Åre
Copyright: Julia Silvestrow Bagno/unsplashÅre
A Swedish ski resort comparable with the mountain villages in the Alps, Åre has seen an increasing number of visitors every year. With a total piste length of 95 kilometres, around 100 descents, 40 lifts, almost 50 restaurants and over 30 bars and nightclubs, it is arguably Sweden’s number one ski resort.Slope Life
Åre offers, without doubt, one of the best skiing experiences in the Nordic countries with a vertical drop of 890 meters, 40 lifts and around 100 pistes. There are several different types of lift passes in the area. Children under 8 years ski for free provided that they wear a helmet. All 40 lifts are included in the Åre ski lift pass, from Duved in the west to Åre Björnen in the east. The first lifts open as early as possible in November, and after that the system opens up gradually depending on the amount of snow. The season is expected to last until May 1st. For those who don’t have much experience, there is of course a ski school in Åre. Skiers will find several rental shops for ski equipment.Do & See
Besides skiing, there is a multitude of other activities to choose from such as paragliding and kite flying, helicopter tours, dog sledding, snowmobile tours, canoeing, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting.
Dining
In Åre, hungry skiers and partygoers will find a variety of restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines, from Sami and Jämtland dishes to food from every corner of the globe. There are beautiful, old turn-of-the-century restaurants, trendy sushi bars, cafés, pizzerias and fast-food stands.
Cafes
Make sure that you have enough strength for the day’s activities by starting the day with an energizing breakfast buffet and an invigorating cup of coffee. A cup of hot chocolate after skiing is always a good idea, too.
Bars & Nightlife
Åre is famous for its fantastic nightlife, and with more than 30 bars and nightclubs and a host of party-ready visitors, it's hardly surprising. Many of the bars and clubs are located in Åre's hotels. Often, there is a restaurant adjacent to the bar or club, allowing you to spend the entire evening in one place. Åre is also renowned for its superb après-ski, and several bars offer top-class events. Owing to its reputation as a party town, some of Sweden's biggest artists frequently perform in Åre.
Shopping
The village’s shops have everything you would expect to find in other Swedish towns and in the Continental ski resorts. Also, don't miss the opportunity to buy some local products and handicrafts as souvenirs.