Skiing, Eating, and Drinking in Voss, Norway

The town of Voss is within striking distance of Norway’s most prominent fjords, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord. Traveling from Bergen by train to Voss takes about an hour and takes in some distinct local scenery.

I chose wintertime with fewer crowds and abundant snow covering the slopes at the Voss Ski Resort. The town and surrounding area also provide a variety of other compelling attractions available at the same time of year. (Top photo courtesy of Voss Resort.)

Voss is an ideal winter destination for families and recreational skiers. I enjoyed the well-maintained, forgiving snow-covered slopes, yet always had the option of more challenging terrain.

Standing at the top of the run, I felt excitement and anticipation. The abundant expanse of snow stretched before me, the crisp mountain air filling my lungs as I took in the surrounding environment. Tall Norwegian evergreen pines flanked my descending journey down the long, winding slope. 

I pushed off from the verge and began the descent. My ski edges gripped the snow as I made sharp, wide turns. With each turn, I felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration. The sheer thrill of gliding effortlessly over the snow filled me with pure joy. My mind quickly cleared of mundane distractions, as I became completely immersed in the very essence of the moment.  

Later, after such exhilarating runs, I enjoyed the comfortable resort facilities that provided a welcome respite from the cold winter air. The warm lodge offered a cozy place to relax and recharge after a morning on the slopes.

The restaurant served a delicious lunch featuring local Norwegian favorites, such as hearty soups and salmon sandwiches. The friendly, attentive staff enhanced the feeling of well-being, adding to the resort’s overall warmth and hospitality.

The next day, I walked into the Park Hotel Vossevangen and was immediately struck by its elegance and sophistication. The hotel’s extensive wine cellars, which house one of the largest collections of wines in Northern Europe, are a testament to the hotel’s commitment to providing a world-class selection of rare and vintage bottles.

As a wine lover, I had the good fortune to peruse the impressive collection. The cellar has something for every taste from rare Bordeaux blends to crisp Chardonnays from the New World. I saw more than 15,000 bottles of champagne alone neatly stored in the cool basement. The sommelier’s expertise and passion was evident as he guided me through the collection and recommended the perfect bottle to complement my meal.

I selected a bottle of aged Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Its delicate notes of cherry and earth perfectly complemented the rich flavors of my main course. As I savored each sip, I couldn’t help but marvel at the expertise and passion that went into curating such an impressive collection.

The restaurant’s menu is a gastronomic journey through the flavors of Norway, with dishes expertly crafted using locally sourced ingredients. I savored every bite from the fresh seafood from the fjords to the tender reindeer from the surrounding countryside.

The elegant dining room is perfect for a romantic dinner or that special occasion, with glowing candlelight creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.

The town of Voss has many facets and is also known for adrenaline-fueled experiences, sky diving, and whitewater rafting, to name a few. I fully participated in one activity at the Voss Vind Indoor Skydiving facility: the exhilarating sensation of ski diving within the confines of a wind tunnel.

Entering the wind tunnel, I immediately felt a rush of air surrounding me. With the help of a skilled instructor, I suited up in a jumpsuit and helmet, ready to take flight. Stepping to the tunnel’s edge, I felt a surge of adrenaline as I prepared to launch myself into the airflow.

As I soared upwards, weightless and free, time seemed to stand still. With each twist and turn, I reveled in the sensation of flight, my heart pounding excitedly. The wind tunnel provided the perfect environment for simulating the exhilaration of skydiving and the thrill of freefall in a safe and controlled setting.

After several exhilarating minutes of flight, I reluctantly returned to solid ground, my heart still racing from the thrill of the experience. 

During my winter stay in Voss, I had a great experience at the Scandic Hotel. Its location proved perfect, just a few feet from the mountain gondola, the train station, and a short walk to the town center.

I slept well in a warm and comfortable standard accommodation. The breakfast buffet was also exceptional. After a long day of outdoor activities, returning to this Scandic provided a much-needed opportunity to stay refreshed and ready for another enjoyable day near Voss township.