Oslo's Snø allows locals and tourists alike to ski all year round.
Indoor ski centers in Europe are nothing new, having been pioneered in germany and Austria as long ago as the 1930s. However, they are virtually unheard of in skiing-obsessed Norway. That’s because every winter, most of Norway transforms itself into one big ski resort.
At least, that’s what used to happen. In recent years, however, the lack of snow has caused concerns among climate scientists and sports enthusiasts alike. Less snow means less opportunity for the champions of tomorrow to get into the sport. Norwegian research institutes are even looking into more sustainable ways of producing artificial snow.
But artificial snow outdoors is just one part of the solution. Indoor facilities can provide great training conditions for Norway’s national sport, all year round. Now, after many years of planning and construction, Snø is open for business.
The indoor ski center includes an impressive cross-country skiing mezzanine hung from the ceiling.
The indoor ski center
At more than 500 meters long, up to 100 meters wide and with an elevation difference of 90 meters, Snø is one of the biggest such centers in Europe. Built into a hillside in Lørenskog, approximately 20km (12 miles) northeast of downtown Oslo, the building is a striking addition to the region’s winter attractions.
The alpine zone features three slopes but the real highlight is the 1.5km-long cross-country trail, located on a mezzanine floor suspended from the ceiling.
The increasing numbers of people interested in freeskiing and snowboarding are also catered for with a terrain park. “The goal is to facilitate good skiing and snow experiences for everyone, regardless of age, skills and ambitions,” said general manager Morten Dybdahl at the opening ceremony.
Monthly memberships start at 600 Norwegian kroner ($65) while a day pass is 350 Norwegian kroner ($38). Equipment rental starts from 200 Norwegian kroner ($22) and can be booked online in advance. The slopes are open until 10pm on weekdays, 5pm on weekends.
The eye-catching exterior of Snø, Norway's new indoor ski center in the suburbs of Oslo.
An entire district to follow
Snø is only the first part of the development of Snøbyen (The Snow City), a new district close to Lørenskog station to feature hotels, restaurants, shops and homes. The big picture idea is to create an activity center with winter and snow experiences at the core of a knowledge cluster for sports-related business activities.
Jarle Aambø heads Norway’s Olympic climbing performance cluster and is the founder of Igloo Innovation, described as an innovation hub for up to 50 companies working with winter- and sports-related technologies.
He said in a press release that Snøbyen has “enormous potential” for innovation and business development with respect to Norwegian winter sports: “Many leading companies want to be part of the new, ambitious business cluster at Snøporten, including the Norwegian Ski Federation and the Norwegian Sports Academy.”
