The best ski resorts in Sweden

With Europe to the south, Scandinavia often gets overlooked for ski trips. But if you’re sleeping on Sweden, you’re 100% missing out! 

Riding in Sweden is super unique! You’ll experience its strong cultural and national heritage, which guarantees you’ll have a ski trip like no other. We’re talking about shredding under the midnight sun, goggling at the Northern Lights, sweating out all your aches and pains in a wood-fired sauna, and then chowing down on traditional reindeer stew. No matter your skiing level or taste, Sweden has it all. So, let’s jump in and find your perfect trip!

And what better way to embrace Sweden than with some slick Swedish-made ski gear? Check out MONTEC’s range of ski pants for men and ski pants for women. They’re designed by Swedes for Swedish skiing. How can you get better than that?

Sweden’s top 12 ski resorts

Åre

Åre is a mix of modern and traditional. This place oozes charm – which is why it continually tops the lists of the best ski resorts in Sweden. Ours included. It’s also probably Sweden’s most well-known resort for non-native skiers. That’s because its excellent infrastructure caters to non-Swedish skiers – as well as families and the more hardcore crowd, of course. Plus, there’s a picturesque Alpine village vibe and stellar après-ski. 

Åre suits all levels of riders with a big dedicated children’s ski area and learner area at the base. However, there are lots of challenging black-graded slopes for the more expert riders. Want to get out into the wilderness and leave the safety of the marked runs behind? Åre offers guided backcountry tours right from the resort!

Riksgränsen

We go from the biggest to the snowiest now. Riksgränsen gets more snow than any other Swedish ski resort (23 feet), which is why this rugged and remote destination is the touring and pow-riding destination in the country. It’s right above the Arctic Circle. So its remoteness means it focuses on riding rather than amenities. And, because of that, it’s not really suited for families or beginners. However, for the experts among you, Riksgränsen is adventure central.

The steep slopes and deep powder – combined with the extensive off-piste and touring opportunities – make Riksgränsen a mecca for those who want to earn their turns. If you time it right, you’ll also be treated to unparalleled Northern Lights shows. Thinking about heading to Riksgränsen in late spring? You’ll ski under the midnight sun! It’s a totally unique experience that only a handful of people worldwide have experienced! Pretty awesome dinner conservation, right?

Sälen

Sälen is a series of interconnected ski villages that make up Sweden’s largest collective ski area. Known for their cozy and family-friendly vibe, these resorts all have expansive beginner and learner areas and great terrain for those starting out. Plus, the accommodation options are extensive! 

Despite the family-forward presentation, Sälen actually has a fantastic après and nightlife scene with plenty of fun pubs and bars to choose from. Many events go on throughout the season, too, alongside a plethora of non-ski activities. These include snowmobiling and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Wondering what to do with the little ones on whiteout days? Take them to Sälen’s gigantic indoor water park!

Vemdalen

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the bigger resorts? There’s almost nowhere better than Vemdalen. Untouched, stunning wilderness surrounds this cozy, quaint collection of ski villages – meaning you’ll experience a stripped-back, super peaceful trip. There’s a good mix of family-friendly and beginner terrain, too. But, if you have a few more miles under your belt, you’ll find enough difficult slopes to keep you on your toes. Then rest your legs at one of Vemdalen’s laid-back accommodations. 

Despite being on the quieter side, there are still bars and restaurants to check out in Vemdalen. Just bear in mind they’re more tailored to a quiet beer or glass of wine after a day’s riding. There’s no dancing on tables here! But that’s not why you’d come to Vemdalen anyway. 

Kittelfjäll

Looking for touring and backcountry opportunities? Kittelfjäll is a great alternative to Riksgränsen! This resort delivers a really raw, authentic mountain experience – and is a little easier to access than its northern cousin. So, it’s perfect for those wanting to strike beyond the bounds of the marked runs while not wishing to travel as far as the Arctic Circle.

Intermediates and experts will lap up Kittelfjäll’s marked terrain, and the lift-accessible backcountry is some of the best around. You also won’t compete with anyone else for fresh tracks. That’s because Kittelfjäll flies firmly under the radar, being more popular with locals than visitors. But make the trip. You’ll be rewarded with epic lines and epic views!

