Oppdal is central Norway's largest alpine ski resort. Popular with locals in the winter, it works year-round for more than just ski weekends.
Nestled in a wide valley where the Dovrefjell and Trollheimen mountains meet, Oppdal is more than just a ski destination.
Its high-altitude location in Trøndelag ensures reliable winter snow, while the surrounding terrain and infrastructure make it ideal for hiking, biking and rafting in summer.
The town lies on the E6 highway and the Dovre railway line, making it one of the easiest mountain getaways to reach from both Trondheim and Oslo.
With good accommodation options and a friendly small-town feel, it’s a great choice for a relaxed yet active weekend escape.
Oppdal Ski Centre
The main draw in winter is Oppdal Skisenter, one of Norway’s biggest alpine areas.
The resort covers four connected mountains—Vangslia, Ådalen, Stølen and Hovden—all accessible on a single lift pass. Together, they offer around 35 runs of varying difficulty and more than 50 kilometres of groomed slopes.
The terrain is especially appealing for intermediate and advanced skiers, but beginners are also well served by ski schools and gentle practice areas. With most slopes lying above the tree line, you can expect plenty of sunshine and wide-open views across the valley.
The centre usually opens in November and stays open until late April, depending on conditions.
⛷️ Read more: Discover more of the best ski resorts in Norway to help you plan your perfect winter trip.
Beyond the Slopes
While Oppdal is known as a downhill hub, it also caters well to cross-country skiers. A network of cross-country trails also begins near the resort, offering a change of pace for those who prefer gliding through quiet forests.
Around 100 kilometres of marked trails include a floodlit 3.3-kilometre loop at the local ski stadium. Equipment rental and lessons are widely available.
If you’re not skiing, you can still enjoy the winter scenery. Try snowshoeing through the birch forest, visiting a mountain café for waffles and hot chocolate, or taking a guided musk-ox safari in nearby Dovrefjell National Park. It's one of the few places in Europe where these prehistoric animals still roam.
Oppdal Town Centre
Compact and functional, Oppdal’s town centre has everything you need for a comfortable weekend. You’ll find supermarkets, sports and outdoor stores, a few cafés and several restaurants.
Just remember that Sunday opening hours are limited, so stock up on essentials on Saturday if you’re staying in a self-catering cabin.
The local culture house, Oppdal Kulturhus, is a pleasant surprise. It combines a cinema, swimming pool, café and event space, making it a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. On a snowy afternoon, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
Summer in Oppdal
Oppdal doesn’t hibernate when the snow melts. In fact, the surrounding valleys and peaks come alive in summer, turning the town into an outdoor playground.
Hiking is the number one activity, with trails ranging from family-friendly paths to demanding summit climbs in Trollheimen and Dovrefjell. The famous Pilgrim Way (Pilegrimsleden) passes through the area, offering a historic walking route all the way to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
Mountain biking is also big here. The gondola runs throughout the summer, allowing riders to haul their bikes to the top and enjoy downhill routes back into town.
For something different, join a rafting trip on the Driva River. It's an exhilarating way to experience the valley’s dramatic landscape.
Wildlife enthusiasts can take guided tours to spot reindeer, birds of prey and, if you’re lucky, musk oxen grazing in the highlands.
A Glimpse of Local History
For a slower pace, Oppdal Museum offers a fascinating look at rural life in central Norway.
Set among green meadows, the open-air museum consists of more than 20 traditional log buildings dating from the 1500s to the early 1900s. You can explore farmhouses, barns, a blacksmith’s workshop and even an old ski-making cabin.
Nearby stands Vang Burial Ground, one of Norway’s largest Iron Age and Viking Age burial sites. The area has more than 700 visible graves and a memorial stone marking a millennium of local history.
Combined, they offer an evocative reminder that people have lived and worked in these valleys for centuries.
Where to Stay in Oppdal
A weekend in Oppdal is best spent in a cabin (hytte). You’ll find everything from rustic wooden huts to luxury lodges with panoramic mountain views. Most are equipped with kitchens, bathrooms and fireplaces and are ideal for curling up after a day on the slopes.
If you prefer hotel comfort, there are two main options. Oppdal Turisthotell sits right beside the railway station and suits those arriving by train, while Quality Hotel Skifer offers modern rooms, a restaurant, and a small spa.
Both book up quickly during the high winter season, so reserve well in advance.
Getting to Oppdal
From Trondheim, Oppdal is just under two hours away by car or around 95 minutes by train on the Dovre line. Trains run several times a day, and advance fares can be very affordable. To reach cabins, though, many Norwegians prefer to drive.
From Oslo, the same line continues north, reaching Oppdal in roughly five hours. The scenery is beautiful, passing through Gudbrandsdalen and over Dovrefjell, though most Oslo residents opt for resorts closer to home such as Hemsedal or Hafjell.
The E6 highway makes driving straightforward, though winter tyres and good weather awareness are essential in the colder months.
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