WINTER DISCOVERY IN GEILO

Halfway between Oslo and majestic Bergen, home of theWestern fjords, lies the Hardangervidda plateau – a stunning winter wonderland of pine tree clusters and cheery log cabins crowned with plumes of wood smoke, scattered across a blanket of snow. We stay in the charming little town of Geilo, which nestles below the plateau on the shores of Lake Ustedalsfjorden. Its brightly painted wooden houses decked out with fairy lights reveal cosy cafés with frosted windows and warming fires to tempt you to linger inside.

Your base for the week is the elegant and recently refurbished Dr Holms Hotel in the heart of Geilo and considered Norway’s finest mountain hotel. Dating to 1909, and renowned for it’s historic grandeur, it effortlessly combines traditional rustic charm with modern day style, first class service and extensive facilities: swimming pool, steam bath, Shisheido spa, wine cellar (with tastings) and classic restaurant serving exquisite and beautifully prepared dishes. After dinner, you can choose between the cosy lounge bar with roaring log fire, the sophisticated library room or the livelier ski pub. There is also a bowling alley.

Your weekly programme is largely independent, however we have included three 2hr cross country ski lessons to help get you started. Beginners can find their ski legs on the birch flanked flat trails encircling frozen Lake Ustedalsfjorden. For the more adept, there are extensive trails in the higher areas of Kikut and Havsdalen. Other options include fantastic downhill skiing, reindeer safaris, tobogganing and sleding with husky dogs. Alternatively, and for a complete change of scene, you can take the panoramic rail journey through the winter wilderness to the spectacular Western Fjiords.