Top things to do in May in Åre

Celebrate winter’s grand finale

The winter season goes out with a bang as Åre Sessions – winter’s grand finale, and a first taste of summer, brings Åre a final big event before the start of a quieter period. Against a stunning backdrop, some of Scandinavia’s biggest music acts will light up Åre with their presence between April 30th and May 4th. Find your favourite act or stage or discover something completely new and make sure to study the programme carefully (there are plenty more than music to experience), and have a fantastic winter finale in Åre.

The atmosphere at Timmerstugan during Åre Sessions is hard to beat.

Release your inner child

Not surprisingly, a large part of the year, Åre is about outdoor activities. However, May is a great time to try activities that are done with a roof over your head. Åre Sports Center offers a wide range of activities, from pickle ball and a golf simulator (give your swing some love before golf season) to a gym and café, but also Åre Climbing Center, which offers bouldering, rope climbing walls, courses and more.

And JumpYard offers bouncy fun for the whole family or a group of friends. Why not make it a challenge and see how good your balance really is.

Klätterhallen is open all year round. Photo: Åre Klätterhall

Spring floods and bird chirping

The spring flood is a powerful experience as meltwater collects in lakes and rivers. After snowy winters, it can be enormous but is impressive even after winters with less snow. The spring flood is said to be at its peak during the second weekend in May, so it is a perfect time to visit Åre’s beautiful waterfalls and see the winter wash away.

It is also the time when migratory birds return to enliven nature. It is high season for nesting, foraging and establishing territories, so take a walk in the forest to hear woodpeckers, the chirping of small birds and listen for the distinct sounds of mountain birds such as pipers and rock ptarmigan. Bring a bird book and see how many you can identify and be sure to stay on paths and roads as many of them are ground nesting.

TLC for you and your bike

Prepare for the summer season (i.e. cycling season) by letting one of the available service shops give your beloved two-wheeler some well-deserved love and care after being stowed away all winter. You'll find a list of all the bike service shops at the bottom of the biking page.

May is also the perfect time for gravel road cycling, so get your cardio going and enjoy the view of the budding greenery and snow-capped peaks. There are plenty of gravel roads in and around Åre, offering kilometres of cycling with stunning views.

Gravel biking in May. Photo: Emrik Jansson

Need some tips? We have them here. And if you are looking for gravel roads in Åre or the southern Åre Mountains, go to Åre Trails, select Gravel.

Ski touring

May is part of the fifth season, so ski touring is a must on this list. It’s still possible to go ski touring with touring or Randonnée skis, so pack your backpack with fika, sunscreen (essential) and extra clothes (also essential).

Mountain weather is always unpredictable, and May is no exception. Sunshine at the start of your adventure doesn't guarantee the same conditions later in the day. For the best chance of finding ski tracks and trails in good condition, head to higher elevations. Be sure to check the latest trail conditions and local tips, for example from Fjällupplevelser i Södra Årefjällen.

Spring winter in May.

Warm temperatures may affect the conditions, so take extra care to make sure you can get to your planned destination. Water levels can also rise during the day, so keep an eye out for collapsed snow bridges.

Make a bargain

May is a perfect month to take inventory of your winter gear because it’s a time to find skis, clothing and more at reasonable prices. Browse the shops to find what you need (or want) to outfit yourself for the next season. Real bargains can also be found in Åre’s second-hand shops.

Go second hand shopping.

Celebrate mother's day

In Sweden, the last Sunday of May equals Mother’s Day, and that should always be celebrated with a flare. Buy your mom, or both of you, a spa treatment, find a nice giveaway at one of Åre’s shops, treat yourselves to a takeaway or restaurant dinner, or go for an outing together.

Treat yourself.

Slow down

As mentioned, May is a bit quieter than most other months of the year in Åre, but that only means more space and opportunities for you. Be sure to relax. Treat yourself to a spa treatment, splurge in the pools, good food, sleeping late and warming up in the sauna or in the sun at an outdoor terrace.

If you want to experience something completely unique, strap your skis to your bike, spend the day skiing touring and then enjoy the early summer feeling on your terrace. All in one day.

Go for a walk

It is not yet time to go hiking as large parts of the hiking trails are still covered in snow and the rest are wet and muddy. Hiking when the ground hasn’t dried out causes wear and tear that is difficult for nature to heal, so let’s not do it. But it’s perfectly fine to take long (or short) walks along gravel roads, in Åre village and other places that are not sensitive to wear and tear. In the spirit of the previous tip, find great tips for walks in Åre here.

Maybe it’s time to put away your winter wardrobe, maybe not. May is a month that can offer a bit of everything when it comes to weather, but most often May is also the month of spring when you have the chance to experience skiing on snow-capped mountain peaks while the valley is snow-free and preparing for summer. As the ski area closes on May 4th, a calmer pace sets in. Some businesses limits opening hours while, at the same time, preparing for the upcoming summer season and for you, this means space and quiet to do what you like.

A reminder

Nature is in a delicate stage this time of year as reindeer, foxes, grouse, migratory birds and other animals are in heat and give birth to their next generation. Help nature by:

• Keeping your distance from animals and their cubs/chicks/calves and their nests
• Never touching or going close to nests
• Always keeping your dog on a leash
• Keeping to designated routes, paths and roads
• Keeping it quiet while you’re out and about

If you want to know more about reindeers and where they keep during this time of year, check with Tåssåsens Sami Village. Thank you for your respect.

A bonus tip

Prepare for summer

Before it’s time to get on your bike, go hiking or whatever you feel like doing this summer, it’s a good idea to give your body a little wake-up call. Exercise reduces the risk of injury and increases your capacity, so use one of Åre’s outdoor gyms to get in the sought-after summer shape. There’s one at Björnen XC Arena and one by the lake at Holiday Club.