Not generally known for it's ski resorts (which is why I like it ..... not a winter Benidorm by any standards), this part of Norway is, even by Norwegian standards, stunningly beautiful, sparsely populated and offers skiing for beginners and more experienced skiers both downhill and cross country. On top of that, there's a ski factory nearby that has a factory outlet shop flogging stuff straight out of the back door cheap and with tax free options as well. My skis cost me 30% of the UK price. I stay at the Vonheim Gjesthus in Helgheim near Skei I Jølster (www.fourthreetwoone.com) which is cheap, simple, cosy and relaxed and a group can rent the whole accommodation floor for a week or two for an even better deal. Ski lifts are 20 minutes away in either direction to Vassenden or Utvikfjellet if you want the downhill stuff. Buses stop right near the gjesthus and take you to both ski lifts which tend to be used mainly by the very affable locals whose kids will happily link up with yours and play in the pretty much guaranteed snow. Everyone speaks great English. There's ice fishing, glacier walks, mountain climbing ......... I went to Davos one year and found it full of miserable, rich, posers and spent a fortune having a lousy time.

I learned to ski on the beautiful cross country tracks where the lack of gradients makes life easier and then simply took on more slopes as I felt able to deal with them.

Getting there? Fly to Førde Bringeland airport using www.wideroe.no or take the Fjord Line www.fjordline.com boat from Newcastle to Bergen and then get a bus right from the terminal that will drop you off outside the gjestehus ("guest house" in Norwegian) or to the nearby hotel. The boat trip over is great fun and you get to see the coast from Stavanger to Bergen. Easily the best ferry deal / experience in Northern Europe. NSF = boats catching fire, rough booze cruisers, DFDS = OK but not as good as Fjord Line.

Some ski cloth
es are cheaper in Norway than in the UK (in the respect the clothes are good quality and better VALUE).

There are cheaper places to go skiing but I'd rather pay a bit more and actually enjoy myself.

I go skiing in Norway every year and couldn't think of anywhere else I'd rather try. The cross country skiing is easy to learn, great exercise, not dangerous and great fun. Expect to find yourself invited to some Norwegian's house for food, drinks etc.. The best people going the Norwegians.