In the country that invented cross-country skiing, conditions can only be described as excellent. Everywhere was under at least 60cm of snow and the cross-country tracks are re-cut every morning. We could ski right from the hotel by skiing across the car park and along the pavements. This didn't seem to be prohibited and there is no grit to ruin your skis. There are low-level tracks along the river banks and around and across the lake, and more extensive trails connecting a network of mountain huts up on the plateau. You can take the chairlift if you don't fancy the 300m of ascent! There is also a floodlit track for night skiing which is lit every night until 8pm. The trails around the lake aren't all dead flat and boring, to the east they climb into the forest and have several short steep sections - great fun coming down, but hard work going up!
Excellent for beginners, with English-speaking instructors, lots of Green and Blue runs and very good hire equipment. There is a 2km-long Green run on the Vestlia slopes. There is often lovely powder snow in the mornings which at least makes for a softer landing when you fall. There is a floodlit run for night skiing which is lit twice a week until 8pm. There seem to be plenty of Red runs for intermediate skiers and a few off-piste black runs right below the chairlifts for show-off experts (like off-duty ski instructors!). Overall the resort is probably limited for expert skiers, but then if you think you're an expert you could always try...
This is the way the Norwegians ski downhill, with free-heel bindings. It looks really cool when you can do it well, and involves eating a lot of snow whilst learning to do it! I joined a small group for a one-hour introductory lesson and hire of the equipment for the rest of the afternoon. It sounds easy enough in theory, and looks very easy and elegent when demonstrated by the instructor, but our group's flailing limbs, crossed skis and assorted wipe-outs must have looked hilarious to anyone brave enough to venture onto the slopes while we were around. At the end of the afternoon I was exhausted, but did manage to ski a green run without falling over and with a half-reasonable style.
Crystal Holidays arranged two snowmobile events, the first was an introductory session around a 1km course. Basic tuition, first lap behind the instructor then ten minutes to do as many laps as you can! Judging by the smiling faces at the end this was an exhillarating ride. The second event was a half-day tour in the mountains around Gol (about 50km away). It cost Kr800 (about £65) but Steve said it was well worth it.
A 5km trip across a frozen lake in a sled pulled by a team of 6 or 8 Siberian Huskys. The noise of four teams of dogs waiting to be let loose is something to experience. I had the dubious pleasure of "driving" which involves standing on the back of the sled, holding on tight, and controlling the speed when necessary by using a footbrake. With the air temperature around -17C and the windchill effect of being pulled along quite quickly, it was extremely cold standing on the back of the sled. Apparantly it wasn't much warmer sitting in it either! It was great fun, and the hot fruit punch around the fire in a traditional Lapp tipi was a most welcome way to defrost after the experience.
We didn't get brave enough to try snowboarding, but it is certainly catered for, with two half-pipes and other assorted ramps etc. Instruction and hire equipment are available as you would expect from any self-respecting ski resort.
More good stuff coming soon!
For more information about Geilo, Norway and/or cross-country skiing, try some of these sites:
The Official
Geilo website - this is full of useful stuff (summer and
winter info) and some nice pictures.
The
Geilo webcam - "Live" pictures of the ski areas -
check conditions from the comfort of your PC!
The GoSki.com Geilo
page - Skiing, accomodation, recommendations from those that
have been there.
The Highland Hotel website -
where we stayed, excellent! Unfortunately their English-language
website is now a "Flash Experience" so it takes ages to
download loads of fancy pictures with little information content.
The HTML version appears to be only available in Norwegian!
XC Ski world website -
loads of information about cross-country skiing, in case you're
curious.
Dagali
Airport website - yes even the world's smallest airport has
its place in cyberspace!
Last updated: 4 January 2002
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