 Poster: A snowHead
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I'm going to Geilo at end December. I've been several times before but thinking of a car rental, rather than the coach transfers we've previously had.
Oslo to Geilo road has always seemed fairly good and well maintained in winter - but I wasn't driving then!
Cars with just winter tyres and 2wd seemed to cope ok from what I saw previously within Geilo. So just checking if anyone would recommend snow chains? Or 4wd?
Cheers
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Welcome to Snowheads, @Treadmore.  Can't report on driving to Geilo (I went by train, many years ago) but I've just read that Norway has banned all sales of alcohol in hospitality venues for at least 4 weeks. Might affect your packing decisions.....
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I cant be much help either in terms of Geilo but some general comments from an Easter trip to Trysil when we drove. We had winter tyres but the roads were well kept and as the base of the resort is low (is Geilo's?) so there wasnt much snow/ice where we had to park. But when we were there it snowed quite alot over night and I was a bit worried we wouldnt get out of the car parking space but these tyres had no problem at all, but again not really tested as the slope to/from the base of the resort to the town/main road wasnt substancial. The thing with your trip is thats in mid-winter so likely worse conditions, I would get chains as you'll be the one to suffer if you are trying to get to a flight and miss it.
I dont know about Geilo and whats there and what your situation is but we got the car for convenience to flight times and as self catering we used it for getting supplies in town rather than the more limited shop in resort.
But as @pam w, says if you're in doubt you could take the train, this thread has a bit on that
https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?p=3540395&highlight=geilo#3540395
No matter the alcohol ban, its pretty pricy when they do sell it, so take as much as you can from duty free here.
Who knows, you might get lucky and get studded tyres!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I've only done this trip once but it was by train from Oslo that was totally stress free. The hotel picked us up at the station in Geilo and the free ski bus from the hotels to and from the slopes worked really well.
One day we missed the last one and the night skiing bus was hanging around until the slopes opened for night skiing, and he took us to the hotel
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Train is easy, if a little lengthy. If from the airport you'll need to get a train into Oslo central station first. Times and tickets here: https://www.vy.no/en
Edit - if you're thinking about covid.. I just noticed it looks like are offering option of 6 seat compartments now on the Oslo-Geilo-Bergen line.
Re alcohol.... Oslo has one of the largest duty free shops I've seen, in the arrivals area just before baggage pickup
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| paulo wrote: |
| Re alcohol.... Oslo has one of the largest duty free shops I've seen, in the arrivals area just before baggage pickup |
Still might be a bit pricey vs picking it up in your origin airport (if you can be arsed to carry it on the plane)
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@Treadmore, check this post for how to get rescued from your icy prison.
I've not driven to Geilo, but I've driven to Trysil, Lillehammer and Hemsedal (two or three times), in the middle of winter. Each time I've had normal winter tyres (not studded) and not needed anything more to get to resort. I have needed chains a few times: once on the way up the hill in Hemsedal, getting up to our cabin at Hafjell (Lillehammer) and getting in and out from the same cabin (for <50m before the roads were clear - I got really good at fitting chains on that trip). If we'd been staying in the main resort centre each time, we would not have needed chains.
I suspect that you'll be absolutely fine without chains, unless you have chosen to stay somewhere a bit unusual. There are a few Norway-based SHs who may be able to advise with more confidence. @Lilledonmarco, any thoughts?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Update: hirer advises just the snow tyres will be fine (and snow chains not allowed on their vehicles!)
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Now in Geilo. Roads all pretty much clear and straightforward.
Covid testing at Oslo was simple, taking between 30-60 minutes in all. There did seem to be a fast track, possibly for families??
I was last in Geilo (Vestlia side) Feb 2013 - it's changed a fair bit from tonight's quick look!
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FAQ
so had to wait a day before posting back
