The 2025–2026 winter season brings a long and exciting winter to Åre – from the first lifts opening on 4 December to the natural grand finale, when Åre Sessions takes over the village from 30 April to 3 May. In between, months of skiing await, along with exciting new openings, seasonal premieres and countless magical winter days in the mountains. Here are some of the new experiences and highlights to look forward to in Åre this winter.
New event: Pond Hockey Åre, 8–10 January
In early January, Lake Åre became the arena for the Swedish debut of the international Pond Hockey Åre tournament. Fast-paced games unfolded against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks, sparkling ice and just a short walk from Åre village. Beginners and seasoned players shared the same rink, and once the final whistle blew, the action continued with après-ski and lively evenings in the village.
Pond Hockey is set to return to Lake Åre in January 2027 – once again bringing the action to the ice in the heart of winter, when the light is crisp and the temperatures are just right. The same frozen lake. New games. And that unmistakable feeling that something special is happening. Bundle up, join the crowd and cheer from the sidelines – it's fast-paced, fun and a fantastic atmosphere.
Curious how the game works? Here's the basics: teams of four play four-on-four with no goalkeepers on smaller rinks, and each team consists of 4–8 players. Games last 15 minutes with running time, and every team is guaranteed at least three group-stage matches before the playoffs begin. There are no body checks, no high pucks, and players are not allowed to enter the marked goal crease. The result is a fast, simple and action-packed game that's all about the joy of hockey.
New restaurants and places to stay in Åre
Åre Valley Lodges earns acclaim and unveils a unique new stay
Åre Valley Lodges was named Sweden's Best Ski Chalet 2025 at the World Ski Awards for its exclusive mountain retreat, Åre Lodging. Located in Åre Sadeln, the spacious log chalet accommodates up to 19 guests and offers panoramic mountain views, generous social spaces, a private sauna and the option to book a personal chef.
Ahead of the winter season, Åre Valley Lodges is also launching Stallstjärnstugan, a one-of-a-kind Jämtland farmhouse just 20 minutes from Åre. Here, traditional architecture meets modern comfort in a secluded setting that has already gained international attention, including after a winter wedding featured in Vogue Scandinavia. An exclusive retreat for private getaways, celebrations and unforgettable mountain experiences.
Photos from Stalltjärnstugan (Andreas Ljungqvist Photography):
Sadeln – a new slopeside restaurant
At the intersection of Fröåsvängen and Hermelinbacken, a brand-new restaurant is opening with lunch, dinner, and après-ski. A spacious outdoor terrace makes it a natural stop any time of day.
The restaurant is run by STP Restauranger—the same team behind popular spots like Broken, Timmerstugan, and Åregården. The restaurant is set to open in conjunction with the opening of the ski lifts.
Bagarstugan Bistro
With a prime slopeside location right by the Björnen lift, Bagarstugan Bistro opens on 18 December, welcoming skiers and locals alike with great food worth coming back for. From mid-February, the large terrace features outdoor heaters and an open-air bar, while the unique wine cellar offers something extra for groups looking for a special dining experience with a tailored menu.
All food is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Mornings feature hearty baguettes, pastries, and hot drinks, followed by lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and relaxed bar time until 6:00 p.m.
In the evenings, a set menu is served Wednesday through Saturday, with dishes such as smoked Arctic char cream on crispbread, reindeer lasagna with goat cheese sauce, or confit cod with beurre blanc.
Open daily from 9:30 a.m., with plans to stay open during summer and parts of the fall as well.
Bagarstugan Bistro
Gruvstugan in Huså
Karolina and Johnny Fredriksson, the restaurateurs behind Bergstugan in Fröå, are taking over Gruvstugan in Huså. The reopening is planned for 26 December 2025 – a new destination to look forward to this winter.
Hållfjällets tourist station in Ottsjö – a classic in a new winter guise
After a well-received trial period in autumn, Hållfjället is now heading into its first full winter season. The tourist station has been renovated, restored and carefully updated, while preserving the character and soul it has carried through the decades.
At present, Hållfjällets Tourist Station is open to pre-booked guests only. Check the website for any updates or changes.
New in Åre village
Colour, creativity and personality at Åre Flooweriis
Åre Flooweriis has opened the doors to its completely redesigned store. Step inside a colourful, playful space created to surprise from the moment you walk through the door. Alongside flowers, the expanded range now includes carefully selected interior pieces for a more creative and joyful home. Shop in store or keep an eye out for Swish & Grab opportunities this winter.
Coming soon is Bad Seed Club, a members' club for those who want to be first in line for the season's events and surprises.
What’s new on the slopes and lifts this winter
Smoother access and more time on the slopes – new lighting comes to Björnen this winter
SkiStar has made a major investment in the Björnen area, with new lighting along the entire stretch from Högåsliften to Copperhill and Järvliften. The new lighting means more hours on the slopes and helps spread skiers out throughout the day. With extended opening hours from 9 am to 6 pm every day throughout the season, there’s more time for skiing and an even better experience on the mountain.
Take a look at the Björnen piste map to see which slopes are illuminated until 6 pm.
The new Getvalsliften
After more than four years of work, the new Getvalsliften is finally opening. The lift creates a more reliable connection between Björnen and Åre on days when the weather makes skiing higher up the mountain more challenging. The skiing here has an almost high-alpine feel, while much of the forest has been preserved for beautiful runs among snow-covered trees.
Getvalsliften will be open from 9 am to 6 pm every day, with even earlier skiing available during selected weeks.
New in Duved: more lighting and a spacious new warming hut
In Duved, the improvements continue with more lighting in the park and a new spacious warming hut at Hamre. It will welcome both visitors and local young skiers who train and compete in the area. Planned opening hours are 8 am–9.15 pm.
