Swedish mountains may not be as high as the Alps, but their proximity to the Arctic Circle means they’re usually covered in a layer of the white stuff from December through to May. Pistes and lifts are uncrowded and offer a good spread of runs, from green to black, making it a memorable experience for all abilities.

Åre is the largest ski area overall (100km to be precise) with 42 ski lifts and 89 runs, split into four areas, linked by either lifts or buses. The main area Åre By has a varied terrain and the best selection of steeper, more advanced runs. Within Åre By there is also the Rodkullen beginners' area, but the most extensive is in neighbouring Åre Björnen. A few kilometres west are Duved and Tegefjäll ski areas where “ski instructors and professionals ski in their free time“. There are various dedicated children’s areas as well as themed adventure trails and snowparks in all areas.

Vemdalen, with a total of 35 ski lifts and 51 runs, is made up of three separate ski areas - Vemdalsskalet, Björnrike and Klövsjö & Storhogna - all connected by a free ski bus. It's at a relatively low altitude (highest mountain is 946m above sea level), but don't let that put you off; the skiing is widely varied, with some impressive vertical drops and several fast and modern express chairlifts. Most ski runs are green or blue and all three ski areas have a dedicated beginners’ zone. There are plenty of children’s areas and chances to meet and play with everyone’s favourite mascot, Valle the snowman.

“This new partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays is very interesting for us. I think we can provide a ski product that British skiers will love to experience. The Nordic region has so much to offer and the skiing here suites the British taste” saysNiclas Sjögren Berg, SkiStar ski resort manager for Åre. 

“It is important for us to cooperate with a partner that has a wide network and are strong on the British market. We are really looking forward to seeing the result of our work together and of course more British guests to our ski resorts” explains SkiStar director of marketing and sales, Mathias Lindström.

Crystal’s purchasing manager Michael Brabin commented “Åre, Sweden’s biggest ski area and Vemdalen are a perfect addition to our already large choice of resorts, and will satisfy those skiers who like to experience a different environment and culture than the Alps. Everyone speaks a good level of English, food is delightful and resorts are extremely family friendly. Flights are direct from Gatwick to Östersund and transfers are just over an hour”.

Crystal offers accommodation at the following properties:

ÅRE

Copper Hill Mountain Lodge 5*

Stunning mountain design hotel, ski-in/out location on the slopes above Åre Björnen. Several restaurants and the Fireside lounge and bar; spa with infinity pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, sauna.

Hotel Tott 4*

Modern design, gorgeous views, indoor pool, two hot tubs and sauna. Close to the main lift.

Holiday Club Hotel 4*

Modern and stylish hotel with an adventure pool complex with eight pools and waterslide, sauna world with six saunas. Restaurant and bars with bowling alley and mini golf.

Vargen Apartments 4*

Spacious and homely apartments with a private sauna next to the lifts and ski school in Åre Björnen.

Brunkulla Apartments 3*

Modern, well equipped apartments, great for small families and groups. Bakery, restaurant and nightclub on the same complex.

VEMDALEN

Storhogna Högfjällshotell & Spa 4*

Ski-in/out hotel in the village of Stothogna. Winter Garden Conservatory with restaurant and bar. Spa and swimming pool, sauna and whirlpool. Cinema, library and themed children's area.

Fallmoran Apartments, Vemdalsskalet 4*

Contemporary apartments with cosy, modern furnishings and well-equipped kitchen. Children's ski area right next door; less than two minutes’ walk from the lifts.

Hovde Hotel, Vemdalsskalet 3*

Small, intimate hotel designed in an authentic Scandinavian style, centrally located in Skalets Torg, close to the lifts and the village's shops and restaurants.

PRICES

For a week’s stay at the 4* Vargen Apartments in Åre:  from £339 per person (five sharing) including Easyjet flights from London Gatwick to Östersund departing 14 January 2018 and transfers.

For a week’s stay at the 4* Fallmoran Apartments in Vemdalen: from £395 per person (four sharing) including Easyjet flights from London Gatwick to Östersund departing 14 January 2018 and transfers.

For further information visit www.crystalski.co.uk