Åre has become Scandinavia’s premier alpine destination, but behind Åreskutan there is a cross-country ski network of extraordinary scale and diversity. The system is one of the most extensive in Sweden, with some 300 kilometers of prepared tracks in the municipality ranging from illuminated forest loops for exercise in the evening to high-plateau touring routes with panoramic views. The terrain varies from sheltered valleys at the treeline to open mountain plateaus above 800 meters, where you can expect snow from late December to April and often into early May in higher spots like Ullådalen.
In Åre, the trail network has been separated into different zones, each with its character, for both classic and skate skiers alike. Easy, lit-up tracks in family-friendly arenas sit alongside challenging touring routes that require fitness and navigation skills. Here are five of the best representatives of this diversity, from the huge 120-kilometer system in Trillevallen to the elite-level training facilities at Vålådalen.
Top 5 Cross-Country Skiing Trails Near Åre
- Trillevallen Trail System
- Åre Björnen XC Arena
- Ullådalen
- Duved XC Arena
- Vålådalen Fjällstation
A Closer Look at the Top 5 Cross-Country Skiing Trails Near Åre
1. Trillevallen Trail System
Trillevallen, located about 20 kilometers south of Åre village, has the longest continuous cross-country trail system in the Årefjällen region, with 120 kilometers of groomed tracks. Trillevallen’s network stretches across open mountain terrain, linking the neighboring villages of Ottsjö and Edsåsdalen, unlike the more enclosed forest loops closer to Åre. The system is operated by a local trail association and offers a combination of short exercise loops and all-day touring routes.
Key Points
- Short forest loops (lit), 2.5 km, 5 km and 7.5 km tracks, groomed for classic and skate skiing, starting right from Högfjällshotellet.
- Touring routes The 18 km Ytterstvallen (trail 140) takes you to a summer pasture with waffle service. The Välliste Runt (trail 142) is a challenging route that goes over 3.5 km of open plateau with views of Åreskutan and Snasahögarna.
- Access: Parking at hotel and ski area; track passes required and available through the Outby app.
- Terrain: Lower trails are sheltered and good for beginners; upper touring routes require experience with exposure to wind and possible drifting snow.
Achievements
- With 120 km of prepared tracks, it’s one of Årefjällen’s “most extensive cross-country and touring trail systems.
- The Välliste route is one of the few in the region where you can ski a sustained high-altitude loop with 498 meters of vertical drop.
Feedback
The Välliste circuit is a highlight of the region for experienced skiers, but the exposed sections can be dangerous if it is windy. The 1.5 km loop is lit and is popular for evening exercise. Long touring tracks are only groomed as weather permits, so visitors should check current status via the Längdspår app before setting out.
Contact
Website: https://trillevallen.com
2. Åre Björnen XC Arena
SkiStar’s Björnen arena is Åre’s most accessible and family-friendly cross-country facility. On the eastern side of Åre village, the tracks wind through sheltered forest terrain at lower elevations, snow-secure and protected from the worst mountain winds. The arena has six marked loops from 1 km to 15 km; the 3 km, 5 km and 7.5 km tracks are illuminated every day from 07:00 to 22:00. Facilities include a warming hut, toilets and a waxing cabin.
Key Points
- Easy to Moderate: Rolling, mostly gentle uphill and downhill sections. This is suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers.
- 3 km and 5 km illuminated tracks, lit until 22:00, are safe for evening skiing throughout the winter.
- Facilities: Warming hut, toilets and a dedicated waxing cabin at the arena.
- Connection to services: Bergstugan, close to Fröå Gruva, is a popular fika stop on the trails.
Achievements
- One of SkiStar’s most popular cross‑country arenas, praised for reliable grooming and family‑friendly terrain.
- The 15 km loop offers the longest forest‑based track in the immediate Åre area.
Feedback
Families with kids rate Björnen highly for the short, light loops and gentle gradients. Advanced skiers may find the terrain too tame but will enjoy the arena as a warm-up or recovery ski. The illuminated runs especially benefit skiers during the short winter days, allowing for a full day of alpine skiing and an evening of cross-country skiing. You can buy SkiStar lift passes that include track passes, or you can buy them separately.
Contact
Website: https://www.skistar.com/en/are/Cross-country/
3. Ullådalen
Ullådalen is in a special position within Åre’s cross-country network, sitting higher than Björnen or Duved, at around 800 meters above sea level. Between Åreskutan and Mullfjället the tracks get close to the tree line, with magnificent open views to the surrounding peaks – a rarity for Swedish cross-country tracks, which normally stay sheltered within the forest. That altitude also extends the ski season, with Ullådalen often staying open into May, long after lower runs have melted.
Key Points
- Moderate difficulty: The 2.5 km, 5 km and 6.5 km loops are said to be of moderate challenge, with some slightly hilly terrain.
- Extended season: High altitude (800 m) means reliable snow cover until late spring.
- Scenic value: Open mountain scenery with views of Åreskutan—the most dramatic setting of any track near Åre village.
- Refreshment stop: Lillåstugans Våffelbruk between Ullådalen and Tegefjäll serves traditional waffles and coffee.