Hemavan

Hemavan is another interesting choice. This resort is all about embracing nature and the beauty of Swedish winter. However, despite its laid-back vibes, there are still plenty of things to make families grin from ear to ear. You’ll find lots of gentle terrain and a big children’s ski area at the base. Hemavan is perfect for families looking to really get out there and away from the built-up resorts. 

You’ll discover some challenging terrain. However, there’s little to wag powder hounds’ tails. If you’re looking for adrenaline, sink your edges into snowmobiling and snowshoeing instead! The surrounding wilderness and forests are begging you to explore! And what better way to ease sore legs than with an authentic Swedish sauna experience? Hemavan is famous for them.

Stöten

Stöten is another compact resort, perfect for families. It’s the northernmost ski resort in Sälen, with a decent amount of terrain for all abilities. However, with its gentle natural terrain, little ones or complete beginners will get the most out of this resort.

Stöten delivers a good amount of accommodation alongside a lively nightlife scene with a couple of fun bars and pubs. You’ll also find tons of live music! And, if skiing every day doesn’t excite the kids, Stöten offers way more. Just let them loose in the indoor water park or take them dog-sledding!

Romme Alpin

Romme Alpin embraces everything modern. It’s a purpose-built resort with plenty of family-forward pluses – including lots of gentle slopes, a dedicated children’s and learner’s area, and great snowmaking for early-season reliability.

Romme Alpin also sits conveniently close to Stockholm, so it’s one of the most accessible resorts if you’re flying in. However, it does lack the sort of expansiveness and expert-focused offerings found in the likes of Åre. Still, Romme Alpin is a brilliant choice for a weekend or short ski break in Sweden!

Björkliden

Serving up insane views of Lapland, heavier snowfall than most other resorts on this list, and a host of backcountry and off-piste opportunities, Björkliden should be a strong contender for anyone looking for an adventurous getaway in the north of the country! It’s hard to beat!

Björkliden’s resort is quiet and pretty remote, and accommodation is limited. However, the resort’s hotel does have a quiet bar – just don’t expect mega party vibes! Don’t worry, though – you won’t want to be inside when the sun goes down, anyway. That’s because Björkliden delivers amazing Northern Lights experiences and tours!

Branäs

Branäs might not be the biggest resort on this list. However, it has awesome things going for it! It’s another quiet and picturesque Swedish gem with a relaxed vibe and plenty to do for families and learners. Like to score your turns after dark? Go full pelt into some night skiing with floodlit slopes!

Branäs is sure to please those more interested in what’s going on off the slopes. It’s known for its events and festivals throughout the year. Plus, check out a guided snowmobile or snowshoe tour. And, if you’re visiting in the spring or summer, Sweden’s largest pump track will be available to get those legs working!

Idre Fjäll

Love cross-country skiing? Idre Fjäll is the perfect choice, with nearly 50 miles of marked and groomed slopes – that’s twice as large as its downhill ski offering! It also houses one of Sweden’s largest indoor water parks, with a vast array of pools, slides, saunas, and more, meaning it’s an epic choice for families who don’t mind skipping a ski day!

Stay in a traditional Swedish timber cabin or a catered mountain lodge for the full Swedish experience. Pining after nature? You’re within striking distance of Fulufjället National Park, renowned for its vibrant wildlife and bird-watching opportunities! Needless to say, Idre Fjäll keeps loud music to a minimum.

Tänndalen

If Swedish saunas, picturesque surroundings, and reindeer stew sound like the components of the best ski trip ever, Tänndalen is the place for you. This serene getaway is the ideal resort for taking a load off, escaping the modern world, and embracing something slower – and snowier.

Renowned for its traditional Swedish cuisine, foodies will delight in Tänndalen’s offerings. And with its wood-fired saunas available for private bookings, there’s no better way to unwind after a day on the slopes – of which Tänndalen has many! Ski to your heart’s content. Then eat like a Nordic king. Heaven.

Wrapping up

Well, that’s it: our quick-fire guide to Swedish ski spots. And it turns out there’s a resort for everyone – whether you’re a first-timer, a backcountry expert, an arctic wolf looking for kicks north of the circle, or a weekender hunting for a unique ski trip. 

Think we missed something? Hit us up at crew@montecwear.com and let us know your favorite Swedish ski spots!

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