Winter guide to Hafjell; everything you need to know

Welcome to Hafjell

Hafjell is located approximately 15 kilometers north of Lillehammer and is one of Norway’s most visited winter destinations. With varied alpine terrain, an extensive cross-country skiing network, and family-friendly activities, Hafjell suits families with children, couples, and groups of friends. The area offers everything from adrenaline-pumping experiences to peaceful nature, great food, and local adventures.

Winter activities in Hafjell

Hafjell Alpine Center

Hafjell Alpine Center is a full-scale ski resort with 33 slopes and 17 lifts. It offers everything from beginner-friendly runs to black slopes and terrain parks. The gondola takes you from the valley up to Mosetertoppen, where more lifts and dining options await. Lift passes can be purchased online at Hafjell.no or at ticket offices on-site. Various packages are available that combine accommodation, lift passes, and gear.

Cross-country skiing in Hafjell

Hafjell is connected to the cross-country skiing paradise of Øyerfjellet, offering over 600 kilometers of groomed trails. Here are four popular routes:
Mosetertoppen lighted trail. A 10-kilometer loop with floodlights, ideal for afternoon trips and training.
Gondola top to Pellestova. A varied route of about 15 kilometers through open mountain terrain.
Hafjelltoppen to Sjusjøen. A longer day trip of approximately 25 kilometers with scenic views and solid trails.
Øyer center to Mosetertoppen. A hilly trail of 12 kilometers taking you from the valley to the highlands.

For maps and live updates, visit lillehammer.com, Hafjell.no og skiforening.no. Mosetertoppen is a natural starting point for many tours and offers both a warm lodge and dining.

Other winter activities

In addition to alpine and cross-country skiing, Hafjell offers a wide variety of activities for all ages.

Dog sledding. Experience the magical winter landscape from a sled pulled by eager huskies. Visit Sjusjøen Husky Tours.
Snowkiting. Challenge yourself on the mountain plains with a kite and skis.
Olympic Park. Lillehammer Olympic Park offers bobsledding and activities for the whole family.
Ice skating. Ice rinks are available in Hafjell and nearby Øyer municipality.
Ski equipment rental. At Hafjell Skiutleie and at Hafjell alpine center you will find modern alpine skis, snowboards, and cross-country gear.
Sleigh rides. Enjoy the winter scenery in a horse-drawn sleigh with torches and blankets.
Snowboarding and freestyle. Hafjell Bike Park transforms into a snow park during winter.
Ice fishing. Several frozen lakes nearby offer opportunities for ice fishing and nature experiences.
Snowmobile tours. Join guided snowmobile tours in the mountains starting from Øyer and surrounding areas.

Visit Lillehammer.com for more information about the activites.

Nearby attractions

Hafjell is more than skiing. You will find great family experiences close by.

Hunderfossen Winter Park. Fairytale castles, ice sculptures, trolls, and shows make this a winter adventure for children. The park is open during selected winter periods.
Lilleputthammer. A miniature universe for kids, mostly active in summer, but some shops and activities remain open in winter.
Lekeland Hafjell. An indoor playland in Lilleputthammer with slides, climbing areas, and zones for different age groups.
Jorekstad Water Park. A facility near Lillehammer with pools, slides, jacuzzis, and a fitness center.
Spa. Several hotels and cabins in the area offer massage, saunas, and relaxation options.

Restaurants, cafes, and afterski

Hafjell and Lillehammer has a wide selection of dining options both on the slopes and in the surrounding area.

Gaiastova. A restaurant and après-ski spot on the mountain with hot lunches, dinners, and live music on weekends.
Skavlen. A modern restaurant at the top of the gondola offering panoramic views and lunch menus.
Vidsyn. A restaurant with local ingredients and fantastic views, suitable for special occasions.
Hafjell Pizza. A casual restaurant in the center with take-away and family favorites.
Lodgen Spiseri. Traditional Norwegian dishes, great cakes, and a kids’ menu.
Favn. A cafe with baked goods, coffee, and lunch packs for your ski trip.
Hafjell Hotel Restaurant: Family-friendly with a diverse menu of Norwegian and international dishes. Great for lunch or dinner with mountain views.
Pellestova Restaurant: Located at the top of Hafjell, offering simple but flavorful meals made from local ingredients.
Baker Hansen: A popular bakery and cafe known for cakes, pastries, and coffee. Ideal for a morning break or afternoon treat.
Kaffeverket: A modern cafe focused on specialty coffee and small plates. Great for a light lunch or coffee break.
Soria Moria Restaurant: Traditional Norwegian cuisine in a rustic setting just outside the town center.
Fjellheimen (Hafjell): High-quality local food in beautiful surroundings. Ideal for a memorable dinner.
Skanckebua (Lillehammer): Traditional Gudbrandsdal dishes with great views of the town.

