Hemsedal

Buskerud, Norway

Overall rating

8.3

Hemsedal is Norway’s most alpine-style resort with strong vertical, varied terrain and reliable snow, appealing to intermediates, advanced skiers and freeriders.

Quick Resort Stats

Altitude

620m

Piste km

53km

6 Day Ski Pass

NOK 4600

Snow Reliability

9/10

Affordability

4/10

Après

8/10

Other Activities

8/10

Resort Amenities

8/10

Overview

Hemsedal is a leading ski resort in Buskerud, Norway, often referred to as the Scandinavian Alps. The ski area offers around 53km of pistes with modern lifts and good vertical for the region. Terrain is well balanced, with strong beginner areas, varied intermediate runs and some of the best advanced terrain in Scandinavia.

Snow reliability is excellent due to consistently cold temperatures. The resort layout is practical, with ski-in ski-out accommodation and a central base area. Hemsedal is particularly known for its steeper terrain, freeride potential and more alpine feel compared with other Nordic resorts.

Key Information

Cold Norwegian winters ensure very reliable snow conditions throughout the season.

Affordability Rating — 4/10

Norway is relatively expensive, with higher costs for accommodation, food and lift passes.

Après Ski Rating — 8/10

Stavkroa is the best-known après venue, while Skistua and Hemsedal Café offer a lively scene.

Other Activities Rating — 8/10

Snowmobiling, dog sledding, winter hiking and family activities provide good variety.

Resort Amenities Rating — 8/10

Hemsedal has modern lifts, good accommodation and strong ski services across the resort.

Average Age Rating — 31

The resort attracts a mix of families, groups and stronger skiers, creating a balanced demographic.

Off-Piste Rating — 8/10

Hemsedal offers some of the best freeride terrain in Scandinavia, with accessible off-piste lines and touring potential.

Ski Pass Pricing

6-day Hemsedal ski pass: NOK 4600
1-day adult pass: NOK 850
Child, youth and senior discounts available |
Covers 53 km of pistes

Prices are indicative and based on the latest available data at the time of review. Please check the official resort website for current pricing.

Peak Periods & Best Time to Visit

Hemsedal is busiest in February during Nordic school holidays when family demand increases. The resort’s layout helps manage crowds, though base lifts can get busy. January and March offer quieter conditions with excellent snow.

Busiest period: February

Best time to go: January to March.

Slopes

Slope Breakdown

20km Blue

20km Red

13km Black

Terrain is well balanced with strong advanced options for the region.

Nightlife

Hemsedal nightlife includes Stavkroa as the main late venue, plus Skistua and Hemsedal Café as two notable bars. The overall atmosphere is lively and stronger than most Scandinavian resorts.

Bars & Restaurants

Hemsedal has approximately 25+ restaurants ranging from traditional alpine dining to modern international cuisine.

Notable spots include:

Skigaarden – well-known for modern Scandinavian cuisine and panoramic views.

Hemsedal Café – popular for casual dining and a lively atmosphere.

Lodgen Spiseri – stylish restaurant offering varied dishes and terrace dining.

The food scene is strong for its size, with a mix of casual and higher-end options.

FAQ

Where is Hemsedal and what ski area is it part of?

Hemsedal is in Buskerud, Norway. ResortRival lists it as part of Hemsedal Ski Resort, with around 53 km of pistes available in the relevant ski area.

What type of skier is Hemsedal best for?

Hemsedal works best for skiers comparing piste size, altitude and resort facilities before booking. Its strongest fit is intermediates and beginners.

Is Hemsedal good for beginners?

Hemsedal has a beginner rating of 8/10, making it a strong beginner option in ResortRival’s data. This should be read alongside piste layout, ski school access and progression terrain.

How snow-sure is Hemsedal?

Hemsedal sits at about 620m and has a snow reliability rating of 9/10. Cold Norwegian winters ensure very reliable snow conditions throughout the season.

How expensive is Hemsedal for lift passes?

ResortRival lists a 6-day adult ski pass for Hemsedal as NOK 4600, with affordability rated 4/10. Norway is relatively expensive, with higher costs for accommodation, food and lift passes.

What is the après-ski like in Hemsedal?

Hemsedal has an après-ski rating of 8/10. Après Ski Rating — 8/10 | Stavkroa is the best-known après venue, while Skistua and Hemsedal Café offer a lively scene.

Is Hemsedal good for non-skiers or mixed groups?

Hemsedal has an other-activities rating of 8/10 and resort amenities rating of 8/10. Snowmobiling, dog sledding, winter hiking and family activities provide good variety.

How big is the ski area around Hemsedal?

ResortRival lists Hemsedal with access to about 53 km of piste in Hemsedal Ski Resort. Slopes => Slope Breakdown – 20km blue | 20km red | 13km black | Terrain is well balanced with strong advanced options for the region.

Is Hemsedal a good choice for snow reliability?

Yes, it is one of the stronger snow-reliability options in the sheet, rated 9/10. The listed altitude is around 620m, and the snow score reflects the resort’s seasonal consistency factors.