Sweden as a ski holiday destination
Sweden has a lot to offer, especially for Danish families with children or if you’re a beginner, it’s a great place to start your skiing career. There are so many places to ski in Sweden, many of the places I think are too small to go on a ski vacation, so I will only talk about the larger ski resorts in Sweden.
Ski vacations to Sweden, can be purchased at: Skiferie.dk, Alltime Travel, OnlineSki
You have to go all the way up to the north of Sweden to find the best ski resorts, Sälen, Åre and Funäsfjällen, the largest ski area in Scandinavia. If you’re looking for an experience you won’t find anywhere else, head all the way up to Riksgränsen in northern Sweden.
Cross-country skiing is found everywhere in Sweden, so if you want to go cross-country skiing and experience beautiful nature, you need go no further than Isaberg or Vallåsen. You’ll find over 3000 cross-country ski trails in Sweden, so if you want to become a cross-country ski pro, you’re not far from the training track.
The best ski resorts in Sweden
When planning a ski vacation to Sweden, it’s important to choose an area that suits the needs of the whole family. There are many small ski areas in Sweden, but the larger resorts like Sälen, Åre and Funäsfjällen offer a much better experience for both children and adults. For those looking for a truly special experience, Riksgränsen in northern Sweden is also a great choice with its unique atmosphere and midnight skiing.
- Sälen: Sweden’s largest continuous ski area consisting of Lindvallen, Högfjället, Tandådalen, Hundfjället and Kläppen. With over 100 slopes and a wealth of activities, Sälen is the perfect choice for families with both young and old children.
- Åre: Known as Scandinavia’s largest ski resort, Åre has something for everyone – from beginner slopes to challenging off-piste options.
- Funäsfjällen: This large area consists of several smaller ski resorts and offers Scandinavia’s largest network of connected cross-country ski trails.
- Riksgränsen: A unique destination in northern Sweden that offers daytime skiing and midnight skiing in spring thanks to the light nights.
Cross country skiing in Sweden
Cross-country skiing is a big part of Swedish ski culture, and you’ll find cross-country skiing opportunities in almost every ski area. Whether you’re into classic style or skate technique, with over 3000 km of cross-country ski trails, Sweden will give you plenty of opportunities to explore nature. You don’t have to travel far up into Sweden to find great cross-country skiing opportunities – places like Isaberg and Vallåsen offer great routes close to Denmark, perfect for a short weekend trip.
Sweden’s largest ski area: Sälen
Sälen is arguably Sweden’s largest ski area and is popular with Danish families because it’s easy to get to and there are plenty of facilities for both children and adults. The area consists of six ski resorts connected by an efficient lift system and ski buses, giving you access to a total of around 100 slopes and 87 lifts.
- Slopes and lifts: In Sälen you’ll find 100 slopes, 35 of which are green and perfect for beginners. There are 87 lifts, including 10 specially designed for children, making it easy for the whole family to get around.
- Activities: Sälen is known for its many children’s activities and large children’s areas where ski schools and children’s clubs offer lessons and entertainment. The area also has Sweden’s best snow park and a varied network of cross-country ski trails.
Prices in Sweden
Prices in Sweden are generally comparable to those in Denmark, and while skiing can be expensive, there’s no need to break the bank. There are plenty of great places to eat in the destinations, where you can get everything from classic Swedish dishes to international favorites. This means you don’t have to load up your car with food from home, as is often the case on ski vacations to Norway.
Good ski areas for a one-two day trip
Isaberg
Isaberg is a smaller but very family-friendly destination, ideal for a weekend getaway or as a place to try skiing for the first time. The area is close to Denmark and has a good selection of slopes and activities designed for children.
- Slopes and lifts: There are around 10 slopes and 6-7 lifts, as well as 15+ km of cross-country ski trails. The slopes are well groomed and easy to navigate, making the area ideal for families.
- Activities: Isaberg offers a water park, bowling center and several dining options, making it a great choice for a short, relaxed ski holiday.
Vallåsen
Vallåsen is just two hours from Copenhagen, making it a perfect choice for a short weekend trip. The area has a good selection of slopes suitable for both beginners and intermediate skiers.
- Slopes and lifts: There are around 11 km of slopes and 7 lifts as well as evening skiing three days a week, with 7 slopes lit up for evening skiing from 17-21.
- Activities: Vallåsen has a limited selection of cross-country trails, but the slopes are well groomed and there are good opportunities for a nice ski day close to Denmark.
Who sells ski holidays to Sweden
SKI AREAS IN SWEDEN
Skiing Holidays in Sweden with Kids
Many Danish families choose Sweden as their first ski vacation destination for many good reasons. Distances are short and it’s easy to understand Swedish, making the ski school experience much easier for children. A big advantage in Sweden is that children can often use the lifts for free as long as they wear a ski helmet. There’s also ski-in/ski-out accommodation in many of the destinations, making it easy to take a break and get back on the slopes when the energy returns.
Branäs and Idre Fjäll are perfect places to take the whole family. The areas are easy to navigate and it’s easy to find each other again, giving both children and adults peace of mind on vacation.
Ski chalet instead of apartment/hotel
When planning your ski vacation, the choice of accommodation is an important decision that can affect the whole atmosphere of the holiday. Choosing a ski chalet over an apartment has a number of advantages, especially for families and larger groups. Here are some of the main benefits of choosing a ski chalet:
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More space and privacy: Ski chalets generally offer more space than apartments. You typically get more rooms, larger living areas and the ability to spread out more. This makes it easy for larger families and groups to gather and enjoy cozy evenings in front of the fireplace.
