Norwegians are born with skis on their feet, or so the saying goes. If you're learning Norwegian and want to talk about winter sports like a local, you'll need the right vocabulary. Here's a guide to the key terms for skiing, skating, and other frosty activities.
Skiing Vocabulary
Ski
/ʃiː/“Ski”
The long, flat device you strap to your feet to glide over snow. Norwegians have been using them for millennia.
Langrenn
/ˈlɑŋɡrɛn/“Cross-country skiing”
The national pastime. It involves skiing across flat or gently rolling terrain, often for hours at a time.
Alpint
/ɑlˈpiːnt/“Alpine skiing”
Skiing downhill on prepared slopes. Less common in Norway than you might think.
Stav
/stɑːv/“Ski pole”
The sticks you use to push yourself along. Essential for cross-country, optional for downhill.
Skismøring
/ˈskiːsmøːrɪŋ/“Ski waxing”
The dark art of applying wax to skis for better glide. Entire Norwegian families have fallen out over waxing techniques.
Skating Terms
Skøyter
/ˈʃœʏtər/“Skates”
Blades you strap to your feet to glide on ice. Comes in both hockey and figure varieties.
Kunstløp
/ˈkʉnstløːp/“Figure skating”
The graceful, spinning version of skating that makes everyone else feel clumsy.
Hurtigløp
/ˈhʉʈɪløːp/“Speed skating”
Going very fast in circles while wearing a strangely aerodynamic suit.
Is
/iːs/“Ice”
The slippery surface you skate on. Also useful in drinks.
Other Winter Activities
Aking
/ˈɑːkɪŋ/“Tobogganing”
Sliding downhill on a small sled. The most democratic winter sport - no special equipment needed.
Kjelke
/ˈçɛlkə/“Sled”
The vehicle of choice for aking. Can be anything from a fancy plastic model to a repurposed cardboard box.
Snøbrett
/ˈsnøːbrɛt/“Snowboard”
A single wide board for descending slopes sideways. Viewed with suspicion by traditional skiers.
Skred
/skreː/“Avalanche”
A dangerous mass of snow sliding down a mountain. Something to be aware of when skiing off-piste.
Useful Phrases
- Hvor er skibakken? - Where is the ski slope?
- Jeg trenger nye ski - I need new skis
- Er isen tykk nok? - Is the ice thick enough?
- Kan jeg leie skøyter? - Can I rent skates?
- Det er kaldt i dag! - It's cold today!
Remember: Norwegian winters are long and dark, but the sports vocabulary is bright and cheerful. Master these words and you'll be chatting about winter activities like a local.
If you're just starting with Norwegian, our guide on simplifying Norwegian grammar might help. And if you want to understand why Norwegians love their winter sports so much, read about why learning Norwegian feels like exploring fjords.
