Voss or Myrkdalen? Choosing the Right Norway Ski Resort for Your School Group

When it comes to planning a school ski trip, Norway offers something a little different.

While many groups automatically look towards the Alps, Norway can provide a more relaxed, authentic skiing experience, with spectacular scenery, welcoming resorts, and excellent facilities for school groups. Smaller than many European ski destinations, Norway's resorts – which include Voss and Myrkdalen – also feel less crowded and more personal, making them an increasingly popular choice for teachers looking for a smooth and enjoyable trip. But when it comes to making a final decision, it can be difficult to determine which resort is the best fit for your group's needs, budget, and skiing ability.

To help you decide which Norwegian resort might be the best fit for your group, our Norway contractor Clare shares her insights on what makes Norway such a rewarding destination for school ski trips and explains the key differences between our two resorts in Western Norway.

Why choose Norway for a school ski trip?

"I've worked with some of the biggest names in ski resorts for many years," Clare explains. "What I love about Norway is that everything is that bit smaller and resorts feel more personal and less frantic."

She goes on: "Western Norway comes with the added bonus of flying into scenic Bergen & having one of the most scenic transfers anywhere to resorts, passing numerous lakes & fjords on route to resort."

Once you've decided Norway is the destination for you, the next question is simple: Voss or Myrkdalen?

Both offer excellent skiing, but each has its own distinctive benefits that suit different groups.

Voss: Brilliantly beginner and budget-friendly

For first-time ski groups seeking a destination that's easy on the budget, Voss may be the choice for you. The resort's convenient setup makes up one of its standout features, providing a smooth start and finish to each ski day.

Unlike many resorts where students spend considerable time walking in ski boots, ski fitting and equipment storage take place at the top gondola station, meaning groups can travel to and from the top of Mount Hanguren in normal footwear – and there's none of that lugging heavy equipment around!

From here, the beginner area is exceptionally accessible located just metres away, its position at the top of the mountain also allowing skiers to enjoy spectacular scenery as they learn.

Back in the resort, depending on the snow line during the early and late parts of the season, the town itself may be snow-free – making getting around easy during après-ski activities. There's no need to fret about this impacting ski time though, as this far from the case at the top of the mountain where conditions are consistently excellent.

Voss is ideal for groups looking for:

• A lively town atmosphere with shops, cafés, and facilities all within walking distance.

• More budget-friendly accommodation options, as well as the option to keep costs down by including packed lunches (which can be eaten in dedicated indoor areas specially for schools).

• A beginner area situated high on the mountain, so you get that 'top of the mountain' feel and impressive views from day one.

Did you know?

Voss is widely recognised as having one of the highest numbers of Olympic medals per capita anywhere in the world. Despite a population of only around 15,000 people, the town has produced approximately 100 Olympians across both Winter and Summer Games.

Our favourite slope

One standout run is the tree-lined family slope (Slope 8). This is often the first piste students progress to after mastering the nursery area, and offers stunning panoramic views across the lake below, providing an unforgettable introduction to mountain skiing.

Myrkdalen: Ski-in, ski-out simplicity

Known for receiving some of the most reliable snowfall in Norway, Myrkdalen is a purpose-built mountain resort centred around excellent slopes and modern accommodation. The compact layout makes it particularly appealing for school groups, as everything is close at hand.

The resort's high-quality ski-in, ski-out accommodation allows students to step directly onto the slopes each morning, minimising travel time and maximising time on the snow.

Here, beginners can start on the nursery slopes close to the hotel before gradually progressing higher up the mountain as their confidence grows throughout the week.

While quieter than Voss, Myrkdalen still offers plenty of opportunities for evening entertainment. The nearby Kamben venue is particularly popular with groups, offering activities such as duckpin bowling and shuffleboard for a relaxed social evening after skiing.

Myrkdalen is ideal for groups looking for:

• Top quality ski-in, ski-out accommodation.

• A resort that is relatively quiet with easy supervision thanks to a more contained layout, but with après-ski activities nearby to provide a great choice for games nights
• Convenient progression from beginner slopes to higher mountain terrain.

Did you know?

The name Myrkdalen translates roughly as "Dark Valley" or "Lost Valley of the Snow". School groups will be happy to know this has nothing to do with the weather! The name reflects the area's reputation for heavy snowfall, which helps make it one of Norway's most reliable ski destinations.

Which resort should you choose?

When choosing between Voss and Myrkdalen, the good news is that, ultimately, there isn't a wrong answer.

Both resorts deliver excellent skiing, spectacular scenery, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes Norway such a rewarding destination for school groups.

If your students would enjoy being based in a traditional Norwegian town with plenty to explore beyond the slopes, Voss is likely the stronger choice. If you're looking for convenience, high-quality accommodation, and a quieter mountain setting focused almost entirely on skiing, Myrkdalen may be the better fit.

Whichever resort you choose, a school ski trip to Norway offers students the opportunity to develop confidence, independence, and resilience while experiencing some of Europe's most breathtaking winter landscapes.

Interested in booking a school ski trip to Norway for the next ski season? Our team is always available for a chat and happy to help – please feel free to reach out to your local account manager, or call our friendly team direct on 01273 648248 or filling out our webform, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.