May in Åre
Photo: Niclas Vestefjell
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. Make the most of May with our tips.
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 etcetera and their nests,
never touching or going close to nests,
always keeping your dog on a lead,
keeping to designated routes, paths and roads and
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 help!
Celebrate Winter’s Grand Finale
Fittingly, 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.
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.
Spring Floods & 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.
Make a Contribution
It’s called Plogga – a combination of the Swedish words plocka (to pick) and jogga (to jog) – and has become a world-famous movement. Plogging means that when you run, you also bring something to put waste in, like a garbage bag, and pick up litter you find along the way. It goes without saying that you don’t have to run, but cycling, walking or whatever while picking up litter from the ground works just as well. Make it a family happening and see who collects the most litter – the winner gets a prize!
You can also take part in Åre’s annual cleaning day. Every year the village comes together to clean up after the winter season (it’s a great opportunity to meet some of the locals). Meet up on May 10th at Åre Square, whether you plan to be there for half an hour or the whole day: Everyone is welcome. Organized by Åre Village & Tourist Association.
TLC – for You & 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. 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.
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, enjoy!
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). The weather can bring some interesting surprises, so whether the sun was shining when you set off, the conditions may have changed halfway through your tour. For a better chance of finding good snow, head to higher altitudes. Check the status of the trails (here for example) and make sure you stick to the designated trails. 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 etcetera.
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.
Celebrate Mom
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.
Chill Out
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, 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 >>
A Bonus Tip
Prepare for the Summer Season
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 SX Arena and one by the sea at Holiday Club.
Read & Discover More
Events, tip on gravel cycling and a guide to your trails in Åre – read on to find out More. A good tip is to also read up on what the Swedish Right to Public Access (Allemansrätten) entails and our article on how to be a good visitor in nature.
Last updated 7 May 2025
