Are
Mountains that deliver, season after season.
Rising sharply above the frozen expanse of Lake Åresjön, Åre delivers a high-octane alpine atmosphere that feels more like a fragment of the Alps dropped into the Swedish Jämtland wilderness. The cobblestoned Åre Torg serves as the town’s heartbeat, where the scent of woodsmoke and roasting coffee from Åre Kafferosteri drifts between high-end boutiques and historic mountain lodges. On the mountain, the terrain shifts from the punishingly steep World Cup runs of Lundsrappet to the vast, wind-scoured plateaus of Åreskutan’s summit. After the lifts stop, the ritual of after-ski takes over, defined by the clinking of local craft ales and the sizzle of reindeer jerky. From the neon-lit night skiing sessions to the silence of the snow-muffled forests in Björnen, this is Scandinavia’s premier winter hub, balancing rugged northern grit with a sophisticated, cosmopolitan edge.
Best time to visit Are
The best time to visit Are is generally December through March, with the most reliable snow in January and February. Peak season pushes prices and crowds up; shoulder season is almost always the smarter trade-off — you'll find the same restaurants open, the same scenery, and noticeably better hotel value on Booking.com.
How to get to Are
Are is in Sweden, Europe. Most major European hubs connect by direct flight or high-speed rail, with frequent low-cost options from London, Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid. Once you arrive, allow a day to settle in — most travellers underestimate jet lag and over-pack day one.
Things to do in Are
Plan your days around skiing, snowboarding, mountain restaurants and après-ski. Build in at least one slow morning; the best memories rarely come from packed itineraries.
Where to stay in Are
On Booking.com, properties in Are start from around $418 per night. Filter by guest review score (8.5+), free cancellation, and your preferred neighbourhood. Booking close to the centre saves transit time and almost always pays for itself in extra hours actually enjoying Are.
Are travel FAQs
- When is the best time to visit for peak ski conditions?
- While the season starts in November, the sweet spot is late February through April. During these months, the days lengthen significantly and the 'Spring Winter' phenomenon provides crisp bluebird skies with reliable, packed powder across the upper mountain.
- Do I need a car to navigate the different ski areas?
- The Skibussen connects the main hubs of Åre By, Björnen, and Duved frequently and is free for valid lift pass holders. If you stay near the central square, the Bergbanan funicular and the VM6:an lift are within walking distance, making a vehicle largely unnecessary.
- Which neighborhood should I choose for my stay?
- Åre By is the dense, social center ideal for those wanting immediate access to restaurants and nightlife. Families often prefer Björnen for its mellow, wind-protected slopes and ski-in/ski-out cabins, while Duved offers a quieter, traditional pace with wider, less-crowded pistes.
- What is the local etiquette for mountain dining and fika?
- Swedish culture prizes the 'fika' break; expect mountain huts to be packed mid-morning for strong coffee and warm cinnamon buns. For lunch, look for 'Dagens Rätt' (daily special) which usually includes a hearty main like elk stew, salad, and bread at a fixed price.
