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Nordfjord and Sunnmøre are home to the famous Sunnmøre Alps, set in the very heart of Norway’s mountain and fjord landscape. The ski lifts take you to hours of fun and activity at the alpine resorts—and to everything else you could wish for from a day, or several, in powder snow. Cross-country trails and summit tours begin right outside the ski centres. The options are endless, whether you’re chasing the ultimate challenge or prefer relaxed, family-friendly slopes.

Ski party in the north-west

The Atlantic Ocean lies directly to the west; to the east, you’ll find the Jostedal Glacier and towering mountain ranges. When the weather blows in from the north-west, it's the perfect time to ski, as the cold air sweeps over the mountains and drops fresh snow across the terrain. This creates ideal conditions that keep the area reliably snowy and offer a wide variety of terrain for both advanced skiers and beginners. The peaks provide stunning views, demanding ascents, and thrilling descents that are truly one of a kind.

In this mountainous coastal region between Bergen and Trondheim, nine ski resorts are scattered across the mountain landscape. Express buses, flights, and roads make it easy to reach your ski adventure – where you can hike, carve downhill, relax in saunas by the fjord, and savour fresh seafood from the local waters and nearby farms.

Kart over skisentra som er med i Alpepass.
In this map you can see where ski resorts with Alpepass are located.|© visitalesund.no

How to use the Alpepass lift pass

The Alpepass gives you access to ski resorts across the entire area for nearly the same price as a single-resort pass. You’ll get 32 ski lifts, more than 70 slopes, terrain parks, freeriding areas, plenty of snow, and endless fun. Here's how Alpepass makes snow adventures simple for several days.

  1. Visit one of the nine ski resorts.
  2. Remember to bring photo ID for everyone using the Alpepass.
  3. Choose whether to buy for two or more optional days, or for the entire season.
  4. Bring your Alpepass with you and use it at any ski lift in the resorts on the days you choose.

The card lets you pick a ski resort based on the weather, conditions, and your mood. The scenery changes from place to place, and the facilities are spread throughout the area. This means you can always find the best conditions – and the right resort – for the day you want to ski.

Please note that the opening hours may vary between ski centres and can change through the season depending on the weather and snow conditions. When the snow is at its best, some resorts even stay open longer than usual – so it’s always worth checking before you set off.

Skikjører med utsikt utover fjorden fra Strandafjellet.
The Alpepass region offers both off-piste skiing and spectacular fjord views. | © Eric Ellioth Kvamsdahl

Nine stops through the alpine landscape

In winter, Norway's north-western landscape transforms into a vast playground. The nine ski resorts are the main attractions, and the Alpepass lift pass is essential. Families and groups of friends can stay near the resorts, in cosy villages along the fjord, in traditional hotels, or in the town of Ålesund. Pointed peaks, fjord views, and a variety of ski resorts combine to create a truly unique winter holiday experience. Join us on a tour of these nine snowy destinations:

1. Strandafjellet: The best view of the fjords

Strandafjellet ski centre gives you access to the mountains via gondolas and lifts and boasts some of Scandinavia’s best freeriding spots. Best of all, you can zoom down the slopes with breathtaking views of the fjord and mountains, right in the heart of the Sunnmøre Alps. Discover what else you can do, taste, and experience in Stranda & Strandafjellet.

2. Harpefossen: Skiing and picturesque mountain farms

With a 600-metre vertical drop and trails through five scenic mountain farms, Harpefossen offers downhill skiing, telemark, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. The ski centre has six ski lifts, safe slopes, and a dedicated beginners’ area. Nearby, Nordfjordeid and Nordfjord Hotel provide a comfortable stay for the whole family.

Perfekt å lære seg å stå på snowbaord på Harpefossen
At Harpefossen there are family-friendly downhill runs, classic cross-country trails and, last but not least, space for the playful.|© Harpefossen skisenter

3. Overøye: Freeriding and terrain park

At Arena Overøye in Stordal, expert skiers can enjoy powder, while beginners learn to ski, snowboard, or telemark on smooth slopes. Explore more activities, dining options, and accommodations in the area.

