April in Åre – the Fifth Season, is a feast for anyone who loves the mountains. Of all the winter months, we save the best one for last. It is in April that our ski touring equipment, backpacks, spades, tinder boxes and lunch packages are all packed for outings. We don’t ask for much, just being outdoors, enjoying the sunny days, snow sorbet and, of course, the famous goggle tan. Here are ten tips for activities in April in Åre.
The sun pit
For those of you who read the March list, yes this one was on there too. The sun pit is somewhat of an institution in the Nordic countries and so it is a must-do when the sun comes out in the Fifth Season. Bring fika, drinks, a small spade, a seat pad and just get out there. Use the digital trail map Åre Trails to find your favorite trail, strap your skis on and find a nice spot to dig your pit, preferably in a south-facing and wind sheltered location. Don’t forget sunglasses, a solid coating of sunscreen and leave nothing behind but your sun pit and ski tracks. Also, make sure you fil in your pit after leaving it, so no one happens to fall into it.
Spring time favourite: dig your own sun pit.
Photo: Anette Andersson
Stroll the village
Buy some lovely yarn, find a second hand bargain, buy a souvenir, shop for ski clothes, find a new style of clothing and enjoy lunch, fika and dinner. To just stroll around in Åre is a very nice way of spending a day. And remember, there’s more to Åre than what you can see around the central square. Walk towards the church, take a longer route towards the lake or walk to the Swedish National Alpine Arena. Whenever you want, have a lunch, take a break at one of the coffee places or restaurants, or just have a sit-down at the square, in the park or wherever you feel like it.
Explore new places
Explore the famous waterfalls Ristafallet and Tännforsen. Go alpine or cross-country skiing in Edsåsdalen, Vålådalen, Huså or Trillevallen. Visit the Fröå mining area (Fröå gruva) or go to Duved and explore the village, the slopes and the ski trails. You have many options if you’d like to see something other than central Åre. Check out Åre Trails for more information about cross-country and ski touring trails.
Amazing Ristafallet.
Photo: Niclas Vestefjell
Walk on snow
Perhaps you associate snow shoes with the old wooden frames with ropes and leather bindings from the 1940s. But snow shoes have developed just as any other winter equipment and snow shoe walking is a lovely way to enjoy the outdoors. Check with Åre's activity operators to rent gear or take a guided tour.
Walk up – ski down
Ski touring is the ultimate way for experiencing the Fifth Season (vårvinter in Swedish), the period between winter and spring. When the weather is at its best, you can enjoy an easy tour up and feel the sun on your bare arms and still enjoy skiing crispy snow on top. On your way down, the snow quality will gradually become more like sorbet than powder – it’s a wonderful skiing experience. If you feel unsure of going out for the first time it’s a good idea to book a guided tour. You can also go ski touring in the ski area. More info.
Grab a seat on a sunny terrace
Activities in all their glory, but after a long winter you might just want to rest a bit and soak up some sun while sitting on a terrace on any of Åres restaurants or slope restaurants. You choose whether it will be a place on the mountain, at the bustling Åre square or at home at the cottage. Tip! Find a lee spot and bring an extra blanket.
Winter on the mountain, spring in the village: spring winter!
Enjoy a great breakfast
Give yourself the energy that you need for maximizing the outdoor adventures by grabbing a solid meal to start the day. And the best version might be the one where someone else has prepared it. Find our tips on where to eat an enjoyable breakfast here.
Soak in the sauna
There's a reason people talk about 'April weather'. A calm, sunny day with temperatures around 10°C can suddenly turn into a snowstorm, so be sure to pack an extra layer before heading out. But when the cold has settled in, there's no better way to warm up, soothe tired muscles and truly unwind than with a sauna. Enjoy the heat on its own, or pair it with yoga, a cold plunge or a swim (in an indoor pool) for the ultimate recovery experience. More info. >>
Tour around Mt. Åreskutan
The Åreskutan Runt trail has been used for ages and it is a trail that offers fantastic summer and winter tours. If you haven’t skied before, this is not the ultimate way to start, but with a little experience, you can get around. The trail starts in Ullådalen, so you can park there, and continue around Västerskutan towards Bjelkes gruva and continue around the mountain. If you wish to shorten the tour a bit, you can stop in Huså but make sure to make arrangements for transportation back to your accommodation. The tour is clearly marked in the digital trail guide Åre Trails, and you can read more about at the bottom of this page.
Please note that if the snow conditions are poor, you might not be able to ski the whole tour, check the weather before heading out and make sure to bring extra water, food and clothing.
Get social
April is full of fun things to experience, like the top-to-bottom madness at Redbull Homerun, festival spirits at Sessions, networking at Business Forum, handicraft meetings, concerts, inspirational lectures, afterski and so much more. Check out the Åre Sweden Event & Activity Calendar. Make sure to double check the ski area operator SkiStar’s website for current opening hours, and any changes to the seasonal opening dates.
