Norway is well-known for offering some of the world’s best family skiing; visitors to Trysil will quickly notice the many accomplished families, including very small children, excelling on the slopes. However, it is also the sort of destination that allows an advanced skier or boarder to go off and fulfill their thrill-seeking needs on the six black runs and various blue and red slopes. The resort is well connected, which helps when meeting up with friends and family later in the town for lunch or après ski. It’s a good idea to find accommodation at the base of Trysilfjellet (Trysil Mountain), which is a beautiful, snowy paradise during the winter months. There are a lot of runs dotted below the tree line which means many hotels have ski in ski out. The Turistsenter at the mountain’s base, as the name implies, is home to everything you would need: a supermarket, multiple bars, clothes shops, and Trysil’s largest selection of restaurants. Access to the region’s non-skiing activities from Trysilfjellet is simple and straightforward.

One of the most exciting activities to enjoy in Trysil is star hunting. This is not an isolated activity with a heavy telescope. In Trysil, stargazers of all ages can use special Skymaster binoculars to wander freely on a star hunting tour and gaze out into the night sky to spot celestial features. Pleiades (the Seven Sisters) is the cluster in the constellation of Taurus and is easily seen, along with the Big Dipper star shape in the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear). You can also look out for meteor showers, fireballs, satellites, and yes, even the glorious northern lights if the conditions are particularly agreeable (very cold and dry). Star hunting takes place in the evening, and is an unforgettable experience for slightly older children who can work their own binoculars and are able to appreciate the majesty of what they’re seeing.

There are plenty of dog sledding tours to choose from around Trysil, from one-hour introductory trips to all-day tours. The Huskies are not, contrary to what our childish imaginations would have us believe, all fluffy and cute like Malamute or Elkhound-type dogs. They are lean working dogs collectively called Alaskan Huskies (an unofficial breed-type). A tour leader controls the sled from the back while passengers sit upfront. Stronger family members can have a go at taking the reins, but be sure to keep the brake on at the start as the dogs set off at a pace! The dogs eagerly pull guests along well-worn wilderness paths, with the party stopping for hot drinks and lunch on longer trips. This gives guests the chance to swap roles or move around the sled. It is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Norwegian forests from this unique perspective. Passengers will enjoy the beauty of the frozen plateaus and marvel at the utter tranquillity, with just the sound of panting dogs and sled runners cutting through snow breaking the otherwise total silence. For younger children aged eight or under, shorter trips are advised – temperatures in winter average minus nine degrees in this area, and sitting still in the sled can become very cold.

To quote a certain a festive song, you can’t beat dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh. A sleigh ride, especially if you’re travelling near Christmas, is a wonderful festive treat for the whole family. With reindeer pelts warming your knees and the sleigh bells tinkling away, this is another chance to witness the stunning forests around Trysil. A great trip for families at a slightly slower pace than the dog sledding, for those who enjoy a more gradual pace of life.

Visitors to Trysil can easily enjoy a staycation at the resort - the central Radisson Blu Hotel, for example, boasts a fantastic pool and a surfing/wave machine. There is also a Finnish sauna and Turkish steam room. Kids will love the free toboggans at the base of the resort’s slopes. Northern Norway is dark from early afternoon until late morning between September and March, giving the region a rather beautiful, blue-tinged light for most of the day. At twilight, this is called ‘the blue hour’ by locals.Trysil has a relaxed, health-conscious, Scandinavian wellness feel to it. It is a high-end ski resort, so consequently, costs are high. This is perhaps not the destination for hard drinkers or party animals looking for après ski.Trysil makes a fantastic festive destination if you’re able to travel over the yuletide period. Christmas in Norway is predominantly celebrated on December 24th, with a traditional dinner consisting of dried mutton ribs called pinnekjott with potatoes and turnip. Christmas trees and decorations are in abundance in Trysil over the Christmas period but are arranged in a low-key, sophisticated manner.