TOP SCANDINAVIAN SKI DESTINATIONS
When it comes to booking a ski trip, European eyes naturally tend towards the Alps as the go-to destination and who can blame them? For decades, Alpine resorts have taken the plaudits for offering the ultimate ski packages. Despite all of this, however, Europeans - and the rest of the world, for that matter - have actually been missing out on the continent’s best kept secret. Across the North Sea lies crowd-free pistes of every difficulty making Scandinavia the ultimate skiing paradise! Skiing not your thing? Not to worry! There are countless other activities to indulge in here; from cross-country skiing to snow-shoeing, from spa retreats and fine-dining to midnight hikes to observe the Northern Lights. Put simply, this place has everything you can find in the Alps, just with a small fraction of the crowds and longer seasons. Read on and find out more about the best winter resorts in Scandinavia.
Sälen, Sweden
Just a 10 minute transfer from the nearby Scandinavian Mountains Airport - served by daily flights from the big Swedish cities - lies one of the prettiest resorts in Northern Europe and the biggest resort in Sweden. Ideal for beginners and intermediates, Sälen boasts wide-open slopes, scenic tree runs, and access to extensive cross-country skiing trails in the Lindvallen Arena. Though it’s not known for extreme terrain or fun parks, its charm lies in its natural beauty and variety of accommodations, including the recently-opened SkiStar Lodge Hundfjället. Off the slopes, there is plenty to do: visit the Experium adventure pools, the bowling alley, or dine at one of the resort’s 50 restaurants.
Hlidarfjall, Iceland
Located inland from the northern coast of Iceland, Hlidarfjall is comfortably the country’s premier ski destination, boasting a seven-month-long season spanning from November all the way to May. Hlíðarfjall, set against the stunning backdrop of Eyjafjörður fjord, boasts exceptional snow conditions – perfectly balanced between firm and powdery. Snow blowers ensure the slopes remain well-covered throughout the season. The resort features three tow lifts, and the highest section offers thrilling, expert-only runs for seasoned skiers and snowboarders seeking a true adrenaline rush. The mountain also caters to beginners and intermediates as well as cross-country skiers. Most guests opt to stay in the nearby city of Akureyri - the capital of the country’s northern region - which offers plenty to the non-skier (Art museums, hiking trails to the Godafoss Waterfalls, whale watching and much more).
Hemsedal, Norway
Hemsedal, a world-renowned Scandinavian ski resort just three hours from Oslo, is ideal for families and skiers of all levels. Known for its varied terrain and long runs, like the scenic Solløypa running the whole way from Totten summit to the main resort, it also offers forgiving off-piste areas perfect for more inexperienced skiers. For thrill-seekers, there are four snow parks, including Panorama Park, boasting stunning views. Hemsedal enjoys excellent snow conditions from late November to May, with easy access to nearby Solheisen (another epic Norwegian resort) via a free bus. Non-skiers can enjoy activities like ice climbing, tobogganing, dog sledding and snowmobiling. The resort offers diverse accommodations and a lively après-ski scene, rivalling the best in Europe.
Pyhä, Finland
Pyhä is more than just a family-friendly ski resort deep in the Arctic Circle. It is, also, a leader in sustainability, having cut its emissions by 80% since 2011. It was recently named the Best Ski Resort in Finland at the International World Ski Awards. Known for its snow-sure conditions and popular with freeriders, Pyhä offers vast off-piste terrain against a backdrop of dramatic mountains. While most slopes suit beginners and intermediates, advanced skiers can enjoy challenging runs like the black-rated Huttu Ukko and Palander pistes. The resort also excels in ski touring, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, with hiking trails offering stunning summit views. Accommodation options are as varied as the skiing options; guests can choose from hotels, apartments, aurora huts, igloos and cottages for their stay.
Åre, Sweden
Sweden’s most famous ski resort, Åre, caters to all types of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners on their first winter holiday to seasoned skiers drawn to reliable snow and extensive cross-country tracks. The resort offers around 100 slopes, with fast, modern lifts and terrain mostly suited to beginners and intermediates, though advanced skiers can tackle the challenging mogul-studded Hummelbranten. Non-skiers can enjoy activities like husky rides and tobogganing. Åre is divided into three main areas: Åre Village, known for lively après-ski and great accommodation; Åre Björnen, ideal for families and beginners; and Duved, a quieter spot with long, wide runs and a free bus service to central Åre.
Ruka, Finland
Ruka is a perfect choice for families and beginners, offering 200 skiing days a year and 35 slopes serviced by 22 lifts. While it's known for its beginner-friendly terrain, intermediate skiers will find some exciting runs on the Front Slopes near Ruka village, including the challenging Battery Run used in FIS events. The resort boasts Finland’s largest beginners' area and offers off-the-piste activities like reindeer herding, sleigh rides, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. Kids will love staying in the quaint cabins scattered around the car-free village, with reliable snow conditions extending the ski season from October to mid-May. New lifts including the Village-2-Valley gondola and Village Express chairlift, will make your stay much more efficient and stress-free
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The Troll Peninsula, Iceland
The Troll Peninsula in North Iceland isn’t your normal skiing experience focused on fun parks and perfectly groomed slopes. No, it’s about venturing into unexplored landscapes, often with the help of a helicopter, to create your own tracks. While there are ski resorts open from November to May, thrill-seekers are drawn to this wild region for cross-country skiing, ski touring, and heli-skiing. With some of the world’s best cross-country tracks, it’s ideal for those looking to connect with nature. Time your visit right, and you might catch stunning views of the infamous Norther Lights while skiing down quiet, crowd-free slopes that end at the sea edge, near the Atlantic Ocean. Accommodation typically consists of guesthouses and lodges in villages like Dalvík, home to some of Iceland’s top heli-skiing operators.
Trysil, Norway
Norway’s largest ski resort, Trysil, is conveniently located just a three-hour drive from Oslo and 45 minutes from the Scandinavian Mountains Airport. With over 70 runs, Trysil is perfect for beginners and families, but it also caters to intermediate and advanced skiers who wish to explore off-piste areas, glide through Vihammerskogen forest, and enjoy snow parks or steep descents like the challenging Piste 75, which features a 45-degree angle on its steepest sections. The resort offers regular night skiing on floodlit runs, particularly near Trysil Hoyfellsenter. After a day on the slopes, the après-ski scene buzzes with options ranging from cosy pubs to lively cocktail bars and nightclubs. Notable spots include Kveik, a welcoming brewpub with delicious Nordic cuisine, and the stylish Lobby Bar at the Radisson Blu, highlighted by a stunning indoor firepit.
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