Skiing in Norway Grows & Grows
22nd October 2024
The aviation analytics firm Cirium reports a significant rise in ski holiday bookings and flights to Norway for the upcoming winter season. PlanetSKI looks at the attractions of Norway as a ski destination. NEW
The aviation data speaks for itself and highlights Norway’s growing appeal as a destination for British skiers, with an impressive 64% year on year rise in December 2024 bookings.
Demand is being met with nine new flight routes from the UK:
- 30th October – Norwegian: Manchester to Tromsø
- 2nd November – Norwegian: London Gatwick to Harstad/Narvik
- 2nd November – Scandinavian Airlines: London Heathrow to Tromsø
- 11th November – easyJet: London Gatwick to Tromsø
- 15th November – easyJet: Manchester to Oslo
- 19th November – easyJet: Manchester to Tromsø
- 1st December – British Airways: London Heathrow to Tromsø
- 5th December – easyJet: Bristol to Tromsø
- 15th December – TUI Airways: Manchester to Oslo
Crystal charter to Oslo. Image © PlanetSKI
- Crystal Ski adds new Manchester charter flight to Norway
- Crystal Ski starts new charter flight to Oslo
To meet this growing demand the UK operator Ski Solutions has expanded its offering in the Scandinavian country by adding the resorts of Gausta and Narvik to its portfolio this coming winter.
Narvik, located within the Arctic Circle, provides skiers with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness the Northern Lights while enjoying the slopes.
The recent launch of a direct flight from London to Harstad-Narvik airport has made this remote yet magical destination more accessible for skiers.
PlanetSKI visited Narvik a couple of years ago and we were bowled over:
Narvik, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI
Narvik, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI
Narvik, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI
New for this winter is a “Roarsome Sled Week” at Beitostoeln 19th – 22nd February 2025.
It’s aimed at families with young kids and on offer is toboganning, snow rafting, air boarding, husky sleds and skiing.
See here for more: Roarsome Sled Week
Image © PlanetSKI
Ski Season Data: Norway’s Growing Popularity Among UK Travellers
- Norway is rapidly emerging as a top destination for British skiers this winter, according to Ski Solutions. As of 17 October 2024, Ski Solutions has seen December 2024 bookings to Norway grow by 64% year-on-year, reflecting a strong appetite for the Norwegian slopes among UK travellers.
- Pax numbers for December 2024 are up by 109% compared to last year, with Ski Solutions noting that more families and groups are choosing Norway for their winter holidays, drawn by its blend of adventure and unique Nordic experiences.
- Cirium data shows that the number of direct flights from the UK to Norway in December 2024 is set to reach 872, providing over 143,000 available seats—a 14% increase compared to December 2023, reflecting growing demand from British travellers.
- Leading the way is Geilo that has seen a 126% increase in December pax numbers year-on-year. Geilo offers a mix of thrilling activities and stunning winter landscapes, as well as untouched slopes.
- Norway’s momentum as a winter sports destination extends beyond the festive season. For the entire 2024/25 season, Ski Solutions reports that bookings are tracking 57% up year-on-year, with pax numbers rising by 83% compared to the previous winter season.
- Interest in Norway’s northern regions is particularly strong. Cirium notes that flights to Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic Circle and a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights, are projected to increase by 296% in December 2024 compared to last year, as more Brits seek out new Nordic destinations with guaranteed snow.
Norefjell, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI
“Norway’s rise as a must visit winter destination for British travellers is fantastic to see,” said the Managing Director of Ski Solutions, Ian McIlrath.
“The combination of well preserved natural beauty and world-class skiing has created an unparalleled offering for those looking to book a ski holiday outside of the usual go to destinations .
“With an increase in direct flights and a growing appetite for adventure, we’re seeing an increase in travellers embracing Norway as a top choice for the upcoming ski season.
“The significant year-on-year increase in bookings to resorts like Geilo and Trysil highlights just how much UK skiers are drawn to Norway’s charm and versatility”.
See here for more from Norway-Home of Skiing.
It recently had a stand at the London Snow Show and if queues of people lining up to find out more about Norway is anything to go by then skiing in Norway will continue to grow.
Norway at the London Snow Show. Image © PlanetSKI
The CEO of Norway – Home of Skiing is Trevor de Villiers who is more than ably assisted by Geir Bottolfs.
These two guys have done so much to bring skiing in Norway to the British market and PlanetSKI is honoured to consider them our friends.
Trevor and Geir at the London Snow Show. Image © PlanetSKI
The organisation offers seven resorts in Norway:
It deals with several UK operators: Crystal Ski Holidays, Ski Safari, Heidi, Flexiski, British Airways, Inntravel and Ski Solutions.
The Norway stand at the various UK ski shows is usually the one where the most fun happens too.
Trevor invited a random friend of his from Glenshee in Scotland to entertain the crowds.
As Trevor does:
We’re planning to visit Gausta in the send half of the season as the snow is excellent in Norway in March and into April.
Watch this space….
Gausta. Image c/o Norway-Home of Skiing.
Gausta. Image c/o Norway – Home of Skiing
Related Articles & Past PlanetSKI Visits:
- Norwegian resorts and Andorra strike joint lift pass deal
- Norwegian ski rail trip
- 48-hours in Norefjell in Norway
- PlanetSKI hits the powder of Norway
- Fancy skiing in Voss?
