When the Lucia weekend rolls in December 10–13 2026, we light up the winter – this is Åre’s official opening weekend! The village fills with skiers and energy. During Åre Ski Test Weekend, the season’s newest ski gear lines up for testing, the winter lifts officially open, and freshly groomed cross-country trails await in Vålådalen. When the ski day is over, the after-ski scene comes alive, and Bygget hosts the first grand concerts of the season.
The village is buzzing: restaurants step up their game, shops launch their winter collections, and spontaneous happenings appear where you least expect them. And in the midst of it all – the Christmas spirit, complete with the star on top of the tree. Lucia weekend in Åre is more than just the official season opening. It’s the start, the celebration, and the feeling we’ve been waiting for all autumn.
Ski Test Weekend
Your first turns of winter start here
There’s something special about the first ski day of the season. That feeling when your boots click into the bindings again, the lift carries you up the mountain, and freshly groomed slopes are waiting. During Ski Test Weekend in Åre, the season opener gets even better—the ski area fills with the latest gear, and you can test this season’s newest skis from leading brands, completely free of charge.
You’ll feel the difference on the slopes
Forget trying to imagine how a pair of skis will feel based on a description. Here, you can take them straight out onto the slopes, make a few turns, and see for yourself. Try different models, compare how they feel, and talk to knowledgeable brand reps who can help you find the right pair.
And then there’s the atmosphere. Åre at the start of winter, skiers who have been longing for snow, new gear to geek out over, and that special feeling of having an entire season ahead of you. Ski Test Weekend is simply a great reason to start winter in Åre.
The ski tests take over Rödkullen on Friday and Saturday—two days of trying new skis and plenty of turns to find your favorites.
Read more about Ski Test Weekend at SkiStar.
Kick off the cross-country season in Vålådalen
Ready to glide through a snowy winter landscape? About 40 kilometers from Åre, the cross-country trails of Vålådalen are waiting. Here you’ll find well-groomed trails in great condition, ranging from 2.1 kilometers to 17 kilometers—perfect for everything from a quick loop to a longer day with plenty of kilometers in your legs.
There are also illuminated trails if you want to keep skiing later in the day. Before heading out, check Vålådalen’s website for current trail conditions and information on which trails are open, as not all trails will have opened for the season by Lucia weekend. You’ll also find a trail map and information about trail passes there.
The easiest way to get to Vålådalen is by car.
Ski first. Après-ski later.
Skiing and après-ski go hand in hand—especially in Åre. Once you’ve made your last turns of the day, your cheeks are rosy, and your legs have that satisfying end-of-the-day ache, it’s time to shift gears. Loosen your ski boots and step straight into après-ski, where you can go all in with live music, singalongs, and dancing in your ski gear—or slow things down by a crackling fire with something good to drink.
Whether you’re ready to get your heart rate up again or settle in and relive the best runs of the day, there’s an après-ski to match your mood.
Discover après-ski spots in Åre.
See what’s happening during Lucia weekend
At the bottom of the page, you’ll find events happening during Lucia weekend—and there’s more to come. The calendar is updated regularly through December with everything happening in and around Åre, so check back as the weekend gets closer to see what’s on.
Lucia weekend is only the beginning. Ahead lies an entire winter of skiing, days in the mountains, and evenings that might just last a little longer than planned. During Lucia weekend, we finally get a taste of what’s to come—the first turns, snow beneath our skis, and that familiar feeling that winter is here again.
Welcome to winter in Åre.
