Hovden sits at the top of the Setesdal valley and is the largest ski destination in Southern Norway. The alpine resort has 33 slopes across three mountainsides, from wide family friendly runs to more challenging descents. In total there are 42.5 km of slopes and a vertical drop of 420 metres, offering great skiing for both beginners and experienced skiers.

For the youngest visitors, the Tusseland children’s area has magic carpets, while snowboarders can enjoy the terrain park.

Hovden is also a cross country paradise with 170 km of groomed trails through varied terrain, from forest tracks to open mountain landscapes. No matter your level, you can enjoy well prepared trails and beautiful winter scenery.

A special feature of Hovden is the mix of skiing and family activities off the slopes. In the centre of the village you will find Hovden Fjellbad, a large indoor and outdoor water park with water heated to 30°C. Children love the water slides while adults can relax in the sauna or hot tub, perfect after a day on the slopes.

Hovden also offers an ice rink, play areas and a sports centre, making it a great destination for the whole family during Easter, whatever the weather. And do not miss the view from the aqueduct above the cross country trails.

Après ski and good food are also part of the experience at Hovden. At the base of the ski centre you will find Offpiste, a pizzeria, bar and nightclub. Wood fired pizza is served for lunch, and later the venue turns into a lively après ski with live music and dancing. Good Friday and Easter Eve are often highlights.

For a quieter evening, visit Hovden Fjellstoge for a homemade dinner by the fireplace, or enjoy food and drinks at Hovden Alpin Lodge with mountain views. Hovden offers plenty of places to eat, from cafés and bakeries to bistros and pubs.

Stay comfortably at Hovdestøylen Hotel. Remember to book early, as Hovden is popular during the Easter holiday.

In the heart of Setesdal, not far from Rysstad, lies Brokke Alpinsenter, a family friendly ski resort with a relaxed atmosphere. It is perfect for families and those looking for a quieter mountain Easter. The resort has a chairlift and ski lifts that take you to the top, with five main slopes of varying difficulty.

The terrain is gentle and easy to navigate, ideal for practising turns with the kids or enjoying long sunny runs. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers can try the terrain park in Vestbakken.

Brokke also offers around 50 km of groomed cross country trails through forests and mountain terrain, perfect for peaceful day trips. Snowshoes can also be rented at the Sentrumsbygget.

At Brokke Alpinsenter, Easter is all about relaxed cabin life and local traditions. Après ski is cosy and informal, often with live music in the Nistebui café, known for its popular pizza and burgers.

For children, the highlight is usually the annual Easter egg hunt with a fun trail around the ski centre. On Good Friday there are sometimes informal slalom races or a costume day on the slopes.

For many Norwegians, Sirdal is the classic Easter mountain destination. Just over an hour from Stavanger, you will find a winter paradise with five ski areas. Sirdal Fjellpark is the largest, with about 200 km of cross country trails in the Sirdal mountains.

The ski resorts together offer more than 20 alpine runs, from wide beginner slopes to black runs and off piste options. The vertical drop is around 300 to 350 metres. The surrounding mountains are wide and open, ideal for ski touring and freeriding.

Take the lift up and continue out into the terrain, skiing between groomed slopes or exploring the side areas. Peaks such as Røseknuten are popular for ski touring and offer great views over Sirdalsvatnet. Always check weather and avalanche conditions before heading off piste - sirdalsloyper.no

At Sirdal Fjellpark you will find two children’s areas. Hulderheimen, located near Høyt & Lavt Sirdal and Sirdal Lodge, has a free rope tow and gentle beginner slopes for both children and adults. In Ålsheia there is also a magic carpet next to the main lift, free to use and perfect for the youngest skiers.

Beyond the slopes, there are several other Easter activities to enjoy. Try dog sledding at Sirdal Huskyfarm or enjoy a delicious dinner at Slottet i Sirdal.

Just 1.5 hours from Kristiansand lies Bortelid, one of the most family friendly ski destinations in Southern Norway. Bortelid Skisenter has 5 lifts and 14 slopes, including a large children’s area with one of Norway’s longest magic carpets. Bortelid is also known for its cross country skiing, with more than 100 km of groomed trails.

During Easter, there are plenty of activities for children, including snowshoe walks, ice fishing and sledding races. Many families gather in the sledding hill, while others head out on long ski trips with lunch in their backpacks.

Need a break? Visit the Varmestua café for food, warm drinks and a cosy atmosphere before heading back to the slopes.

Eikerapen

Eikerapen Alpinsenter is a small gem in Åseral with a compact and family friendly ski area. With gentle slopes, a sledding hill and cross country trails, it is a perfect destination for families looking for a relaxed Easter holiday in the mountains.

Eikerapen Gjestegard is a popular place to stay with cosy rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. After a day on the slopes, enjoy traditional dishes at Thora Amalie’s Restaurant.

Knaben

Knaben is a unique mountain destination combining skiing and history. Knaben Alpinsenter offers several alpine runs and a large cross country area with great trails for the whole family. You can also combine skiing with a visit to Knaben Gruvemuseum.

Knaben is known for its calm atmosphere, something few ski destinations can offer. During Easter, the traditional treasure hunt is a popular activity!

Ljosland

Ljosland Skisenter is known for stable snow conditions and family friendly slopes. The resort has 3 lifts and 5 runs, several suitable for beginners and families with young children. The children’s area has a magic carpet, and there is also a sledding hill.

For cross country skiing, Ljosland offers more than 80 km of groomed trails through forests and open mountain landscapes. Along the trails you can stop at Gluggen kafé, a charming small café on the mountain near the Gluggvarden trail. Check their Facebook page for opening hours.

Høgås

Høgås is one of the best places for cross country skiing in Southern Norway. With more than 100 km of groomed trails through varied terrain, it is a favourite for both beginners and experienced skiers. The trails connect with the network at Gautestad and also lead to the mountain top Himmelsyna. Perfect for an Easter ski trip. Check the webcam at www.otrail.no.

Sandrip

Sandrip is the perfect place for a ski day trip, just a short drive from Kristiansand. Here you will find cross country trails for both classic and skating, as well as a popular sledding hill for children. Floodlit trails make evening skiing possible, adding a special atmosphere during Easter. Sandrip is an easy and accessible destination for enjoying skiing and Easter vibes on a day trip from Kristiansand.