Historical Background

It is more than 100 years since Geilo welcomed its first ski tourists. The first English tourist visited the areas around the Hallingskarvet mountain as early as 1867. His name was Lord Garvagh, from Portman Square in London. Later, in 1880, his son was permitted to build the well-known Lordehytta cabin in Folarskaret on Hallingskarvet.

Modern ski tourism began in 1935 when one of Norway’s first slalom races was held in Geilo. Since then there has been an exciting development into the modern, all round winter sports resort of today.

Significant factors and events that have characterised the development of Geilo over the years include the opening of the Bergen Railway in 1909, an active ski school from as early as the 1950s and Norway’s first piste machine in 1972. The first chair lift, Geilo Taubane, opened in 1954. At the same time, there has been a continuous upgrading of ski lifts, overnight accommodation facilities, activities and service.

The first hotel in Geilo, Gjeilo Hotell, was founded in 1880. Haugs Hotell opened somewhat later, in 1909 – the same year as the opening of the Bergen Railway and Dr. Holms Hotel.

National park village

In May 2008 Geilo was given status as a national park village. There are only 5 national park villages in Norway. One of the reasons why Geilo achieved this status, is the feeling visitors get that they arrived in a community full of life and with a natural relationship to the national park. But it also important to preserve culture and knowledge about local traditions, and to offer experiences and products with a local character. Geilo is a part of Hol, which was given status as a national park municipality. The criterion for this status is having a national park that covers 30 % of the municipality’s area, or a whole national park within the municipality’s borders. 

Here are some of the most important historical events in Geilo:

• 1935  One of the first slalom races in Norway was held in Geilo in March this year.
• 1973  Skarverennet cross country race was organised for the first time.
• 1977  Norwegian Downhill Championships.
• 1980  The 2nd Olympic Winter Games for the handicapped.
• 1980 and every year since – Kick sled World Championship!
• 1986  World Cup Downhill - winner Günther Mader!
• 1989  Norwegian Cross Country Championship.
• 1990  World Cup Downhill - winner Alberto Tomba!
• 1993  Master World Cup, cross country.
• 2003  Skarverennet – the world’s largest cross country ski festival – organised for the 30th time!
• 2003  Nowegian Championship Snowboard
• 2004  World Cup Kite Skiing
• 2004  European Cup Biathlon
• 2005  Kick sled World Championships for the 25th time!
• 2005  Nowegian Championship Snowboard
• 2005  World Cup Kite Skiing
• 2006 IceFestival #1
• 2007 IceFestival #2
• 2007 European Cup Biathlon
• 2008 IceFestival #3
• 2008 Norwegian Championship Snowboard
2009 IceMusic Festival
2009 Norwegian Championship in Slalom
2009 X-Elemts Andreas Wiig Inventional
2009 Norwegian Championship in Folk Music