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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.