Sweden: a country almost double the size of the UK yet home to just 9.5 million residents, and is therefore very sparsely populated. Almost the whole of Sweden is crossed in north-south alignment by the Skanden mountain range, whose highest mountain, Kebnekaise, reaches up to 2,111 metres. Although the peaks of the Alps rise a few metres higher into the sky, winter sports enthusiasts will still find fantastic conditions for skiing and snowboarding in Sweden. Picturesque nature, endless expanses, diverse ski resorts and a varied alternative programme guarantee fun and relaxation for young and old. SnowTrex lists 5 reasons for skiing in Sweden.
1. Skiing in the largest ski area in Scandinavia
Most of Sweden’s largest ski resorts are located in west-central Sweden, close to the border with Norway. The best known include Åre, Sälen and Idre Fjäll, which are around 400 to 600 kilometres from Stockholm.
With over 30 lifts and 75 kilometres of slopes, Åre is not only Sweden’s, but Scandinavia’s largest ski resort and it is not for nothing that it is so popular among winter sports enthusiasts. The traditional Åre ski resort stretches from 387 to 1,277 metres above sea level and has been voted one of the most beautiful winter sports resorts in the world several times by international travel magazines. The ski area is particularly popular with beginners and families, as there are numerous easy to intermediate slopes in the ski area that are ideal for learning your first turns. But experienced winter sports enthusiasts also get their money’s worth in the Åre ski resort and can put their technique and fitness to the test on the steeper slopes. The largest ski resort in Scandinavia has hosted several Ski World Cup races and Åre is also very popular as a training centre for international ski teams. Whizzing down the perfectly groomed professional pistes is a very special attraction for many professional and amateur winter sports enthusiasts alike. In addition to the wide range of pistes, the Åre ski resort also boasts a snow park and several kids’ parks. Seven slopes are also regularly floodlit so that snow lovers can make tracks in the snow even late at night.
2. A perfect destination for families
A skiing holiday in Sweden is particularly recommended for families, as Swedish ski resorts with their wide and varied offer are ideally suited to winter holidaymakers of all skill levels and interests. The popular family ski resort of Idre Fjäll is located in the Swedish province of Dalarnas Iän, for example. The centre of the area is the Gränjesvålen mountain, from whose summit slopes of varying degrees of difficulty lead in all directions to the valley stations. A total of 41 kilometres of pistes and 25 lifts await winter holidaymakers. 17 kilometres of pistes are marked blue or green and therefore offer beginners good conditions for getting to know winter sports. The youngest snow lovers are looked after in the four children’s areas and learn the basics of winter sports under playful supervision. The children’s areas are located on gentle slopes and are equipped with slow platter lifts and conveyor belts. The highlight for children is definitely the Adventure Land and the associated Askestigen downhill run. On the piste, which leads through a forest down into the valley, little fairy-tale creatures meet the piste runners.
Experienced winter sports enthusiasts will also find a wide range of options in Idre Fjäll. There are a total of 22 red and 2 black kilometres of slopes to explore in the ski area. These include the longest descent (2.8 kilometres) and the steepest descent in Dalarna Iän. Freestylers can also let off steam in the ski area’s snow park on various kickers and boxes, while freeriders have the opportunity to explore 10 kilometres of off-piste ski routes.
3. Freeride in the northernmost ski resort in the world
The northernmost ski resort in the world is called Riksgränsen (border of the realm) and is located directly on the border with Norway. It can be reached via Kiruna or Narvik airports. Riksgränsen has 16 kilometres of pistes and six lifts. Those who come here are either looking for a feeling of vastness and solitude, want to ski in the glow of the midnight sun or want to go high-speed snowboarding. Untouched deep snow, fantastic views and a gradient of up to 80 % make every ascent worthwhile for off-piste skiers. Many of the world’s best snowboarders come to Riksgränsen when there are only green slopes elsewhere. The Scandinavian Big Mountain Championships are also held here every year.
4. Two-in-one plus Kinderland
Winter sports enthusiasts who value a wide selection of pistes will also find what they are looking for in Sweden. Sälen is composed of two ski areas which only lie 16 km away from each other: Tandådalen/Hundfjället and Lindvallen/Högfjället. A total of 117 downhill runs with 82 kilometres of pistes and 86 lifts are available. Tandådalen offers a large number of black pistes and has one of Sweden’s largest fun parks. Transport lifts take winter sports enthusiasts to the smaller all-round ski area Hundfjället. Children feel particularly at home in Lindvallen. Nowhere else are there so many child-friendly lifts and adventure areas. The neighbouring, smaller Högfjället ski area is another all-round ski area. In the valley, the Experium leisure and shopping centre attracts visitors with its water park, spa, cinema, restaurants and bowling alley.
5. Varied programme off the piste
Sweden is not only interesting for your next winter holiday because of its diverse ski resorts. There are also numerous activities and leisure activities away from the slopes that guarantee fun and relaxation. The breathtaking landscape in Sweden invites you to go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Surrounded by the Scandinavian mountains, snow lovers have the opportunity to explore snow-covered forests, moors and frozen lakes. The tranquillity and vastness of the Scandinavian landscape is unique and offers ideal conditions for pausing and enjoying.
The Swedes are known for their sauna culture. Traditionally, saunas are not only used by Swedes for relaxation, but also for socialising and are therefore popular with tourists and locals alike. Sauna lovers travelling to Sweden are in for a treat, as many accommodations have one or more saunas that invite you to take a deep breath and relax after a hard day on the slopes. There are also communal saunas in almost every village.
In addition to the wide range of saunas and breathtaking nature, there are numerous other activities that make a winter holiday in Sweden a unique experience. In the Idre Fjäll ski resort, winter holidaymakers have the opportunity to drive a twelve-tonne snow groomer under professional guidance after booking in advance by telephone. Visitors to Sweden can also go snowmobiling, take part in dog sledding tours or go ice skating – guaranteed fun for the whole family.
A skiing holiday in Sweden offers everything a skier’s or snowboarder’s heart desires. Whether freerider or freestyler, beginner or pro – everyone will find what they are looking for in Sweden. There is also a wide range of leisure activities for the whole family off the slopes and the unique Scandinavian nature makes a skiing holiday something very special. Sweden is particularly ideal for those who want to ski away from mass tourism. The pistes are relatively empty and queuing for lifts is almost unheard of. And winters in Sweden are so snow-sure that most ski resorts offer a real snow guarantee. Either pure snow or money back! That’s a tempting prospect, isn’t it?
