Sweden: Pristine Pistes, Swedish Saunas, Reindeer Sledding -
Swedish ski resorts suit all tastes and levels of experience. While skiers hit the well-groomed pistes, non-skiers can try their hand at dog sledding, snow mobiling, ice fishing, ice climbing, heli-skiing, or reindeer sledding. Skiers can ease tired muscles after a day on the mountain with a traditional Swedish sauna or enjoy the lively après ski scene. Numerous ski areas are dotted across northern Sweden, including: Åre, Branäs, Funäsdalsfjällen, Idre Fjäll, Salen, and Vemdalen.
Åre is the largest, most advanced and diverse alpine sports resort in Sweden with 100 kilometres of piste and an extensive lift system. The resort, set along the lakeshore, is also one of the prettiest. Skiing in Åre suits all levels, from challenging off-piste and black runs to gentle wide runs for beginners. The highest piste reaches 1270 metres.
Åre hosted the Alpine World Championships in 2007, a testament to its high-quality skiing. Apres ski and nightlife here is almost as famous as its ski slopes, with numerous late-night bars, discos and nightclubs.
Branäs offers long, meticulously groomed pistes served by a gondola lift. The ski area reaches a height of 570 metres and is complete with the latest snowmaking equipment. It also has a lift capacity for 8000 people an hour and 2500 beds.
Funäsdalsfjällen is Sweden’s most southerly alpine region and has gained a reputation for reliable snow, off-piste skiing, and untouched expanses. The ski area boasts a wide selection of long runs which connect the resorts of Ramundberget, Bruksvallarna, Ljusnedal, Messlingen, Mittådalen, Tännäs, Fjällnäs, Hamra, Tänndalen, and Funäsdalen. The ski area of Funäsdalsfjällen offers ample accommodation with 13 hotels, 24 holiday chalets, and private chalets. Apres ski features numerous bars, 27 restaurants, and nine dance venues.
Idre Fjäll has varied terrain to suit all levels. It is also one of the only areas offering skiing in all directions, which means you can permanently feel the winter sun on your face. Apres ski is particularly popular in Idre Fjäll with theme nights, discos, live music, and a wide range of restaurants. It is also a family favourite with plenty of children’s entertainment, including teen discos, pre-teen discos, and nurseries.
Salen features six ski resorts dotted around four ski systems: Kläppen, Stöten, Tandådalen-Hundfjället, and Lindvallen- Högfjället. The ski area offers beautifully groomed slopes, good downhill skiing for all levels, and a wide choice of ski and snowboard rental shops. A visit to Salen isn’t complete without a taste of their traditional waffles baked according to a time-honoured recipe.
Vemdalen incorporates three ski resorts: Björnrike, Vemdalsskalet, and Klövsjö/Storhogna. In total that's thirty lifts, 53 slopes, three fun parks, 52 kilometres of cross country trails, and 180 kilometres of marked paths. This ski area opens early - usually in October - and closes in May. The area also guarantees good conditions with a base of manmade snow.
There are daily flights to Sweden from the UK and U.S. The country offers an excellent public transport system, including trains, buses, and boats. Hire cars are also widely available.