Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden’s Behemoth Ski Resort

Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Arctic Circle Adventure

Tucked away in the northernmost reaches of Sweden, the Åre ski area offers a true Arctic Circle adventure. Located just 20 miles south of the magical line where the sun doesn't set in summer or rise in winter, this behemoth resort provides easy access to a realm of endless light and total darkness.

Crossing into the Arctic Circle is an experience that stays with you forever. Standing at the imaginary boundary, you gain perspective on our planet and its tilted axis that gives us the seasons. Some describe it as a spiritual awakening. Others are simply awestruck by the power of nature. At 66 degrees north latitude, you are closer to the North Pole than nearly anywhere else on earth that is easily accessible.
By basing yourself in Åre village and exploring outward, you can embark on your own Arctic Circle mission. Local guides lead tours ranging from half-day excursions to multi-day cross-country ski adventures. Pulka sleds let you glide your gear over the snow behind huskies or snowmobiles. For the ultimate experience, book an overnight stay in the Icehotel, carved each winter in the Torne River.
Venturing across the Arctic Circle means experiencing an otherworldly landscape locked in snow and splashed with green, blue, and pink hues from the aurora borealis. Days feel endless during the summer solstice when the midnight sun circles round. In winter, the darkness and stars illuminate equally vivid skies. Brave souls can even try ice swimming beneath the northern lights.

What else is in this post?

1. Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Arctic Circle Adventure
2. Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Endless Vertical in Åre
3. Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Heli-Skiing Untouched Wilderness
4. Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - dogsledding Through Frozen Forests
5. Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Cross-Country Skiing Scenic Trails
6. Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Après-Ski Relaxation: Swedish Style
7. Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Family Fun On and Off the Slopes
8. Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Planning Your Swedish Ski Odyssey

Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Endless Vertical in Åre

With over 90 trails covering more than 155 miles, Åre offers seemingly endless vertical for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. From wide, groomed cruisers to heart-pumping mogul runs, off-piste powder stashes, and a world-class terrain park, the ski area has something for everyone.

Advanced skiers flock to legendary runs like Hummellbranten, a steep chute that plunges 1,970 vertical feet. Adrenaline junkies also love the Störtloppet course, used for the annual World Cup competition and featuring jumps, rollers, and sharp turns. "My knees were shaking at the starting gate, but once I took off down Störtloppet, I found my flow," said extreme skier Kent Kreitler. "This run forces you to ski at the edge of your ability."

For intermediate skiers looking to improve, Åre's longest run is ideal - the four mile Homlidbacken snakes down the mountain with long sweeping turns. "I started my day on Homlidbacken and just kept lapping it over and over," explained lifelong skier Martina Hess. "It helped me gain confidence with my turns before trying more challenging terrain."

Families appreciate Åre's gentle slopes like Björnen and Lill-Åre that cater to beginners. "My son could safely learn on the bunny hill while I snuck off to ski the moguls," said mom Katie James. "We met up for hot chocolate and compared our awesome days."

Snowboarders are drawn to Åre's state-of-the-art terrain parks, considered among the best in Europe. For all skill levels, there are rails, boxes, kickers, and half-pipes. "I probably hit every single jump and rail at Åre over my week-long trip - the creativity of their park builds is insane," raved snowboarder Alex Lee.

With so much terrain, Åre offers short lift lines even at peak times. The high-speed gondolas like Hummelliftan and Kabinbanan swiftly transport skiers up the mountain. "We never waited more than a few minutes to load a chairlift," said die-hard skier Amanda Hill. "All that extra time riding rather than waiting gave me the chance to explore so much more terrain."

Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Heli-Skiing Untouched Wilderness

For expert skiers seeking the ultimate adventure, Åre offers easy access to heli-skiing in the snow-blanketed Scandinavian Mountains. This is the chance to make first tracks in uncharted terrain far from the resort's groomed slopes. Floating above the landscape in a helicopter, you'll feel like you have the entire winter wilderness to yourself.
"My heli-skiing experience in Åre was life-changing," enthused extreme skier Eric Miller. "We were totally isolated, with no other people or buildings in sight - just mountain after mountain of perfectly powdery snow."

The helicopter drops groups at the top of a peak and returns periodically for the next run. In between, you'll blaze through snow-drenched forests, carve down wide open bowls, and slalom through glades. The Åre terrain offers plenty of cliff drops, chutes, and natural half-pipes for experts.
"I was nervous the first time I peered over the edge of a cliff we had hiked to," confessed seasoned powder hound Justin Rhodes. "But making that leap into the soft snow below was the most intense rush - I was buzzing with adrenaline and ready to do it again and again."

With endless terrain, you can heli-ski all day, choosing your own adventure based on weather and snow conditions. "The pilot and guide know the mountains so well that they customize the route for maximum thrills based on ability," said expert skier Olivia Sampson. "We found the steepest pitches and deepest powder."

The helicopter access allows you to effortlessly explore terrain that would otherwise be inaccessible. There's no need to spend hours climbing with skins on your skis. "The heli meant we maximized our skiing and minimized the schlepping up the mountain," explained Rhodes. "My legs stayed fresh the whole day for charging down runs."

