Hi,
I'm going to be in Sweden from 14th December, and wanted to spend a week skiing. I haven't skiied before, or been to Sweden, so no idea what the snow is like at that time. It looks like all of the resorts dont start taking bookings until 20th December.
Any advice on whether it will be possible to ski before then, and ideas for where to go, and whether it is necessary to book something.
Appologies for the ignorance, which I'm sure is laughable to any seasoned skiiers out there.
Thanks!
Nick
Hello
There wont be a problem finding skiresorts with plenty of snow in december. All of the major resorts are located in northern Sweden, however, so if you fly in to Stockholm you will have to either take a train further up north or book a flight. Some of the more popular resorts in Sweden include:
Åre: http://www.skistar.com/are/english/index.app (good skiing, many slopes, tends to attract a younger clientele with party-ambitions)
Sälen: http://www.skistar.com/salen/english/ (slightly smaller than Åre, many families with children)
Riksgränsen: http://www.stromma.se/en/Riksgransen/ (never been there, but it's supposed to be good. Located in the upmost part of Sweden, 200 km above the Arctic Circle)
These will all accept bookings in mid-december, guaranteed. For the booking of trains, go to www.sj.se. For flight, go to www.sas.se. There are probably low-fair airlines as well, perhaps someone in here can give you further information regarding this. Try to book as soon as possible though, as prices escalate the closer you get to your arriving date.
nescit is right, there are some places that has a lot of snow in December. Riksgränsen does not open until after new years, so do not go there... ;-)
I went to Sälen last Christmas and it was plenty of snow. That is also good if you are a newbie. Åre is funnier if you want to party as well (probably the best party place in Sweden, Stockholm included....)
Otherwise i would suggest Trysil in Norway (saying that as a Swede - that is like swearing in church...). I have been there last two years exactly that weekend (we celebrate Lucia on the 13:th) plenty of snow and 60-80% of the ski lifts open. Also good for newbies. A little more expensive since it is in Norway. But buy your food before passing the border and you will save 30% of the bill.. They usually have good deals for house and lift pass around that time. Check out Skistar.com and click Trysil (or Åre)
It is easier to reach Åre, since the train stops there, that is good to know