Are

Are grew as a resort from the 1890s when the railway reached it, and the village sits directly under Areskutan, a 1,420 metre fell with about nine hundred metres of vertical from the summit, among the largest served by lifts in Scandinavia. A funicular from the square, running since 1910, is the oldest part of the system. The alpine World Championships have been held here three times, most recently in 2019. The village has real streets and a year-round population rather than being purpose-built, which is unusual for a Nordic ski town. Summer brings a large downhill bike operation on the same lifts, plus hiking to the summit.

What you actually see

• Areskutan at 1,420 metres - among the largest lift-served verticals in Scandinavia.
• A funicular from 1910 - the oldest lift on the hill.
• A working village - not a purpose-built resort.
• A summer bike season - the same lifts, different use.

When to go

December to April for skiing; June to September for biking and hiking. Several days.

Honest expectations

The upper mountain is above treeline and closes in wind, which happens often. Sport holiday weeks fill everything. Prices are the highest in Swedish skiing. Midwinter daylight is short.

Nearby

Tannforsen waterfall is west; Ostersund is east down the valley.