The best ski resorts in Sweden

Ah, riding in North America... Don’t get us wrong, it’s freaking awesome (possibly even the best in the world!). But sometimes, it can all get a bit ‘samey’, right? So, why not mix things up this season with a trip to Scandinavia? 

Yep, the likes of Instagram and TikTok don’t do Sweden justice. Expect to have your jaw drop to the floor at the mountainous wilderness, insane riding, and super friendly locals. Depending on where and when you go, you might only have five to six hours of daily daylight. But that’s more than enough to shred your legs off! Then, when the sun goes down, you have a perfect excuse to have some serious sauna time … or carry on ripping under floodlights! Oh, and there’s a chance you’ll catch the Northern Lights while you’re at it, too.

So, prepare to ride outside of your comfort zone and discover Dope Mag’s guide to the 9 best ski resorts in Sweden. And why not venture somewhere new with our latest collection of men's ski jackets and women's ski jackets? You’ll definitely want reliable layers, as Sweden can be positively arctic mid-winter — and not just because their resorts are above the article circle!

The best ski resorts in Sweden

Åre

Åre is probably Sweden’s most famous ski resort, with thousands of Swedes charging down its slopes each winter. And while it’s not exactly easy to get to – Åre is about seven hours by train from Stockholm or a flight to Östersund followed by an hour’s coach ride  – there’s a reason riders make the journey. It’s all because it’s home to the largest downhill ski area in Sweden, with 112 slopes (some as long as four miles)! 

Åre is a touch more commercial than the other resorts on our list, however, it’s buzzing with culture, music, and other activities, such as snowmobile tours, dog sledding, ice fishing, and ice climbing. Turning your attention to the hill, you’ll also find night skiing alongside children’s and beginner ski areas (Åre Björnen) and challenging runs. Åre has seven black runs, including Hummelbrante, guaranteed to satisfy mogul-loving riders. 

Don’t forget to take on the World Cup trails just below the summit before heading to Åre Village for some of the best après-ski in Sweden (or ‘after ski’ as they call it). Our top pick is Verandan, iconic for hosting Sweden’s best cover bands and DJs. 

Top tip:

Get your caffeine high at Toppstugan, the highest cafe in Sweden. It serves coffee and pastries at 4,659 feet/1,420 meters – the perfect place for Fika; a coffee and cake break, where you can try Sweden’s world-famous cinnamon rolls!

Sälen

Okay, we’re a bit cheeky including Sälen in this list. That’s because it’s a ski area rather than a resort. Yep, it is, in fact, made up of four interlinked areas – Lindvallen, Högfjället, Tandådalen, and Hundfjället. However, that means you have more acreage to play with and miles to ride. We’re talking 94 miles of piste and 155 miles of cross-country trails. 

And man, does SkiStar Sälen suit everyone – from ultimate beginners to ‘been there, done that’ pros. Yep, if someone in your crew is tooting their horn about their skills, take them to Tandådalen, full of tricky, challenging terrain and black runs. Tripping with a family? We can’t recommend Lindvallen enough with its long, gentle slopes. 

Hundfjället is perfect for first-timers, with a huge beginners’ area and the SkiStar Fun Ride (an adventure ski area). Högfjället is also awesome for beginners and intermediates, thanks to most of its slopes being graded green or blue. 

Top tip: 

Head to McSki, Lindvallen’s ski-through McDonald's. Yes, really! It’s 100% worth doing – and posting on the ‘Gram. 

Stöten

Just west of Sälen is Stöten, a charming, picturesque ski resort that’s bound to dominate your camera roll. It’s especially pic-worthy being home to the highest peaks in the Sälen mountain range – so hello, epic views. And if it’s riding you’re after (um, why wouldn’t you be?), Stöten provides 50 trails ranging from cruisey beginner runs to expert level. 

Looking to mix things up? Stöten is the place. That’s because it has Vattufjäl, an indoor activity center with a waterpark and sauna that’s nothing but pure fun.

Not looking to leave the mountain? How about aiming for the snow park, venturing on a snowmobile safari, or trying cross-country instead? Stöten also gives you the chance to shred super early or at night on the World Cup slope. 

Top tip:

Everyone’s heard of a Swedish massage. So, where better to try the real deal than Sweden itself? Yep, book into a massage at Stöten for head-to-toe zen after a hard day’s riding. Beware – once you have one, you’ll want them every day!

