Norwegian ski centers are experiencing starkly different fortunes as the Easter holiday approaches, with western regions facing one of the poorest snow seasons in decades while eastern areas maintain robust operations. The disparity highlights growing regional climate variations affecting the country's winter tourism industry. According to Tuomo Saloranta, a snow researcher at NVE, there is far less snow than usual this year across the whole country, especially on Vestlandet.
Saloranta notes that snow amounts in Vestlandet mountains are among the lowest in March since the 1960s, based on measurements. This scarcity has forced several ski centers in the west to close or operate at reduced capacity, with many fearing poor ski conditions for Easter. The exact snow depth measurements in Vestlandet compared to historical averages have not been specified, but researchers indicate the deficit is significant.
Meanwhile, ski centers in Austlandet like Hemsedal and Trysil report promising conditions for Easter. According to Jonatan Eklöf, destinasjonssjef at Hemsedal, Hemsedal has cold nights, all slopes open, and good conditions at high altitudes. Gudrun Sanaker Lohne, destinasjonssjef at Trysil, says Trysil also has promising conditions for Easter.
This regional contrast presents a divided picture for Norway's ski industry during what is traditionally a peak season. The situation at Breimsbygda skisenter exemplifies the challenges in western Norway. Runar Kleppe, driftsleiar at Breimsbygda skisenter, states that the facility has not had a single operational day since January last year.
Breimsbygda skisenter is located 500 meters above sea level on Utvikfjellet in Gloppen and is a family facility mostly used by children and youth. Kleppe describes the situation as sad and affecting motivation. 'It is sad and affects motivation,' Kleppe said.
Children at Breim skule express disappointment over the lack of ski conditions locally but hope to ski elsewhere, indicating how the snow shortage impacts community activities. Other western ski centers are similarly struggling. Harpefossen skisenter in Nordfjordeid has chosen to remain closed until weather improves, though what specific weather improvements are needed for ski centers like Harpefossen to reopen remains unclear.
It is sad and affects motivation.
Eikedalen skisenter and Sogndal skisenter are hoping for colder weather or more snow. Fredrik Tjønum, daglig leiar at Eikedalen skisenter, notes that long-term forecasts show temperatures up to five degrees, which is not promising for ski conditions. The number of ski centers in Vestlandet currently closed or operating at reduced capacity has not been quantified, but multiple facilities report difficulties.
The snow shortage coincides with avalanche warnings issued by Norwegian authorities for mountain regions in western Norway due to wet snow and weak snow layers creating unstable conditions. These warnings, dated March 1, 2026, highlight safety concerns beyond mere recreational disappointment. The unstable conditions result from the combination of limited snow accumulation and temperature fluctuations that create hazardous layers within the existing snowpack.
While economic impacts on local communities due to the poor ski season in Vestlandet have not been detailed, the closure of family-oriented facilities like Breimsbygda suggests potential financial strain for businesses dependent on winter tourism. The regional divide in conditions reflects broader climate patterns affecting Norway. Eastern regions, with higher elevations and colder continental influences, have maintained more reliable snow conditions, while western coastal areas experience milder temperatures and reduced precipitation.
Long-term climate trends contributing to the low snow conditions in Vestlandet are not specified in available reports, but researchers have noted declining snow trends in recent decades. The contrasting situations create planning challenges for Easter holidaymakers. Those seeking guaranteed skiing are advised to look eastward, where resorts report full operations and good snow depths.
Western destinations, meanwhile, face uncertainty, with some centers closed indefinitely and others hoping for late-season snow. The disparity also raises questions about the future viability of smaller, lower-elevation ski centers in western Norway as climate patterns shift. Despite the challenges, the industry adapts where possible.
Eastern resorts are promoting their reliable conditions, while western centers emphasize alternative winter activities or hope for sudden weather changes. The situation underscores how localized weather and climate effects can create dramatically different experiences within a single country's ski industry. As Easter approaches, the divide between Norway's western and eastern ski regions appears set to define the 2026 winter season.