Hemsedal Ski Season Opening 2025/2026 — Everything You Need to Know
- written by Jana
- December 10, 2025
SkiStar Hemsedal has finally confirmed the opening date of the winter season. The wait is over — Hemsedal ski season opening is scheduled for Friday, 5 December 2025, and the ski season is planned to run until 3 May 2026. The village will wake up again, cafés and restaurants will start opening for winter, and the iconic Pray 4 Snow après-ski at Hemsedal Café will mark the official start of the season.
In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the opening weekend and the first weeks of December — from lifts and slopes to cross-country conditions, rentals, events, and what early winter in Hemsedal really looks like. Local insights included.
Which Slopes and Lifts Open in Hemsedal on 5 December 2025?
Even though the season-opening news made everyone excited, late November didn’t look very promising — almost no natural snow and just a few artificial-snow runs open. But the first week of December turned things around with a solid snowfall, finally giving the mountain a proper winter feel. The terrain is still limited, as always this early in the season, but conditions are looking much better than they did just a few days ago.
SkiStar has officially confirmed the following lifts and slopes for the opening day:
Open lifts
- Lodge Express (F)
- Valle (A) – kids area
Open slopes
- Hemsedalløypa (10)
- Parts of Turistløypa (11)
- Valleløypa 1 (2) – kids area
- Trolløypa (1) – kids area
- Bekkeløypa (41) – kids area
In simple terms, this means one main lift up to Fjellkafeen, one main slope down, and a few shorter runs in the kids’ area. It’s not a full-mountain opening, but it’s a start, and hopefully the real snow arrives soon so more terrain can open.
Hemsedal Ski Center Opening Hours in December 2025
As usual, opening hours in the dark winter months are shorter than they will be later in the season. There can be small changes during the Christmas and New Year period, so stay tuned for a separate article covering the holiday schedule.
Regular opening hours
- daily 09:00–15:30 (5 December – 30 January)
Evening & morning skiing
- evening skiing on Fridays 18:00-20:30 (26 December – 27 March)
- morning skiing on Saturdays 7:30-9:00 (27 December – 28 March, with an exeption on 7 March)
Before that, there’s one extra evening session planned on 12 December (18:00–20:30), most likely connected to the Hemsedal Ski Test Weekend.
Ski Test Weekend in Hemsedal: 11–14 December 2025
The weekend every ski-gear nerd waits for, Ski Test Weekend, takes place exactly one week after the season opening. Everyone who is a SkiStar Member (more info here, it’s just a registration) can test the newest skis and snowboards for free.
SkiStar lists the event as running Thursday 11 December to Sunday 14 December, but they also note that most of the major ski and snowboard brands will be present on Saturday and Sunday. So it’s reasonable to expect a smaller selection if you plan to come on Thursday or Friday.
Tip: Bring your own ski boots and poles, as these are usually not provided during the tests.
Restaurants, Bars & the First Après-Ski in Hemsedal
With the Hemsedal ski season opening weekend, the whole village and the resort start waking up for winter. Even though not all venues have published their exact opening hours yet, you can expect the main cafés, restaurants, bars and hotels to open for the tourist season together with the ski center.
And if you’re in the mood for the first après-ski, don’t miss the iconic Pray 4 Snow event at Hemsedal Cafe. Dinner starts at 18:00, followed by the legendary bonfire at 21:00, where old ski gear is sacrificed to the snow gods. After that, you can enjoy the traditional opening-night party with DJ Micke.
Hemsedal Skipass: Where to Buy It and Which Option to Choose
Just like in most ski resorts, early December is the moment to decide whether you want a season pass or if you’ll stick to day passes throughout the winter.
If you know you’ll be in Hemsedal often (and also ride mtb in summer), the best value is the SkiStar All Year membership. It costs 845 NOK per month for 12 months for adults. It’s easily the most cost-efficient option, and paying monthly is surprisingly convenient.
However, if you want the seasonal option only for winter, the SkiStar All Winter pass gives you access not just to Hemsedal, but also to other SkiStar destinations (Trysil, Sälen, Åre and Vemdalen). The price for adults is 10 450 NOK. For those who know they’ll ski only in Hemsedal, the Hemsedal Sesong pass is slightly cheaper at 9 575 NOK.
