The Best Time to Visit Åre
Emrik Jansson
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All months of the year has their particular charm and in Åre, the season seamlessly change into one another. So when is the best time to visit Åre? The simple answer is anytime, as it is a question of what you want to get out of your visit. If you’re looking for a quieter holiday, January, May and the start of June, as well as November for example, are a bit quieter and more relaxed. The Winter Holidays and the autumn ditos are packed with family events and activities. And for the group of friends looking for a ski holiday, February is a great tip as the whole of Åre is buzzing and the snow conditions are usually really good. Check out our year-round guide to Åre to find the best time for you.
December
WHY GO?
Fresh snow and Christmas celebrations! Winter is here and the season is starting. The Christmas lights illuminate the whole valley and help make this the coziest month of the year.
TO SEE & DO
Season premiere: As soon as the ski area operator SkiStar can offer a good product, the lifts open. This usually happens in mid-December. Many guests celebrate the holidays in Åre – the atmosphere is perfect for a wonderful Christmas and New Year celebration.
HIGHLIGHTS
Ski Test Weekend | Christmas Holiday | Christmas Dinner/Buffet
PAY ATTENTION TO
As mentioned, the Christmas and New Year holidays are peak season, so make sure to make your travel arrangements, restaurant bookings, etc. well in advance.
A HOT TIP
Be the early bird. Get up early to enjoy fairly empty slopes and have lunch early at 11.30, or late, at around 13.30, to avoid queuing. Also, check the SkiStar app and website to keep yourself updated on queuing times for each ski lift (go to lifts to find information)
GOOD TO KNOW
Ski Lifts, Opening Hours
Accommodation in Åre
10 Tips for December Activities
January
WHY GO?
The snow creaks underfoot and the temperatures drop – experience proper winter conditions! After Epiphany, the number of guests decrease and Åre is a bit quieter.
TO SEE & DO
Everything snow-related, and not just alpine and cross-country skiing.How about dog sledding? Or Snow Shoeing? Check out what our activity companies have on offer! This is also a great time to see the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, with or without a guide.
HIGHLIGHTS
Ski Week Student Weeks | Northern Lights | Winter Activities
PAY ATTENTION TO
It can be really cold this time of year, with temperatures dropping to below – 30°C. Read up on how to keep warm and ask the knowledgeable staff at the outdoor stores for advise!
A HOT TIP
If you wish to visit Åre in January but avoid any crowds, go after Epiphany when many of the holidaymakers have left. You might also be able to find cheaper accommodation etc.
GOOD TO KNOW
Ski Lifts, Opening Hours
Cross-Country Skiing & Ski Touring in Åre and Southern Årefjällen
Activity Tips in January
February
WHY GO?
Days are getting longer and snow conditions are usually really good. This means that a larger part of the ski area opens up for great skiing, from top to base.
TO SEE & DO
Powder Skiing: Generally, the snow conditions are excellent for skiing freshly fallen, cold and fluffy snow.
Long runs: Since the whole ski area is open (as long as the snow conditions are good) you can start at the top of Mt. Åreskutan and ski all the way down to the valley below which gives quite an impressive altitude drop.
HIGHLIGHTS
Winter Holidays | Night Skiing |Après-ski
PAY ATTENTION TO
From weeks 6 through 10, the Nordic countries are on Winter Holiday, which means a greater influx of guests in Åre and week 9 is the most intensive period with the most visitors so just make sure to make your travel arrangements in time. Also, remember that with a lot of fresh snow, the risk for avalanches increases.
A HOT TIP
Enjoy and embrace the buzz of the Winter Holidays, or explore another ski area. Duved and Tegefjäll is part of the Åre ski area but is a bit quieter and offer great skiing. There’re also other areas to explore, with great options, offering alpine skiing and cross country/ski touring.
GOOD TO KNOW
Avalanche Safety
Other Ski Areas close to Åre
Activity Tips in February
March
WHY GO?
The glorious Fifth Season is starting, which means that temperatures are rising and outdoor activities and excursions with breaks on a sun-drenched terrace or in a snow pit are highly sought after.
TO SEE & DO
Ski Touring and cross country skiing are great options if you wish to experience the Swedish mountains from a different perspective. If you’re not an experienced skier, check out what our activity companies has to offer in terms of guidance and tips. Outings to, for example, Sweden’s largest waterfall Tännforsen, can be mighty experiences this time of year.
HIGHLIGHTS
Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup | Winter Holidays
PAY ATTENTION TO
Week 9 is an intensive week in Åre. If you’re planning on skiing in the central Åre ski area, be the early bird, i.e. get up early to start skiing when the lifts open, and plan for an early or a late lunch (11.30 or 13.30). Exploring other ski areas, such as Duved/Tegefjäll, or the Southern Ski Areas, might also be both fun and offer a bit more space, if you want it.