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Authentic atmosphere: A ski chalet provides a more authentic and cozy mountain experience with traditional wooden elements, beamed ceilings and often stunning views. It’s perfect for those who want to feel completely surrounded by nature and enjoy the true winter atmosphere.
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Better facilities: Ski chalets often have better facilities than apartments, such as a fireplace, sauna, private terrace and fully equipped kitchen. Many ski chalets also offer ski-in/ski-out options, so you can ski directly from the chalet to the slopes.
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Ideal for larger groups/families: If you’re a large group, a ski chalet can be more economical and comfortable, as there is often room for more guests than in a regular apartment. It also allows for communal cooking and cozy moments together.
Benefits of Ski Holidays in Sweden
- Short travel distances: One of the biggest advantages of choosing Sweden over the Alps is the shorter travel time, especially for Danish families. Many Swedish ski resorts are closer to Denmark, which means less time in the car and more time on the slopes. Areas such as Sälen, Isaberg and Vallåsen are easy to reach by car and perfect for weekend trips or shorter ski vacations.
- Family-friendly conditions: Sweden is known for its family-friendly ski resorts with child-friendly slopes, ski schools and a wealth of activities specially designed for children. Many resorts have children’s areas and easy slopes where little ones can learn to ski in a safe environment.
- Affordability: Ski vacations in Sweden are often cheaper than similar holidays in the Alps. Prices for lift passes, ski rental and accommodation are generally lower and there are fewer transportation and travel costs as many of the Swedish ski resorts can be reached by car.
- Relaxed Atmosphere and Less Queues: In Sweden there are generally fewer tourists than in the Alps, which means fewer queues at the lifts and a more relaxed atmosphere. This makes it easier to make the most of your ski time and you can enjoy a more tranquil and authentic ski vacation without being overwhelmed by large crowds.
- Great for beginners and cross-country skiing: Sweden is an ideal choice for beginners and cross-country enthusiasts. Cross-country skiing is a big part of the ski culture in Sweden, and you’ll find great cross-country trails in almost every ski resort. In addition, many Swedish destinations have great facilities for beginners with wide, green and blue slopes.
FAQ – Questions about Ski Holidays in Sweden
When we get questions, we’ll add the answers below. If you have a question or something we’re missing on this page, please contact us so we can add it to the page.
How long is the ski season in Sweden?
The ski season in Sweden typically runs from December to April. However, the exact dates can vary depending on the location and weather conditions. In general, the ski season in Sweden starts when enough snow falls to cover the slopes and ends when the snow starts to melt.
For most ski resorts, this means that the ski season lasts around four months. However, in some cases it may be possible to extend the ski season by using artificial snow production. By using this technology, resorts can keep their slopes open for skiing even when natural snow is scarce.
What is the best month to ski in Sweden?
Like every other skiing country in Europe, February has the best conditions and everything is open in the ski areas – it’s the high season. However, if you consider budget, people on the slopes and accommodation options, many will look to January or early March.
Which are the top 5 ski areas in Sweden?
- Åre
- Sälen
- Branäs
- Idre Fjäll
- Kvitfjell
Why do people choose ski holidays in Sweden?
People typically choose Sweden because it’s close to Denmark, they have large ski chalets that can accommodate families of 10-20 and some up to 40 people. So you can bring grandparents, uncles and aunts – the whole family on a ski vacation.
In addition, Sweden has great prices and benefits for young children in terms of ski schools etc.
What is the cost of renting a minibus?
The price varies depending on the rental period, the make and model of the vehicle and what extra services you choose (e.g. insurance, additional driver). There are many advantages to renting a minibus when going to Sweden for a ski vacation, you can bring food, drinks, snacks and plenty of space for all your gear and clothes.
Which ski areas are the best for beginners in Sweden?
Almost all ski areas in Sweden are considered places where everyone can learn to ski or snowboard. In Denmark, we tend to say that Sweden and Norway are perfect areas if you have small children.
If you’re brand new, Sälen and Åre don’t have to be the biggest and most expensive areas. But look towards destinations like Branäs, Kungsberget, Kvitfjell and Idre Fjäll.
When are the prices for ski holidays in Sweden cheapest?
To get the best prices on ski vacations, it’s important to book outside the high season. This means looking at mid-December, January or March. Christmas, New Year, week 6, week 7 and week 8 are typically the most expensive weeks.
Which ski areas are best for experts in Sweden?
For experienced skiers, the best bet is to head to one of Sweden’s larger ski resorts, which offer a range of challenging slopes.
Åre is a popular choice as it has slopes for all levels of skiers and a variety of shops and restaurants.
Another great alternative is Sälen, which has more than 80 kilometers of slopes and is known for its excellent off-piste skiing.
Where is the best après-ski in Sweden?
There are several great places to experience après-ski in Sweden, but one of the best is Åre. Located in the Jämtland region, Åre is a popular destination for skiers and non-skiers alike.
The town is home to a number of ski resorts as well as a selection of shops, restaurants and bars. After a day on the slopes, visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the town’s many fine restaurants or drink up at a couple of their bars.
We can also recommend Sälen and Idre Fjäll, among others.