Day and week skipass prices vary a lot depending on the exact dates of your visit.
The starting price for an adult is 564 NOK per day, plus 65 NOK if you need to purchase the physical keycard.
No matter which option you choose, always buy your skipass online, not at the SkiStar reception. It’s faster and usually cheaper. After purchase, you’ll receive a receipt with a unique QR code — keep it. Once you arrive in Hemsedal, simply scan the code at one of the machines and your skipass card will be printed within seconds.
Tip: The easiest place to pick up a skipass without queues is the machine opposite Skistua. But if you’re staying down by Lodgen, it’s obviously most convenient to use the machines there.
| Skipass type | Price (adult) | Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkiStar All Year | 845 NOK / month (12-month contract) | Hemsedal + Trysil + Sälen + Åre + Vemdalen + summer MTB | Best value if you ski + bike regularly |
| SkiStar All Winter | 10 450 NOK | Hemsedal + Trysil + Sälen + Åre + Vemdalen | Valid for the whole winter season |
| Hemsedal Sesong | 9 575 NOK | Hemsedal only | Cheaper option for regular visiters |
| Day pass | from 564 NOK | Hemsedal | Price depends on day & week |
| Keycard | 65 NOK | — | One-time purchase if you don’t own it yet |
Ski rentals in Hemsedal: what to expect
For the upcoming season, there are only three places in Hemsedal where you can rent winter equipment, and only two of them offer alpine skis. The independent rental Tunet Sport will not reopen this year, which unfortunately means that Hemsedal has lost the only rental that offered truly high-quality, well-tuned gear. (RIP, seriously.)
Because of that, I honestly can’t recommend any rental for alpine skis this season. If you have your own equipment at home, bring it with you, you’ll have a better experience.
If you really need to rent, there are two options:
SkiStar Rental
They usually push guests into their holiday package deals (skipass + accommodation + rental etc.), which makes the price a bit lower. It’s convenient, the gear is fine, the tune basic.
Hemsedal Ski Shop
This is the cheapest ski rental in the valley — and in terms of equipment quality, it does feel like the budget option. However, it’s totally fine for beginners or anyone not very experienced.
It’s also fair to mention rental in MOH, but they don’t offer rental of alpine skis or even cross-country skis. However, for anyone planning fjellski, skitouring or snowshoe trips, MOH is a solid choice.
Weather and snow conditions in Hemsedal in early December
Early December in Hemsedal is always a bit of a gamble. Some years bring a proper snowfall already in late November, other years stay cold and dry, and the first real snow arrives closer to Christmas. What is consistent, however, is that the base layer on the ski slopes is almost entirely artificial snow during the first weeks of the season.
The first week of December has also delivered a nice amount of natural snow, giving the mountain a fresh winter feel. Let’s hope even more is on the way.
Temperatures usually sit between –10°C and +3°C, with colder nights higher up in the ski center. The valley itself can be surprisingly mild, while the upper part of the resort often stays below zero even on warmer days. Wind can also play a role, especially at the top stations in the ski center.
If you’re coming in early December, expect:
- limited natural snow
- good artificial snow on the main slopes
- icy mornings
- winter roads that can change quickly
Real powder days do happen early in the season sometimes, but they’re not guaranteed. Most locals treat December as a warm-up month until proper snowfall arrives.
How to get to Hemsedal for the ski season opening
The easiest (and often the cheapest) way to get to Hemsedal in December is simply to drive your own car. If you want to make the trip more affordable, you can try to share the ride. Locals often use the Facebook group “Samåkning Hemsedal–Oslo”, where people post available seats between the capital and Hemsedal.
For public transport, use VY to find the best combination of buses and trains. Most routes will require a change in Gol, and from there you continue by bus straight to Hemsedal.
Where to stay in Hemsedal for the ski season opening
Because only a few slopes and lifts are open in early December, you can expect a quiet start to the season. Most people who show up for opening weekend are usually hard-core locals or cabin owners, so there’s generally no rush for accommodation and prices tend to stay reasonable.
More visitors are expected during the Ski Test Weekend, which is basically an open candy shop for everyone who loves gear. That weekend can be a little pricier, especially both for hotels and apartments.
