Best ski resorts in Sweden
Going on an epic ski trip this winter? Let me guess where you’re heading…the alps? Well stop right there and don’t book anything until you have read this article on the best ski resorts in Sweden.
Try somewhere new and exciting; I can assure you the resorts in Sweden will not disappoint. I know you think you might miss the rustic alpine charm of the Austrian alps or the food on the Italian side and the long coasty runs in France, but if you head a little more North than your usual spot you will find epic skiing, Scandinavian charm, and wholesome cuisine.
Equip yourself
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Travelling
You may have been lead to believe that a snowsports trip to Sweden if you live in mainland Europe is a little further afield than wanted for your yearly trip- but don’t be fooled. The average flight time is around 3 hours to Stockholm, for example from Italy its 3 and a half hours but from London it’s 2 and a half. The best advice to those coming from mainland Europe is to fly to the nearest airport from the resort as drive times from Stockholm can be pretty hefty. Although having said that, hiring a car for 7 days in Sweden can be as little as 145 euros.
If you are lucky enough to live in Sweden then getting to and from the resorts is best accessed by car or bus, as the train stations may not take you straight to the resort. Driving to Åre from Stockholm may take you 7 and a half hours and the train won’t take you much less, so either way, just make sure you set off nice and early to catch some afternoon riding. If you are coming from Malmo in the South you are looking at a pretty epic journey to the Northern resorts, but an overnight train ride or a cheap flight and a quick transfer may be an easy and smooth ride to your favorite resort.
So now we know how we are getting there, get those boots on nice and tight and zip up your oversized jacket… let’s go!
Useful information about ski resorts in Sweden
Here is a short and sweet list, some myth busting facts and a few useful information points to help you have the best possible experience in Sweden. For the Swedes. . . you can skip this!- This is about your homeland.
- Despite popular belief you wont be skiing in the dark, infact they will have longer day light hours as it’s simply to cold to ski in early season, therefore if you go around Feb when the Swedish ski season really kicks off- you will have plenty of day light skiing hours.
- Yes the beer is more expensive but that apre ski beer will still be as sweet, just be aware its likely to be more pricey than what you are use to.
- Although the bigger resorts have something for every type of rider, experienced skiers and boarder can really push their exploration here.
- The Swedes speak English so well, it puts the natives to shame.
- The towns looks and feel totally different to the Alps but they are charming in a different way.
- It’s baltically cold in Sweden, wrap up warm!
- If you don’t like Apres ski, do Swedish Fika instead, the traditional Swedish institute of having coffee and cake in the mid afternoon.
Skiing in Sweden: the top 10 ski resorts
Åre
Where: Jämtland region
Getting there: The nearest airport to Åre is Åre Osterlund Airport and then a simple airport transfer straight to the resort in an hour. If you fancy going by train then you will find yourself getting off in the center of the resort, so couldn’t be easier.
Ski-Able Terrain: 91 km of ski terrain and 31 lifts
Elevation: 340m – 1420m
Åre with its large ski terrain and varied pistes makes it one of the more famous and well-known ski resorts in Sweden. It does boast Sweden’s largest downhill ski areas the whole crew can enjoy at any level, which is always a bonus when on a group jolly. You may be so focused on the epic slopes but do take time to take in the breathtaking views of the Åresjön lake down below.
The crew can also step off the slopes straight to the apres-ski Swedish style, known to be just as much a ruckus as in the Alps. But make sure not be too outrageous at apres, as Åre has a community feel and you will be sure bump into your new mates on the slopes the day- thank me later.
Ridestore recommends- For some more serious downhill try bossing the World Cup slopes just below the resort summit.
Sälen (Area)
Where: Dalarna Region
Getting there: Fly to the newly opened Scandinavian Mountains Airport and then depending on which resort within Salen you are staying, the transfer time is only a cheeky 10 to 25 minutes. Drive from Stockholm in only 5 hours.
