Ski Season Data: Norway’s Growing Popularity Among UK Travellers

New data from aviation analytics firm, Cirium highlights Norway’s growing appeal as a top destination for British skiers, with an impressive 64% year on year surge in December 2024 bookings, with demand being met with nine new flight routes from the UK.

To meet this growing demand, Ski Solutions has expanded its offering in the Scandinavian country, adding the resorts of Gausta and Narvik to its portfolio this winter. Narvik, located within the Arctic Circle, provides skiers with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness the Northern Lights while enjoying the slopes. The recent launch of a direct flight from London to Harstad-Narvik airport has made this remote yet magical destination more accessible for skiers. 

Ski Season Data: Norway’s Growing Popularity Among UK Travellers

Norway is rapidly emerging as a top destination for British skiers this winter, according to Britain's original specialist ski travel agency and tailor-made tour operator, Ski Solutions. As of 17 October 2024, Ski Solutions has seen December 2024 bookings to Norway surge by 64% year-on-year, reflecting a strong appetite for the Norwegian slopes among UK travellers.

Pax numbers for December 2024 are up by an impressive 109% compared to last year, with Ski Solutions noting that more families and groups are choosing Norway for their winter holidays, drawn by its blend of adventure and unique Nordic experiences.

Cirium data shows that the number of direct flights from the UK to Norway in December 2024 is set to reach 872, providing over 143,000 available seats—a 14% increase compared to December 2023, reflecting growing demand from British travellers.

Leading the way are two of Norway’s most renowned resorts: Geilo and Trysil. Geilo has experienced an extraordinary 126% increase in December pax numbers year-on-year, while Trysil has seen a solid 42% increase. These two resorts are proving particularly popular with British visitors this December, offering a mix of thrilling activities and stunning winter landscapes, as well as untouched slopes.

Norway’s momentum as a winter sports destination extends beyond the festive season. For the entire 2024/25 season, Ski Solutions reports that bookings are tracking 57% up year-on-year, with pax numbers rising by 83% compared to the previous winter season.

Interest in Norway’s northern regions is particularly strong. Cirium notes that flights to Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic Circle and a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights, are projected to increase by 296% in December 2024 compared to last year, as more Brits seek out new Nordic destinations with guaranteed snow.

To accommodate the growing interest, nine new direct flight routes from the UK to Norway are being introduced this winter, providing even more options for British skiers:

• 30 October – Norwegian: Manchester to Tromsø
• 2 November – Norwegian: London Gatwick to Harstad/Narvik
• 2 November – Scandinavian Airlines: London Heathrow to Tromsø
• 11 November – easyJet: London Gatwick to Tromsø
• 15 November – easyJet: Manchester to Oslo
• 19 November – easyJet: Manchester to Tromsø
• 1 December – British Airways: London Heathrow to Tromsø
• 5 December – easyJet: Bristol to Tromsø
• 15 December – TUI Airways: Manchester to Oslo

Ian McIlrath, Managing Director of Ski Solutions, has commented: “Norway’s rise as a must visit winter destination for British travellers is fantastic to see. The combination of well preserved natural beauty and world-class skiing has created an unparalleled offering for those looking to book a ski holiday outside of the usual go to destinations . With an increase in direct flights and a growing appetite for adventure, we’re seeing an increase in travellers embracing Norway as a top choice for the upcoming ski season. The significant year-on-year increase in bookings to resorts like Geilo and Trysil highlights just how much UK skiers are drawn to Norway's charm and versatility”.