Powder Hound Paradise: Carving Fresh Tracks in Sweden’s Massive Åre Ski Resort
Powder Hound Paradise: Carving Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Massive Åre Ski Resort - Epic Vertical in the Swedish Alps
With over 2,000 vertical feet of terrain and the highest lift-serviced peak in Sweden, Åre offers epic skiing and some of the best vertical in Europe. Unlike many resorts, Åre manages to pack tons of vertical into a relatively condensed area rather than sprawling acreage. This makes it easy to lap thousands of vertical feet in a short time.
The main face of Åreskutan mountain drops steeply from the 1,420 meter summit down to the village at just 500 meters. Even from the top of the main gondola at 1,347 meters you can ski a continuous 787 meters down to the village. Advanced skiers and riders flock to legendary runs like Störtloppet, an annual competition course that weaves down the fall line for nearly 800 meters. With pitches up to 45 degrees, it delivers an adrenaline-filled ride with stunning views over Lake Åresjön.
Intermediates can still get their vertical fix on long cruisers like Hummervalley at over 5 miles from top to bottom. Winding groomers let you carve big GS turns for thousands of feet down through the trees into town. Families with kids love the fact they can ski the full vertical right from the start. Little ones have access to terrain like Tjugo Jump with 600 meters of vertical served by pulley lifts perfect for beginners.
Beyond the main face, Åre is filled with side valleys and off-piste zones that add even more vertical. Experts searching for fresh tracks and pillow lines hike along ridges to zones like Valls and Bigruffen that each offer another 1,000 feet of steep fall line skiing. The sense of achievement after hiking for your turns and nabbing over 3,000 vertical feet in one run is huge.
What else is in this post?
- Powder Hound Paradise: Carving Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Massive Åre Ski Resort - Epic Vertical in the Swedish Alps
- Powder Hound Paradise: Carving Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Massive Åre Ski Resort - Freeriding Paradise with Endless Off-Piste Terrain
- Powder Hound Paradise: Carving Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Massive Åre Ski Resort - Apres Ski as Good as the Slopes
- Powder Hound Paradise: Carving Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Massive Åre Ski Resort - Stay Slope-side for Easy Access to the Lifts
Powder Hound Paradise: Carving Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Massive Åre Ski Resort - Freeriding Paradise with Endless Off-Piste Terrain
For serious freeriders, Åre is a dream come true. This area delivers seemingly endless off-piste terrain from easy glades to fear-inducing steeps. Advanced skiers flock here to find secret stashes days after a storm. Meanwhile, intermediates can dip their toes into the off-piste world on mellower tree runs accessed right from the lifts.
Unlike many resorts, Åre makes it easy to access untracked snow days after a storm. Lifts take you right to expansive above-treeline zones that hold powder. Areas like Valls and Störtzer are famous for rocky chutes and wide-open bowls. Drop into knee-deep cold smoke after hiking 10 minutes along the ridge. Posh tree skiing areas like Hummervalley and Hummelbranten offer delightful stashes if you're willing to traverse a bit between perfectly spaced evergreens.
For experts, Åre is nirvana. This is the type of place where you literally ski until your legs go numb face-planting in untracked powder over and over. Intense steeps like Hellnerbranten will get your heart pumping. Just make sure your legs can handle the burning quads and tight hips the next day. Intermediates should check out mellower zones like Tväråvalley or Nybygget for accessible tree skiing without the crazy pitches. There's nothing like floating through the pines carving fresh turns after a storm.
The locals here pride themselves on their off-piste terrain. Many groomer fans from places like France or Austria are blown away by the sheer amount of snow that stays fresh days after snowfall. Åre veterans laugh when heading out for "leftover powder" three days after a dump. Lifts accessing above-treeline terrain help a lot. But the plentiful trees and side valleys hold stashes remarkably well too.
