Discovering the silver lining of your ski holiday becomes reality when you venture out with your family to ski in Brokke while staying in Valle, famously known as the "Silver Town" due to its extensive silver smithery. Our experience during our Christmas holiday journey through Southern Norway, celebrating New Year's in our cabin by the Otra River, was nothing short of magical.
A cozy, family-friendly ski area
Brokke is a hidden gem nestled on a mountain, with elevations ranging from 550 to 780 meters, equipped with three ski lifts and six pistes spread over 5.8 kilometers amidst pine trees. The area feels like a playground for both novice and experienced skiers, offering not just skiing but a delightful experience of the scenic beauty, warmth, and self-crafted alternative ski routes. The sight of Norwegian children joyfully skiing in small groups adds to the area's charm, highlighting their innate skiing abilities from a young age. Brokke offers a tranquil yet fun-filled environment for the whole family without the hassle of overcrowded slopes.
Despite its modest altitude, Brokke boasts reliable snow conditions from early December to late April, offering natural snow skiing experiences. Some pistes are lit for evening skiing, extending fun on the slopes until 8 p.m. Note that the ski area operates from Thursday to Sunday outside holiday periods.
The 4 practical S's: ski hire, ski pass, ski school, and shops
At the Brokke Alpinesenter, located right on the slopes, you can rent ski equipment, purchase ski passes, and find essential items like gloves and goggles. Forgetting something isn't a worry here, but it's advised to check our ski holiday packing list to ensure you have everything you need.
The ski school offers lessons for both beginners and advanced skiers, in groups or privately. A special attraction for kids familiar with skiing is the "Brokkie Klub," where they enjoy learning and improving their ski skills while having fun on the slopes.
Cozy cabins by the Otra River
Just before turning off the main road to Brokke, you'll find Sølvgarden Cottages, offering a stay in hotel rooms, spacious cabins, or on a campsite. Our stay in a cozy cabin by the river, with breathtaking views of snow-clad trees and mountains, was undoubtedly a five-star experience. The cabin, complete with kitchen facilities and suitable for larger families, provided us with the perfect mix of dining in and exploring local cuisine.
Taste local delicacies at Solvgarden Restaurant
During our three-night stay, we enjoyed cooking in our cabin and dining out at the Solvgarden Restaurant, which serves regional dishes along with burgers and pizzas. The experience was a delightful end to a day spent on the slopes.
Add a sparkle to your ski holiday: visit a silversmith in Valle
A trip to Brokke is incomplete without visiting Valle, the "Silver Town." We visited the workshop of Ornulf Hasla, a renowned silversmith, where we were welcomed with a brief history lesson before witnessing the exquisite craftsmanship involved in silversmithing. This experience, fascinating for both adults and teenagers alike, offers a glimpse into the traditional art of silver making.
A sparkling end to the year
Our last day in Brokke was marked by skiing into the evening, followed by a traditional fireworks display on the slopes, providing a spectacular end to our year. Watching fireworks from our cabin at Sølvgarden with a glass of champagne was the perfect conclusion to our memorable journey.
Travel time to Brokke from the Netherlands
From the Netherlands, you can take a ferry from Hirtshals, Denmark, to Kristiansand, Norway, or from Kiel, Germany, to Oslo. Brokke is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Kristiansand or 4.5 hours from Oslo. Our journey included a crossing with Fjordline to and from Hirtshals, with overnight stays near Hirtshals to ensure a relaxed drive. The guaranteed snow conditions make Brokke a truly unique skiing destination, leaving us with fond memories of our cozy stay in this charming ski area.
