Jolster Ski Resort

Jølster Skisenter sits picturesquely on the mountainside above Jølstravatnet — one of the most beautiful lakes in western Norway, which the celebrated painter Nikolai Astrup spent an entire artistic life committing to canvas. The regional alpine centre for Sunnfjord offers roughly five kilometres of groomed slopes on three surface lifts and, following its latest expansion, ranks among the larger alpine facilities on Norway's northwest coast. The Hauglandsheisen family and beginner lift is free of charge — a rarity that makes the resort particularly appealing to young families. Above and below the treeline, inviting freeride slopes await, and from the upper lifts, summit tours to Varden, Kvamsfjellet and the striking Tindefjellet are within reach.

At the base, a warming hut houses a café, ski rental and facilities. The real highlight, however, is the pair of Grillstova: traditional-style grill houses, heated every day, where you can cook your own food over an open fire — surrounded by mountain scenery with views of Jølstravatnet. An experience few other ski resorts can match.

Evening skiing under floodlights runs on Tuesdays. During the winter holidays and Easter, additional weekday evening sessions are offered.

The local trail association grooms roughly 20 kilometres of touring trails, including routes into the neighbouring Gjesdalsdalen valley. A lit cross-country trail and ski jumping hills round out the offering. The mountains around Jølstravatnet are gaining recognition in the ski touring community: the multi-day circumnavigation of the entire lake — with summit ascents between 1,000 and 1,200 metres — is regarded as one of western Norway's great hidden gems.

Ski rental and a ski school are located directly at the ski centre. A toll road leads to the upper part of the resort and the Holtane Hyttegrend cabin area — a good starting point for cross-country and summit tours. Free parking is available at the lower warming hut. Accommodation includes Jølstraholmen Camping near Vassenden and several hotels in Førde.

By Car
There are several parking spots right next to the ski center