Åre: The Ski Capitol of Scandinavia

Introduction

The largest ski system in Scandinavia offers plenty of opportunities to ski well-groomed pistes and powder – the resort has everything you need for both the party people and the family. Åre has long been the go-to place for everyone looking to experience a glimpse of Scandinavian ski culture with a lovely village vibe. This is the place to go if you value good hotels and excellent cuisine. If you want to experience many different activities, Åre has got you covered. If you prefer a big mountain off-piste, there is that. Welcome to Åre and see for yourself. 

The History of Åre as a Ski Town

The ski system was developed more than 100 years ago with the construction of the tram called Bergbanan. Initially, this stretch was intended to lead visitors from the village square straight to the top. The technology was groundbreaking, but the funds eventually ran out, and they settled for the Fjällgården area. In the beginning, the slopes were trampled by skiers, and everyone had to walk up to ski down – it was great fun to do this wearing a bowler hat and suit. But eventually, the first ski lifts were constructed, and in 1976, the cable car was opened. This was the booming time of alpine skiing, and even the schools stopped their education to have everyone watch when Ingemar Stenmark competed. 

Åre has hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships in 1954, 2007, and, more recently, 2019. Several winners of the Freeride World Championships also originate or have spent parts of their lives living in the Åre Valley. 

Areas: Duved and Tegefjäll

The neighboring villages of Duved and Tegefjäll lie only a few minutes by car to the west of Åre village. You will find excellent slopes for the intermediate skier with a few kids’ areas and steep runs here. Mostly, however, it is for intermediate skiers. The quality here can be outstanding compared to in Åre, which may attract more visitors one day. If you prefer to ski in such a way, you can go out for a couple of laps in the morning, then take a long lunch in your cabin, and then continue with a few hours in the afternoon – without ever having to take the car; then you should go for Duved or Tegefjäll. 

Both these areas have a chair lift each, whereas the one in Duved has higher capacity, is faster, and has a screen to shelter your face from the wind. Usually, there are no crowds, so that you can focus on the downhill skiing. 

Tegefjäll also has some forest skiing, and you can also drop by the small waffle hut Lillåstugan and enjoy the spring sun with a cloudberry waffle. 

To Duved you can go by train but not to Tegefjäll. However, the ski system is connected, so if you stay in Duved, you can take two transportation lifts to get to Tegefjäll and experience that area.

Areas: Björnen

Björnen is the more family-oriented area and lies slightly on the eastern side of Åre, somewhat higher than the main village. This area has recently been developed quite a bit, so that you will find a plethora of mansions and apartments for rent in all price categories. This area has such nice views even Zlatan purchased a house on the top close to Copperhill Mountain Lodge. 

During school holidays, Björnen can be rather busy, with queues for the lifts and sometimes a bit crowded on the slopes. However, the slopes here are much gentler and more oriented towards the novice skier, and plenty of restaurants perfect for resting tired legs. 

It is possible to take the chair lift from Björnen to the Saddle, ski down into Åre village, and get back with another lift. 

Areas: Åre Low Zone

The low zone of Åre goes from the village to around the treeline and stretches from Ullådalen in the west to the Saddle area in the east. This area is big, so transporting yourself from the east to the west can take some time. Usually, if the high zone is open, it is easier to go to the top then ski down in the right direction. Plenty of pistes in the low zone give skiers options to find their type of piste. However, most pistes are in the intermediate to advanced range. In Rödkullen and Ullådalen, they are more gentle, and there is also a big park with lots of jumps close by. 

Areas: Åre High Zone

The high zone is usually what it is all about. With the cable car, you arrive here in just a few minutes, and if you like, you can take a 20-minute hike to the actual summit, which effectively gives you around 1000 meters vertical of skiing to the village. 

The high zone only has a couple of ski lifts, so during holidays and if the weather is good with sun and no wind, you may have to wait a little to reach the top. Most ski runs down from here are for intermediate to advanced skiers, but there is a way down for most beginners. 

For the off-piste skier looking to dive into 30-40 degrees steep terrain with open fields for big cruising turns, the backside of Åre is the masterpiece. It is only recommended to wear avalanche equipment and be accompanied by a certified guide. Beware of” locals” wanting to show you around. 

It is also possible to go to the actual summit and then ski down to another ski system called Huså. Make sure you plan how to get back again, as snowmobile transport is not guaranteed on all days. 

Ski Touring in the Wild

The ski touring trend has not left Åre untouched. Lots of people go skinning on the mountain. If you too want to go ski touring, remember that it is not allowed to do it in the ski system, so the best bet is to hire a guide to show you the way. You will often get many tips and learn more about the area. If the weather is calm, it is also possible to go to the site called Snasahögarna, about an hour to the west. This place is a classic ski touring area and has also been voted in on top 10 by the Swedish magazine Åka Skidor. Just ensure the road is open before you go there, as it can close during bad weather. 

Other activities

Åre has many things to do, not just skiing. If you want to experience the whole concept of Scandinavian mountains, you can do it close to Åre. From staying in an Igloo to dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice climbing, or watching for northern lights – Åre is an excellent choice. 

How to get to Åre in Sweden

To get to Åre, you can fly to Åre Östersund Airport or Trondheim in Norway. From Östersund, there are regular taxis, and from Trondheim, you can take a taxi or train. If you prefer to go by train, fly to Stockholm, get on the sleepers train in the evening, and wake up in Åre the morning after. If you prefer to drive your car from Stockholm, head north on the E4 to Sundsvall, then turn west on E14 until you reach Åre, approximately 6-7 hours from Stockholm. 

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation offers in Åre. There are more beds for guests than for the year-round inhabitants. So, if you are looking for someplace to lay your head, consider these tips.
Duved – here, there are generally more affordable alternatives. The few hotels are cheaper, and some cabins are also rented out privately. Parking spots are easy to find, and a gas station and grocery store are conveniently located in the middle of the village. A few restaurants are open in the evenings.
Tegefjäll boasts many apartments but no hotels and hardly anything to do in the evening.
Åre has different options, from the more budget-friendly hotel Holiday Club to more expensive options like Granen and Åregården.
Björnen has few hotels, so most people rent an apartment in a house or a whole mansion. Many new houses are built in the Saddle area, and further down in Björnen, there are cheaper options.