Discover Åre: Sweden’s Mountain Playground

A Village Where Slopes Meet Wilderness

The crisp mountain air fills your lungs as you gaze up at snow-covered peaks, while a chairlift hums in the distance. In summer, the same slopes transform into lush meadows alive with alpine flowers and rushing waterfalls. This is Åre, a small mountain village in Jämtland County that has grown into Sweden’s premier outdoor destination, offering year-round adventures in the heart of the Scandinavian mountains.

What Makes Åre Special

Åre is Sweden’s most famous ski resort, known internationally for hosting Alpine World Cup races. But beyond skiing, it is a village steeped in history and charm, where traditional wooden houses meet a lively après-ski and summer café culture. Nestled by Åresjön lake and overlooked by Åreskutan mountain, the village is surrounded by wild landscapes that invite exploration in every season.

What makes visiting Åre truly special is its balance: it offers the energy of a world-class sports hub while keeping the relaxed feel of a mountain community. Here, you can push your limits on steep downhill runs or take a gentle evening paddle on the lake under a midnight sun.

Outdoor Activities in Åre

Skiing and Snowboarding

The number one thing to do in Åre in winter is, of course, skiing. The resort is the largest in Scandinavia, with over 90 slopes catering to everyone from beginners to experts. Ski touring is also popular, with access to untouched powder in the backcountry.

Dogsledding and Snowmobiling

For a taste of Arctic tradition, hop on a dogsledge and let a team of huskies whisk you across frozen landscapes. Snowmobiling offers a faster way to explore the forests and plateaus around the village, often with the chance to spot reindeer along the way.

Northern Lights and Winter Magic

Although further south than Kiruna, Åre still offers the chance to see the aurora borealis on clear winter nights, especially in the surrounding mountains where light pollution is low.

Hiking and Trail Running

When the snow melts, Åre becomes a hiking paradise. Trails lead from the village up Åreskutan, where sweeping views take in both Sweden and Norway on clear days. Shorter routes bring you to waterfalls like Tännforsen, Sweden’s largest, and Ristafallet, made famous in the Astrid Lindgren film Ronja Rövardotter.

Mountain Biking

Åre is often called the mountain biking capital of Scandinavia. Its bike park is one of the biggest in Europe, with downhill trails accessible by lift. Cross-country riders will also find endless forest and mountain paths.

Lake and River Adventures

Åresjön lake offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing in summer. The nearby Indalsälven river is a hotspot for rafting, with rapids ranging from gentle family-friendly sections to thrilling whitewater runs.

Sami Culture and Local Traditions

Åre lies within traditional Sami lands, and cultural encounters such as visiting a reindeer camp or learning about Sami handicrafts add depth to an adventure here. Local food is another highlight — from Arctic char to reindeer and cloudberries, mountain flavours are always close at hand.

Local Tips

• Winter can be busy, so book accommodation and ski passes in advance.
• Weather changes fast in the mountains — always pack an extra layer, even in summer.
• If hiking, bring mosquito repellent in June and July.
• For quieter trails, head out in early morning or late evening when the light is magical and the paths less crowded.

Best Time to Visit Åre

• Winter (December to April): Peak skiing and snowboarding season, plus dogsledding, snowmobiling, and cosy evenings in mountain lodges.
• Spring (May): Melting snow, sunny ski days, and the start of early hiking.
• Summer (June to August): Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and midnight sun adventures.
• Autumn (September to October): Crisp air, golden forests, fewer crowds, and excellent hiking conditions.

How to Get There

Åre is well connected despite its remote mountain setting. Åre Östersund Airport is about 1 hour away by car, with flights from Stockholm and other Swedish cities. Trains from Stockholm also run directly to Åre, making it a convenient and sustainable way to arrive. If you’re coming from Norway, Trondheim is around 2.5 hours away by car, crossing scenic mountain passes.

A Year-Round Mountain Escape

Whether you visit in winter for world-class skiing, in summer for mountain biking and lake paddling, or in autumn to hike among golden birches, Åre offers adventure in every season. It is a place where outdoor life is woven into daily rhythms, and where both thrill-seekers and slow travellers find what they are looking for.