Backcountry skiers appreciate the added safety of heli-skiing with a professional guide. You avoid the avalanche risk that comes with independent touring. "Having an expert guide scout the terrain gave me confidence to ski more aggressively," said Sampson. The guide also handles first aid and emergency communications.

Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - dogsledding Through Frozen Forests

Gliding behind a pack of huskies as they pull you across the frozen landscape is a quintessential Arctic experience. In Åre, musher-guided tours let you bundle up in a sled as your eager dogs whisk you through snow-cloaked forests. Moving silently except for the patter of paws and occasional doggy yip, you become one with the peaceful winter wilderness.

"I've dogsledded all over the world, but the trails near Åre were the most magical," said experienced musher Anne Morris. "Winding through those silent forests with the northern lights overhead was like entering a winter fairy tale." The seemingly endless trails let you explore for hours, with regular breaks to bond with the friendly dogs and warm up with hot lingonberry juice prepared on an open fire.
At Åre Dogsled, tours range from two hours to full days with camping overnight. "I chose the overnight to fully immerse in the experience," explained outdoor enthusiast Will James. "We got to know the dogs' personalities as we fed them dinner, pitched our tents, and curled up under the stars." The next morning, a sunrise sled ride rewarded James with incredible light filtering through the forest.

For novice mushers, Åre's guides provide step-by-step instruction. "I was handed the reins and expected to crash into trees," laughed newbie musher Dave Wilson. "But the guides talk you through everything from braking to turning, and the dogs really know their jobs." Wilson was mushing solo within an hour. "It came so naturally once I learned to trust the dogs and work with them as a team."

Expert mushers like Morris appreciate Åre's specialized tours. "I booked a mountain excursion that followed trails up and down steep pitches," she said. "It challenged my sledding skills while exposing breathtaking vistas." Covering over 20 miles, Morris relied on her bond with the dogs to navigate the challenging terrain. "They pushed themselves for me - these dogs just love to run!"

Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Cross-Country Skiing Scenic Trails

For Nordic skiers seeking serene winter wandering, Åre offers over 250 miles of cross-country trails winding through breathtaking landscapes. Gliding along in near silence, you become one with the tranquility of the snow-blanketed wilderness.

"I fell in love with cross-country skiing on my first day out on Åre's trails," enthused outdoor adventurer Astrid Lund. "It felt like meditation in motion as I floated through pristine forests and valleys." With over a dozen mapped routes catering to all abilities, Åre lets skiers immerse in nature at their own pace. Wide lanes allow for easy classic kick-and-glide. Narrower tracks snake up gradual inclines for those ready for a heart-pumping workout.

"As a cross-country novice, I stuck to gentle trails like Grönåbanan where I could go slow and steady," explained beginner Nordic skier Felix James. "I stopped often just to soak up my surroundings." James recommends downloading the trail map app to keep from getting lost. "The paths branch endlessly, so I was glad for the GPS guiding me."

For intermediate skiers looking to add distance, the Högådalen loop covers over 12 miles of scenic terrain. "I packed a picnic and spent the whole day skiing from lake to lake," said outdoor adventurer Monica Keller. "Spotting moose tracks and roaming reindeer, I felt transported to another world." Keller suggests bringing lightweight skins for uphill climbs. "The skins gave me extra grip for ascending steeper sections - then I whipped them off to cruise downhill."

Advanced Nordic skiers like Lund seek out challenge runs like the Storhogna trail. "I pushed my limits bounding up steep hills and then zooming back down," she said. "The views from the top were well worth the effort." Lund appreciated having cell service across most of the trail network in case of emergency. "Knowing I could call for help gave me confidence to ski alone."

When the resort slopes close, cross-country trails stay open late under the moonlight. "Skiing under the stars and northern lights was magical beyond words," described James after an evening tour. "Gliding silently through the wilderness, I felt so connected to nature."

For the ultimate overnighter, experienced skiers can embark on the 90 mile Åredalen trail. "I'll never forget bundling into my sleeping bag after a long day on the track," recounted Lund. "Waking before dawn to ski again, I watched the mountains turn pink with sunrise."

Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Après-Ski Relaxation: Swedish Style

After an exhilarating day exploring Åre's endless terrain, the après-ski scene offers plenty of ways to unwind Swedish style. From savoring gourmet cuisine to soaking in Scandi cool vibes, you'll recharge before hitting the slopes again tomorrow.

"My favorite après-ski ritual is heading to the spa for a dip in the hot tub," says skier Amanda Hill. "With snowcapped mountains all around, I soak sore muscles while recounting the day's adventures with new friends." Åre's aquatics center Fjällbadet includes hot tubs on an outdoor deck overlooking the slopes. Saunas and an indoor pool let you warm up after time in the cold.