Hemavan

Ah, Swedish Lapland. It might make you think of Santa and his elves. But it’s actually home to awesome riding conditions and wide, uncrowded slopes in Hemavan, Sweden’s largest ski resort in the north. Its groomers are mostly above the treeline, mixing with consistent snowfall and cold temperatures to deliver constant hard-packed snow – ace for learning, carving, cruising, or straight-lining. 

It’s not all about the on-piste stuff here, though. Hemavan offers some easy-to-access off-piste with secret pow bowls and tons of trees to play in on the lower section. See yourself as an adventurer? Then, don’t just ride in Hemavan! Instead, go heliskiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and more. 

Once you’ve filled your boots, head into Hemavan’s town. It’s petite and quiet, with a population of only 222. Still, it’s one of the planet’s best spots for chatting to locals and partying in ski lodges while trying Hemavan beers and Arctic food, such as coffee cheese, and reindeer (sorry, Rudolph!). 

Top tip: 

You have to go to Björk Topprestaurang & Fjällbar. Right in the middle of the slopes, this iconic spot is famous for its hot cocoa with marshmallows and whipped cream. The perfect Fika moment, right?

Vemdalen

If perfectly groomed slopes raise your stoke, aim for Vemdalen. Okay, this place is smaller than other resorts on our list. However, it’s hard to beat with reliable snow coverage, an early season start (usually October), and wide-open runs – without the crowds! 

Vemdalen has something for all riders, with three ski areas part of your lift ticket (with a shuttle bus to ferry you in between). If you’re after a challenge, try the tricky slopes at Klövsjö. More into riding a few laps before taking a break? How about combining ski ‘n’ spa in Storhogna? Alternatively, hang with reindeer and learn about the local Sámi people at Björnrike. Each of the ski areas has its own kids’ clubs, too. 

And although Sweden’s après-ski is known for being chill, Vemdalen provides an epic vibe with locals packing out its few bars. The Hoigfjallshotell is our fave, with a piano bar and live music every Tuesday to Sunday. Bennie and the Jets, anyone? 

Top tip:

Jump on the vesseltur, a tractor-like vehicle that takes you to a remote waffle cottage at the summit – the perfect spot for lunch! Oh, and it only costs around $7! 

Riksgränsen

Right, if riding under the midnight sun in mid-June isn’t on your bucket list, it should be. And there’s only one place worth doing it in: Riksgränsen, Sweden’s northernmost ski resort on Norway’s border. 

Okay, it’s a 16-hour drive to the Arctic Circle from Stockholm – so load up on the road trip snacks! And you might not want to head here before February, as the sun barely shows its face (and the lifts don’t open until the end of Feb anyway). Still, there’s often amazing snow coverage and plenty of daylight hours in spring and summer, making it 100% worth the trek. Plus, this is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights) from September to April. 

Slope cruisers are limited here, with the resort’s two chairs, four tows, and 17 slopes. However, freeriders will go berserk! Yep, we don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say Riksgränsen is a powder hound’s paradise with near-endless backcountry. Use the lifts to remove nearly 1,312 feet/400 meters of climbing and soak up untouched, pow-loaded steeps. And Riksgränsen is still incredibly wild. This means you have ample room to explore the unknown … unlike some tracked ‘n’ trekked-out ski resorts in the Alps.

Top tip:

Soak up the midnight sun! There’s nothing on earth like it! Venture to Lappis for drinks and Restaurant Lapplandia for Swedish delicacies at around 8 pm before heading up the hill in a heli around 11 pm (their heliski season runs mid-March to the end of May). Fresh tracks at 11.30 pm? You’ve got to do it to believe it! 

Idre Fjäll

Dive into the wilderness with Idre Fjäll, a stunning, movie-worthy ski area with cute slopes and an even cuter chocolate-box village. This place makes ski-tripping stress-free, with all the slopes, restaurants, shops, accommodation, and activities within easy walking distance (even in ski boots!). Plus, they save and store snow from previous seasons, so they can usually open Idre Fjäll super early. And when we say super early, we mean it. How does the beginning of October sound?

The riding is on hella-fun, wide, tree-lined trails catered to all levels. Out of Idre Fjäll’s 42 trails, our fave must be Fjället, a long, windy, ridiculously fun slope. There’s some decent off-piste to ride, too. Don’t forget to look out for the reindeer grazing in the wild! 

There’s also more to do than shred here. This includes swimming, jacuzzing, bowling, working out in the gym, taking the kids to the children’s club for reindeer snowshoe hikes, and gorging on gourmet burgers at Understället.

Top tip:

Test your skills on The Chocken, Scandinavia’s steepest run! It means ‘the shock’, and that’s not a joke – this thing is gnarly! 

