Before summer cycling starts for real, many of Åre’s strongest cyclists grind through the paved and gravel slopes up the mountain sides. According to Åre locals Maria Pietilä Holmner and Hans Olsson, The Big Five is a concept including the roads up to Tegefjäll, Ullådalen, Fjällgården, Copperhill and the long uphill slope that is signposted “Bergtäkten” just east of Björnänge.
The total distance of the uphill slopes is just over 53 km when they’re cycled as a lap with the same start and finish.
“This tour is usually the start to my cycling season. It’s the perfect way to bring my bike legs to life, ”says Maria Pietilä Holmner, who also rides The Big Five during the summer to gauge her stamina.
“I like riding The Big Five – the route offers plenty of variety, both in terrain and scenery. I usually reward myself after each summit, and it’s great to have something to look forward to along the way.”
Pernilla Gravenfors, Åre local
Åre profile Pernilla Gravenfors, who previously was the CEO of two of Åre’s largest hotels and who competes in adventure racing, is also an avid supporter of the Åre Big Five and can be seen killing uphill slopes on the bike in drizzle and headwinds during the summer.
Pernilla usually attacks all ascents from sea level and suggests packing shell clothes in your backpack.
“It is much nicer to enjoy the descent when you’re warm and have on a sweater or sometimes an extra shell. Stop in to have an espresso at the bar at Copperhill, you can cycle all the way there and head in through the entrance at the ski shop ”.
According to Pernilla, the slope up to Copperhill is the most difficult because it’s the longest and can be experienced as the steepest. Maria, on the other hand, thinks the hill up to Tegefjäll feels most challenging because it’s always longer than she remembers.
Cycle The Big Five in Åre, either as pre-season training or to gauge your form this summer!
