Days are getting longer and the sun is starting to find its way down to the village again, from hanging low behind the mountains for some time. Skiing is of course on the agenda this month, but there is so much more to catch up with.
Early Bird: "8 in VM8"
A real classic among the early morning locals. Basically, it means that you should be at the VM8 chair lift at 08:00, ready to take the first lift up and ready to enjoy the newly-prepared corduroy in the Gästrappet and Lundsrappet slopes. This time of the year the snowscape is also often enlightened by a gorgeous sunrise. For an extra bonus, grab a cup of coffee in the new Kaffebaren Åre while you wait for the lifts to open.
So, 08.00 at the VM8 (or rather 7.30 for a chance at the first lift chair) Be there!
An early start? Then VM8 is exactly where you want to be.
Psst... If you're after a slower pace, Duved's gondola is a great alternative. Just don't tell everyone.
Play padel or climb the wall
Looking for alternatives for a day off the slopes? Pack up your padel gear and take a ride to Åre Sportcenter in Duved. Here you’ll find 3 padel courts, a tennis court, 3 golf simulators, a gym, and a café. Feel free to bring your work portfolio with you and take the opportunity to work in one of their worcation spaces. In the same premises you will also find the climbing arena Åre Klätterhall with climbing walls and bouldering in different levels.
Snowmobile excursions
A fun and comfortable way to get out and experience the mountain is by snowmobiling. The tour goes on winding snowmobile trails through snow-capped forests and magnificent landscapes with a huge sense of freedom.
Åreguiderna, Experience Åre and Åre Nature Adventure offer slightly different arrangements. Some tours are for two hours while others are a full day. The lunch can consist of something tasty that you make over open fires in the mountains or a steady meal at the mountain restaurants. Whether you are used to driving a snowmobile or just a curious beginner, there are tours to suit everyone. This year Åreguiderna is also introducing tours with electric snow mobiles, a totally new silent and sustainable way to explore the mountains. Enjoy!
Hop on a snowmobile adventure.
Photo: Åreguiderna
Yoga in Åre
Yoga has flourished in Åre in recent years, and today you'll find classes in all kinds of settings – on the water, in the mountains and in welcoming studios throughout the village. Whether you prefer Ashtanga, Hatha, Kundalini, Yin, Global Yoga, senior yoga or SUP yoga, there's a practice to suit every style and every level.
Want to take your practice a little deeper? Join a yoga retreat. Bergtagen and Outdoor stories host inspiring weekend retreats that combine yoga with ski touring, inspiring talks and time to recharge in the mountains – an experience designed to restore both body and mind.
Yoga at Holiday Club in Åre.
Go cross country skiing
In Årefjällen there are plenty of well-prepared tracks of various kinds. Challenging exercise or just for pleasure? The Åre Trails digital guide contains all the cross country tracks in Årefjällen with information on the distance of the tracks, temperature, track profiles and daily track status. If you are aiming to get in top shape this year this can be the best tips to Åre in January. More about cross country skiing >>
Ski in for lunch
Take a well-deserved break on the slopes. Rest your tired ski legs while replenishing with new tasty energy. The range of restaurants on the slopes is wide and varied, there’s something for everyone. How about crispy waffles, classic goulash, à la carte with Jämtland ingredients, wicked hamburgers or just a good cup of coffee? Here are our top tips for the restaurants on the slopes.
Lunch at Fjällgården.
Photo: Emrik Jansson
Stay indoors
There's a saying in Sweden: there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Even so, some days are made for staying indoors. Here are some great ways to enjoy Åre without stepping out into the elements.
Bounce around at Jumpyard
Bounce around on the trampolines or put a 360 on the Big Jump out in a foampit. Try the cable car that goes to the roof, climb Clip ‘N Climb, fight on the Ninja track or try the jumping game Valo. At the indoor trampoline park JumpYard, everyone has guaranteed fun – big and small.
JumpYard – fun for all ages.
Take the train
Are you in the process of booking a trip to Åre? Our absolute best tip is to take the train that rolls right into the village. It’s not only climate smart; it is also time efficient. If you take the night train you can have dinner on the train, sleep well and wake up rested in the middle of the village ready for a day full of activities.
The Snälltåget overnight train runs from Malmö via Stockholm to Åre. SJ runs direct day trains from Stockholm as well as night trains from both Stockholm and Gothenburg – every day. And Norrtåg runs to Åre from both Sundsvall and Trondheim. Isn’t that great?
Read a book about Åre, in Åre
Early January evenings are perfect for curling up with a good book. Why not pick up a story written in – or inspired by – Åre by one of the many creative people who call the village home?
Recent releases include See You in Ullådalen by Ingrid Marie Thorslund, The Pardoner, the fifth instalment in Viveca Sten's popular Åre Murders series, and Skin, the latest crime novel in Sara Strömberg's series featuring local reporter Vera Bergström.
For younger readers, Åremusen by Jon Larsson follows the curious little Åre Mouse on adventures in the mountains. Older children may enjoy The Winter Miracle in Åre, the story of Rasmus, who reluctantly moves with his family to the remote mountain village of Åre.
If you'd like to dive into Åre's history, settle into a cosy armchair at Hotel Åregården with Karin Härjegård's Drottningen af Åre. The novel tells the story of the enterprising Kristina Hansson, who opened Åre's very first hotel and helped shape the village's future.
You'll find a great selection of books about Åre at Åre Hemslöjd, the library in Stationshuset and ICA Åre.
