Skiing in Norway Takes Off

22nd October 2024

Last modified on November 26th, 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.

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

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:

Skiing in Norway: PlanetSKI reports from Narvik

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.