Norway’s mountains and ski resorts are legendary, and whether you’re carving fresh powder or just trying not to faceplant, knowing a few key Norwegian phrases can make your trip smoother (and safer). Here’s a guide to the most useful words and expressions for hitting the slopes.
On the Slopes
- Unnskyld! – Excuse me! (Useful when you’re about to overtake someone or accidentally cut them off.)
- Pass på! – Watch out! (Yell this if someone’s about to collide with you - or a tree.)
- Er denne løypa åpen? – Is this run open? (Always good to check before heading down.)
- Hvor er nærmeste skibakke? – Where’s the nearest ski slope? (For when you’re lost - or just lazy.)
At the Ski Lift
- En heisbillett, takk. – One lift ticket, please.
- Er heisen i drift? – Is the lift running? (A question you’ll ask after one too many wind closures.)
- Kan jeg sitte sammen med deg? – Can I sit with you? (For when the lift queue is packed.)
Après-Ski Essentials
The après-ski culture in Norway is as important as the skiing itself. Here’s what to say when you’re warming up with a drink:
- En varm kakao, takk. – A hot chocolate, please. (The ultimate post-ski comfort drink.)
- Har dere glutenfrie alternativer? – Do you have gluten-free options? (Because Norway is surprisingly accommodating.)
- Hvor er nærmeste sauna? – Where’s the nearest sauna? (A Norwegian staple after a day in the cold.)
Emergency Phrases
If you’re in trouble, these phrases could be lifesavers:
- Jeg trenger hjelp! – I need help!
- Ring en lege! – Call a doctor!
- Hvor er førstehjelpen? – Where is first aid?
Snowboarding-Specific Terms
If you’re on a snowboard, these might come in handy:
Skred
/skreː/“Avalanche”
Avalanche. If you hear this, get to safety immediately.
Parken
/ˈpɑrkən/“Terrain park”
The terrain park, where you’ll find jumps, rails, and other features.
For more Norwegian phrases, check out our guide on romantic Norwegian expressions or outdoor vocabulary in Latvian for comparative fun.
