We've skied in Geilo four times and have been very happy there. We've found it no more expensive than the Alps when we've arranged it ourselves (very easy - fly to Bergen or Oslo and take the train), especially when traveling with children as there are good discounts in the hotels and on the trains. Alcohol is eye-wateringly expensive though, so if this plays a big part in your holiday the price will go up a lot. We stay at the Ustedalen hotel, which is convenient for the slopes, relatively inexpensive and very friendly. The skiing is fine for beginners and unambitious intermediates, although we've found a 5 day break (hotels are less expensive Sunday - Thursday) enough in the past. What it lacks in long slopes it makes up for in uncrowdedness, especially mid-week. The Geilolia side is probably better for complete beginners, while the Geilo side has a better variety of runs (buses between the two are included in the lift pass). My kids are snowboarders and they love it because of the good snowparks and jumps - they've preferred it to the Alpine resorts we've visited. It's also a great resort for allowing older children and young teenagers independence as soon as they can handle the slopes, as they're unlikely to get lost.