Short answer
Hafjell has around 50 kilometres of slopes between 195 and 1,059 metres above sea level – almost 900 metres of vertical – and three out of four kilometres are easy. There are three free family areas (Knerten in the valley, Isas Favn by the gondola and Gaia at the top), a ski school, three terrain parks and a ski cross course. Children up to six ski free with a helmet, and a day pass costs 699 Norwegian kroner for adults and 569 for juniors.
Hafjell's slopes at a glance
| Area | Where | For whom | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knerten | The valley by the main entrance | The very youngest and beginners | Two button lifts, slalom theme, ski school meeting point |
| Isas Favn | Gondoltoppen | Children who ski on their own | Warming hut, barbecue, the mascot Isa |
| Gaia | The top by Gaiastova | Children who ski the whole mountain | Figure slope, mini ski cross, two electric barbecues |
| Frontyard for Kids | The park | Children who want to jump | Small jumps for beginners in the park |
| Long runs | From the top to the valley | Families and experienced skiers | Almost 900 metres of vertical in one run |
The family areas are free all season.
Hafjell is one of the best places in Norway to learn to ski – and one of the few where the adults also get long runs. The slopes go from the valley at 195 metres all the way up to 1,059 metres, almost 900 metres of vertical, and three out of four kilometres of slope are easy. There are three family areas that are free all season, a ski school and terrain parks in several sizes.
This guide is about the slopes themselves. General information about the resort, accommodation and the journey is in Hafjell, and we cover the cross-country tracks in cross-country skiing in Hafjell.
The slopes and the vertical
| Difficulty | Kilometres | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Easy (blue) | 38 km | 76 % |
| Intermediate (red) | 8 km | 16 % |
| Difficult (black) | 4 km | 8 % |
Hafjell has about 50 kilometres of slopes and 18 lifts. What makes the resort special is the difference in height: from the valley by the E6 to the top it is almost 900 metres, and the long runs mean that even a blue slope feels like a real ride. During the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, the slalom and giant slalom were held here.
The lower part of the mountain is low, and there it is often milder and wetter than at the top. The snow cannons cover a lot, but at the very bottom the snow can get heavy in spring. Ski high up when it is warm and lower down when it is windy at the top.
The three family areas
All three family areas are free all season:
- Knerten is in the centre of the valley. Here you will find Familiebakken, two button lifts and a slalom theme where the children can ski between gates and practise turns. It is also the ski school's meeting point.
- Isas Favn is at Gondoltoppen, where the gondola arrives. Here there is a warming hut where you can buy hot drinks and grill your own food, and the mascot Isa often appears.
- Gaia is at the top next to Gaiastova, with a figure slope, a mini ski cross and a large open area. At Gaiastova there are two electric barbecues.
Tips: Bring sausages and bread. Grilling lunch at Favn or Gaia is both cheaper and more fun than the restaurant – and the children get a break in the warmth.
Ski school and the first day
The ski school meets at Knerten, and there are activities with the ski school and the mascot Isa at Gondoltoppen throughout the season. This is what a first day can look like for a family with small children:
- Morning at Knerten: the button lift and the slalom gates – or ski school for anyone starting from scratch.
- Lunch: the gondola up to Isas Favn, grill and warm up in the hut.
- Afternoon: the easy slopes around Favn – and for the brave, a trip up to Gaia at the top.
More tips on planning a first ski week with children are in first ski trip with kids.
Terrain parks and ski cross
Hafjell has three terrain parks in different sizes: Frontyard for Kids with small jumps for beginners, Backyard with medium-sized jumps, boxes and rails, and Mainpark for experienced riders. There is also a ski cross course and forest trails between the trees. Children who want to try jumping should start in Frontyard – and wear a helmet.
Lift passes and the Fjellpass
| Day pass | Price |
|---|---|
| Children 0–6 years | Free with a helmet and key card |
| Junior 7–17 years | 569 kroner |
| Adult 18–64 years | 699 kr |
| Senior 65+ | 589 kroner |
A week pass costs 3,299 kroner for adults and 2,679 for juniors. With the Fjellpass you can also ski in Kvitfjell, 40 minutes to the north, and in Oppdal, which are owned by the same company. Passes bought online in advance are often cheaper than at the ticket office. The 2026/27 season is planned from early December to mid-April.
Hafjell or the neighbouring resorts?
Hafjell is the largest and most family-friendly resort around Lillehammer. Kvitfjell has steeper slopes and the Olympic downhill, Sjusjøen is a paradise for cross-country skiers, and Skeikampen is smaller and quieter. We compare all five resorts on a 3D map in the ski resorts around Lillehammer. Other Norwegian resorts, such as Trysil and Hemsedal, are in Norway's ski trips.
Do not forget the helmet, warm mittens and a packing list for the ski trip before you go.
Packing for Hafjell – easy things to forget
Frequently asked questions
How much vertical does Hafjell have?
The slopes go from 195 to 1,059 metres above sea level – almost 900 metres of vertical, among the largest in Norway. The longest run goes from the top all the way down to the valley.
Is Hafjell good for beginners?
Yes. About three quarters of the slopes are easy, and the three family areas have button lifts and easy slopes. The ski school meets at Knerten in the valley.
Are the family areas in Hafjell free?
Yes, the family areas Knerten, Isas Favn and Gaia are free all season. At Favn there is a warming hut, and at Gaiastova two electric barbecues where you can grill your own food.
How much does a lift pass in Hafjell cost?
A day pass costs 699 kroner for adults, 569 for juniors aged 7–17 and 589 for seniors. Children aged 0–6 ski free with a helmet and key card. A week pass costs 3,299 kroner for adults.
Is the lift pass also valid in Kvitfjell?
With the Fjellpass you can ski in Hafjell, Kvitfjell and Oppdal, which are owned by the same company. Kvitfjell is about 40 minutes to the north.
