november-2011

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Hemsedal’s dramatic mountain
landscape has helped it
gain a reputation as
“The Scandinavian Alps”
Beitostølen, Norway
Where: Several hours north west of Oslo,
just outside Jotunheimen National Park.
Nearest Thomas Cook airport: Fagernes.
Best for: With its quiet trails, zero
queues and great mountainside
accommodation, Beitostølen is perfect
for relaxing on the slopes instead of
zooming down them.
Who goes: Adventurous families who
fancy activities such as dogsledding,
snowmobiling and cross-country skiing;
Jeremy Clarkson, who recently filmed
an episode of Top Gear there.
Don’t miss: An exhilarating trip down
the side of the mountain on an inflatable
raft – a favourite local activity.
Best digs: Mountainside Radisson
Blu Resort Beitostølen (neilson.co.uk)
melds sleek contemporary Scandinavian
and traditional Norwegian design, and
has been awarded best ski hotel in
Norway for six years running by the
World Travel Awards.
Best eats: American-themed restaurant
Huset (+47 90 94 05 00) serves excellent
steak and spare ribs, and is also known
for hosting one of Beitostølen’s best
après-ski scenes.
Best souvenir: Specialty Norwegian
liquor aquavit is best priced at Fagernes
Airport’s duty free shop.
Hemsedal, Norway
WINTER FUN
Where: Halfway between Bergen and
Oslo at the base of some of Scandinavia’s
tallest mountains.
Nearest Thomas Cook airport:
Fagernes.
Best for: As Norway’s most popular
ski destination, the “Scandinavian Alps”
are ideal for downhill, snowboarders
and telemark skiers.
Who goes: Both beginner and
intermediate skiers; Marcus Patric
Thomas Cook Travel
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