A ski lift on snowy Areskutan mountain

Jamtland County, central Sweden · Sweden

Are and Jamtland

Sweden's leading ski resort and a lake-and-mountain region of waterfalls and trails.

  • Best time December-April, June-September
  • Stay 3-5 days
  • Good for Skiers, hikers, families

Photo: Anders Carlsson · CC BY 2.0

Welcome to Are and Jamtland

Are is Sweden's largest ski resort, set beneath the Areskutan mountain and beside the lake Aresjon. The village is lively, with cosy cafes, restaurants and bars, and has been a host for World Cup skiing and winter sports events. Slopes serve all levels, from family runs to challenging off-piste.

Jamtland, the surrounding province, is a landscape of lakes, valleys and mountain ranges, with Storsjon (Sweden's fifth-largest lake) and the monster legend of Storsjoodjuret. Tannforsen, Sweden's largest waterfall by volume, and the Jamtland trails offer excellent hiking and mountain biking in summer.

Ostersund, the regional capital, is a pleasant lakeside town with museums, a lively food scene and a focus on local produce. Combined with Are, it makes a good winter or summer break away from the big cities.

  • Mountains
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Scenic Region

Why visit

Why visit Are and Jamtland?

Are is a great all-season mountain destination.

  • Skiing

    Sweden's largest resort.

  • Hiking and biking

    Summer trails.

  • Lakes

    Storsjon and Aresjon.

  • Waterfalls

    Tannforsen.

  • Local food

    Jamtland produce.

Main attractions

Top things to see in Are and Jamtland

The village and mountains offer a lot.

  1. Areskutan

    The mountain above Are.

    Tip Take the cable car or hike.

  2. Are village

    Shops, cafes and apres-ski.

    Tip Walk at dusk.

  3. Tannforsen waterfall

    A powerful cascade.

    Tip Walk the trail.

  4. Lake Storsjon with mountains behind

    Storsjon

    A large lake with a monster legend.

    Tip Cruise in summer.

  5. Ostersund

    The regional capital.

    Tip Visit Jamtli museum.

  6. Mountain trails

    Day hikes.

    Tip Pick up maps.

Things to do

Best things to do in Are and Jamtland

Seasonal outdoor life.

  1. Ski or snowboard

    From December to April.

    Tip Book lessons.

  2. Hike Areskutan

    Summer climb.

    Tip Carry layers.

  3. Mountain bike

    Downhill trails.

    Tip Check opening.

  4. Cruise Storsjon

    Summer boat trips.

    Tip Look for the monster.

  5. Visit Jamtli

    Open-air museum.

    Tip Allow half a day.

  6. Relax in a sauna

    After activity.

    Tip Book a spa.

Local food

What to eat in Are and Jamtland

Jamtland produce is the highlight.

  • Char

    Arctic char.

    Where to try it Restaurants.

  • Reindeer

    Smoked or stewed.

    Where to try it Restaurants.

  • Cloudberry

    Dessert.

    Where to try it Cafes.

  • Cheese

    Local.

    Where to try it Markets.

  • Waffles

    Swedish.

    Where to try it Cafes.

Accommodation

Where to stay in Are and Jamtland

Stay in Are or nearby.

  • Are village

    Hotels and apartments.

    Best for: Convenience

  • Ski-in lodges

    Chalets.

    Best for: Slopes

  • Duved

    Cabins.

    Best for: Quiet

  • Ostersund

    Hotels.

    Best for: City

What a night costs

Hostel
US$40-80 per night
Mid-range apartment
US$150-280 per night
Boutique
US$250-450 per night
Ski pass
Around US$60-90 per day (check)

Transport

Getting to and around Are and Jamtland

Are is reached via Ostersund.

Getting there

  • Fly to Are Ostersund

    From Stockholm in about 1 hour.

    Frequent.

  • Train

    From Stockholm, about 6 to 7 hours.

    Direct.

  • Drive

    From Ostersund, 1 hour.

    Easy.

Getting around

Local buses and walking.

  • Ski bus

    Serves resorts.

    Free in season.

  • Walking

    The village is compact.

    Pleasant.

  • Car

    For wider trips.

    Winter tyres.

When to go

Best time to visit Are and Jamtland

Winter for skiing and summer for hiking.

  • December-April

    Best time

    Snow season.

  • June-September

    Best time

    Hiking and biking.

  • May and October

    Quiet

    Many closed.

  • Early November

    Quiet

    Dark.

Worth planning around: Mud season in May and October.

Itinerary

Four days in Are

Mountain and lake.

  1. Day1

    Arrival

    Village

    • Morning Walk the village
    • Afternoon Fika
    • Evening Dinner
  2. Day2

    Ski or hike

    Mountain

    • Morning Areskutan
    • Afternoon Lunch
    • Evening Sauna
  3. Day3

    Waterfall

    Nature

    • Morning Tannforsen
    • Afternoon Lake
    • Evening Dinner
  4. Day4

    Ostersund

    City

    • Morning Jamtli
    • Afternoon Lakeside
    • Evening Departure

Travel tips

Are and Jamtland travel tips

Tips.

  • Book ski passes online.
  • Rent gear in advance.
  • Bring layers.
  • Try the saunas.
  • Check lift opening dates.
  • Use ski buses.
  • Reserve dinner in season.

FAQ

Are and Jamtland: frequently asked questions

When does skiing start?

December.

Is Are good for beginners?

Yes.

Can I hike in summer?

Yes.

Is it expensive?

Yes.

How do I get there?

Fly to Ostersund.

Best month for skiing?

February to March.

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