The UK’s largest ski tour operator Crystal have announced they’ll be offering holidays to two Swedish ski areas next winter.
The company already operates to resorts in Sweden’s neighbouring countries, Norway and Finland, and has been expanding its choice of destinations in those two countries over the past few seasons.
“Swedish mountains may not be as high as the Alps, but their proximity to the Arctic Circle means they’re usually covered in a layer of the white stuff from December through to May. Pistes and lifts are uncrowded and offer a good spread of runs, from green to black, making it a memorable experience for all abilities,” said a Crystal spokesperson.
Åre is the most popular ski destination in Scandinavia and one of the biggest with 100km of runs served by 42 ski lifts. It has hosted the Alpine Skiing World Championships on multiple occasions and will do again in 2019.
Vemdalen, with a total of 35 ski lifts and 51 runs, is smaller and targeted more at families by operators Skistar, who also run Are and other leading resorts in the region such as Norway’s Hemsedal. Crystal will offer a choice of 3 – 5 star accommodation.
Crystal’s purchasing manager Michael Brabin commented, “Åre, Sweden’s biggest ski area and Vemdalen are a perfect addition to our already large choice of resorts, and will satisfy those skiers who like to experience a different environment and culture than the Alps. Everyone speaks a good level of English, food is delightful and resorts are extremely family friendly. Flights are direct from Gatwick to Östersund and transfers are just over an hour.”
“This new partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays is very interesting for us. I think we can provide a ski product that British skiers will love to experience. The Nordic region has so much to offer and the skiing here suites the British taste” says Niclas Sjögren Berg, SkiStar ski resort manager for Åre.
