From Sámi Traditions to Family Fun: What’s New This Winter Season at Our Nordic Ski Resorts

Ski season in the Nordics has officially arrived. Ranging from opulent retreats to family-friendly lodges, our ski resorts Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Norefjell Ski & Spa, and Riddergaarden Mountain Lodge are a diverse group of getaways. This year, they have an array of news for the winter season—with everything from Sámi culinary inspiration to rich activity programs for the youngest.

The Nordic countries are picturesque all year-round, but winter might be when these parts of the world are at their most beautiful. Snow-clad landscapes offer ample opportunity for skiing, something Sweden, Norway, and Finland have long been known for. With ski season just having started in the Nordics, this is a perfect time to check in with the three ski resorts of Nordic Hotels & Resorts—Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Norefjell Ski & Spa, and Riddergaarden Mountain Lodge—to see what they have planned for the winter season of 2024/2025.

Copperhill Mountain Lodge—The Design Gem of the Mountain World

Åre, Sweden

In the heart of Swedish ski destination Åre sits the majestic Copperhill Mountain Lodge. The design hotel atop the Förberget mountain prides itself on 112 lavish rooms, curated dining, and an award-winning spa. Most importantly, Copperhill is the gateway to the stunningly beautiful nature of northern Sweden.

The ski season here started in early December. Louise Mackegård, General Manager at Coperhill Mountain Lodge, has been looking forward to what she considers the highlight of the year.

– Copperhill is unique on the resort market, being both a classic design hotel and a one of a kind hideaway. Here, the fantastic nature of Jämtland is contrasted by the rich interiors of our hotel, with an international atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home. I like to say that we are like a red carpet leading out to nature, with a team that is committed to provide exceptional hospitality and an unforgettable stay, says Louise Mackegård, General Manager at Copperhill Mountain Lodge.

Copperhill has gone big on dining this winter. In its restaurant Niesti, meaning “little pack of food” in the local Sámi language, a new menu is paying homage to both nature and Sámi traditions. Think slow-cooked moose, foamed currant soup, and souvas, a salted and lightly smoked reindeer meat. During high season, the hotel will also have stone oven-baked pizza in their ground floor banquet hall, Coppermine Co.

Norefjell Ski & Spa—A Norwegian Classic With a Love for Thrills

Norefjell, Norway

Looking West, the neighbouring Norway is celebrating a long-anticipated snow and ski season as well. At the top of Norefjell, one of Norway’s most popular nature areas, sits Norefjell Ski & Spa. Nestled between swaying pine trees and snowy whirlwinds, this Norwegian classic has for generations been a home to some of life’s most fundamental joys: great company, thrilling adventures and breathtaking nature.

With 405 rooms and apartments, Norefjell Ski & Spa provides something for every taste, be it the friend group, the big family, or the colleagues. A total of 30 ski slopes and 15 ski lifts makes it a true ski destination in every right.

When guests aren’t out on the slopes, they are probably inside recharging in the spa, still with nature as their backdrop. Complete with indoor and outdoor pools, showers, and saunas, it comes as no surprise that Norefjell was awarded Norway’s Best Resort Spa at the 2024 World Spa Awards—making it the seventh time the resort wins gold in this category.

Norefjell has just started opening the slopes, with more ones opening in early December. Per-Åge Halseth Flattum is the Sales & Marketing Director at Norefjell Ski & Spa. He sees the proximity to Oslo as one of Norefjell Ski & Spa’s many appeals. 

– Norefjell is only two hours outside of the capital, making it the closest high mountain to Oslo. Many appreciate this convenience and quick access to our stunning nature. Here, guests get all the contrasts you could want. We have Northern Europe's largest vertical drop of 1010 meters on the ski slope, and at the same time we are opening a new children's area this season, including two new children's lifts. With an expanded activity menu for young and old, I am convinced that this will be Norefjell’s best season to date, says Per-Åge Halseth Flattum.

Riddergaarden Mountain Lodge—Fun for All Ages in Stunning Nature

Beitostølen, Norway

Another premium, family-friendly winter destination in Norway is Riddergaarden Mountain Lodge. Joining Nordic Hotels & Resorts in 2024, this is a new addition to Beitostølen, an area in the south of Norway that is rich with tradition. Modern comforts, classic aesthetics, and breathtaking views is the signature of this activity resort.

The mountain lodge features 48 spacious rooms and suites, many of the units including fully equipped kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms. All of this is set within stylish architecture reminiscent of traditional Norwegian mountain cabins, known as "fjellhytter," and with ski-in ski-out access to boot.

Riddergaarden prides itself on being a destination with something to see, do, and discover for the entire family. Its wellness facility Ridderbadet is a true testament to this. This wellness landscape has everything guests could want after a long day outside: indoor and outdoor pools, swim out pools, jacuzzis, saunas, and more. The facility has both a calmer adult area as well as a dedicated kids area.

At the time of writing, Riddergaarden Mountain Lodge has officially opened for the season, welcoming both young and old to the beautiful Beitostølen.