0
Are Ski Resort
People describe Åre (pronounce it ‘Aw-ra’) as a pint sized version of a big city – there are oodles of restaurants, shops and the like surrounding the main square, but you still get that cosy feel that Scandi mountain villages are loved for.
Life here’s a lot more laid back than you find in the bigger European resorts – despite being Sweden’s biggest and best place to ski, everything stays wonderfully smart and unhurried.
Accommodation is spread across a number of different bases. Åre By (at the foot of the Åreskutan mountain) is the main one, with the bulk of restaurants, bars and shops. Björnen is a favourite for families, with its own child-friendly ski area, good value accommodation and a fair share of places to eat, drink and shop. Duved also has its own ski area, and though the village is small it has its own train station, eateries and a decent grocery shop. If you’re staying in Öster om Åre, you’ll have to get the bus to one of the above villages for shopping and eating out, but the bonus is incredible views of the Åreskutan. Tegefjäll (between Åre and Duved) also has a peaceful atmosphere, connected to Duved’s ski slopes with a restaurant, ski shop and modern lodgings.
The Victorians were the first to use Åre as a ski resort, and these days its run by SkiStar, who also own Sälen and Vemdalen in Sweden as well as the Norwegian resorts of Hemsedal and Trysil.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Jämtland, Sweden
Established: 1909
Open: November - May
Downhill: 101km/110 runs
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Åre Östersund Airport (OSD) | 86km, 1 hour |
| Trondheim Airport Værnes (TRD) | 133km, 2 hours |
|
|
| Top Altitude: | 1274m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 380m |
| Resort Altitude: | 380m |
| Longest run: | 6.5km |
| Slope Orientation: | S |
| Vertical Drop: | 894m |
| Skiable Vertical: | |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | No |
| Downhill Runs: | 101km/110 runs |
| Beginner slopes: | |
| Intermediate: | |
| Advanced slopes: | |
| Lift Pass Price: | €195 (adult 5 days) |
| Nearby resorts: Salen | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Are
There are three ski areas, Åre Village, Björnen and Duved. The first two are lift linked, while the third can be reached by ski bus.
Åre Village has Northern Europe’s biggest vertical drop, with a fine mix of runs streaming down the Åreskutan mountain into the village centre. The ski school meets in Rödkullen, which is also home to the snow park with its various rail lines and a smaller park for children. Above it, Ullådalen has a gentle green and blue. From the top of the Åreskutan, red runs meet black runs as they make their way down through the treeline to the village.
Duved, 10km to the west, is an easy-going, cruisey ski area with wide slopes. The two main lifts from the base station serve a bundle of red runs, while easy greens can be found nearer the bottom. The Tegeliften chair serves two red runs and a lovely long blue that goes between the trees.
Björnen, 5km east of the Village is a firm family favourite with easy greens, fun kids slopes and dedicated beginner areas. We love the Björnlandet fairytale area where little ones can ski around hunting for bears in the woods.
From the couloirs to the backside of Åreskutan, the off piste here is well worth experiencing, with guides available to show you the best of it.
Are Apres Ski
Bygget’s been one of the biggest party spots here for decades, with a stage for live music events, dance floors and SIX bars. The club runs Veranda which is a spot for more traditional après ski, also with live bands and an electric atmosphere. Timmerstugan’s another good ‘un – a handy place to meet up for drinks and snacks by the gondola base station.
The Creperie & Logi is one of our favourite post-ski pit stops in these parts, where we could feast on the cheesy galettes and chocolatey crepes all day. Liten Krog do brilliant pizzas and other Italian dishes. Supper is a chic spot serving tapas and South American cuisine. For Swedish meatballs, try Villa Tottebo.
Events throughout the season bring a brilliant atmosphere to the area – Winter Pride usually takes place over a weekend in April, with a market, parties and a parade on the piste. Easter’s big here too, with family fun and the Skutskjutet competition.
Non ski activities include snowmobiling, paragliding, dog sledding and ice climbing. Look out for the northern lights on clear winter nights for an incredible addition to your ski holiday.
A good choice for those who enjoy winter sports beyond skiing and 'boarding, Åre is northern Europe's mecca for all snow and ice sports. Dog sledding is so well organised that you can even have a 15 minute try out if you don't want to book for a full day. Reindeer sleigh rides or snowmobiling are just as popular and you can try ice climbing, ice fishing, horse riding or paragliding too. Tobogganing is particularly popular, with a mile long run down from the top of the Bergbanan funicular. Open daily for 90 years the run was enjoyed by Swedish Prince Wilhelm back in 1910 shortly after the funicular opened. Excursions to the frozen waterfalls at Tõnnforsen and to the Njarka Lapp Camp are both popular. In the latter case you can feed reindeer and get a cup of coffee in a Lapp tipi.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Are
Best time to visit & ski Are
The conditions are so good here that the tourist office usually has a snow guarantee, promising that at least 20 pistes will be skiable during the main ski season. Considering that the slopes sometimes open in October and are still in full swing throughout spring, it’s easy to see why they’re so confident. Snow guns are on hand to provide top ups whenever needed. With daylight hours being slightly different this far north, night ski slopes and early morning sessions are put on to make sure you still enjoy a full day’s skiing.
Peak Dates
A white Christmas in Åre is bound to be one to remember, with Father Christmases dotted around the slopes, festive slaloms and celebrations around the Christmas tree.
The après ski is turned up a notch over New Year in Åre, with other events including Valle’s ski parade and sledge races.
We love Half Term in Åre, where there’s so much on offer for kids and adults alike that everyone’ll have a cracking week on the snow.
Easter in Åre is one of the yearly highlights, with lifts staying open longer for sunny skiing and family competitions.
Families in Are
Four kid’s zones, a whole ski area dedicated to family skiing and lots more beyond that makes this a terrific place to bring the brood. Look out for the exciting activities over the Christmas and Easter school holidays.GroupsGroup Holidays Are
Groups can’t go wrong in the biggest ski resort in Scandinavia, where different abilities can split up over the different ski areas to find something that suits. Regroup in the evening for fun après ski and all manner of restaurants and activities.
© 2024 SNO Group Ltd • company no. 5995288 • VAT no. 946 9394 63 SNO, Apsley House, 176 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 2SH.
| why log in? |
Save Wish List view on any device
Share Holidays choose with friends
020 7770 6888
