October - A Month of Contrasts
Photo: Darren Hamlin
The lifts are closed for the season and a rather slower pace sets over Åre, but that’s no reason for laying low. There are plenty of things to get on with, not least get in shape for the winter season and prepare those so important leg muscles for what’s to come. Preferably in combination with some nice relaxation…Let us give you a taste of what to spend your time on in Åre in October.
Outdoor Life
One day, the trees are covered in beautiful autumn leaves and the next, they’ve blown away and the tree branches are covered in snow. The weather in October can vary, to say the least, but either way, you’ll never regret a day spent outdoors as long as you have the right clothing, equipment and attitude. Go out, walk or hike, run or cycle (just check which trails are open). Make a fire on the beach, eat your lunch with a view.
Yoga
Åre might be the best place to find a yoga class that suits you. Yoga is available on the water, on mountain peaks, in training halls, there are yoga classes for men with stiff quads, yoga for balance on a SUP and much more to choose from. The classes on offer is bursting with alternatives, from Ashtanga, Hatha, Kundalini, Yin and Global to “Old Man” (Gubbyoga) and Senior. We’re pretty sure you can find your favourite class here.
October Fest
Unsurprisingly, October is all beer lovers favourite time of year as the traditional beer festival in Münich kicks off. However, beer fanatics don’t need to go all the way to Germany as Åre boasts no less than four local beer breweries. Many of their foaming, delicious products are available to sample at Åre’s restaurants and bars and, of course, at Systembolaget.
Cross-Country Premiere
Åre Bike Park Downhill closes down at the end of September and just a couple of weeks after we’ve put our downhill bikes away to hibernate, our cross country skis are out and ready to be put to work. Already in the middle of October, Vålådalen prepares cross country trails with last year’s snow (yes, they save it from one year to next) and thus, we are on our way!
Pre-season Training
We are counting the weeks until the season premiere, and as every year we ask ourselves whether we are really ready to hit the slopes. Well, maybe, is usually the answer and we realise it’s time for pre-season training, outdoors or indoors. A lovely and warm day spent at the outdoor gyms in Björnen or by Holiday Club is not wasted and there are indoors gyms available as well: STC, SATS and Åre Sportcenter. On top of that, most hotels have gyms, sometimes in combination with a sauna or pool so you can relax afterwards.
Experience the Northern Lights
October is when the season for spotting the northern lights, the Aurora Borealis, starts for real. As the nights become darker and clearer we’ll get to experience the etherial colours dance across dark skies. But it might be difficult to know when and where to spot this beautiful phenomena so we are lucky that there are people who know how to predict them and share that knowledge in different forums. Dress warm, pack your thermos, find a spot without electrical light and wait, or book a guided tour! How to Experience the Aurora Borealis in Åre >>.
Have a Hotel Sized Breakfast
Breakfast might be the best meal of the day, especially when cooked and served by a pro. Big buffés with anything from home made bread to little macarones are to be explored at Åre’s many hotels – a luxury to be enjoyed even if you’re not an overnight guest. Our cafés and bakeries also make great breakfast alternatives so find your breakfast favourite among Åre’s hotels and check out what the local cafés and bakeries have on offer.
Celebrate a Colourful Autumn Break
This has become a true family favourite in Åre. The Autumn Breaks are packed with activities, games, events and more for the whole family where the Wilderness Camp in Åre is the heart of the show. The camp fire is lit everyday and the Autumn Break Programme, which is continuously updated, is full of events and fun in and around Åre village. Also, check out our Events page for larger events or the calendar for daily updates.
Go Swimming
Many people don’t care about the water temperatures and bathe outdoors all year round. If you’re not that kind of person there are excellent opportunities to get wet indoors. Holiday Club’s Pool & Sauna World offers almost anything you can wish for: Jacuzzis, children’s pools, water slides, excersise pools and a heated outdoor pool, among other things. Interchange swimming with exploring the Sauna World where there are plenty of alternatives to experience this beneficial phenomenon. If you wish to practice your balance, we can also recommend SUP yoga.
Go Ski Touring (?)
As mentioned, we might experience the first snowfall of the season in October. In the village, this usually means it’s gone the next day but on higher altitudes, it might be possible to make the first turns of the season. Take your split board or ski touring gear out, dust off your ski clothing and boots, walk up and ski down. Be prepared for walking on bare ground for parts of the hike. Keep an eye on #åre and #åresweden and you’ll see the first skiers do their premiere, and you’ll know it’s time.
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Last updated 3 July 2025