A HOT TIP
Don’t miss the events! Åre is hosting the FIS Audi Alpine Ski World Cup and Nordic Sustainability Arena in mid-March and you can find many more events to enjoy in our constantly updated Event and Activity Calendar.
GOOD TO KNOW
FIS Audi Alpine Ski World Cup
Nordic Sustainability Arena
Activity tips in March
April
WHY GO?
This is the peak month of the Fifth Season which is usually bright, warm and sunny. The Easter Holidays and the season-ending festival Åre Sessions, combined with spring skiing, outdoor après skis and sun pits, are definitely reasons enough to visit Åre in April.
TO SEE & DO
This is peak season for ski touring and cross-country as a complement to alpine skiing. Try ski touring/cross country with a sun pit, a well-established tradition in the Swedish mountains. Season-ending parties, Easter and Valborg are themselves good reasons to visit Åre in April.
HIGHLIGHTS
Åre Sessions (30 april-4 maj 2025) | Red Bull Homerun | Påsk | Valborg (Walpurgis Night)
PAY ATTENTION TO
The ski lifts in Åre close for the season at the end of April or the beginning of May while the lifts in Duved and Björnen close earlier, so keep an eye out for the seasonal opening hours. The April weather is whimsical at best: Put on sun lotion but, also, pack extra clothing for when you’re out and about.
A HOT TIP
Experience the varying snow conditions: Ski from the top to the valley and notice the change in the feel of the snow. And make the most out of the outdoor terraces.
GOOD TO KNOW
Seasonal Opening Hours (lifts)
The Swedish Right to Public Access
Activity Tips in April
May
WHY GO?
The season-ending festival Åre Sessions marks the beginning of May and the end of the winter season. After this high point of music and hustle and bustle, a calm settles over Åre. However, there’s usually still plenty of snow to enjoy further up the mountain.
TO SEE & DO
Gravel biking is an awesome spring activity. Roll along quiet gravel roads as you watch nature thaw around you. This is also the time when the spring flood reaches its peak and the waterfalls are mighty to experience as the water flow increases massively.
HIGHLIGHTS
Åre Sessions (30 april-4 maj) | Åre Halvmarathon
PAY ATTENTION TO
The snow conditions can be treacherous. For example, snow can cover running streams, which can be dangerous, so stick to the official trails to avoid such risks. This is also the time when the animal’s young are born so keep your distance and your dog on a lead.
A HOT TIP
Take time to stop and enjoy the great contrasts between the flowering valley and the still white mountain peaks. Most businesses are open Thursday through Sunday.
GOOD TO KNOW
Event and Activity Calendar
Be Responsible in Nature
Activity Tips in May
June
WHY GO?
It’s beautiful! The valley is in bloom and the peaks are usually still covered in snow. Åre is fairly quiet until the official summer season opening which coincides with the Midsummer celebrations, the brightest weekend of the year: A perfect time to experience the long Nordic nights.
TO SEE & DO
The biking & hiking premiere: Åre Bike Park opens in early June with the official season premiere on Midsummer when the hiking trails also open. The Swedish Midsummer Weekend is also a great experience as Midsummer Eve is the longest day of the year.
HIGHLIGHTS
Season Premiere | The St Olavs relay | Fjällmaraton Gastronomy
PAY ATTENTION TO
The real buzz starts around Midsummer and the official season premiere. Nature is extra sensitive during this period, so only use open and official trails and stick to them. Nature’s still a nursery so keep your distance, your dog on a lead and make sure that you know where it’s ok to walk/bike.
ONE HOT TIP
June is an excellent time to explore Åredalen and its surroundings. Take a proper excursion or go shopping and experience the center of Åre. Or get your adrenaline pumping with an adventurous activity!
GOOD TO KNOW
Events in Åre
Lift and trail opening hours
Activity Tips in June
July
WHY GO?
This is the peak season of summer, both weather-wise, as it’s generally one of the hottest months, and for anyone who enjoys biking in all its forms, hiking, paddling, eating out and having a gilt-edged summer holiday with plenty of activities. July is also the busiest time of year for events.
TO SEE & DO
There are plenty of events to take part in. If you prefer to do things on your own, the water is a great playground for swimming, kayaking, rafting, fishing and much more. This is also the high season for hiking and trail running. Go on your own or with a guide.
HIGHLIGHTS
Åre Bike Festival | and much more – Check out July’s events here.
PAY ATTENTION TO
If you’re trying downhill biking for the first time, it’s a good idea to start simple and perhaps book a lesson/guided tour with one of the many experts in Åre to get the most out of your experience. Also, many of the most popular trails can sometimes be a bit crowded so why not find one that’s a bit less so?
