March is here! And so is the start of the fifth season – the transition period between winter and spring. March is one of the best months of the year and during the sunny days, few activities beat enjoying a Swedish “fika” somewhere in the mountain, making a couch out of snow. But there are so many more things to do in Åre:

#1 Take the easy way to the top

Ski towing to the top behind a snowmobile: in Edsåsdalen you can be towed up to the mountain café Vita Renen and Renfjällsliften which is open certain days when weather permits, and in Åre you can go from the Kabinbanan mountain station to Toppstugan.

#2 Enjoy Åre from above

If you want to go even higher than the top, you should try tandem paragliding with Skysport.

#3 Dig a sun pit

A sun pit, or solgrop, is a pit in the snow, made for sitting in and enjoying the weather. Pack a backpack with lunch, drinks, a shovel and at least one seat pad and strap your skis on. Head for Ullådalen, Trillevallen, Vålådalen, Edsåsdalen and dig a comfy snow sofa, lean back and relax. Make sure you have sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen on, and an extra bag for any waste you should produce to take back home. Go to the digital map Åre Trails to find your favorite spot.

#4 Explore the craftsmanships of Åre

Bring home a piece of Åre with you, produced by the creative people who make beautiful crafts in and around Åre. At Åre glashytta, you can book a lesson in glassblowing, for example and at Åre Ljusfabrik you can make your own candles.

#5 Hot drinks

Get some of Åre chokladfabrik’s (Åre Chocolate Factory) delicious tidbits and bring a bag of cocoa home with you to make what’s probably the best hot chocolate you’ve tasted. Enjoy seated in a nice armchair or, even better, put it in a flask and bring with you on your ski tour. If coffee is more your thing, head for Åre Kafferosteri at Åre square.

#6 Indulge in waffles

There are plenty of places to enjoy lovely waffles in the ski area and along the ski tracks in and around Åre. Find your favorite waffle place here!

#7 Go spring skiing

As the snow starts melting in the lower parts of the ski area we get the type of snow we call Spring snow: humid and grainy, it feels like carving through butter when you put your ski edges into it. No other snow condition better gives you that feeling of being a world champion. And remember, spring snow in the lower slopes might still mean that you get cold snow conditions at the top of the mountain.

#8 Boost your heart-rate

We all love a slow, enjoyable cross-country ski tour. But the body benefits from a bit of heart-rate boosting activities from time to time. So challenge yourself by taking the tougher and hillier track in the Björnen XC-arena, push yourself uphill in the tracks in Duved, and lower your personal record time on the 10 kilometre track. Or try intervalls. After training hard it is also important to rest and recover, so why not combine your workout with a bit of yoga? You’ll feel like a new you!

#9 Explore the ski areas

We are creatures of habit and it is easy to get stuck in the same routine even while skiing. So start your day in a new place and take a different route through the ski area than you normally do. Take the ski bus to Duved and Tegefjäll or Björnen, or make it your challenge to try ALL the slopes in the area. Check out SkiStar’s ski maps and make a plan for the day, or week. Also, try skiing in Trillevallen, Edsåsdalen and the lift in Vålådalen.

#10 Fish your own dinner

Ice fishing is a soothing and lovely way to enjoy nature, especially in March when the sun’s out and, if you’re lucky, you’ll have dinner sorted! Find out more about fishing in Åre here. If you want to rent your equipment, Fjällsport in Duved has a great assortment, and Explore Åre offers guided tours.