Snow falls first in high-altitude, inland areas. Budor is located 650 meters above sea level, at the entrance to Hedmarksvidda—1.5 hours from Oslo and 1 hour from Gardermoen. Here, there are usually good skiing conditions from November well into April, while Oslo is still bare. Below, you’ll find an explanation and five cabins you can ski right up to.

Why is there snow in some places when Oslo is brown?

Three factors are decisive: elevation, distance from the sea, and terrain.

It gets colder the higher you go—roughly half a degree to one degree per 100 meters of elevation. That may not sound like much, but it’s the difference between rain and snow when the temperature hovers around zero.

Then there's the ocean. The coast gets mild weather that melts the snow within a day. The inland areas get drier, colder air that keeps the snow on the ground.

And finally, the terrain. Trails that run through the woods are sheltered from the wind and the sun in February. The tracks last longer than they do in open mountain terrain.

Budor All three have: an elevation of 650 meters above sea level, a central inland location, and a network of trails that mostly run through the forest.

When does the snow start falling at Budor?

Usually in November. The season often lasts well into April.

The trail network consists of over 300 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails, and there are lighted trails—so you can ski after dark. The downhill ski slope usually opens around December 26 and remains open through Easter.

If you want to check the conditions before heading up, you can find the trail status at sporet.no and updated information about the ski resort at visitbudor.no.

Is Budor the place with the most reliable snowfall near Oslo?

No, and we should be honest about that. The mountain destinations further north are at higher elevations, get snow earlier, and keep it longer.

But they're also three to four hours away.

Budor The compromise is this: high enough to have snow when there isn’t any in Marka, and close enough that you can drive up on Friday afternoon and squeeze in a run on the trail before dinner. That’s why people keep coming back here—not because it’s the highest, but because it all adds up.

How far is it by car?

• 1.5 hours from Oslo and 1 hour from Gardermoen
• About 1.5 hours from Oslo
• 30 minutes from Hamar

You'll need a car. Public transportation doesn't quite cover the entire route, and the distance between the cabin, the store, and the slopes is too far to walk with skis and shopping bags. If you're flying in, renting a car from Gardermoen is the easiest option.

Two things to keep in mind on the way up: it’s a toll road, and you pay the toll afterward at youpark.no—there’s no toll booth to stop at. And the last grocery store is Joker Brenneriroa, twenty minutes down the road. Do your shopping there.

Five sustainable cabins with trails right outside the door

None of the five have a jacuzzi or a sauna. We're saying this up front, because those are amenities many people look for.

In return, you get plenty of space, comfortable beds, and a location where you can strap on your skis right on the stairs. If it’s the snow and skiing you’re here for, these are the cabins that offer the best value for your money.

All five—Fura, Bjørka, Rogna, Grana, and Alpin Lodge—were built sustainably using local materials and by local carpenters, and all feature Jensen beds. You’ll sleep soundly after a day on the slopes.

Budor Alpine Lodge — 12 guests, six bedrooms

• 6 bedrooms · Sleeps 12
• 2 electric car chargers
• Conference equipment — ideal for company outings and kickoff events
• Built sustainably

The largest of the five, and the only one set up for overnight stays. Whether you’re coming as a group or with coworkers, this cabin can accommodate your entire party under one roof.

"What a wonderful home. Beautiful sunrises and a fantastic location near the ski resort."

— Guest

Fura — 8 guests, the flagship of the series

• 4 bedrooms · Sleeps 8
• Jensen Beds · Wi-Fi · TV
• Sustainably built using local materials

Fura is the model after which the Fura series is named, and it sets the standard. With four bedrooms, two families can travel together without anyone having to sleep in the living room.

"Spotless and impeccably clean. We're already looking forward to our next visit!"

— Guest

Rogna — 8 guests, and a chance to see the Northern Lights

• 4 bedrooms · Sleeps 8
• Jensen Beds · Wi-Fi · TV
• Built sustainably

It’s the same size as Fura, but with a bonus we can’t promise you: some guests have seen the Northern Lights from the property. It requires clear skies, darkness, and a bit of luck—but it has happened here.

"An unforgettable sleigh ride, and the magical Northern Lights in the sky."

— Guest

Bjørka — 6 guests; dogs are welcome

• 3 bedrooms · Sleeps 6
• Pet-friendly — the only one in the Fura series
• Jensen Beds · Wi-Fi · TV

Villa Heidi has three pet-friendly cabins at Budor, and Bjørka is one of them. The network of trails starts right outside, so both two-legged and four-legged guests can get plenty of exercise.

"A short walk from the Budor . Highly recommended!"

— Guest

Grana — Sleeps 6, fireplace, and fire pit

• 3 bedrooms · Sleeps 6 (two double bedrooms + a loft with two single beds)
• Fireplace · Washing machine
• Jensen Beds · Wi-Fi · TV

A washing machine sounds boring—until three out of four people in the group have wet ski pants. Grana is the cabin for the family that stays for a few days and actually spends that time outdoors.

"A wonderful cabin in a really nice area. We had a great time and would love to come back."

— Guest

Which one is right for you?

• Company outing, kickoff, or large group → Budor Alpinlodge
• Two families on a trip together → Fura or Rogna
• One family, a few days → Grana
• Dog in the group → Bjørka
• Would you like a hot tub or a sauna? → Check out our other cabins at Budor

How much does it cost?

Rates start at 1,950 kroner per night.

Bedding, towels, and a final cleaning are always included. They’re listed as a separate item in the total price, so you can see exactly what you’re paying before you confirm—and you’ll head home without having to mop a single floor.

The final price depends on the cabin, the season, and the number of nights. Search for your dates to see the price for each cabin.

When do you need to book to secure a spot?

Before you think.

Christmas, New Year's, the winter break in weeks 8 and 9, and Easter come first. If you wait until November, the larger cabins are usually gone by January.

And keep in mind that Easter 2027 comes early: Palm Sunday is March 21 and Easter Sunday is March 28. This means there will be less time between winter break and Easter than people are used to—and that both periods will fill up almost at the same time.

Useful Information Before You Arrive

• Check-in from 4:00 p.m., check-out at 11:00 a.m.
• Contactless check-in — you'll receive the code for the key box in advance
• Wi-Fi in all cabins
• Ski rentals are available at the resort, for both cross-country and alpine skiing
• Toll roads are paid for on youpark.no after passing through
• Last grocery store: Joker Brenneriroa, 20 minutes down the road

Ready for snow?

Search for your dates and see what’s available at Budor. The five cabins listed here are just the beginning—we have 25 cabins and 9 apartments in the mountains, ranging from cabins that sleep six to those with hot tubs and saunas.

View available cabins at Budor →]