Powder Hound Paradise: Carving Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Massive Åre Ski Resort - Apres Ski as Good as the Slopes
After shredding endless powder stashes all day, Åre serves up après ski as good as its world-class slopes. This ski town really knows how to aprés. Kick off your boots, grab a beer or glögg, and relax by a roaring fire with new friends. Legendary bars like The Pub or Broken basically become dance clubs once the lifts close. Chat up friendly locals and visitors from across Scandinavia and beyond. With over 12,000 beds, Åre has the critical mass for a hopping nightlife scene.
Competition for the most raging après spot is fierce. Both The Pub and Broken get absolutely rammed most nights - we're talking sweat dripping down your back, shouting in your friend's ear to be heard over the music. Grab a spot by the bar or dance floor early to avoid claustrophobia. At Fjällgården, snag a seat on the heated patio overlooking town twinkling below. Sip on creative cocktails or a range of Swedish microbrews as you recount tales of your powder day. Don't miss their incredible dry-aged steaks either.
Over at Åre Bageri, unwind in more laidback surrounds with exceptional craft beer and gourmet pizza fresh from the on-site microbrewery and oven. This is a favorite of locals, offering 20 types of beer and artisanal grub in a chill setting. The burgers are dynamite too. For live music, central Åre Square turns into an outdoor concert venue many nights during high season. Sweden's top artists perform under twinkling lights as skiers dance and sing along mitten-clad.
To truly celebrate an epic day on the slopes, splurge on Åre's famous three-course dinners. We're talking starters like reindeer carpaccio, mains featuring moose fillet or arctic char, and naughty desserts like a cloudberry mousse that will make your tastebuds tingle. Restaurants like Fjällgården and Copperhill Mountain Lodge deliver creative Nordic cuisine paired with fine wines in upscale-yet-cozy surrounds. Pro tip: make your reservation early, as spots book out weeks in advance.
Those not ready to call it a night can keep partying until 3 or 4am at nightclubs like Club Holiday or Rockbuster's. These pumping venues offer dancing, themed party nights, costume contests, and more. Or head to Åre Casino for slots, table games, poker tournaments, and a lively bar scene. Kids aren't left out of the action either - many hotels offer supervised movie nights and activities until late. Parents can enjoy some kid-free time before meeting back at the room for bedtime stories and fond memories of another amazing day.
Powder Hound Paradise: Carving Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Massive Åre Ski Resort - Stay Slope-side for Easy Access to the Lifts
After shredding endless powder stashes all day, nothing beats the convenience of slope-side lodging. At Åre, staying steps from the lifts allows you to maximize every precious minute on the mountain. There's simply no substitute for rolling out of bed and clicking into your skis just minutes later - no schlepping gear across town or waiting for shuttles required.
Luxury hotels like Copperhill Mountain Lodge or Tott Hotel put you right at the Hummelliften gondola in the heart of Åre. Wake up to epic views of Åreskutan, enjoy a hearty Swedish breakfast buffet, and you are on the slopes before most visitors have finished their morning coffee. At day's end, ski practically back to your doorstep.
Families love the convenience of slope-side hotels, especially those with kids. At Holiday Club, the kids' ski school meets right on site - no need to travel anywhere. Meanwhile, exhausted parents can easily pop back to the room for a nap while the little ones are out ripping up the powder. There's no fighting traffic or looking for parking when you stay steps from the slopes.
Even budget-focused travelers can capitalize on slope-side access. The lively Åre Hostel puts you just 100 meters from the Åre Bergbana gondola. After cooking up breakfast in the communal kitchen, stroll out the front door and you are shredding within minutes. At day's end, ski right back for an affordable beer with new friends at the hostel's convivial bar.
For ultimate convenience, snag one of the few slope-side apartments. Brand new options like Hundfjället Lodge or stalwarts like Skistar Åre Bostäder allow you to ski in and out directly from your front door. Imagine sipping morning coffee on your private patio as you gaze over the pistes. Then step into your boots and glide onto the snow without walking anywhere. Return home anytime for a hot lunch or to tuck the kids in for a nap. Self-catering apartments give families flexibility no hotel can match.