Vemdalen

With three different ski areas located within 20km (13 miles) of each other, Vemdalen offers some of the most varied skiing facilities in Sweden. The three areas, Björnrike, Vemdalsskalet and Klövsjö/Storhogna, are all well supplied with lifts and a wide variety of runs, from moguls to gentle, undulating slopes. There are good off-piste opportunities too. In addition, there are nearly 300km (180 miles) of well-prepared cross-country skiing tracks in the region.

Vemdalen also has plenty of natural beauty to offer. Klövsjö has been described as the prettiest mountain village in Sweden and also as the skiers' ski resort. This charming area is also peculiar in that it has the sunny and family-friendly slopes high up on the mountainsides, whereas the more challenging runs are located further down.

Resort elevation: 500m (1,640ft).

Top elevation: 900m (2,953ft).

Base elevation: 500m (1,640ft).

Number of lifts: 30.

Number of runs: 52.

Average annual snowfall: Unavailable.

Vemdalen is located in the west of Sweden, about midway between north and south. The distance to Stockholm is around 500km (320 miles) and to Gothenburg around 700km (450 miles). Trondheim in Norway is 240km (170 miles) away.

The season usually runs from late October until May.

Over half the slopes in Vemdalen are wide, soft and gentle and well suited for beginners and near-beginners. Björnrike is best for children, while Vemdalsskalet has some good slopes for beginners and intermediates. At Storhogna and Klövsjö there are sunny and family-friendly slopes high up in the mountains, while several runs further down are really steep and challenging. 

The mountain tops Hovdefjället and Skalsfjället by Vemdalsskalet also offer good challenges for the expert skier. Freestylers have the choice of two terrain parks. Night skiing is available on 10 floodlit slopes.

A downside (for some) is that nearly all the lifts are T-bars, so if taking a drag lift fills you with dread, this might not be the place for you.

The ski school is excellent and offers private and group lessons for all ages. There are classes for advanced skiers who want to learn freeriding as well. Ski hire is available at all the ski centres.

There are several things to do besides skiing, although during winter most activities are related to snow. Visitors can go on a snowmobile safari, go dog sledding or take part in various kinds of trips up in the mountains. Ice climbing is an increasingly popular activity.

Vemdalen is great for families on account of its many gentle, uncrowded slopes with soft snow cover. Björnrike in particular is well suited for young skiers. The ski school is very good, with English-speaking instructors. There are also dedicated ski and play areas for kids. In the village there is a bowling hall.

There are several ICA grocery/convenience stores in Vemdalen. In the village there is a florist, a baker, a gift shop, an antique shop and also a pharmacy. Local handicraft items are also available.

Vemdalen is hardly famous for its après-ski activities, but there is a nice and laid-back feel to several of the venues offering evening entertainment. Baggen (Vemdalsskalets Högfjällshotell) offers the most lively après ski, with a good party atmosphere and live music. Hotell Klövsjöfjäll and Storhogna Högfjällshotell & Spa are also worth checking out.

Hildings Krog serves top-quality food based on local ingredients. The restaurant has a view over Hovdebacken, one of the slopes at Vemdalskalet. Skalets Bar & Bistro (Vemdalsskalet Högfjällshotell) has a wide-ranging menu and serves excellent food at fairly moderate (in Scandinavian terms) prices. At Björnrike Centrat there are three eateries, offering both à la carte and pizza.

Frequent bus services run between the skiing areas. The distance between the three areas is too big for walking, but there are cross-country skiing tracks linking them.

Check out Storhogna Högfjällshotell & Spa (see Accommodation below) for a weekend and try their many kinds of spa treatment, from facials to full body treatments to more particular treatments for hands and feet. The various kinds of massage on offer are also worth exploring. From the pool to the gym to the relaxation areas, the spa offers top facilities to improve visitors' wellbeing.

Luxury

Storhogna Högfjällshotell & Spa
Luxury hotel offering broadband connection in all rooms, a spa with a wide variety of treatments and aromatic sauna, plus a number of excellent restaurants.

Tel: (0682) 413 030.
Website: www.storhogna.com  

Moderate

Hotell Klövsjöfjäll
A comfortable hotel with a good restaurant, absports bar with wide-screen television and a relaxation area with bubble pool, sauna and sun beds.

Tel: (0682) 413 100.
Website: www.klovsjofjall.se

Budget

Vemdalens Stugservice
Offers winter cabins near the slopes, which tend to be cheaper than hotels.

Tel: (0684) 30500.
Website: www.vemdalsservice.se

Nearest airport: Sveg (EVG).

Distance to resort: 60km (38 miles).

Driving time: 50 minutes.

Nearest railway station: Östersund.

Distance to resort: 110km (68 miles).

Driving time: 1 hour 10 minutes.

Intermediates, Families, Snow reliability, Beginners