Are in Sweden named the best ski resort of the winter

The Are ski area is located in northwestern Sweden, not far from the Norwegian border. While the first ski lifts are already closing at lower elevations in the Alps, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy everything Are has to offer well into May. The fact that the days are getting a little longer in Are again in spring is a particular advantage. During winter, the sun shines here in northern Europe for at most 3–4 hours a day, a consequence of the area’s proximity to the Arctic Circle. Last weekend, the Alpine Ski World Cup Finals were held on the slopes around Are, so this idyllic winter sports resort is especially well known to fans of Alpine skiing.

However, the US travel magazine “Condé Nast Traveller” says Are offers excellent conditions for more than just skiers. Dozens of ski runs, excellent lift facilities and a very wide range of sporting activities make every winter holidaymaker’s heart beat faster. That was reason enough for the editors of “Condé Nast Traveller” to award Are first place in their vote for the best ski resort of the 2008/09 winter season, ahead of Aspen (USA) and Courchevel (France).

From Germany, the best way to reach Are in Sweden is via Östersund or Trondheim (Norway), both of which also have a strong winter sports tradition and an airport. Östersund is about 100 kilometres southeast of Are, while Trondheim is about the same distance away to the west. Both cities are also excellent destinations for day trips from Are.