Base: 380m | Summit: 1,274m | Piste: 100km | Lifts: 47 | Season: Nov–May | Airport: Åre Östersund (OSD) — 1.5 hrs; Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) — 5 hrs
Åre is Scandinavia’s largest and most famous ski resort — the home of the 2019 Alpine World Ski Championships and Sweden’s benchmark mountain destination. Set around the shores of a frozen lake in Jämtland province, it combines quality skiing with a vibrant Swedish resort town atmosphere that draws visitors from across Europe. The season extends from November through May thanks to its northerly latitude and excellent snowmaking.
Resort overview
Åre (pronounced “Or-eh”) is built around the small town of Åre, which dates from medieval times as a pilgrimage destination. Today it’s Sweden’s ski capital — a lively, compact town on the shores of the Åresjön lake with a diverse accommodation and restaurant scene, excellent nightlife by Scandinavian standards, and a cultural calendar that extends beyond skiing. The 2019 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships brought world-class attention and infrastructure investment that transformed the resort.
The ski area rises to 1,274m — modest by Alpine standards but well-designed, with good variety from beginner slopes in the valley to genuine expert terrain on the upper mountain accessed by the Kabinbanan cable car. The season is long (November to May) thanks to the northerly position and aggressive snowmaking.
Getting there
Åre Östersund Airport (OSD) is 1.5 hours by road — several Swedish carriers and some European budget airlines serve it directly. Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) is 5 hours by road or overnight train — the Åreexpressen direct train from Stockholm is a classic option. Norway’s Trondheim Airport (TRD) is 2.5 hours for Scandinavian travellers.
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The skiing
Terrain and pistes
100km across a connected ski area — about 30% beginner, 45% intermediate, 25% expert. The Kabinbanan gondola provides access to the upper mountain with the most challenging terrain. The World Cup downhill and giant slalom courses (Äspen and Handicap areas) are open to the public outside race periods. The lower mountain (Duved, connected by train) adds more beginner and intermediate terrain to the west.
Off-piste and freeriding
Åre has a strong freeride culture with guided off-piste access through various terrain gates. The backcountry above the Kabinbanan is excellent on powder days. The resort hosts major freeride events and has an established guide network.
Ski schools and lessons
Swedish Ski School Åre and several private operators with excellent English instruction (English is near-universal in Sweden). Strong children’s and family programmes.
Lift passes
Six-day adult pass approximately SEK 3,500–4,200 (around €310–370 at current rates) — comparable to mid-range Alpine resorts. The Skistar company (which operates Åre) offers multi-resort passes covering other Swedish and Norwegian resorts. Book online for savings of 10–15%.
Where to stay
The town of Åre has excellent accommodation across all price points — the renowned Copperhill Mountain Lodge, various mid-range hotels, and budget hostels. The town is compact and walkable. The nearby villages of Björnen and Duved offer quieter alternatives with ski access.
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Après-ski
Among the best in Scandinavia — Åre has a vibrant and genuinely fun après scene. Broken Dreams, the Wermus bar, and the various venues around the main square get lively from mid-afternoon. Swedish après-ski culture is warmer and more sociable than Norwegian equivalents. The restaurant scene is excellent for a resort town.
Best time to visit
February and March for the best snow and longest days. The season starts in November with extensive snowmaking, and the last snow often stays until May. March brings the spring festival (Valborg) which is one of Scandinavia’s great ski party events.
Tips and insider advice
- The Kabinbanan gondola to the upper mountain is the gateway to the best terrain — prioritise it on clear days.
- The lake frozen in winter is a unique backdrop for skiing — the light quality in Scandinavia in February and March is extraordinary.
- Valborg (April 30th) is a Swedish national celebration that Åre celebrates with particular energy — one of Scandinavia’s great ski season end-of-season parties.
- Swedish is widely replaced by English in Åre — communication is entirely easy for international visitors.
- Combine with a visit to Östersund (1.5 hours) for reindeer and Sami cultural experiences unique to Scandinavia.
Frequently asked questions
Did Åre host the Alpine World Ski Championships?
Yes — Åre hosted the 2019 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, a major event that brought €50+ million in infrastructure investment and significantly raised the resort’s international profile. The Championships courses remain as some of Åre’s best runs. The resort previously hosted the 1954 World Championships as well.
How does Åre compare to Norwegian resorts like Hemsedal?
Åre is larger (100km vs 55km) and has more terrain variety. Hemsedal generally has better snowfall reliability and a more traditional Norwegian ski culture. Åre has a livelier après-ski scene and a more developed international resort infrastructure. Both are excellent Scandinavian destinations — Åre is better for those who want more social energy alongside skiing; Hemsedal is better for powder and authentic Nordic culture.
Is Åre good for snowboarding?
Yes — the resort has a strong snowboard culture and good terrain park infrastructure. The terrain variety suits snowboarding well, and several half-pipe and park features are maintained throughout the season.
What is the ski season length at Åre?
Approximately November to May — one of the longest seasons in Scandinavia. Snowmaking covers the main runs from early November, and natural snow builds from December. The spring skiing in April and May is excellent with long days and good coverage on the upper mountain. The Valborg festival at the end of April marks the traditional season close.
Is Åre suitable for families?
Very — the resort has excellent children’s ski school facilities, dedicated family areas, and the Swedish family culture makes it a welcoming destination. The town is safe and compact, accommodation is family-friendly, and the lake offers additional winter activities (ice skating, snowmobile tours) for non-skiing days.
What currency and language are used?
Swedish Krona (SEK) — not the Euro. Card payments are universal and Sweden is effectively cashless. English is spoken by essentially all resort workers and most locals (Sweden has among the highest English proficiency of any non-English-speaking country). No language barrier for international visitors.
How does the overnight train from Stockholm work?
The Åreexpressen night train departs Stockholm in the evening and arrives in Åre early morning — a popular option for Swedish visitors avoiding the drive. Several operators run the service during the ski season. Compartments and seat reservations should be booked in advance during peak season.
Is there good skiing for experts at Åre?
The upper mountain (above the Kabinbanan) has genuine expert terrain — steep, challenging, and rewarding. The World Cup courses are accessible outside race periods. The off-piste culture is developed and there are dedicated freeride areas with gates. Experts will find it satisfying for a week, though those seeking extreme terrain beyond anything marked may prefer the backcountry of Norway or the Alps.