Ski-Able Terrain: 151 km of ski terrain and 101 lifts
Elevation: 443m – 890m
Sälenfjällen is made up of 3 interlinked ski resorts Skistar Sälen, Kläppen Ski Resort and Stöten in Sälen, so basically a mecca for those who want to spend each day exploring new slopes and areas. Combined, these 3 resorts make it Sweden’s largest ski area meaning you are spoilt for slope choice but also spoilt for resort choice from quaint hamlets (Högfjället) to lively family-friendly towns (Lindvallen).
Pick wisely where you stay depending on your ability though, as this child-friendly resort is perhaps a little basic for some of you wild riders. Head to Tandådalen and find your black run haven. Sälen is definitely the best of both worlds of wholesome family fun and varied ski terrain- sounds a little too good to be true! We will do a deep dive into some of the resorts in the region in this article so stay tuned…
Ridestore recommends- Sälen has a hidden snowpark nestled amongst the trees, famed by the Swedes.
Stöten Ski Resort
Where: Dalarna Region
Getting there: As mentioned previously getting to the ski resorts in the Sälen mountains are all easy accessible by a 10-25 minute transfer from the Scandinavian Mountains Airport. Drive from Stockholm is 5 hrs 50 mins.
Ski-Able Terrain: 32km 18 lifts
Elevation: 483m – 848m
Stöten is one of the ski resorts in the Sälen mountain region and is one definitely worth a mention as one of Sweden’s best ski resorts and obviously worth a visit. Stöten is lucky to boast the highest peaks in the Sälen mountain range, so brace yourself for some epic scenery!
It is definitely worth a mention that the Sälen ski resorts including Stöten are family-friendly, but don’t take this as dull. What it actually means, is that Stöten is a small but bustling and very charming resort with lots of Scandi rustic vibes. Imagine entering a wooden cabin, warmed by roaring fires and winding down with a Swedish beer, don’t tell me that doesn’t sound like goals!
Ridestore recommends- Try your hand (or feet) in cross country skiing as the region is well known for its 200km prepared cross country trails for all abilities.
Vemdalen
Where: Jämtland Country
Getting there: The nearest airport is Osterlund with a mere 1 and a half hrs transfer but if you are coming from Stockholm is 5 and a half hours drive or 8 hours from Gothenburg.
Ski-Able Terrain: 52 km and 35 ski lifts
Elevation: 592 m – 946 m
Don’t be fooled by the size of this resort, it is still ranked one of the best in Sweden and there are plenty of reasons for it. Size isn’t always a good thing… take for instance the likes of the French ski resorts in the school holidays, it is literally what nightmares are made of. Instead, go for resorts like Vemdalen for wide-open pistes, groomed to perfection with little to no crowds. Take for instance the apres bars, although said to be more relaxed as there are only a few to choose from, but when they get going they are will be popping!
Ridestore recommends: The off-piste is said to be the best with plenty of pow pow and tree runs.
Branäs Ski Resort
Where: Torsby, Värmland
Getting there: The nearest airport Salen Trysil Airport and again just 1 and a half hrs transfer. If you fancy, you can fly into Oslo with a 3 hour transfer if you are looking for a Scandi adventure. If you are coming from Gothenburg driving is just 5 hours.
Ski-Able Terrain: 23 km and 19 ski lifts
Elevation: 157 m – 567 m
Branäs is a ski resort that is in the year 3000 whilst everywhere else is still chilling in 2019. With epic snow making technology you won’t need to worry about its low altitude, as this is one snow sure destination for your winter break! It also has state of the art lift systems, so the moment you put your skis or board down on the pow you can be away gliding down the pistes, no messing!
Speaking of no messing, Branäs is famous for having some of the longest runs in Sweden so you won’t even need to use those lifts as often as usual.
Ridestore recommends: Stay our past dark and get an extra 2 hours of skiing in until 7pm with night skiing erradayyy.