Enjoy the snow at Arena Overøye as you ski through the landscape.
Enjoy the snow at Arena Overøye as you ski through the landscape.|© alpepass.no

4. Stryn Winter Ski: Panoramic views with long slopes

Stryn Winter Ski offers stunning fjord views, extensive slopes, four lifts, and options for both families and freeriders. Ski touring enthusiasts can explore the surrounding area via a network of cross-country trails. Stryn town centre, with its facilities and lodging, is only a short drive away. Traditional Hotel Alexandra and Loen Skylift are also nearby.

5. Ørsta: 700 metres up and on to the nearest peak

Located between Hjørundfjorden and Ørstafjorden, Ørsta ski centre sits 700 metres above sea level. Enjoy views of the Sunnmøre Alps, whether exploring off-piste or sticking to the slopes. Discover what to eat, do, and where to stay around the Hjørundfjorden area.

6. Volda: Winter fun for the whole family

Volda Ski Centre offers skiing fun for all ages, from groomed slopes to powder and forest trails. Take a break by the bonfire, or for the adventurous, hike up Melshornet. The area also features illuminated trails and scenic walking paths. Discover more activities, dining options, and places to stay in and around Volda.

Volda skisenter sett frå lufta.
Volda ski center seen from the air.|© alpepass.no

7. Hornindal: A paradise for dry snow, sheltered from the fjord

This small village is home to Europe's deepest lake and features one of Norway’s longest ski lifts, serving a variety of slopes. Compared to other resorts in the Alpepass area, Hornindal enjoys a drier, cooler inland climate.

Skiheis og skiløyper på Hornindal skisenter.
Hornindal has good snow conditions. Enjoy cold winter days and slightly milder days in spring.|© Hornindal Skisenter

8. Fjellsætra: Magnificent views and trails for everyone

Experience nature, feel the frost on your cheeks, the tingle in your stomach, and the warmth in your heart as you and your friends conquer the trails at Sunnmørsalpane Skiarena Fjellsætra. Discover what else you can do, taste, and experience in Sykkylven and the surrounding area.

Jibbing på gang hos Sunnmørsalpane Skiarena Fjellsætra.
The possibilities are many at Fjellsætra.|© alpepass.no

9. Ørskogfjellet: Family-friendly skiing near the town

Ørskogfjellet Ski Centre lies on the road between Molde and Ålesund. It offers gentle slopes ideal for beginners, while town life is close by for a relaxed evening after a day on the slopes.

Personar i anlegget til Ørskogfjellet skisenter.
Families and ski enthusiasts can enjoy themselves at Ørskogfjellet Ski Center between Molde and Ålesund.|© alpepass.no
"Det er et høyalpint landskap med en vanvittig backdrop, og det kjennetegner hele regionen fra Sunnmøre opp til Sunndalsøra." - Bjørn Kruse

Our best tip for ski touring in Møre og Romsdal: Use a guide

‘You can depend on the northwest,’ says Bjørn Kruse, certified mountain guide at Romsdal Lodge. For any skiers wanting to broaden their horizons this winter, we have spoken with three pioneers of guiding in Nordmøre, Sunnmøre and Romsdalen valley.

Find out more

Travel to the region

The Alpepass area stretches between Nordfjord and Sunnmøre and is easily reached by car, bus, train, boat, or plane.

By train

Raumabanen runs to Åndalsnes from Oslo and Trondheim via Dombås, with bus connections to and from Ålesund. Check train times with SJ and bus connections with FRAM.

By bus and public transport

The region has a reliable bus network linking Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. FRAM Ekspress also operates regularly between Volda, Ørsta, Ålesund, Molde, and Kristiansund. Search public transport options at https://entur.no

By car

With your own car, you can easily travel between ski centres, or hire a car from Avis, Hertz, Sixt, or Trips of Norway.

By plane

Ålesund Airport, Vigra, is about 20 minutes from Ålesund city centre and offers both domestic and international connections. Ørsta/Volda Airport, Hovden, and Sandane Airport in Nordfjord also provide excellent domestic links with Widerøe.

  • Airlines flying to the region: SAS, Widerøe, Norwegian, KLM, WizzAir and Discover Airlines.
  • From the airport, you can take a bus or hire a car to explore the region.

Useful links

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