Ski resorts
Sälen: family skiing in Dalarna and where to stay
Four ski areas, Sweden’s largest collection of Alpine slopes and the starting line of the Vasaloppet. This is Sälen in Dalarna, and the hotel with ski-in/ski-out access.
Sälen lies in Dalarna, where the forest is dense and the mountains round and friendly. Here you will find some of Sweden’s most popular ski areas, with slopes that are perfect for families and a winter life built around skiing, hot chocolate and long evenings in the cabin.
For many Scandinavians, Sälen is a familiar destination, just a few hours’ drive from Oslo. And every winter, the world’s largest cross-country race, the Vasaloppet, starts here.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
Four ski areas
Sälen is made up of four ski areas: Lindvallen, Högfjället, Tandådalen and Hundfjället. Together they offer a wide choice of runs and lifts, and in many places you can stay ski-in/ski-out.
Slopes for the whole family
The slopes in Sälen are known for being family-friendly, with plenty of gentle runs, children’s areas and ski schools. There are also steeper descents and terrain parks for those who want more speed.
The Vasaloppet starts here
Every winter thousands of cross-country skiers gather in Sälen for the start of the Vasaloppet, the world’s largest cross-country race. The course runs from Sälen to Mora, and the atmosphere at the start is an experience in itself.
A day in Sälen
The morning starts with ski-in/ski-out access and a run on the wide, gentle slopes. After lunch you can try another ski area, or take a cross-country tour through the forest.
When the day is done, a spa, pool and good dinner await, before the children fall asleep early and the grown-ups enjoy the calm.
When is the best time to visit Sälen?
The season usually runs from December to April. January and February bring cold, clear days, while March and Easter offer long, bright days and spring snow. The winter holidays are peak season, so book early.
Skiing with children in Sälen
Sälen is one of the most family-friendly ski destinations in Scandinavia. There are dedicated children’s areas, ski schools and activities off the slopes, and many places to stay are ski-in/ski-out.
Food and evenings in Sälen
Evenings in Sälen are calm and family-friendly. Hotels have restaurants, spas and pools, and the ski areas have restaurants and cafés for every taste. The après-ski is lively in season, but never overwhelming.
Cross-country skiing in the forest
Alongside the Alpine slopes, Sälen has a large network of cross-country trails through forest and over the mountains. Many combine downhill and cross-country skiing, and the trails are perfect for a quiet tour in the winter landscape.
Dalarna around you
Dalarna is famous for red wooden houses, Dala horses and traditions that live on in its villages. A day off the slopes can be spent exploring the landscape, or visiting Mora, where the Vasaloppet finishes.
Getting to Sälen
Sälen lies in Dalarna, a few hours’ drive from Oslo. You can also fly to Scandinavian Mountains Airport, close to the ski areas.
A short trip from Norway
For many Norwegians, Sälen is just a few hours’ drive away, and Scandinavian Mountains Airport has made it easy to fly straight to the area.
Tips before you book
Choose ski-in/ski-out lodging if you are travelling with children. Check which ski area suits your family best, and book early for the winter holidays and Easter, when the best places fill up quickly.
Sälen in the evening
When evening comes, the forest falls silent. Cabin lights glitter between the trees, and the snow crunches underfoot on the way home from dinner.
Where to stay in Sälen
Sälen has many cabins and apartments, and a hotel with ski-in/ski-out access.
Sälens Högfjällshotell: ski-in/ski-out
A hotel with ski-in/ski-out access, eight restaurants and a spa, in Sälen.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sälens Högfjällshotell
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in Åre.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Sälen
Where should I stay in Sälen?
Sälens Högfjällshotell offers ski-in/ski-out access, several restaurants and a spa. Many also choose a cabin or apartment in one of the ski areas.
How many ski areas does Sälen have?
Sälen has four ski areas: Lindvallen, Högfjället, Tandådalen and Hundfjället.
Where does the Vasaloppet start?
The Vasaloppet starts in Sälen and finishes in Mora, and is the world’s largest cross-country race.
How do you get to Sälen?
Sälen is a few hours’ drive from Oslo. You can also fly to Scandinavian Mountains Airport.