Åre offers miles and miles of amazing gravel roads with great difference in altitude and it’s one of Sweden’s finest cycling experiences in grand surroundings. Long ascents and equally long descents on narrow gravel roads that wind through amazing mountainous landscapes is something truly extra. And it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss. Take a tour through Åre’s neighboring villages, ride next to glittering mountain lakes or through grand forests and enjoy the vastness of the hilltops. All the time with Mt. Åreskutan in the back or foreground. Read on to find some tips that will make your gravel tour a great one.
Tips for your gravel biking tour
The Bike
A modern gravel bike with road handle bars and 35-45 millimeter tires is a perfect choice for experiencing Åre’s gravel roads. The broader tires will ”swallow up” bumps and will provide good grip on loose gravel and softer forest roads.
A lightweight trail or cross-country bike will also work but preferably with light rolling tires. For a shorter and simpler tour, a simple hardtail will suffice.
It’s a good idea to go to any of the rental and guide companies available (see below). They can help you find the right bike and guide you to the trails that fit your ability and level of ambition.
Bike rentals, service, and guided tours
Not sure which bike is right for you, or looking to rent top-quality gear for the day? Get in touch with one of the local bike specialists in Åre. You'll find their contact details at the bottom of this page. They can help you choose the right bike, recommend routes that match your skill level and ambitions, and even arrange a guided ride.
Åre offers stunning scenery and an unbeatable feeling. Who wouldn’t want to ride gravel here?
Photo: Emrik Jansson
Pack for the ride
The weather can change rapidly in the mountains so make sure to bring a lightweight windstopper and maybe even a down jacket which you can stuff down your pocket or saddle bag.
When you start slouching it’s time for some additional energy. Bring a couple of power bars or a gel to fill up your energy storages when you need it the most. And mount a couple of water bottles on your bike (don’t miss the opportunity to fill them up with fresh mountain stream water on the way).
One extra tip: plan your ride to include a café stop. In Jämtland, cozy cafés are scattered throughout the region—but they're often many kilometers apart, so it's worth planning ahead.
Flat tire fixing and tools
While gravel cycling you can end up rather a long way from anything so you need to be able to fix a flat tire and other mechanical problems yourself. Bring:
- spare inner tube for the tire
- carbon dioxide cartridge
- tire iron
- chain lock
- multi tool with a chain breaker.
Keep track of the hunting season
As you will travel fast and light along small forest roads with little traffic, it’s important to keep track of the hunting season. Be aware of any signs along the roads and pay extra attention during September and October. If you see signs posted that hunting is ongoing, you should choose a different road. here >>
Find your bike
Åre Bikes
Bike rental, workshop and shop with downhill-, xc- and road bikes from Specialized. Guides available for both xc- and downhill guiding.
Åre Skidsport
Local shop will well selected street fashion, bike- & ski equipment and rental, boot fitting and ski service. All under the same roof at Åre Square.
Skidcenter Åre Björnen
Sports shop with rental service and workshop. XC-, ski touring- and alpine skiing equipment as well as bikes summertime. XC skiing lessons.
Åre Sportshop
Åre Sportshop in Undersåker offers anything from a well-stocked shop to ski coaching. Alpine, cross-country, cycling & more!
Vålådalens Fjällstation
Activity mountain hotel and restaurant. Premium tracks and trails for XC-skiing, trail running, biking and hiking. Sports shop with rental service.
Bike Republic
Sells bikes, components, clothes, protective equipment and accessories. The full service workshop services all types of bikes and also suspensions.
Åre MTB-center
Bike rental and service at Timmerstugan by the lift VM6. Downhill-, freeride-, cross country- and kids' bikes from Giant.
