This is the kind of Easter skiing conditions most Norwegians want. It was highly uncertain they'd get them this year. PHOTO: ERIK JOHANSEN / SCANPIX

Nor could holidaymakers expect much sunny weather either in the mountains, where many flock for spring skiing, or in the cities. Meteorologists were predicting mostly grey skies, and slightly colder temperatures.

That didn't seem to discourage those heading off on a week-long vacation. There were lots of ski bags and people in winter sports clothing to be seen in downtown Oslo and around the central train station on Friday, as folks planned to head out of town.

The Thursday, Friday and Monday around Easter Sunday are all public holidays in Norway, prompting many to simply take the whole week off. Schools are closed as well.

Rail officials, meanwhile, were breathing a sigh of relief late Friday morning when equipment failure that affected track switching through the busy Lillestrøm station was fixed. The trouble had halted all direct trains to Oslo's main airport at Gardermoen and also caused extensive delays.

With trains usually packed during the Easter holidays, the last thing either state railway NSB or state railroad Jernbaneverket needed was another round of breakdowns.

No 'dream Easter'
There aren't many signs of sunny Easter weather when those on holiday finally reach their destinations. "It doesn't look like it's going to be a 'dream Easter,'" state meteorologist Jan-Erik Johnsen told Aftenposten.no.

He characterized the weather situation over Norway as being far from the conditions needed for blue skies and sunshine. For that, some high-pressure systems are needed, and Norway "is as long from a high-pressure system as you can be."

There may be some periods of sunshine, and little snow, sleet or snow was expected. But the weather forecast called for mostly cloudy skies through the week.

In northern Norway, worse weather was expected. Rain, sleet and some snow was predicted along the entire coast. Temperatures were also expected to fall.