Åre, Sweden
Sweden's biggest ski resort in winter, and a playground for mountain biking and hiking in summer.
Åre: Sweden's biggest ski resort
Few places in Europe combine a lively mountain culture with spectacular nature as well as Åre. The Swedish mountain town, in Jämtland close to the border with Norway, has spent decades building a reputation as one of Scandinavia's best-known mountain destinations. Visitors come from all over the world, whether to ski in the middle of January or to ride the mountain trails on a warm August day.
Åre is not just a ski resort. It is a complete mountain experience with charm, character and far more to do than the slopes. The village centre is easy to explore on foot, with cafés, restaurants and shops open for much of the year.
The iconic Bergbana funicular from 1910 is one of Åre's most recognisable landmarks and runs in both summer and winter. A ride to the top gives you views over Åresjön lake and the valley below, whatever the season. It is no coincidence that Åre has hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships and World Cup races several times, and the resort is run to a standard that sets the bar for the rest of the Nordic region.
Chairlift over the Åre valley
From the mountainsides of Åre, the valley stretches out with the lake and the Jämtland countryside as a backdrop, a view you can enjoy in summer and winter.
Winter in Åre
Winter is naturally the busiest season, and Åre's après-ski culture is legendary. After a long day on the slopes, people gather in the village for food, music and a great atmosphere. With 89 runs for all levels and a season that runs from December to May, it is no wonder skiers return year after year. Many consider March and Easter the best time, with long sunny days and reliable snow. Buy your lift pass in advance, as it is usually cheaper than buying on arrival. Read everything you need to know about the Åre ski resort.
Easter in Åre
Sunshine, snow and good company. Easter in Åre is peak season for good reason.
Summer in Åre
Summer is just as impressive. Mountain biking in Åre Bike Park is among the best in Scandinavia, and riders flock here from across the region.
For more speed and excitement, local operators offer white-water rafting on the rivers around Åre, one of the wildest nature experiences in Jämtland.
Paddling, kayaking, hiking and fishing are other popular activities once the snow has melted. For dedicated cyclists, Åre Bike Festival is a highlight of the summer calendar and attracts riders from all over Europe.
Food and drink in Åre
Åre has an impressive choice of restaurants for a place of its size, with around 50 places to eat. You will find local favourites serving reindeer and other produce from Jämtland, international cuisine and cafés with home baking and good coffee. For food with a view, the mountain restaurants in the ski area are worth prioritising, and the après-ski scene is a chapter of its own, with live music throughout the winter.
Don't miss Åre Chokladfabrik at the foot of Åreskutan, where handmade chocolates have been made to old recipes since 1991. It might be the sweetest stop of your whole trip, and chocolate always tastes better in the mountains.
Best time to visit Åre
Åre works all year round, but there are two peak seasons: winter and summer. December to April is the most popular time for skiing, with Christmas and Easter the busiest weeks. Summer, from June to August, attracts cyclists, hikers and outdoor lovers. To avoid the crowds and get more for your money, consider May or September.
Slalom in Åre
Groomed slopes, clear skies and sunshine: this is what a good winter day in Åre looks like.
Where to stay in Åre
There is accommodation in every category, from the exclusive Copperhill Mountain Lodge with views of Åreskutan to charming mountain cabins and more affordable options right by the slopes. Booking early is recommended, especially for Christmas and Easter, when the most popular places sell out well in advance.
Getting to Åre
Åre is easy to reach from both Norway and Sweden. From Trondheim it is around a three-hour drive, and there are trains via Trondheim and from Stockholm, including overnight services. Åre Östersund Airport has flights from Stockholm and seasonal routes, and from the UK most visitors fly via Stockholm or Oslo.
Åre is also a natural starting point for exploring Jämtland. Östersund, with its charming 19th-century town centre by lake Storsjön, is a short drive away. Many visitors combine Åre with a longer stay in Sweden.
A day on the slopes for the whole family
With 89 runs for every level, Åre has something for the youngest and the most experienced skiers alike.
Åre is also an excellent choice for families, with dedicated children's areas on the slopes and a safe, easy-to-navigate village. Whether you arrive with skis or a bike, Åre has something for everyone.
Åre: frequently asked questions
When is the ski season in Åre?
The ski season in Åre usually runs from late November or December to early May, depending on snow conditions. February and March are peak season, while April brings long, light days and great spring skiing.
How do you get to Åre from the UK?
Most visitors fly to Stockholm and continue by train or a domestic flight to Åre Östersund Airport, or fly to Trondheim in Norway and drive or take the train across the border. Some winter charter flights also operate.
What can you do in Åre in summer?
In summer, Åre is one of Scandinavia's best mountain biking destinations, with lift-served trails. You can also hike to the top of Åreskutan, go paddling, rafting and fishing, and enjoy the village's restaurants.