Travel blogger Alex Lee loves refueling at Tott Hotel's signature restaurant after a long day crushing the terrain park. "Sharing extravagant cheese and charcuterie plates by the fire with stunning views became our daily tradition," he says. Creative entrees like arctic char drizzled with brown butter showcase local ingredients. The extensive wine list helps the stories flow.
No après-ski experience is complete without a Swedish fika - an afternoon coffee and baked goods break. "I tried every bakery in town looking for Åre's best cinnamon buns," says ski mom Katie James. Her favorite is Kafé Handgjort, praised for its cardamom-laced rolls dripping with frosting. Fuel up on sandwiches or a Swedish waffle with lingonberries.

Younger siblings love Åre's pizza and game night at Split. "While my parents sipped local craft beers, I stuffed myself with delicious pizza and played foosball with new friends," says 11-year-old Max Keller. This lively hangout keeps kids entertained for hours. Adults appreciate the outdoor deck with fire pits.

For a refined farm-to-table meal with paired wines, food critic Olivia Sampson recommends dinner at Fjällgården. "Their arctic char with chanterelles showcased local ingredients prepared impeccably," she says. Five-course menus change seasonally based on Sweden's bounty. Don't miss the chocolate cake with cloudberries.

Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Family Fun On and Off the Slopes

With over 200 slopes and trails, Åre offers families endless winter fun both on and off the snow. This ski resort makes it easy to bond over new adventures tailored for all ages and abilities.

"Our family trip to Åre became a much-needed digital detox where we reconnected over activities we all enjoyed," says mom of three Sienna Thompson. She appreciated the resort's wide, gentle cruising runs like Björnenboden which got her beginner twins riding the chairlift their very first day. Meanwhile, her advanced skiing teenager met up with other teens at the terrain park. "We'd meet for hot cocoa between runs, with tired but happy kids."

Dad Ryan Keller echoes that Åre makes family vacations stress-free. "From equipment rentals to lessons, childcare to family-friendly dining, the resort caters to families' needs from morning till night." He says his kids also loved activities off the slopes like dog-sledding and snow tubing. "Our days were packed with adventures and new experiences together as a family."

For lunch breaks, families rave about the relaxed cafeteria-style dining at Fjällgården, steps from the slopes. "The kids loved making their own waffles and topping them with fruit and cream," says Thompson. Adults enjoy the extensive salad bar and hot soups that warm from the inside out. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer scenic views.

Non-skiing parents enjoy that Åre offers childcare options starting at age three. The ski-in/ski-out Mini Club and Snowbox daycare centers ensure kids stay entertained while parents trade time alone on the slopes. "Kids get to do crafts, bake cookies, and make new friends all day - they didn't want to leave!" says Keller.
Away from the slopes, Åre offers plenty of family-friendly activities. A fan favorite is the evening torch-lit sledding excursion. "Our kids still rave about zooming down the mountain and seeing it lit up with a sea of torches," says dad Will James. Afterward, families warm up with a bonfire dinner of grilled sausages, hot cocoa, and s'mores.

For animal encounters, visit Åre Björnpark to meet and feed orphaned brown bear cubs. "Getting to safely interact with the cubs and learn about conservation efforts was a highlight," says Thompson.

Younger kids also enjoy Åre's indoor waterpark and mini-golf. Arcades and laser tag keep teens entertained if they need a slope break. And the vibrant ski village offers events like live music, dance performances, and pop-up outdoor markets to explore together.

Powder Playground: Making Fresh Tracks in Sweden's Behemoth Ski Resort - Planning Your Swedish Ski Odyssey

Planning a ski trip to Swedish Lapland takes some forethought to maximize your time on the slopes and minimize hassles. But the effort pays off for a smooth journey that lets you make the most of the Arctic adventure. Follow these tips from seasoned travelers to set yourself up for success.
First, nail down your priorities and pick the right base. Diehard downhill skiers should stay right in Åre village or Björnen to be ski-in/ski-out. "We rolled out of bed and popped right onto the slopes each morning - it was divine," said expert skier Martina Hess. Cross-country enthusiasts are better off choosing lodging midway on the trail network in places like Duved or Edsåsdalen. "Every trail was right outside our door," explained Nordic devotee Astrid Lund. For the true Arctic immersion, base yourself up near the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi or Swedish Lapland camps like Nutti Sámi Siida. "Waking up above the Arctic Circle with reindeer outside our glass igloo was magical," described outdoor adventurer Anne Morris.
Next, get your gear dialed. Rental shops abound in Åre but popular sizes go quickly during peak season. "We learned to reserve well in advance so we didn't get stuck with crappy rental skis," said longtime skier Amanda Hill. Or consider shipping your own gear - just confirm your hotel offers ski storage. "The shipping was pricey but worth it to have my perfectly tuned equipment," explained expert skier Olivia Sampson.
Book activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and heli-skiing early too for the best tour times. "We procrastinated booking our overnight husky adventure and got stuck with the 6pm slot," lamented outdoorsman Will James. "Starting that late, we missed the awesome midday light for photography."

Leave flexibility in your itinerary for things like massage or spa time to recover after huge days playing in the powder. "My legs were toast after back-to-back heli-ski days," said expert skier Eric Miller. "I was so glad I had left spa time to soak in the hot tubs."