Branäs

Ski tripping with little ones? Branäs has you covered! Yep, this ski resort in the west of Sweden is perfect for families, first-timers, and kids. That’s all thanks to tame, mellow slopes (ace for learning), a purpose-built children’s ski center, and little ones under eight riding for free! Its central location also means it's relatively easy to reach – so the kids won’t drive you crazy with repetitive cries of ‘Are we there yet?’.  

And you don’t have to worry about tantrums over black ice here. Branäs’ snowmaking tech is top-notch, making it a snow-sure destination despite its lower altitude. And, most of the accommodation is ski-in, ski-out – ideal when juggling little ones, your kit, and their kit, too. 

If you do one thing here, take the kids to Nintendo Land, a forest ski slope that stays open after sunset. Okay, we’re making out that it’s for the kids, but it’ll also blow mum and dad’s mind, too!

Top tip:

Night ski every darn day! Branäs’ lifts carry on spinning when darkness descends, so you can keep shredding until 7 pm. 

Romme Alpin

How about combining a Stockholm trip with a ski one? Yep, mix city life with cruising life thanks to Romme Alpin, just a 2.5-hour drive (or shuttle bus) from the capital. 

Once there, you’ll find 34 well-groomed trails across two peaks. Take things nice and easy with the mellow slopes of Torkels Brott and Bumerang. Or, challenge yourself with the black slopes of Älgkyssen, Solstinget, and Gotes Brant. 

Okay, Romme Alpin isn’t for those seeking nightlife and liveliness. Instead, it’s more intimate, laid-back, and family-orientated with tons of ski-in, ski-out accommodation. Oh, and it majorly encourages relaxation! One look at the sauna and spa, and you’ll be making excuses to skip shredding for some serious zen. 

Top tip:

Book your accommodation super in advance! That’s because Romme Alpin is popular with weekenders from Stockholm, so it can be crowded on Saturdays and Sundays. 

FAQs

When can you ski in Sweden?

Any time between late November and early May. However, the further north you go, the longer winter lasts. This means Sweden’s ski season often starts earlier and ends later than most resorts in the Alps. Yew!

Still, daylight (or lack of it) might be an issue. For example, head to northern Sweden in December or early January, and you’ll only have a brief window of sunlight every day. If that sounds doable, it is, with many ski resorts installing floodlights to accommodate early-season visitors. However, temperatures are going to be cold. So, pack your best insulation layers and hand warmers. Oh, and don’t forget to look up. Yep, fewer daylight hours in December mean you’re more likely to catch those elusive Northern Lights when close to the Arctic Circle – dream-worthy stuff. 

Is Sweden good for beginners?

Hell yes! So many Swedish resorts are rad for beginners, thanks to their winding, mellow trails and dedicated beginner areas. It’s hard to narrow it down, but our top picks are Hemavan, Björnrike, Lindvallen, and Branäs. And if you have lessons, all the Swedish ski instructors speak perfect English! 

New to riding? Not sure you want to dedicate a whole week? Remember that Romme Alpin is an option. It’s super close to Stockholm and has nice, easy slopes for beginners. So, you can combine two destinations in one trip and try skiing or snowboarding for a couple of days before exploring the capital (just a 2.5-hour drive away). 

Is it expensive to ski in Sweden?

Sweden, as a country, is relatively expensive when compared to most European ski destinations. But, the prices vary here, too, depending on when you go. For example, we recommend avoiding Sportlov, the Swedes’ late February break. Prices typically shoot through the roof during this time and during Easter, making your entire trip ridiculously expensive. To avoid those price hikes, we’d recommend early April. There’s usually lots of snow, temperatures are no longer frostbite-cold, and the days are longer. 

Generally, skiing in Sweden isn’t usually pricier than the Rockies or the Alps. In fact, lift tickets are usually cheaper! However, food and drink are where you might fall off your chair as they can be mega expensive in Sweden. Oh, and that’s particularly true for in-resort supermarkets, so make sure you stock up on supplies before arriving at your destination. 

Wrapping up

Okay, that’s us set on Sweden! How about you? Although this might be controversial for us to say, we love the fact that downhill is only one aspect of winter life here. The Swedes throw themselves into cross-country skiing, ice-fishing, and dog sledding, too – and that kind of lifestyle is something we can appreciate. If you slope to Sweden this season, fill us in on your adventures via the Dope Snow Community Facebook Group. We can’t wait to see your pics, tips, and general zest for Scandinavia. However, we can’t promise we won’t have major FOMO … especially if you see the Northern Lights!

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