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Vemdalen Ski Resort
In the beautiful mountains of midwestern Sweden, the Vemdalen resort (pronounce it Vem daal en) is made up of three ski areas and a handful of colourful Scandi-style villages: Vemdalen city, Vemdalsskalet, Björnrike, Klövsjö and Storhogna.
Vemdalen City (sometimes called Vemdalen town/village) is the oldest part of the area, with a church dating back to 1763. It has everything the year-round population need, with a cinema and activities including bowling and snowmobiling. It’s the only area without its own ski lifts and slopes, but you can easily access the Vemdalsskalet and Björnrike slopes within a 5 to 10-minute drive, and the Klövsjö/Storhogna area in 20-30 minutes.
Björnrike’s the closest area to Vemdalen centre, popular for its excellent family offerings and ski in/out accommodation.
Though purpose built Vemdalsskalet is the newest area in these parts, it soon became a hub of accommodation and activities. Looks wise, you’ll find a classic Swedish mountain town with timber lodges and snowy pines. Skalets Torg/Square is the beating heart of the village, with restaurants, bars and shops.
Quiet Klövsjö is one of Sweden’s prettiest villages, with classic wooden cottages amongst snowy meadows, a glittering lake and thick pine forest. Its ski area links up to Storhogna, which has a spa and activity centre.
Buses (usually free for ski pass holders) run throughout, serving the villages, ski lifts and train stations: Björnrike Centrat, Vemdalen By, Vemdalsskalet, Storhogna Hotell, Hotell Klövsjöfjäll and Röjan.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Jämtland, Sweden
Established: 1936
Open: November - April
Downhill: 52km
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Åre Östersund Airport (OSD) | 126km, 2 hours |
| Härjedalen Sveg Airport (EVG) | 70km, 1 hour |
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| Top Altitude: | 946m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 476m |
| Resort Altitude: | 500m |
| Longest run: | 2.2km |
| Slope Orientation: | N S E W |
| Vertical Drop: | 470m |
| Skiable Vertical: | |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | No |
| Downhill Runs: | 52km |
| Beginner slopes: | 55% |
| Intermediate: | 26% |
| Advanced slopes: | 19% |
| Lift Pass Price: | €200.50 (adult 6-8 day) |
| Nearby resorts: | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Vemdalen
Vemdalen’s three ski areas offer a mix of slopes both above and below the tree line and together, Björnrike, Vemdalsskalet and lift-linked Klövsjö/Storhogna form one of Sweden’s biggest ski areas. They are all connected by buses, and each ski area has its own beginner’s zone.
The order of the day is wide, quiet and immaculately groomed runs – ideal for beginners and intermediates, with challenging terrain thrown in to keep experts on their toes.
Sunny Björnrike has glorious views of the Sonfjället National Park and is home to Scandinavia’s fastest chair and Sweden’s longest lift – the Grizzly Express. The area suits groups of mixed abilities perfectly: each lift has different runs leading down to the same valley station, so people can ski or snowboard the slope they’re comfortable on, then meet at the bottom. Beginners can get to grips in the Björnvallen area, while intermediates roam the runs from Blästerfjället. For experts, the Björn lift serves some short black runs, and there’s a snow park on the other side of the ski area accessed by the Grahogna. You can also test your speed on the blue Mitt run.
Vemdalsskalet ski area covers the hills of Hoyde and Skalsfjället, with more testing terrain on the Hoyde side and crusier runs on Skalsfjället.
Klövsjö’s nicknamed the ‘skiers skiing destination’, with runs streaming down from the Klövsjö Express that range from long, tree-lined blues to black race tracks. A lovely long green run links over to Storhogna, with its handful of runs for different levels.
Vemdalen Apres Ski
The village of Björnrike has the liveliest mix of bars and restaurants, with favourites including the Grizzly Bar & Grill (great kids menu and tasty fondues) and Brajks Matbar (home cooked food made from locally organic ingredients and après ski from 3pm).
One must-do is to take a trip up to Jaktstugan from Vemdalsskalet – this is the hunting lodge, which is otherwise known as the waffle cottage for the delicious waffles you can enjoy. Accessed by snowmobile, skis or ‘ferry’ (snowcat) from the Vemdalsskal tram center.
As well as restaurants on and off the slopes, there are picnic points dotted around the resort if you want a DIY lunch or snack.
The ski areas are easily big enough to keep you busy all week, but if you want to try another activity there’s dog sledding, snowmobiling, snow kiting, sleigh rides, horse riding and more. You’ve also got the spa in Storhogna if you fancy some pampering.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Vemdalen
Best time to visit & ski Vemdalen
Though by Alpine standards the ski areas are low (the highest summit is 946m), their closeness to the arctic circle gives them a cold, snowy climate and long winter.
The ski season usually runs from November to April, with regular natural snowfall and the top up of artificial snow on over 80% of the ski area. Within 5 days, the whole of Björnrike's ski area can be covered in half a metre of snow.
Your best chances of spotting the Northern Lights are between November and March.
Peak Dates
Spot Santa and his reindeer, devour gingerbread cookies and enjoy excellent skiing over a magical Christmas in Vemdalen.
Food, music and fireworks welcome in the New Year in Vemdalen, and the slopes tend to be in peak condition to welcome in January.
Far away from the crowds of the Alps and brimming with family facilities, spending Half Term in Vemdalen is something many families do every year.
Famous for having super ski conditions in the springtime, spending Easter in Vemdalen is usually a marvellous mix of snow, sunshine and exciting competitions.
Families in Vemdalen
With a shorter flight time and milder climate than Lapland, but a lot of what makes Lapland amazing - reindeer, the Northern Lights, dog sledding – this is a terrific destination for families seeking a winter wonderland experience.
When it comes to the slopes, Björnvallen and Vemdalsskalet have cracking children’s areas with child-friendly ski lifts, BBQ areas, heated cabins and sledding runs. Klövsjö has a heated cabin too, as well as a minipark at Katrinaliften.
The ski areas are easy to find your way around, with most lifts leading to a choice of easy and trickier runs that wind their way back to the same base. Beginners and improvers can potter about on wide, cruisey green and blue runs, while family members with more experience try the steeper slopes, snow parks and timed trails.
GroupsGroup Holidays Vemdalen
A mix of ski and snowboard terrain for different levels, oodles of activities for non-skiers and cheerful après ski in Björnrike gives Vemdalen all kinds of opportunities for groups.
With beginner, intermediate and expert terrain in each of the ski areas, everyone gets to explore the whole area.
Our favourite thing to do as a group is taking a trip up to the hunting lodge from Vemdalsskal - for waffles and warm drinks.
In the evenings, there are plenty of bars and pubs as well as activities like bowling.
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