
Location
- Off-slope fun
Away from the piste, have a go at activities like snowmobiling, ice diving, snowshoe walking and dog sledding. - Awesome accommodation
From traditional wooden cabins to modern luxury lodges, good design runs deep in Sweden. - Winter wonderland
Being so close to the Arctic Circle, it gets pretty cold and there's usually more than enough white stuff around.
So what's it like?
Nowhere in Europe is the skiing quite as effortlessly cool as in Sweden. It’s been an ingrained part of life here for generations, so the locals know how to keep things efficient, calm and fun at the same time. The mountains may not be as high as the Alps, but their proximity to the Arctic Circle means they’re usually covered in a layer of the white stuff from December to May. Plus, a good spread of runs, from green to black, make it a memorable experience for all abilities.
Families in particular love the slower pace, the lack of lift queues and the huge amount of off-slope activities. But that’s not to say that Sweden is lacking buzz - the après scene can be every bit as alive as in France or Austria, especially if you’re out in Åre on the weekend.
Please note: There won't be any reps based in Sweden, so we'll email you your vouchers if you've pre-booked lift passes, equipment hire or tuition, and give you details on how to pick up your gear, to make sure you're ready for the mountain. If you need any assistance, you can call the Crystal team 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Popular resorts
Best for beginners – Most of the runs in Vemdalen are green or blue, and all three ski areas have a dedicated beginners’ zone. Even the longest run on the hill is a green.
Best for intermediates – Åre is the largest ski area overall, so there’s more for intermediates to explore, including challenging red and black runs.
Best for families – The quieter atmosphere in Vemdalen may just edge this one for families. There are plenty of dedicated children’s areas and chances to meet and play with everyone’s favourite mascot, Valle the snowman.
Best for après – Åre is home to loads of bars and nightclubs, both on the mountain and down in Åre By, so you’ll always find somewhere to relax or celebrate in style.
Accommodation options
There’s a real mix of accommodations across our two resorts, from self-catering apartments to luxury hotels. Places in Åre are mostly scattered around the main town, Åre By. The Copperhill Mountain Lodge is the exception, a superb design hotel up on the slopes. The hotels all have excellent facilities, from swimming pools to indoor mini golf.
All the apartments in Vemdalen are in excellent locations, just a minute or two from the nearest lift. The Hotel Hovde offers a more hassle-free option with a complimentary breakfast every morning.
Local culture
Traditional Scandinavian architecture showcases the history of these towns, with pretty wooden buildings and cosy cabins blended seamlessly into nature - while modern additions, particularly in Åre, highlight their evolution to world-class ski resorts.
Away from the downhill slopes, you can have a go at thrilling activities like snowmobiling, ice diving, snowshoe walking and dog sledding. Cross-country skiing is also a must-try.
Sweden is famous for its hot tub and sauna culture, and a ski resort is one of the best places to experience it. Many of the hotels have their own wellness areas, and even some apartments have private saunas.
Food and drink
Food is taken seriously in Sweden, and they love to show off their abundance of incredible natural produce. Pretty much every restaurant and café offers a taste of traditional Swedish cuisine, including delicacies like reindeer, seafood and berries – and many of the ingredients are sourced from the local farms, forests and lakes. A visit to a traditional bakery is a must too, to sample fresh breads and pastries.
If you prefer something more familiar, you can also find enough international options to please your palate – especially in Åre By, where options include American, Italian and Mexican.
Eating out tends to be expensive, but the quality is certainly worth it.