Alpine skiing in Sweden

Alpine all-stars

The larger ski resorts that have something for everyone.

Åre, Jämtland-Härjedalen: Sweden’s best ski resort 2021, according to World Ski Awards. Åre offers everything from off-piste and challenging black slopes to children’s snow parks. When you’re done skiing, there’s a huge range of winter activities and around 50 restaurants to choose from.

Sälen, Dalarna: Sälen consists of several of ski areas – Kläppen, Lindvallen, Högfjället, Tandådalen, Hundfjället and Stöten – making it northern Europe’s largest ski resort. Sälen is an unpretentious and safe bet for families, but also home to the (in)famous slope “The Wall”.

Hemavan Tärnaby, Västerbotten: Northern Sweden’s largest ski resort is considerably smaller than Åre and Sälen but offers everything from gentle kids slopes to a ski cross arena. Tärnaby is often called “Sweden’s unofficial alpine capital” and has fostered Olympic gold medallist skiers Ingemar Stenmark and Anja Pärson.

Family first

Family-friendly ski resorts where children are the most important guests.

Björnrike in Vemdalen, Jämtland-Härjedalen: Björnrike is a family-friendly ski area and part of the larger ski resort Vemdalen. Here, you’ll find a snow park, easy jumps and rails, conveyor belts and MySkiStar Video where you can film your rides and share on social media. Plus, every lift exit allows skiers to choose between an easy or difficult way down.

Branäs, Värmland: Branäs has been voted Sweden’s best ski resort for families no less than 13 times. All children activities are for free and the forest ski slope Nintendo Land is a fun experience for children of all ages, especially after sunset.

Järvsöbacken, Hälsingland: At Järvsöbacken, the children are guests of honour. Fun runs with smaller bumps and jumps are prepared every morning. The snowpark, with its rails, big air bag and ski cross course, will entertain older kids for hours.

Idre Himmelfjäll, Dalarna: Idre consists of three alpine ski areas, where Idre Himmelfjäll is Sweden’s newest ski resort and fairy tale creatures welcome children of all ages to their winter wonderland. Besides Idre and Sälen, Dalarna county boasts several other ski resorts.

Mullsjö Alpin, Småland: One of southern Sweden’s most snow-sure ski resorts. Mullsjö Alpin caters to beginners-families that want to try easy and medium slopes as well as snowboard jumps.

Powder paradises

For thrill seekers that want to take their skiing adventure to the next level.

Riksgränsen and Björkliden, Swedish Lapland: Sweden’s northernmost ski resorts promote themselves as one destination with one ski pass and free transfer in-between. The area receives an enormous amount of snow during autumn and winter and even if there is a range of slopes to choose from, the off-piste areas are the reason you go here. Riksgränsen attracts skiers from all over the world and if you haven’t tried skiing under the midnight sun yet, it’s something to put on your bucket list.

Kittelfjäll, Västerbotten: Kittelfjäll calls itself the epicentre of heliski in Sweden and with over 40 snow-covered and uncrowded peaks it’s easy to find untouched powder long after the most recent snowfall. When Sweden’s largest ski site, Freeride.se, asked their readers for the best ski touring and best off-piste mountain in 2021, Kittelfjäll was voted the second best in both categories – only beaten by Riksgränsen-Björkliden.

Ramundberget in Funäsfjällen, Jämtland-Härjedalen: In Ramundberget, you’ll go off-piste in sparse birch forest with a lot of natural snow. Freeride areas with untouched snow can be reached by easier ski touring. After a big downfall of snow, the Osthang lift opens 60 minutes before ordinary opening hours – a must-do for those craving powder for breakfast.

Close to Stockholm

Ski resorts that are easily reached from Stockholm, suitable for a daytrip. Maximum 2,5 hours by car.

Stockholm: If there’s snow in the winter, you don’t even need to leave the city to go skiing. Stockholm has no less than six ski areas with slopes close by. At Hammarbybacken, you’ll have a picture-perfect view over Stockholm on you way down.

Uppsala Alpine Centre, Uppsala: This outdoor area includes one ski slope with a smaller freestyle park and one sled slope – both are lit in the evening. 65 kilometres from Stockholm.

Vedbobacken, Västmanland: A small and friendly ski slope with fun park, suitable for families with smaller children who want to do some technique training for a day. 115 kilometres from Stockholm.

Sörmland: The county of Sörmland has six smaller ski areas. Båsenberga in Vingåker, 165 kilometres from Stockholm, is run by the local ski club and a good place to practice you skiing skills. Spökbacken in Katrineholm, approx. 150 kilometres from Stockholm, is run on a non-profit basis and a nice alternative for the whole family.

Kungsberget, Gästrikland: This family-oriented ski resort north of the city is a popular weekend-getaway for Stockholmers. Kungsberget offers a mix of slopes, funparks and a Nintendo Land. 215 kilometres from Stockholm.

Close to Gothenburg

Ski resorts that are easily reached from Gothenburg, suitable for a daytrip. Maximum 2,5 hours by car.

Ulricehamn Ski Center, West Sweden: A cosy and family-friendly ski area where many kids have tried their first ski turns. All slopes are open for evening skiing as well. 100 kilometres from Gothenburg.

Isaberg Mountain Resort, Småland: The largest ski resort in southern Sweden, with several slopes in different levels. Should you get tired of skiing, try the breath-taking 1,000 metres long rodeling track. Located 125 kilometres from Gothenburg.

Halland: The county of Halland serves up a few ski areas. Combine skiing with shopping at the huge discount warehouse Ullared, approx. 100 kilometres from Gothenburg. Or spend the day at family oriented Vallåsen, that offers snow even if the winter is mild. Located 180 kilometres from Gothenburg.

Billingebacken, West Sweden: Get a great view over Skövde from this ski slope, situated in the town. Billingebacken has one slope and a funpark with rails and jumps. Approx. 160 kilometres from Gothenburg.

Smaller gems

When you want to stay away from the crowds.

Dundret, Swedish Lapland: The location of Dundret makes for a long winter season with lots of powder – and, if you’re lucky – Northern Lights. If you get tired of skiing, dog sledding and Sami culture is just around the corner.

Lofsdalen, Jämtland-Härjedalen: This peaceful ski resort is surrounded by mountain peaks and exempt from ski lift queues. At the children’s lifts, the hosts are also ski teachers and happy to help with tips and tricks.

The High Coast: The majestic High Coast of Sweden has a number of smaller ski resorts in the area. Vårdkasbacken, with a beautiful view over Härnösand town, offers alpine skiing for the whole family. Hallstaberget is one of the oldest ski slopes in Sweden with all kinds of ski sports. And at Solberget you can enjoy well-prepared slopes and vast views.

Hovfjället, Värmland: At Hovfjället, you don’t have to start you skiing day with taking the lift up – the resort is built on top of the slopes. Even though it’s located quite far south, it’s a snow-sure ski resort.