This mountain resort in western Sweden has 116 ski slopes and gets reliable snowfall from December to April. Popular with families for winter sports and summer hiking.
Sälen, a mountain village in western Sweden, has seven ski resorts spread across 155 kilometers of slopes. You'll find professional snowboarders practicing jumps at Tandådalen's snow park, beginners learning to ski with Trollbäckstorget's themed mascots, and cross-country skiers preparing for the legendary Vasaloppet race. Beyond winter, you can cycle down mountain bike trails, fish for arctic char in the Västerdal river, or surf artificial waves at the Experium indoor complex.
Skiing Areas and Winter Sports
Sälen's seven ski resorts each have their own character. At Lindvallen, 20 kilometers of wide, gentle slopes and 24 lifts make it ideal for beginners. Advanced skiers head to Tandådalen for its black slopes and snow park, where you'll find professional-grade jumps and rails. Children can learn skiing at Hundfjället's Trollbäckstorget, with its 200-meter conveyor belt lift and themed skiing routes. The historic Högfjällshotellet from 1937 connects to Lindvallen through a network of ski lifts, maintaining its original wooden architecture.
Cross-Country Skiing and Vasaloppet
More than 15,000 skiers participate in the main Vasaloppet race each year since 1922, starting in Sälen and skiing 90 kilometers to Mora along a historic countryside route. You can practice on 80 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails, choosing between 2-kilometer loops near the village center or 15-kilometer mountain circuits.
Summer Activities in the Mountains
From June through September, you can hike or cycle the mountain trails. The first section of the Kungsleden trail starts here, leading north through the Swedish mountains. Mountain bikers can choose between downhill courses with banked turns and jumps, or 45 kilometers of marked cross-country paths. To fish for arctic char and trout in the Västerdal river, pick up a local permit at the tourist office.
Indoor Activities and Family Entertainment
At the Experium complex, you can surf 1.5-meter waves in the wave pool, speed down three water slides, or scale the 15-meter climbing wall. Children can join Tobbe Trollkarl's magic shows and take ski lessons with professional instructors. The complex has a bowling alley, and you can relax at the spa while looking out over the mountains.
Getting There
You can fly directly to Scandinavian Mountains Airport, 10 kilometers from Sälen's center, from Stockholm and London during winter seasons. Buses run regularly from Oslo Airport (220 kilometers) and Mora Airport (100 kilometers). From Stockholm's central station, take a 6-hour bus ride with daily departures.
