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A snow-covered country road winds through a wintry landscape in Voss, Norway, with frost-coated trees on both sides and ski slopes visible on the forested mountain in the distance under a clear blue skyA snow-covered country road winds through a wintry landscape in Voss, Norway, with frost-coated trees on both sides and ski slopes visible on the forested mountain in the distance under a clear blue sky

A complete guide to Voss

Everything you need for your Voss ski holiday
22th June, 2025
5 min read time

Voss is western Norway’s ultimate winter playground, boasting diverse slopes that welcome every type of skier, from wide-eyed beginners to seasoned downhill racers. Renowned for its adventure packed activities, vibrant village life, and mouth-watering local cuisine, this bustling ski town blends stunning natural beauty with adrenaline fueled experiences. Whether you're looking to master your first turns, tackle challenging runs, or explore Norway’s spectacular fjords and pine-clad peaks, Voss promises unforgettable skiing moments alongside a lively après-ski atmosphere and authentic Norwegian hospitality.

From essential ski information to dining hotspots and après-ski venues, this guide covers everything you need to plan your perfect Voss ski holiday.

Let's get started!

Voss, Norway - overview

  1. Where is Voss?
  2. Voss the resort
  3. Voss ski area
  4. Skiing in Voss
  5. Voss ski season dates
  6. Voss snow history
  7. Restaurants in Voss
  8. Things to do in Voss
  9. Voss après-ski, and nightlife
  10. Voss piste map
  11. Voss tourist information

Where is Voss?

Voss is located in western Norway, beautifully positioned between Bergen, the Sognefjord, and the Hardangerfjord.


Nearest airport

  • Bergen Airport: 102 km (63 mi)

Transfer time

  • Bergen Airport: 1hr 33 min via E16

Voss the resort

  • Resort elevation: 54 m (177 ft)
  • Resort permanent residents: ~15,000
Voss blends traditional Norwegian charm with a buzzing local atmosphere, offering the comforts of a lived-in village rather than a purpose-built resort. Rustic, timbered buildings line the streets, which are dotted with boutique shops, cosy cafés, and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Framed by dramatic lakes and dense pine forests, the setting creates a spectacular Alpine scene. Famed as Norway’s adrenaline capital, the resort draws adventure lovers year-round, thanks to outdoor activities like rafting, paragliding, rock climbing, and even indoor skydiving. 

The resort’s social scene comes alive particularly at weekends when locals and visitors mix at vibrant après-ski spots around Bavallen. In contrast, weekdays offer a relaxed pace, ideal for families or those looking to enjoy the quiet charm of Norwegian village life.

                                                                                                           
ProsCons
Varied slopes ideal for mixed-ability groupsLimited terrain for advanced skiers
Excellent beginner-friendly areasQuiet après-ski midweek
Vibrant local atmosphere with authentic charmRelatively small ski area
Reliable snow conditions with 100% snowmakingLow altitude skiing

Here is how Voss looks like

This short video provides a glimpse of everything Voss has to offer.


(Ref: Vossresort)

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Voss ski area

  • Summit altitude: 945 m (3,100 ft)
  • Km of pistes: 45 km (28 mi)
  • Piste type: easy 25 km (16 mi), intermediate 8 km (5 mi), advanced: 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Vertical drop: 680 m (2,230 ft)
  • Snow making coverage: 100%
  • Ski lifts: 11
The ski area is compact but diverse, making navigation straightforward. Snow reliability is strong thanks to full snowmaking coverage, ensuring good conditions throughout the season. Night skiing is available twice a week under floodlights, providing an enchanting way to extend your ski day.

Skiing in Voss

Beginners

With dedicated beginner zones conveniently located, including a prominent area by the gondola's top station, Voss is ideal for learners. Gentle greens and forgiving blues stretch across the resort, creating a relaxed environment where first-timers can comfortably build confidence. Tree-lined slopes provide shelter, ensuring skiing is pleasant even in variable weather conditions.