Tärnaby-Hemavan
Where: Västerbotten
Getting there: You can fly straight into the resort and land in Hemavan and Tärnaby Airport, so no transfer needed! You will probably need to fly into Stockholm and change but flying into the mountains is worth it.
Ski-Able Terrain: 50km (Tärnaby- 20km/ Hemavan-30km) 14 ski lifts
Elevation: 439m-1119m
Tärnaby and Hemavan are technically two separate ski resorts in Sweden, 18km apart, but you are getting two for one as both can be enjoyed in the same trip. The ski resorts are in Swedish Lapland and so you can only imagine the festive vibes that ooze out of these resorts. Due to its high latitude, the resorts are best known for a long and snowy season and freeride for all you adrenaline junkies out there.
Ridestore recommends: Helli-skiing- Enough said! You have to try it!
Idre Fjäll Ski Resort
Where: Central Sweden
Getting there: The nearest airport is Airport Borlänge with a 3 and a half hour drive to the resort. This might seem like a long journey but trust me it will be worth it when you arrive.
Ski-Able Terrain: 41km 22 ski lifts
Elevation: 558m-890m
Idre Fjäll has some incredible long and wide pistes you can practice that carving. Once you are done with your crusiey runs you can go try your luck on Scandinavians steepest run- The Chocken.
When you have exhausted the pistes and your legs, come back to a picturesque village. Unlike some of the resorts in the Alps that are ugly and purpose built (let’s be honest), ski resorts in Sweden really do live up to the chocolate box village aesthetic.
Ridestore recommends: Try Fjället runt, which by summer it is a bike track, but in winter a long and windy and narrow run. Some serious fun!
Romme Alpin
Where: Borlange region
Getting there: Only 2 and a half hours drive from Stockholm centre and the airports, so it couldn’t get much easier than that.
Ski-Able Terrain: 23km 18 ski lifts
Elevation: 132-427m
With this ski resort being so close to Stockholm, it’s a great place for a ski mini-break and to take advantage of spontaneously good pow. As Romme Alpin is not a super high resort what it might lack in elevation it exceeds in incredible skiing through forests. Most runs are long and wave their way through the trees. Just imagine the speed you could pick up with the wind rushing through your hair- magical!
Ridestore recommends: Snowmobiling is an excellent apres-ski activity in the area, gliding between the mystical tress and taking in the resort from a unique angle.
Ramundberget
Where: Härjedalen
Getting there: Either fly up to Åre Ostersund Airport or fly just across the border in Norway to Roros Airport. From there you can get cheap transfer buses straight to resort.
Ski-Able Terrain: 25km 9 ski lifts
Elevation: 700-1000m
Ramundberget has been referred to as Sweden’s Japan; they must be referring to is that Ramundberget has deep, fluffy and fun pow pow! Most of the skiing is through the Birch Forest which creates a true Winter Wonderland vibe plus the best off piste tree runs to get stuck into.
Like most ski resorts in Sweden Ramundberget is a small alpine village, but this is how all these resorts remain charming and rustic and with a family feel. Plus, small villages mean easy to get around, access to the slopes and less time chugging around your gear after apres.
Ridestore recommends: Try your hand in Nordic Skiing on the dedicated 30km track adjacent to the alpine skiing slopes.
Lofsdalen
Where: South of Harjedalen
Getting there: From Stockholm and Gothenberg you are looking at a 5-6 hour car journey. Coming from abroad fly to Salen Trysil airport and then 2 hours transfer to the mountains.
Ski-Able Terrain: 27km 9 ski lifts
Elevation: 663m-1125m
Lofsdalen is described as a genuine Swedish mountain village with a wholesome rustic feel, which is the go-to vibe for a ski resort. This mountain village is nestled in the Swedish wilderness, so you can expect some epic scenery! As a small village, it has an essence of calm around it with little hustle and bustle and queues for the lifts is a rare sight. Take advantage of this serenity and get bashing on and off piste with no fear of colliding into someone.