The real peak, however, starts during the Christmas and New Year holidays. That’s when Hemsedal reaches its highest accommodation prices of the entire winter, and booking early is almost necessary.
Cross-country skiing in Hemsedal in early December
Hemsedal isn’t only about alpine skiing, the valley also offers solid cross-country terrain when the snow allows. While the natural snow still isn’t deep everywhere, Gravset Skianlegg is already up and running.
At the moment, both the 2 km and 8 km loops are open, usually prepared for both skating and classic. In addition, a few nearby sections are being prepared with the belt machine only, but they’re still totally fine to ski if you don’t mind early-season conditions. Same as last year, parking at Gravset is paid (75 NOK per car, no time limit).
Tip: The arena is lit until 23:00, which means you can easily go for a session after the alpine slopes close — a surprisingly nice combo if you want to make the most out of short winter days.
Ski touring or freeriding in Hemsedal in December
You might already spot a few people heading out for early-season freeriding — the new snowfall has definitely made the mountains look tempting. But keep in mind: it’s still very early in the season, and there’s basically no real base layer yet. The powder might look great from a distance, but underneath it are rocks, bushes, and surprises your skis (and legs) won’t appreciate.
If you like your skis (and your knees) we strongly recommend staying on the slopes for now and using December as a month to train your legs for better conditions. Yes, you might score an insane line already, but you also might break your gear or yourself.
Hemsedal needs a few more solid snowfall cycles and colder nights before ski touring and freeriding become both safe and enjoyable. If you’re planning a backcountry mission this early, the honest advice is: wait a little longer.
Conclusion: How to Make the Most of Early December in Hemsedal
Early December in Early December in Hemsedal is never about perfect snow or full-mountain access — it’s a slow start, part of the Hemsedal ski season opening period, and a good chance to enjoy the first turns of the season without the usual winter crowds. Whether you’re here for alpine, cross-country or just to feel that winter energy again, the village slowly comes alive from the first week of December, and each new snowfall changes the terrain overnight.
Tip: If you want to explore Hemsedal beyond the open slopes (try snowshoeing, fjellski, or simply want a safe introduction to winter mountain travel) we offer guided tours for all levels. Local insight, flexible pace, and real winter experience.
FAQ: Hemsedal Ski Season Opening 2025/2026
When does Hemsedal open for skiing in 2025?
Hemsedal Ski Center opens on Friday, 5 December 2025, with limited slopes and artificial snow during the first weeks.
How long is the ski season in Hemsedal?
The season is planned to run until 3 May 2026.
How many slopes are open on the opening day?
Only a few main slopes are open: Hemsedalløypa, parts of Turistløypa, and a few runs in the kids’ area. Expect limited terrain in early December.
Is there natural snow in Hemsedal in December?
Natural snow is not guaranteed in early December. Most skiing is on artificial snow until colder temperatures and proper snowfall arrive.
Is it worth coming for the opening weekend?
If you want first turns of the season and don’t mind limited terrain, yes. If you expect powder or full-mountain access, it’s better to come later in December.
Is there night skiing in December?
Yes. Regular night skiing starts on 26 December, with one extra evening session on 12 December (18:00–20:30) during the Ski Test Weekend.
Can I go ski touring or freeriding in early December?
No. There’s usually too little snow and no stable base for safe ski touring or freeriding in early December.
Where can I go cross-country skiing in early December?
For now, Gravset Skianlegg is the only reliably open area, with the 2 km and 8 km loops ready. Some nearby sections are lightly prepared as well.
Where is the best place to pick up a skipass?
Use the self-service machines. The machine opposite Skistua usually has the shortest queues.
How do I get to Hemsedal for the season opening?
Driving is easiest. For public transport, use VY and find the best connection by bus or/and train.
Do restaurants and bars open for the season start?
Yes. Most cafés, bars and restaurants open from the first weekend in December, including the Pray 4 Snow après-ski at Hemsedal Café.
Do I need winter tires or spikes for driving?
Yes, the road conditions make winter tires essential. Roads can be icy in early December, especially between Gol and Hemsedal.
Hi, I’m Jana — outdoor guide, writer, and long-time local in Norway. I share trail-tested tips and local insight for exploring lesser-known parts of the Nordics.
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