While ski holidays are generally seen as an active holiday, in our opinion they can also be some of the most enjoyable and relaxing weeks away. If you’re not all about getting the maximum mileage or hitting the après-ski hard, the mountains can provide a unique opportunity to surround yourself with incredible nature, tranquility and pampering, returning home rejuvenated and refreshed. They can provide an opportunity to spend quality time making memories and reconnecting as a family. One of our favourite destinations for this type of getaway isn’t one that many British holidaymakers will be familiar with. However it is definitely one you should try if this sort of trip sounds right up your street. It’s the resort of Vemdalen, one of the largest ski areas in Sweden.
Vemdalen is an area that totals 51km and is made up of 3 ski areas, Vemdalsskalet, Björnrike and Klövsjö/Storhogna, connected by a free bus. This means that you don’t have to push yourself trying to reach the far edges of the piste map or scrambling to get the last lifts back over at the end of the day, instead you can explore the whole area at your own pace. With high latitude locations, snow cover is very consistent and powder days are not rare!
The area is highly enjoyable and very well equipped, with newly built lifts and a range of wide, well groomed slopes to suit all abilities, so if you like the odd challenging black run alongside your lovely gentle blues and entertaining reds, you’re in luck here. However, the majority of runs are easy to intermediate level, which is why we absolutely love this resort as one to visit if you aren’t too fussed about difficult slopes but you simply want to enjoy your skiing and relish those carving turns, or if you are travelling as a family with little ones or beginner skiers.
Pistes are split equally above and below the trees, providing a unique and picturesque skiing experience. Björnrike is home to the longest chairlift in Sweden, the Grizzly Express, which also happens to be the fastest 6-seater chairlift in Scandinavia! Vemdalsskalet is sure to be a popular area with those that like beautiful, winding tree-lined runs, while Klövsjo & Storhogna is the place to head if you’re looking for top class black runs.
Dedicated children’s ski areas mean that you don’t have to worry about taking your child down crowded slopes with other skiers speeding past. You can enjoy your time together, watching them learn and progress on the best possible slopes. The fun ride area, snow park and opportunities for night skiing are all very well received by younger skiers, whether they are 5 or 15! A whole host of family activities and entertaining kids’ events in the area and the town make this the ideal trip for spending quality family time together in a calm setting away from the stresses of modern life.
In Vemdalen there’s not much of an après scene, which means that of an evening, the streets are quiet and tranquil, filled with other skiers keen to simply enjoy this wonderful area. This also means that you are guaranteed a great night’s sleep, with no loud music or voices to distract you.
However if you do still feel like a bit of activity after a day on the slopes or simply want to spend a day doing something different, there are many options, from the Storhogna M activity complex, (bowling alley, cinema, shooting simulator, gym) the festive Christmas market and entertaining dog-sledding! Here you can also truly experience Swedish mountain life in the most traditional and incredible ways. An Inuit village provides an education into the history and culture of the area, while a reindeer safari and ice fishing will have you really immersing yourself in the Swedish way of life. Try If you’re keen for more activity, Nordic walking and skidooing are both highly enjoyable alternatives to skiing. Yet if it’s true relaxation you’re after, nothing can beat the incredible spa away-days that Vemdalen has to offer, allowing you to experience some of the area’s best spa experiences whilst in the midst of some spectacular scenery. If there’s a better way to do a spa break, we haven’t yet found it!
In Vermdalen town itself, you can expect to find Scandinavian mountain architecture at its finest, with gorgeous cabin-style huts built around a charming town square amongst the snowy mountain backdrop. Some great restaurants and bars serve local cuisine (think delicious fresh fish, game, berries etc.) and there are a number of shops in which to browse.
What’s more, you can now fly to Vemdalen direct from Bristol, making the area incredibly accessible from the UK. Flights from Bristol arrive into Åre Ostersund airport and take around two hours, with the transfer to Vemdalen at around 1 hr 45. A lovely easy journey to start off your week of relaxation as you mean to go on!
For more information, head to: www.crystalski.co.uk/ski-resorts/sweden-ski-holidays/vemdalen/
