Lillehammer, located on the northern shore of Mjösa, Norway's largest lake, is the country's oldest ski resort.

When tourism started developing in the latter half of the 19th century, Lillehammer became a favored spot. The light, air and pleasant surroundings, not too speak of the town itself, fascinated travelers from all parts of the world and during all seasons. Hosting the Olympic winter-games in 1994 not only gave us a number of new attractions (all arenas are of course open to the public), but also an unique opportunity to show the world what Lillehammer has to offer.

Winter Norway
If you want to develop your skiing skills, either cross-country or alpine, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Whether you are a beginner, or love the thrill of the steepest slopes, you will find something to suit your preferences in the Lillehammer area. One of the biggest advantages with Lillehammer as a winter sport resort is that you know there will be snow here, no matter how free of snow the winter may have been elsewhere. No wonder thousands of "birkebeiners" ski to Lillehammer in March. Not to mention all the ladies that take part in the Inga-Låmi skiing event. Marvellous skiing terrain and good, cold winters are the stuff of successful winter holidays.

The Lillehammer mountains are so well-located that network of skiing trails alone will provide you with suitable challenge. The Lillehammer mountains are perfect for those who love skiing and are among northern Europe's best cross-country skiing areas located about 850 metres above sea level and 15-20 kilometres from Lillehammer town centre.

Olympic Venues
Lysgårdbakken Ski Jump Arena was to become the hallmark of Lillehammer during the Olympics, and you really shouldn't leave the town without paying a visit there. During the winter, you can visit the ski jumping tower and enjoy the view of Lillehammer from there. When standing on the terrace outside, directly above the jumpers' start barrier, you will feel a strange tingling in your stomach, as you imagine yourself setting off down the slope. Håkons Hall was the main ice hockey arena during the Olympics, but today, it is one of the most flexible multi-purpose halls in the world. A wide range of different events are held here, including trade fairs, banquets, concerts and sporting events. At the Håkon Hall sports centre, you can play handball, football, volleyball and badminton, and there are two squash courts and a aerobics studio. If you are the daredevil type, you might like to try the 20 metre high climbing wall, in which case you must do so together with someone who knows how. And if you have developed and interest for the new popular favorite among sports, golf, you can do your winter training in the hall. The new golf centre in Håkons Hall includes 2 golf simulators, a putting green, golf lounge and a driving range with 8 mats.