and it’s, indeed, always a good idea to rejoice at dog sledding. The most popular locations for dog sledding in Norway include Trondheim, Lofoten, Alta, and Tromsø. You can try this experience as a part of our multi-day Arctic Dreams Tour.

 

 

 

 

Snowmobiling. Aren’t you excited to be dragged on snow in a sled dragged by dogs? Well, the other way to rejoice in winter adventures in taking advantage of snowmobiling tours. First snowmobile vehicles appeared at the beginning of the 20^th century, yet this activity has gained popularity only since the 1980s.

Reindeer raids. This tends to be another great opportunity to embark on a winter adventure. Experience a journey on the genuine “vehicle” of the Sami people. Besides, you will be able to learn a few tricks, inherent to the Sami people, as well as to share an authentic Same meal.

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