A HOT TIP
The end of July is marks the start of the mushroom and berry season: Enjoy Nature’s larder and prepare a delicious home-cooked meal with hand-picked ingredients.
GOOD TO KNOW
Event & Activity Calendar
Åre with Children
Activity Tips in July
August
WHY GO?
This is usually the warmest month in Åre and thus a good time for sunbathing, swimming, paddling, eating outdoors and experiencing adventures in the village and on the mountain. We highly recommend any type of water activities for a unique experience.
TO SEE & DO
Biking is a great way to experience Åre, whatever the altitude. The lifts are open until the end of August so it’s easy to get to the top. This is also the time to make the most of the hiking season as the days are warmer and the mosquitoes are fewer. Enjoy adventurous activities galore or take it slow and easy – your choice.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Marathon Week (Kia Fjällmaraton) | Åre Bike Park
PAY ATTENTION TO
Most businesses are open every day of the week but towards the end of August, some have more irregular opening hours, so it’s good to check beforehand. Also, bear in mind the temperatures as the valley might offer +20 to 30°C but at higher altitudes, it can be quite chilly. Bring warm and waterproof clothing.
A HOT TIP
This is a real high season for hiking and trail running – go to the digital Trail Guide Åre Trails to find the perfect destination, and route, for you.
GOOD TO KNOW
Restaurants, cafés and other food experiences
Opening Hours, lifts and bike trails
Activity Tips in August
September
WHY GO?
The contrasts are back, as nature once again changes its garb, this time to its bright autumn colours. Temperatures may still be quite high or shift towards chilly, but either way it’s one of the most breathtakingly beautiful times of the year. Just remember to bring warm and waterproof clothing and you’re all set.
TO SEE & DO
Don’t miss the autumn market, Åre Höstmarknad 26-28 September: A real mountain festival that attracts many thousands of visitors each year. And this is again a good time for hiking and biking as the temperature drop, which is quite nice when you exert yourself.
HIGHLIGHTS
Nature | Autumn Weekends | Åre Höstmarknad
PAY ATTENTION TO
The lifts are usually open Thursday or Friday to Sunday so keep an eye on SkiStar’s website for opening hours. 1-25 September is hunting season in Åre. Nature is of course still open for everyone but keep an eye out for and respect warning signs and dress in colourful clothing.
ONE HOT TIP
Book an autumn weekend with your family or friends and recharge your batteries. Go to the spa, eat and drink well and relax or take advantage of the activities available.
GOOD TO KNOW
Hunting Season in Åre
SkiStar’s website – opening hours & weather
Activity Tips in September
October
WHY GO?
This is an ”in-between” season when the autumn colours are still vibrant and you might also experience the first snowfall of the season. This is a quieter time in Åre, but there’s still plenty to do and see.
TO SEE & DO
The autumn holidays offer plenty of activities for the whole family, even if, some days, the weather isn’t the best Åre can offer. Again, it’s the contrasts that are the highlights of this month, so head out on excursions to experience how autumn draws in and gives way to winter.
HIGHLIGHTS
Cross Country Premiere in Vålådalen | Autumn Holidays in Åre
PAY ATTENTION TO
From October 10th, the hunting season starts again, so make sure to look out for and respect any warning signs (see September). October can be cold, especially before the ice settles on Lake Åre (Åresjön), while the sun can still be quite warm. Bring warm and waterproof clothes and waterproof shoes. The lifts are closed for the season and the ground might be quite wet.
ONE HOT TIP
Unsure of what to do? We have loads of tips on outings, activities and more for a nice visit to Åre in October.
GOOD TO KNOW
What to see & do
Food & drink experiences
Activity Tips in October
November
WHY GO?
There might be no snow yet, or a lot of it. You never really know but usually, it’s the latter. This is a time to cosy up in front of a fire or heat up in the spa or sauna. It can also be the time for an early skiing premiere!
TO SEE & DO
The autumn holiday activities, which focus on Time Together, are still going on and with early snowfalls, the ski premiere is a must. In addition, Christmas is approaching and many restaurants are already offering typical Swedish Christmas Dinners and Buffets already.
HIGHLIGHTS
Autumn Holidays | Early Ski Premiere (if the snow conditions allow) | Early Christmas dinner
PAY ATTENTION TO
November can feel as cold as January so bring warm clothes! Saunas and indoor pools are perfect ways to warm up and ask in our outdoor shops for tips on how to dress to keep warm. We’re not in high season yet, so double-check travel times, transfers and opening hours before deciding on a travel date.
ONE HOT TIP
This can be one of the best times of the year to book a conference in Åre, for example. Let our conference experts help you! And remember, even if the lifts aren’t open, ski touring and Nordic skiing is often available this time of year.
GOOD TO KNOW
SkiStar’s website – lifts and weather
Activity tips in November
Last updated 9 April 2025
