Åre Information
Apres-ski
This is Sweden, and Sweden does nightlife very well. Within Åre there are a dozen or so venues offering late-night entertainment, with the majority concentrated around the central square.
Dippan, in the Hotel Diplomat, (tel: +46 8459 6800; www.diplomathotel.com) is famous for its après-ski events. It turns into a nightclub with several bars offering different musical styles. The legendary Country Club cocktail bar, which usually offers live musical entertainment, is located in the same hotel.
The club Bygget (tel: +46 647 12345; www.bygget.se) has developed a reputation as a good après-ski spot with its three dance floors and lively atmosphere.
Eating out
There are more than 75 restaurants in and around the resort, most offer the expected Swedish fare, but international offerings are also readily available.
On the slopes, Fjälllgårdens Matsal in Hotell Fjällgården (tel: +46 647 14500; www.fjallgarden.se), at the top of Åre's cable car, is an exclusive restaurant serving Swedish cuisine, with a menu that changes each season.
Fjällpuben (tel: +46 647 50240; www.fjallpuben.se) is another good choice for traditional Swedish fare and boasts a décor that, according to the owners, is inspired by ‘grandmother's country kitchen’.
BomBom Bar (tel: +46 647 50820; www.dahlbompatorget.se) is one of the more creative restaurants in the resort, offering a unique modern take on traditional Swedish staples.
For non-Swedish fare, Broken American Bar & Grill (tel: +46 647 50633; www.broken-are.com) offers a comprehensive American-style grill menu with burgers, ribs and nachos. Liten Krog, located in the centre of the resort, has a strong reputation for its pizza, and also serves Thai and tapas dishes.
Resort Information
Beyond the slopes
Åre is a typical ski resort, but it is constantly striving to offer more and more activities away from the slopes. Snow kiting, paragliding, snow windsurfing, dog sledding, snowmobiling and horse riding have all become very popular pastimes here.
Wellness and fitness facilities are also becoming more prevalent in Åre, with hotels adding swimming pools, saunas and gym facilities to their portfolios. Among these, Copperhill Mountain Lodge (tel: +46 647 14300; www.copperhill.se) offers some of the most luxurious facilities in the resort. The hotel’s swimming pool looks invitingly out onto the slopes, while treatments in the award-winning spa include hot lava rock and juniper oil massages. There is also a private spa available to groups of up to 20 people.
The resort has a busy events schedule during the winter season, with weeks dedicated to seniors, families, students, adventure sports and relaxation.
Family fun
Children up to the age of seven do not have to pay for lift passes if wearing a helmet, while those between eight and 15 pay a heavily discounted fee.
The Åre Björnen ski centre to the east of central Åre is particularly good for families. It has gentle slopes, a ski school, crèche, restaurant and accommodation geared towards young families.
The ski school offers a number of courses tailored to different levels of ability on the slopes, with classes divided into specific age ranges.
Retail therapy
The number of shops in Åre has increased substantially over the last few years. The options range from small fashion boutiques to big sport retailers and stores selling clothes and equipment for mountain activities. There are also some good gift and handicraft shops in Åre Village. Among these, Åre Glashytta (tel: +46 647 26070) offers a range of beautiful handmade glass items.
Splashing out
A unique way to spend time on the snow, dog sledding is a fun-filled activity for visitors of all ages. Åre Björnen Hundspann (tel: +46 034 33164; www.hundspann.z.se/arebjornens), based in Åre Björnen, offer a series of sledding tours with Alaskan Huskies, ranging from two-hour excursions to overnight trips, which include a meal in a mountain hut and a traditional sauna.
Hotels
The small town is made up of old, pretty, coloured wooden buildings, with the main accommodation in chalets and apartments. There are also a number of good quality hotels in Åre, with the central village the main accommodation hub. Åre Björnen is more family-friendly with its various types of self-catering accommodation mostly in ski-in/ski-out locations.
Luxury
Hotel Diplomat
Housed in Åre’s oldest building, the historic Hotel Diplomat is located in the resort centre, just 200m (656ft) from the lifts. Facilities include a spa and a discotheque in the basement.
Address: , Årevägen 81, Åre,Telephone: +46 647 17800
Website: http://www.aregarden.se
Copperhill Mountain Lodge
Located amongst the fern trees at the highest point of Åre Björnen overlooking the Åre valley, the designer Copperhill Mountain Lodge has an award-winning Sámi-inspired spa, an on-site restaurant and ski-in/ski-out access.
Address: , Åre Björnen, Åre,Telephone: +46 647 14300
Website: http://www.copperhill.se
Moderate
Hotel Granen
A beautiful, authentic styled hotel that’s managed by a former Olympic skier; the Hotel Granen has an on-site restaurant, beautiful open wooden fireplaces, and a library that’s available to guests.
Address: , Tottvägen 127, Åre,Telephone: +46 647 51560
Website: http://www.aregranen.se
Holiday Club
Located in central Åre, the Holiday Club hotel houses a spa, plenty of saunas and a massive swimming pool with a water slide. Accommodation here is good value, and is well suited to families.
Address: , Åre Strand, Åre,Telephone: +46 647 12000
Website: http://www.holidayclubresorts.com
Cheap
Tott Hotell
Located by the Tottbacken slope, this hotel offers ski-in/ski-out access, as well as a fully equipped gym and a lively après-ski scene.
Address: , Tottvägen 111, Åre,Telephone: +46 77 142 5000
Website: http://www.tottare.se
