Five Reasons to Try Skiing the Swedish Way

I first skied in Sweden in 2002 and I've been a regular visitor ever since - as recently as April this year when my family joined me there for the first time.

Below, I've listed my top five reasons why Sweden should be on your list this winter.

Reliable snowfall means the ski slopes in Sweden often open as early as October, with a long season extending to the beginning of May. Immaculately groomed pistes and consistently cold temperatures keep the snow fresh. Plus, due to the low numbers on the mountain, fresh tracks can always be found in the plentiful and accessible off-piste.

Host to the 2019 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, Åre (pronounced aura) is a world-class resort and has more than 1,000 acres of terrain to suit elite athletes all the way through to first timers too. Scandinavia’s largest ski resort is great for escaping it all, with spectacular views over Lake Åresjön and uncrowded tree-lined slopes, even during peak weeks. Plus, children six and under ski for free.

Wherever you stay, you’ll experience Sweden’s exceptional flair for style and design. The standard of living here is one of the highest in the world and reflected in the quality of accommodation.

Voted Sweden’s Best Ski Hotel in the World Ski Awards three years in a row, the luxurious Copperhill Mountain Lodge is our favourite place to stay. Sitting right on the tree-line, the views are spectacular and you can ski straight onto the slopes each morning.

If you like more room on the mountain, it really pays dividends to travel to lesser-known destinations. You’ll be blown away by the uncrowded slopes and short lift queues. Even at peak times such as half term, queueing is limited so you’ll have more uninterrupted skiing time.

If you've skied a lot and think you've done it all then check out Åre. I love the delicious cuisine, the designer styling, and the fact that the Swedes adore the Brits. Earning itself the nickname ‘Little Stockholm,’ this historic lakeside town has some of Sweden’s best après bars, and more than 50 restaurants. It offers everything from zip wires and a chocolate factory, to a distillery and live bands at the weekends

With arguably the best ski-in ski-out location in Åre, the award-winning 4* Hotel Fjällgården (pronounced Fee-Yell-Gordon) is one of Sweden’s best boutique ski hotels. The level of personal service is exceptional, and the outdoor hot tubs are heavenly.