❄️🧖 Spa after the slopes: a guide to Scandinavian wellness in Sjusjøen and Lillehammer
Just picture it: you're gliding down perfect slopes among beautiful mountains and lakes, and then in the evening, you're relaxing in a real Norwegian sauna or unwinding in a hot outdoor pool with a view of snowy peaks. It's so lovely to see how people are combining active recreation and wellness more and more these days. In this guide, we'll share some of our favourite spots for a spot of cross-country skiing and spa relaxation in the Sjusjøen and Lillehammer region — the best places for skiing in Norway.
🎿 So, why are Sjusjøen and Lillehammer the best choice?
The Gudbrandsdalen region, which includes Sjusjøen and Lillehammer, is a place like no other. It's got more than 350 kilometres of cross-country trails that have been groomed to perfection. In fact, they're so well loved that they're considered some of the best in Europe! This is where professionals and amateurs from all over the world come to train.
I totally get it, after a day of sports, it's so important to recover fully. Don't worry if you feel tired after a day on the slopes – local wellness centres and spa hotels will make you feel great again in no time!
🏨 Top 3 spa hotels near the ski slopes
We have compiled a list of the best places where you can perfectly combine active recreation and Scandinavian wellness:
1️⃣ Nermo Hotell & Spa (Hafjell, Lillehammer)
● ⛷️ 15 minutes from the ski slopes of Lillehammer Olympic Park.
● 🌡️ Hot outdoor pool and traditional Finnish sauna with panoramic windows.
● Special feature: popular treatments with Arctic oils and birch branches.
📌 TripAdvisor review:
"After a day of skiing, there's nothing better than an outdoor pool and sauna with incredible mountain views. Unforgettable relaxation!"
2️⃣ Pellestova Hotel Hafjell (Sjusjøen)
● ⛷️ Direct access to the slopes, with ski trails starting right outside the hotel.
● 🌡️ Famous spa complex with a unique lava sauna (a Norwegian sauna in the form of a traditional Sami tent).
● Special feature: outdoor ice pool for a contrasting dip.
📌 Instagram review:
"The lava sauna at Pellestova is simply amazing! An incredibly atmospheric place, followed by a dip in the ice pool. Exhilaration and a burst of energy guaranteed!"
3️⃣ Scandic Lillehammer Hotel & Spa (Lillehammer)
● ⛷️ Convenient access to the Olympic trails and ski routes of Mayrhofen.
● 🌡️ Full-service spa with hydromassage, Turkish bath and sauna with panoramic views.
● Special feature: popular massage using local essential oils and mountain herbs.
📌 Review from the VisitNorway blog:
"Ideal for families. Children love the pool, while adults enjoy the treatments and the incredible sauna."
🔥🧊 Lava sauna and ice pools: a Norwegian must-try
Norwegians are convinced that nothing is as restorative after a long day of skiing as a sauna ritual with contrasting treatments:
● Lava sauna: a traditional Sami tent with a hot stove that can accommodate up to 15 people. Pellestova and Nermo are the most popular lava saunas in the region.
● Ice pool: after the sauna, be sure to plunge into the icy water outside (around +2°C). The contrasting treatments are excellent for improving blood circulation and relieving muscle tension.
📌 Review from TripAdvisor:
"We had never tried an ice pool before, but after the first time we were hooked! The emotions are indescribable, and the fatigue disappears instantly."
🍃 Top 3 wellness treatments after cross-country skiing
- Scandinavian massage with juniper and fir oils:
Relieves muscle tension and completely relaxes (from NOK 600 for 60 minutes). - Birch ritual:
Includes a scrub with birch leaves and aromatherapy. Effective after physical activity (from 450 NOK). - Outdoor hot tub:
Restores muscles, helps relieve stress and fatigue (usually included in the price of accommodation).
📌 Practical tips before your trip
● Book spa treatments in advance (2–4 weeks), especially on weekends.
● Check whether access to the spa complex is included in the room rate.
● Bring comfortable swimwear and slippers for the spa area.
📸 Where to take the best photos for Instagram?
● In the outdoor pool at the Nermo Hotel with panoramic views.
● Near the famous lava sauna in Pellestova.
● Against the backdrop of the snowy slopes of Sjusjøen at sunset.
💆♀️ I'm curious, why is "wellness + sport" so popular right now?
I really believe that the perfect way to recover is to enjoy some active fun and then relax. When you go on holiday, it's so important to switch off from the stresses and strains of everyday life. A holiday is a chance to completely disconnect and experience deep physical and emotional renewal. It's not just a holiday — it's a complete reboot!
I absolutely love the Gudbrandsdalen region! It's just the perfect place to combine sports and wellness. We're sure you'll have a blast on our endless cross-country skiing trails and enjoying unique spa treatments that will leave you feeling completely relaxed.
💬 We'd absolutely love to hear about your experience!
Have you already been to Sjusjøen or Lillehammer? We'd absolutely love to hear all about your favourite spa hotels and treatments! We would absolutely love it if you shared your photos, reviews and useful resources with us! We'll be sharing some interesting tips and links to readers' blogs in the next articles in our Norway catalogue, so keep an eye out for those!
