Hafjell, located just 15 km from Lillehammer and from Kvitfjell (created particularly for the 1994 Winter Olympics), currently is one of the most modern Scandinavian winter resorts. Both places - Hafjell and Kvitfjell - usually are advertised together, although - being about 35 km apart - and, indeed, there is no big difference between them. Variety of slopes in not big and at the highest points of Hafjell they are very gentle and low pitched. Also the lowest places do not present much challenge for experts, however, being an excellent choice for non-professional enthusiasts. Hafjell features also quite big and impressive snowboard park. Kvitfjell trademark, in its turn, is the site of the men's downhill race for the 1994 Olympics, presenting pretty complicated sections, too. The snow-laden Scandinavian fir-trees are just part of the wonderful ambience there and a standard hotel is not the best choice to enjoy it. Norway's hotel traditions are not so strong - it may happen that an expensive hotel lacks the expected comfort. However, a rented apartment, situated close to pistes, or so called hyte - log cabin style houses, are certainly a better choice. Every Norwegian, as it seems, has a very own hyte - in the mountains, near a lake or another picturesque place. So - there is nothing else but to find a group of friends and to rent a cabin or an apartment together. Either located on top of a mountain or on a gentle slope, a cabin provides a comfortable lodging for about 20 people. Just take off your skis, step in and you are at home! Several rooms, a kitchen and a sauna are at your disposal. The ambience at Hafjell and Kvitfjell slopes are just fantastic. An unbelievable, almost cosmic silence wraps you, while village lights spread somewhere deep bellow and bright stars twinkle above. Fry fresh fish, bought at a small local shop, for dinner and treat yourself to pancakes with blackberry jam for a dessert - delicious!
USEFUL INFORMATION
- The best time for enjoying Hafjell and Kvitfjell slopes is March, shortly before Easter, while December and January are freezing cold with just a modest amount of sunshine.