Ridestore recommends: Get your heart racing on one of the Sweden’s steepest prepared runs which is a 42 degree slope called Rännan.
Svanstein
Where: Övertorneå
Getting there: The nearest airports are Luleå and Pajala. The best suggestion is to fly even if you are coming from another part of Sweden as to drive is over 11 hours and by that point the road trip excitement is probably dead. From the airports or from other cities in Sweden you can get a transfer coach to the resort centre.
Ski-Able Terrain: 9km 4 ski lifts
Elevation: 91m-321m
Svanstein is another resort in the Swedish Lapland very close to Finland. What it may lack in elevation it makes up for in Latitude with guaranteed fluffy pow pow. Svanstein truly is a hidden gem which is slowly being discovered by professional boarders and skiers because of its incredible snow conditions. Get there before the secret gets out as the ski resort is expanding and there are more pistes being put on the map.
Honestly, just pack your bags now for this winter and get your powder board or skiis dusted off because it can be guaranteed you will be gliding through chest high powder through the forest…what dreams are made of!
Ridestore recommends: Spend an evening in icehole dipping and an arctic sauna in the mountains and warm up with local traditional Swedish cuisine.
Funäsfjällen
Where: Jämtland
Getting there: The nearest airport is Åre/Östersund and it’s 2 h 56 min away (214.9 km). Hire cars are easily available, enjoy the stunning drive!
Ski-Able Terrain: 89km 37 ski lifts (across the greater area which includes Tänndalen and Ramundberget.)
Elevation: 2100m
In Funäsfjällen you will find majestic mountains and excellent snow conditions, throughout the entire season. Add to that the excellent off-piste skiing, perhaps even the world’s best cross-country skiing and 60 stunning peaks over a thousand meters, you have a complete ski paradise with a real alpine feel with Nordic charm!
Ridestore recommends: The Nordic Ski Center winds its way through valleys and high mountains – 300 kilometres of groomed trails!
Säfsen
Where: Dalarna
Getting there: The nearest airport is Karlstad, 1 h 53 min away, about 129.9 km. There are excellent transport links available which include public buses.
Ski-Able Terrain: 12 km of slopes and 6 lifts
Elevation: 292 to 472 m
Säfsen is the first name in Family friendly ski resorts. It hosts all the possibilities a young family could desire. In terms of infrastructure, the resort is built to allow you to relax and unwind, knowing your kids are in for the experience of a lifetime with more than just skiing.
Ridestore recommends: The kids entertainment is second to none. The kids will love the group lessons where they can meet other skiers!
Tänndalen
Where: Härjedalen
Getting there: The nearest airport is Salen Trysil airport and then a 3 hour transfer and from Stockholm it is around 3 and a half hours transfer.
Ski-Able Terrain: 38km 16 ski lifts
Elevation: 743m-1038m
If you are looking for a ski holiday with a difference but hesitant to take the leap, the best advice would be to at least try Tänndalen. The resort has been voted the best ski resort in Scandinavia for two years in a row. It’s easy to see why as there is enough for everyone to get stuck into, incredible groomed pistes to going off the beaten track for off-piste powder runs. There are designated areas for off piste which they call Freeride Paradise- and it really truly is.
Snow sure ski resort
Due to Tänndalen’s climate and surrounding mountains it has quickly become known to be one of the most snow sure resorts in Sweden. At this point, I bet you are running out of reasons not to go.
Ridestore recommends: Try a Snowkite where you can explore the mountain through the powder snow and frozen lakes, for a new way of getting around.
FAQs
When is the best time to ski in Sweden?
The peak season usually falls between December and April. This period provides optimal snow conditions for both new and experienced skiers.
What's unique about skiing in Sweden?
Skiing in Sweden offers a unique blend of high-quality ski resorts, beautiful landscapes, and a distinct Scandinavian charm. Additionally, Swedish resorts often arrange various activities beyond skiing, such as saunas, ice fishing, and Northern Lights tours.
Wrapping up
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