Stöten Magazine

Ski resorts in Sweden

There are many ski resorts in Sweden and around Europe. Is it a good option to go abroad or should you choose a skiing holiday at home? There are actually several advantages to choosing a Swedish ski resort and we dare say that Stöten has the best skiing.

At Stöten in Sälen we are extremely proud to have been named Ski Resort of the Year 2019 by SLAO (Swedish Ski Resorts Organisation) and Sweden's best ski resort in both 2021 and 2022 by the ski site Freerides readers. This is proof that our investment in both skiing and accommodation is appreciated by our visitors. So if you're looking for world-class skiing, food and accommodation, visit us at Stöten. If you're lucky, you might even find a great deal that includes lift passes, accommodation and fun activities for the whole family! Keep an eye out on our offer page to see all current deals.

Ski resorts in Sweden

There are many ski resorts in Sweden - from Vallåsen in Halland to Riksgränsen in Lapland. Ski resorts in southern Sweden are mainly for local residents who want to be able to ski for shorter periods, such as over a day or a weekend. They are not usually ski resorts you stay at for a week.

Stöten has been named Sweden's best ski resort several times

Many people from southern Sweden use the ski resorts in southern Sweden as preparation and training for skiing holidays at one of the larger ski resorts. The ski resorts in the far north are mainly aimed at real ski enthusiasts - Riksgränsen, for example, specialises in off-piste skiing in powder snow.

The problem for ski resorts in northernmost Sweden is distance, for example it is further to Riksgränsen from Gothenburg than it is to the Alps. Most people who want to go on a skiing holiday to ski resorts in Sweden therefore usually choose to go to a ski resort in central Sweden.

Ski resorts in Sweden vs. Europe

Swedish ski resorts have not always been as popular as they are today. In the past, it was mainly about going to the Alps or to Norway for skiing holidays. Swedish ski resorts were considered boring as there wasn't much more to do than just skiing. Today, things are different - and record numbers of people are choosing to visit Swedish ski resorts on their holidays. Particularly popular are The shock in Sälen.

The benefits of Swedish ski resorts

There's no denying that there's still some great skiing to be had in Europe, but before you consider it, there are a few things you should bear in mind about the Swedish mountains. Visiting a Swedish ski resort has many advantages.

Save time and money travelling there. The journey is often shorter and easier as you don't have to fly. Take the car or travel by public transport in a few hours. Avoid expensive airline tickets, the hassle of checking in special luggage and long transfers to and from the airport.
Maximise your time off. Spend your precious holiday days on holidays instead of travel time and planning. You can usually get to the Swedish mountains in a few hours - no matter where you live in Sweden. Many people choose to go just for a weekend and often you can even travel spontaneously without much planning in advance.
Let the children be in focus. Most Swedish ski resorts have recently adapted and designed their facilities for families with children. Stöten in Sälen, for example, has been named Ski Resort of the Year for Families with Children several years in a row by Freeride. In addition to Sälen's best skiing, there are endless activities for children of all ages such as a kids' club, kids' après-ski, bowling alley and bathhouse.
Experience the simplicity of Swedish ski school. Children (and many adults!) often find it difficult to attend ski school with English-speaking ski instructors. In addition to the ease of language in Swedish ski school, most ski instructors here are "quality assured" through their training via SLAO. As a parent, you can relax and feel that your child is in safe hands with the ski instructor.

When is it best to go to the Swedish mountains

The Swedish mountains usually offer winter sports between December and April. The season, weather and snow conditions vary from year to year, but those who want the best snow conditions should go in January or February. This is when the snow is usually thick and most of the slopes have opened for the season.

If you choose to go right at the beginning or end of the season, don't be surprised if the weather is a little milder, which can also affect skiing. It can therefore pay off to book at the last minute when you know what the weather and snow look like, but as always, it is important to be flexible and have ice in your stomach when booking at the last minute. Find out more about last minute travel to Sälen here.

To secure your winter mountain holiday and the accommodation you want, it's important to book well in advance. Christmas, New Year, Easter and sports holiday weeks are usually fully booked long before the season has even started, so book well in advance to avoid missing your chance.

Welcome to Stöten in Sälen!

Our ski passes - choose the right SkiPass for you

A SkiPass in Stöten gives you access to the best skiing in Sälen! Choose the lift pass that best suits you and your needs!

SkiPass for adults over 18 years old
SkiPass Plus for those who absolutely love skiing
Children 0-6 years for our youngest ski fans
Youth for children and adolescents over 7 years old
SkiPass Parent for parents who want to take turns skiing
3-hour pass for those who just want to travel a little
Morning and evening skiing for those who want to maximise their ski day
Season tickets for those who plan to visit us extra often

Stöten in brief

Stöten has been voted Sweden's best ski resort several years in a row by Freerides readers
There are 50 slopes with different levels of difficulty
There are 45 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, 3 km of which are lit
Stöten is home to Sälen's longest descent - Morsmor's 3060 metre plunge
Pisten Älvan has previously been voted Sweden's best piste
Stöten has been awarded Sweden's best ski resort for families with children