
Norway
Ski beneath the iconic Gaustatoppen in Telemark's premier alpine destination.
1 property available
About the Resort
Gausta, located in the majestic Telemark region of Norway, is a captivating ski destination nestled at the foot of Gaustatoppen, often called Norway's most beautiful mountain. The resort offers a blend of spectacular scenery, rich history, and a deeply welcoming atmosphere, making it a standout choice for winter enthusiasts.
The Resort
The main ski area, Gausta Skisenter, features a wide variety of terrain that is particularly well-suited for families, beginners, and intermediate skiers. Alongside perfectly groomed, uncrowded pistes, the resort provides access to an extensive cross-country skiing network across the surrounding plateau and a dedicated snowpark for freestyle progression.
For the truly adventurous, the unique Gaustabanen—a Cold War-era funicular railway built deep inside the mountain—provides access to the towering 1,883-meter peak of Gaustatoppen. From the summit, expert skiers can experience thrilling, lift-accessed off-piste descents with breathtaking views that stretch across a sixth of Norway on a clear day.
On the Mountain
Gausta offers 35 kilometers of wide, perfectly groomed pistes spread across multiple interconnected areas, providing excellent cruising terrain. While the main resort caters primarily to beginners and intermediates, expert freeriders can tackle the legendary off-piste couloirs and bowls from the summit of Gaustatoppen.
Telemark
Telemark is the historical birthplace of modern skiing, renowned for its rolling mountains, deep valleys, and deep-rooted winter sports heritage.
Location
Resort Details
Ideal For
Families
Safe, wide slopes, dedicated children's areas, and easily accessible ski-in/ski-out lodging.
Beginners
Excellent progression slopes, gentle terrain, and top-tier Scandinavian ski schools.
Freeriders
Incredible lift-accessed backcountry skiing from the 1,883m Gaustatoppen peak.
Cross-Country Skiers
Over 85km of beautifully groomed tracks winding across the picturesque mountain plateau.
Full Collection
Where to Eat
Gaustablikk Fjellresort Restaurant
Gaustablikk Hotel
The main hotel's restaurant offering hearty buffets and an a la carte menu focused on locally sourced Norwegian ingredients.
Gaustatoppen Turisthytte
Summit of Gaustatoppen
A historic stone cabin right at the peak serving freshly made Norwegian waffles, the perfect reward before an off-piste descent.
Stova
Gausta Skisenter Base
A cozy, modern eatery located right on the slopes, ideal for a high-quality lunch or a relaxed après-ski drink.
Bakeriet i Gausta
Gausta Resort Center
A local artisanal bakery offering fantastic breads, sweet pastries, and hot coffee to start your ski day right.
Common Questions
The ski season in Gausta typically runs Late November to early May. The resort averages 4m per season of snowfall, so conditions are usually reliable throughout. The Gaustabanen funicular requires a separate ticket or specific off-piste pass and operates based on weather and avalanche conditions.
Gausta offers 35km of pistes with a vertical drop of 350m. Gausta offers 35 kilometers of wide, perfectly groomed pistes spread across multiple interconnected areas, providing excellent cruising terrain. While the main resort caters primarily to beginners and intermediates, expert freeriders can tackle the legendary off-piste couloirs and bowls from the summit of Gaustatoppen. It forms part of the Telemark ski area.
Ski beneath the iconic Gaustatoppen in Telemark's premier alpine destination. Gausta is a family-friendly resort, known for its distinctive character and atmosphere. Key highlights include family friendly, beginners, intermediates, ski in ski out, off piste.
Gausta receives an average of 4m per season of snowfall. With skiing up to 1,250m, higher altitude terrain holds snow well into spring. Recent snowfall: Consistent natural snowfall backed by extensive modern snowmaking.
Gausta is well-suited for several types of visitors. For families: Safe, wide slopes, dedicated children's areas, and easily accessible ski-in/ski-out lodging. For beginners: Excellent progression slopes, gentle terrain, and top-tier Scandinavian ski schools. For freeriders: Incredible lift-accessed backcountry skiing from the 1,883m Gaustatoppen peak.
The nearest airport is Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), about 235km away (approximately 3h 15min by transfer). Rental cars are the most popular way to reach Gausta, though express bus services connect Oslo to nearby Rjukan. Gausta is also reachable by train via Kongsberg Station. The Rjukanekspressen bus runs from Oslo to Rjukan. From Rjukan, a local mountain bus connects to the ski resort.
Lift passes in Gausta are available as Adult Day Pass (NOK 615), Adult 6-Day Pass (NOK 2650). Passes often cover the wider Telemark area, giving access to a much larger ski domain. Book lift passes and ski rentals online in advance for the best rates and to guarantee availability during peak Norwegian school holidays.
Standout dining in Gausta includes Gaustablikk Fjellresort Restaurant (The main hotel's restaurant offering hearty buffets and an a la carte menu focused on locally sourced Norwegian ingredients.), Gaustatoppen Turisthytte (A historic stone cabin right at the peak serving freshly made Norwegian waffles, the perfect reward before an off-piste descent.), Stova (A cozy, modern eatery located right on the slopes, ideal for a high-quality lunch or a relaxed après-ski drink.). With 4 recommended restaurants in total, the resort offers an impressive dining scene for a ski destination.
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