Lillehammer Town Center

Just a short drive from Hafjell, Lillehammer is a charming town known for its historic buildings, cozy pedestrian streets, and rich cultural offerings. It is also a popular shopping destination, offering a mix of local boutiques and larger chains. Enjoy a stroll along the main street, visit cafes and eateries, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.

Hafjell and the Lillehammer region offer culture all year round.

Christmas markets in Lillehammer center and Hunderfossen provide a real pre-Christmas atmosphere with stalls, lights, and local goods.
The Birkebeinerrennet from Rena to Lillehammer in March is one of Norway’s most prestigious cross-country ski races.
Regional winter festivals and concerts are held regularly. See visitlillehammer.no for an updated event calendar.

Museums and Galleries

Lillehammer and its surroundings are home to several interesting museums and galleries:

Norwegian Road Museum: Located just outside Lillehammer, this museum showcases the history of roads and transportation in Norway. Great for car and history enthusiasts.
Lillehammer Art Museum: Featuring both modern and classical art, with a variety of exhibitions that attract both locals and tourists.
Maihaugen Open-Air Museum: One of Norway’s largest open-air museums, featuring over 200 historic buildings and a traditional village setting. Ideal for a family day out.
Bjerkebæk: The home of Nobel Prize-winning author Sigrid Undset. The property offers insight into her life and work, with a lovely garden and guided house tours.

Practical information

How to get to Hafjell

By car. From Oslo, drive north on the E6 for about 2 hours and 30 minutes to Øyer. Hafjell is located just off the E6.
By train and bus. Trains from Oslo to Lillehammer take about 2 hours. From Lillehammer, a local bus takes 20 minutes to Hafjell. Taxis are also available.

Getting around Hafjell without a car

A ski bus runs between different parts of Hafjell during peak season. Several accommodations offer their own shuttle services to the slopes. Taxis are available through Øyer Taxi.

Electric car charging

Charging stations can be found at Hafjell Hotel, Mosetertoppen, and outside Coop Extra Øyer. Hafjell Resort also provides chargers, and many of the apartments and cabins we rent out offer charging options as well.

Grocery stores in Hafjell and Øyer

There are several grocery stores within a short distance, most located in Øyer center, about a 3 to 4 minute drive from Hafjell Alpine Center and the valley station cabin areas.

Kiwi Øyer: Address. Hundervegen 1, 2636 Øyer
Coop Extra Øyer: Address. Kongsvegen 4, 2636 Øyer
Spar Øyer: Address. Kongsvegen 6, 2636 Øyer
A smaller local store next to Coop Extra, often open on Sundays during the winter season.
Hafjell Lodge Grocery (seasonal)
Some cabin areas and accommodations operate small seasonal shops with basics such as bread and snacks. Availability varies by season and booking.

Waste disposal and recycling

To help preserve Hafjell’s natural environment, proper waste handling is essential. Do not leave garbage outside cabins or on trails.

Collection points include

Øyer center recycling station. Located near Kiwi and Coop Extra, with marked bins for paper, plastic, glass and metal, cardboard, general waste, and food waste.
Address. Hundervegen 3, 2636 Øyer
Mosetertoppen and Hafjelltoppen cabin areas. These have private collection containers for guests, often accessed with a code or key. Details are provided at check-in.
Hafjell Alpine Center parking (valley station). A small recycling station is available for plastic and general waste.

Sorting guidelines in Øyer

Green bags for food waste
Separate containers for plastic
Paper and cardboard in marked bins
General waste in grey or black bags
Glass and metal in designated bins

For large quantities or special waste such as bottles, batteries, or electronics, collection facilities are available in Lillehammer.

Book your winter holiday with Cabin Living

Complete your stay in Hafjell by booking a cabin or apartment through Cabin Living. We offer a wide range of cozy and modern accommodations. See our selection at cabinliving.no

Planning a summer trip as well? Check out our summer guide to Hafjell at cabinliving.no/sommerguide-hafjell

Sources

www.hafjell.no
www.hafjellresort.no
www.visitlillehammer.no
www.skisporet.no
www.hunderfossen.no
www.lilleputthammer.no
www.jorekstad.no
www.oyer.kommune.no
www.favn.no
www.gaiastova.no
www.hafjellpizza.no