Snow-covered ski area with mountainside chalets, wide ski slopes and cloudy winter skies

Stöten Magazine

This is Sälen

Sälen - this amazing gem in northern Dalarna. There are many reasons why Sälen is the popular destination it is today. Here you can read more about why Sälen is so loved by its visitors!

Several skiers on snow-covered ski slope surrounded by fir trees under clear blue sky

Where is Sälen?

Many people have heard the name, but where is the amazing resort of Sälen? The famous ski resort of Sälen in Dalarna County is located at a convenient distance from most major Swedish cities.

Stockholm is only 45 miles from Sälen, Gothenburg is 50 miles away and from Malmö you can reach Sälen after driving 73 miles. Oslo in Norway is only 23 miles from Sälen and Stöten is just a stone's throw from the Norwegian border so many people take the opportunity to visit our neighbouring country during their trip to Sälen.

BRA propeller aircraft standing on snow-covered runway with forest and mountains in the background.

Even if you don't live in one of these cities, chances are that you too are close to Sälen because of its central location in Sweden. This is one of the things that has made Sälen a favourite gathering place for people from all parts of the country and the reason why most people choose to come back year after year.

Get to Sälen

If you don't want to take the car, there are several other ways to get to Sälenfjällen. Train and bus services to Sälen are available from most cities in Sweden, in several cases there are also direct buses with The mountain express.

Since 2019, you can also fly to Sälen. Scandinavian Mountains Airport has both domestic and international flights and is only 18 minutes away from Stöten by bus transfer. Read more about the airport and its services here.

Do what one in three Swedes choose to do - spend your skiing holiday in Sälen

Sälen all year round

Sälen is of course best known for its phenomenal skiing during the winter months, not least during Christmas, New Year, Easter and sports holidays, but also during the summer months Sälen is becoming a really popular destination for Swedes. As northern Europe's largest alpine ski area with ski slopes of varying difficulty, it's no wonder that Sälen is Sweden's most popular ski resort. One in three Swedes choose to spend their skiing holiday in Sälen and the number of visitors in the summer months has also increased steadily in recent years.

Two people sitting on mountain heath with storm kitchen and berries, view of forest and blue sky

Summer in Sälen

It's no wonder that many people associate Sälen and Stöten with winter and skiing - but Sälen has a lot to offer in the summer too! Here are some of the activities you can enjoy in Sälen in summer:

Campa: There are plenty of places to park your caravan or motorhome with magical views of the mountain landscape.
Cycling: Sälen offers incredible summer cycling, both cross-country and downhill.
Hiking: Choose from challenging hiking trails or easier walking trails - both with incredible views that will take your breath away.
Paddling: The rivers flow freely along the mountain slopes and are ideal for canoeing and, in some cases, rafting.
Fishing: Few activities are as relaxing as fishing and in Sälen there are many great fishing areas marked on maps.

This fantastic gem in northern Dalarna!

Discover everything about Sälen

There is so much more to do in Sälen than just skiing and this is what attracts so many tourists every year. Your visit will simply be an all-in-one experience. Here are some of the activities you can experience in Sälen:

Go on an excursion with dog team
Visits bath and sauna facilities
Go on a speedy ride snowmobile safari
Relax in spa and relaxation centre
Challenge your family on bowling
Train at our well-equipped gym

Person in orange ski jacket skiing down freshly groomed snow-covered slope with ski poles under blue sky

Skiing in Sälen

The Sälen is considered to be very snow-sure and many of the Sälen ski resorts offer a snow guarantee. Moreover, if necessary, more snow can almost always be produced as most resorts have snow cannons.

The snow is usually at its best in January, February and March, but ski resorts can usually open as early as November-December if the weather permits. April snow is also magical - as the temperature rises, the snow becomes slushy and soft as ice cream to ski in. That combined with the spring winter sunshine is unbeatable!

Children's Sälen

Most ski resorts in the Sälen mountains, especially Stöten, have large and good ski areas adapted for children. These are wide and flat slopes with child-friendly elements. Small bumps and fun figures on the slopes are appreciated by many children and these are usually placed on the children's slopes to make skiing even more fun. Most facilities also have really good ski schools who are experts in children! Stöten has competent and educational ski instructors who are passionate about teaching skiing to our youngest guests!

Two skiers in red suits skiing next to the mascot Vargy on a sunny piste

Every week Vargy organises ski competitions, treasure hunts and après-ski for all children

Another advantage of visiting Sälen with children is the many children's activities for children of all ages - both on and off the slopes. A bathhouse, bowling alley, cinema, games room and lots more to keep you entertained in Sälen.

Stöten also has the Wolf Club - the children's own club with lots of fun activities and inventions together with Stöten's mascot Vargy. Every week Vargy organises ski competitions, treasure hunts and après-ski parties for all children. Read more about the Wolf Club here!

Sälen is so much more than just skiing

Conference in Sälen

Sälen is often associated with families with children, but the destination is also perfect for business trips! Many companies choose to hold their conferences in Sälen, which is very much appreciated by both managers and employees.

Combine intense conference days with great skiing that gets the creativity flowing. Teambuilding is also easy with our wide range of activities both on and off the slopes. We tailor your stay entirely to your needs and wishes! Find out more about conference travel to Stöten.

1TP3Weather

During the period December to April, the temperature in Sälen fluctuates but roughly speaking, the degrees range from about -11°C to +7°C. Of course, it can be both colder and warmer but generally the temperature tends to be around zero or colder and the plus degrees usually only appear towards the spring. The Sälen area also tends to have many sunny days during the ski season, which is much appreciated by visitors.

Work on your winter tan while enjoying a hot cup of chocolate at one of Sälen's many outdoor cafés. Remember to always check the weather before you head out on the slopes to make sure you're dressed appropriately - neither too hot nor too cold. Also consider the possible cooling effect of wind on the mountain.

Tips! Sneak a peek at the slopes even before you're on site in Sälen - thanks to webcams that are active 24/7, you can see how several of Stöten's slopes look like right now!

Wide, freshly groomed ski slope with several skiers in red clothes under clear blue skies

Sälens slopes

Wide variety of slopes with different gradients and terrain

In Sälenfjällen there is a wide variety of slopes with different terrain and gradients. All slopes follow the classic colour scale usually used to classify ski slopes: green, blue, red and black. The really steep slopes are sometimes classified as ”double black”, which means that they should only be skied by very experienced skiers with extensive skiing experience.

Always study the piste map carefully before heading out to the mountains to make sure you end up on the right slope.

Green colour - Very easy. Flat slope adapted for beginners and small children.
Blue colour - Easy. Slightly sloping slope suitable for most skiers with some skiing experience.
Red colour - Moderately difficult. Slightly steeper slope for intermediate skiers with skiing experience.
Black - Difficult. Steep slope for experienced and advanced skiers.

Sälen in figures

100 000 daily visitors in high season
60 000 beds of which 25 000 commercial
4 800 000 guest nights per year
The total area of Sälen is 133 hectares
More than SEK 2.5 billion in turnover every year
One in three Swedes choose to spend their skiing holiday in Sälen

Snow-covered ski slope with views of mountain forest and clear blue sky on the horizon