Intermediates

Intermediates will find broad, varied runs perfectly suited to their skill level. Scenic descents from the summit down to the Bavallen base offer plenty of terrain to explore. Wide, cruisy pistes provide both room for practice and breathtaking views, while extensive floodlit skiing adds extra excitement at night.

Advanced

While advanced terrain is more limited, thrill-seekers can test their mettle on Voss’s legendary black run, the World Cup downhill piste (number 6). Additional excitement is available on steep sections like piste 19. For more challenges, skiers can explore extensive off-piste options and nearby Myrkdalen, just a short drive away, offering additional demanding terrain.

Snowboarding

Voss warmly welcomes snowboarders, with beginner-friendly areas featuring magic carpets for easy uphill transport. The popular snowpark near the 6-seater chairlift provides freestyle enthusiasts with jumps, rails, and boxes for all skill levels.

Voss ski season dates

The ski season in Voss for 2025/26 is scheduled to run from 6 December to 12 April. These dates are provided by the resort and may be subject to change depending on snow conditions and other operational factors.

Voss snow history

Voss offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 26 cm (10.2 in) and 30 cm (11.8 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.8 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall stays unchanged with 30 cm (11.8 in) but it occurs more frequently across 4.0 days each week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the fourth week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Voss, with 40 cm (15.7 in) of snow over 4.8 days. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 11 cm (4.3 in) of snow over 2.3 days.

                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December26 cm/10.2 in3.8 days
January30 cm/11.8 in4.0 days
February30 cm/11.8 in4.0 days
March21 cm/8.26 in3.8 days
April11 cm/4.33 in2.3 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Voss

Voss’s culinary scene highlights Norway’s rich traditions, local ingredients, and innovative cuisine. From casual cafés to fine dining, there’s something to satisfy every taste. Highlights include:

  • Hangurstoppen Restaurant: At the gondola summit, Hangurstoppen offers panoramic views and stylish yet straightforward dishes featuring local specialities like fjord mussels.
  • Restaurant Elysée: Located in Park Hotel, this fine-dining venue boasts one of Europe's largest wine cellars (over 45,000 bottles), accompanied by exquisite gourmet dishes.
  • Elva Restaurant: With stunning lakeside views, this gourmet spot in Hotel Elva serves elegantly presented meals ideal for memorable dining experiences.
  • Vangen Café: Serving traditional Norwegian favourites using fresh local ingredients from Selheim farm and local bakeries, Vangen Café is famed for its homemade "raspekaker" potato balls.
  • Malin Sushi: Combining Norway’s abundant seafood with Japanese tradition, Malin Sushi specialises in fresh sushi and vibrant poké bowls.
  • Ringheim Kafe og Restaurant: A local favourite since the 1950s, offering daily specials in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
  • Kringlo Bakery: Known for delicious homemade Norwegian treats like kling and fresh seasonal pastries.

Things to do in Voss

  • Paragliding
  • Indoor skydiving at Vossvind
  • White-water rafting
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Ski touring
  • Snow tubing
  • Rock climbing
  • Swimming pool
  • Bowling
  • Local museums
  • Cinema
  • Winter hiking trails
  • Renowned festivals like Vossa Jazz and Ekstremsportveko

Voss après-ski, and nightlife

Voss après-ski scene thrives, especially at weekends when locals join visitors to celebrate the day's adventures. Highlights include:

  • Hangur 818 Bar: Situated at the top of the gondola, offering spectacular views with relaxed cocktails.
  • SkiBarBula: The vibrant Bavallen area’s top après spot, famous for lively Saturday parties featuring music, dancing, and a fun-filled terrace atmosphere.
  • Haik Bar: Centrally located near the gondola station at Scandic Hotel Voss, this trendy bar features shuffleboard and scenic lake views.

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Voss piste map

Voss piste map

Download Voss piste map here

Voss tourist information

  • Tourist office address: Evangervegen 3, 5704 Voss
  • T.O tel: +47 406 177 00
  • T.O email: info@visitvoss.no
  • For visa & passport travel advice, visit here

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