Winter fun for all ages

As a landscape, Värmland is multifaceted. In winter, Sweden’s southernmost mountain resorts offer everything a ski enthusiast could wish for. Find your favourite among our child-friendly and popular ski resorts. Text: Niklas Simonsson

BRANÄS – PARADISE FOR FAMILIES Branäs is probably not for the extreme-skier who puts black slopes at the top of the wish list. But it has plenty to offer because everything is family-friendly, both on-piste and off-piste in the cross-country tracks. Children under the age of eight skis for free, and all activities are included. It is no wonder that Branäs has been awarded Sweden’s Best Family Ski Resort twelve times. There are 30 amazing downhill runs, thirty kilometres of cross-country tracks, 27 cabin areas and lots of fun activities to be found.

Did You Know? Sweden’s first Ski Cross World Cup event took place i Branäs 2009. Learn more: branas.se

SNOW-SAFE HOVFJÄLLET About 17 kilometres north of Torsby, Hovfjället proudly stands 542 meters above sea level. The resort has just over a dozen snow safe slopes, cross-country trails and ski schools all catering for a fantastic family holiday. The resort is located in a beautiful nature reserve and is both a popular summer and winter destination. For a number of years, you have also been able to book accommodation in one of the 19 cabins at the top of the mountain. You can’t get any closer to nature and the lifts than that.

Did You Know? Branäs was named Sweden’s Best Ski Resort 2014 by the website turistmål.se Learn more: hovfjallet.se CONVENIENT SKI SUNNE Ski Sunne is situated with an amazing view over lake Fryken. There are lots of things to choose from here including alpine skiing, sledding and a mogul and a black slope for daredevils. Children up to the age of seven – wearing a helmet – ski free.

You can choose to stay in a variety of options, including hostels and cabins. If you want to add a real sparkle to your holiday, there are a couple of fantastic manor houses and hotels close by offering buffet breakfasts and four-course meals. Just to make the holiday even more unforgettable.

Did You Know?“Hertigen” (The Duke) is the resort’s longest ski slope, measuring a total of 1 800 meters. Learn more: skisunne.se

VERSATILE VALFJÄLLET In Åmotfors, near the Norwegian border, you’ll find a resort with one of southern Sweden’s largest falls. There are wide pistes and narrow pistes, catering for everyone from toddlers to semi-professionals. If you’re lucky, you might run into local alpine star Matts Olsson on his very own slope!

As an alternative to skiing, there are other fun activities to be had amid the winter landscape such as horse riding.

Did You Know?If you visit Valfjället during the summer, you should not miss Noresund golf course, which is literally right next door! Learn more: valfjallet.se

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