What's new

Countdown to the New Year:

Happy New Year!!!

[Multiple cities] Trysil vs Hemsedal vs Geilo: which ski lodge/hotel is the best for ski‑in/ski‑out comfort (and real après)?

The question covers several cities or compares them. Use when the thread discusses two or more cities.

EIA_Ask_NO

Staff member
I’m collecting honest experiences from people who’ve actually stayed at ski hotels and lodges (not just skied for a day).
Searches like ski resort Trysil, Hemsedal ski hotel, and Geilo hotels are common — but the “best” depends on what you care about: convenience, food, vibes, and how painful logistics feel in winter gear.

Please share:
  • Where you stayed and what you loved (or hated)
  • How truly “ski‑in/ski‑out” it was (or if it’s marketing)
  • Room comfort (drying space for gear is underrated!)
  • Après and evening options (quiet vs social)
If you could book one ski hotel again next season, which one would you choose — and why?
 
I’ve stayed in both Trysil and Hemsedal, and my strong claim is that Trysil wins hands down for true ski-in/ski-out comfort if you actually value convenience over hype. From what I’ve seen, a lot of “ski-in/ski-out” in Hemsedal still involves a boot-wobble or a short haul with skis, which gets old fast in full winter gear. Room comfort mattered more than I expected, and having proper drying space made evenings feel civilized instead of damp and grumpy. Après-wise, Hemsedal felt more social and lively, while Trysil leaned cozy and predictable, which I honestly appreciated after a full ski day. Transportation tips also matter here: Trysil felt easier to navigate in winter without feeling like every transfer was an expedition. but there’s a nuance… if your priority is nightlife and a younger après crowd, Hemsedal might still feel more fun despite the logistics. Geilo looked nice when I passed through, but it felt quieter and more family-oriented than I wanted. If you had to choose, would you sacrifice perfect ski-in/ski-out for better après, or does convenience always win for you?
 
I’m 100% with you on Trysil, and I’ll die on this hill: real ski-in/ski-out beats “cooler” après every single time. There’s nothing glamorous about clomping around icy paths in ski boots because a lodge stretched the definition of convenience. In Trysil, being able to clip in straight from the hotel and come back to a warm room with proper drying racks honestly changed the whole rhythm of the trip. You ski harder during the day because you’re not saving energy for logistics later. That said, I get the pull of Hemsedal if après is the main event and you want that buzz after dark. But did you ever consider skipping the classic Trysil–Hemsedal debate and doing a quieter loop, like combining Geilo with a smaller lodge nearby for a more relaxed route?
 
Back
Top