History of Skeikampen

Skei

Skei is ancient Norwegian for sports arena. Long before the Viking Age there were horse races, runs and tradings on the open fields by the river of Skei called Paradice.

Before the war, the hotel guests used to play golf between the juniper bushes next to Skei Appartement. From the 17th century, there has been about 20 mountain dairies. The last 100 years, and mostly after 1994, Skei has changed character completely.

The Tourist Spot

The destination Skeikampen Resort has a unique history in Norway. In 1876 Gausdal Sanatorium was opend as the first hotel for tourists in the mountains in Norway. At that time only a couple of hundreds beds were available. Since then, Skei has developed into an international known tourist destination, and can be thought of as the pioneer among the many mountain hotels which has materialized since then. More cabins and appartments have also been added, whic gives the tourists excellent opportunities to visit Skeikampen.

Walkingpaths was made at once to the top of Skeikampen and in the surrounding area. People in good shape hike to the top of Skeikampen in only half an hour, and are rewarded with a panorama-view of Jotunheimen in the north-west, Rondane in the north and the Skreia-rocks in south-east. Watch the horizon up to 40 km in the distance!

The first ski-lift started in 1959 and Gausdal Mountain Hotel was opend for winter time in 1931. In the beginning the only possibillity to arrive in Skeikampen was by horse or by foot. Perhaps that was the reason why people stayed for a long period - 1-4 weeks.

Today, Mr. Olav Thon, the owner of most of Skeikampen, is proud to present some of Norway`s best ski-terrain! Quiet tracks through forests, great spaces on "the roof" of Skeikampen, very beautiful ski-tracks on the sides of the mountain and most of all perfect weather conditions!

Olav Thon is the owner of the two hotels, Thon Hotel Skeikampen and Thon Hotel Gausdal, the Skeikampen Alpine center, and Austlid Fjellstue.

Today there is a lot of activities to join in Skeikampen. Tennis courts, alpin slopes, 18-holes golf course, SPA-and wellness, and weekly activity programs during the different seasons.

Welcome to the Skeikampen of today!