Achievements
- Consistently rated as the most scenic cross‑country venue in the Åre area.
- The last tracks to close in spring, making Ullådalen the destination for late‑season skiing.
Feedback
Ullådalen is a favorite among skiers for its reliable snow, moderate challenge and unbroken views. The tracks are prepared early morning (05:00-09:00) so the conditions are at their best before midday. For the novice, the hills may be more challenging than Björnen, but the intermediate skier finds the terrain “just right” for a good workout.
Contact
Website: https://aresweden.com/en/ski-touring-in-ulladalen/ulladalen-2/
4. Duved XC Arena
About 10 kilometers west of Åre village, Duved has a cross-country arena with a more challenging character than Björnen. Most of the tracks are in sheltered forest terrain, but the longer loops—7 km, 10 km and 15 km—are hilly and demand fitness and technique. Björnen is too flat for advanced recreational skiers and local racing clubs, who prefer to train at Duved.
Key Points
- Long tracks (7–15 km) are rated “moderate to difficult” with sustained climbs and difficult terrain.
- Lighted circuits: 2.5 km, 5 km and 7 km circuits are illuminated until 10 pm.
- Technical features: special 400 m sprint track and technical training loop (classic only) for interval training.
- Less crowded environment: Duved has far fewer skiers than Björnen, so you can have a more peaceful training session.
Achievements
- Hosts the most challenging forest‑based tracks in the SkiStar network.
- The 400 m sprint track is unique in the region, designed for race‑pace intervals.
Feedback
Duved is called “the real workout” by advanced skiers, compared to the more sedate loops of Björnen. The 15 km circuit is a favorite for endurance training. Rolling hills keep you engaged without the extreme climbs. Beginners can stick to the lit 2.5 km loop; longer trails can be discouraging for those still finding their technique.
Contact
Website: https://mindtrip.ai/attraction/are-jamtland-county
5. Vålådalen Fjällstation
Vålådalen, some 50 kilometers south of Åre, is a dedicated cross-country training center used by Sweden’s national ski teams and elite clubs. The facility offers a great variety of prepared tracks, including named competition courses based on international venues: the 3.5 km Sapporo track, the 10 km Lahti track and the 17.5 km Holmenkollen track. Three illuminated loops (2 km, 3 km and 4 km) are also available as well as a 3 km “Lake Placid” track. The mountain station offers a restaurant, accommodation and a waxing room.
Key Points
- Elite level preparation: tracks are groomed to competition standards and the facility is a regular host of national team training camps.
- Variety: 12 different tracks, from 2 km to 17.5 km, with endless route combinations.
- Named loops: Sapporo, Lahti and Holmenkollen tracks allow skiers to test themselves on recognized profiles.
- Accommodation on site: Vålådalens Fjällstation offers beds, meals and a sauna, perfect for multi-day ski touring.
Achievements
- Described as “one of the best facilities for cross-country skiing in the mountains” and as a premier training destination for Swedish cross-country ski clubs.
- The only place in the Åre region with several competition loops at an international standard.
Feedback
Vålådalen is unparalleled in Sweden for training variety, rated by elite and serious recreational skiers. The Holmenkollen track (17.5 km) is called a real test of endurance. The terrain can be daunting for beginners, but there are shorter, lit loops (2–4 km) for working on technique. Rooms should be booked well in advance, particularly in the period January–March when national teams are in residence.
Contact
Website: https://www.valadalen.se
FAQ
Do I need to pay to use cross‑country tracks near Åre?
Yes, most prepared tracks require a trail pass. Trillevallen–Ottsjö–Edsåsdalen operates a pass system via the Outby app. A SkiStar lift pass includes SkiStar tracks at Björnen, Duved and Ullådalen, or you can buy a separate cross-country-only pass. Vålådalen charges a fee for track access, payable at the fjällstation. Some visitors from Finland note that free tracks are standard there, but paid access is the norm in Åre.
Which tracks are illuminated for evening skiing?
Åre Björnen offers illuminated 3 km and 5 km loops until 22:00. Duved illuminates its 2.5 km, 5 km and 7 km tracks during the same hours. Trillevallen has a 1.5 km lit loop. Ullådalen and Vålådalen have limited or no illumination.
What is the longest continuous cross‑country trail near Åre?
Trillevallen’s network totals 120 km of interconnected tracks, with individual touring routes such as Ytterstvallen (18 km) and the full Välliste circuit (approximately 25 km depending on start point). For a single prepared loop, Vålådalen’s Holmenkollen track runs 17.5 km.
Are the tracks suitable for both classic and skate skiing?
Yes. Most tracks in Åre are prepared for both techniques. At Trillevallen, the shorter loops (1.5–7.5 km) accommodate both classic and skate; longer touring routes are prepared for classic only. Björnen, Duved and Vålådalen offer dual preparation on nearly all tracks. Always check current grooming reports, as preparation can vary daily.
When do the cross‑country tracks close for the season?
Björnen and Duved typically close in mid‑to‑late April. Ullådalen, at a higher elevation, often remains open into May. Village tracks on Lake Åresjön may close as early as March. All closing dates depend on snow conditions; check the SkiStar app for daily status.
Which trail has the best mountain views?
Ullådalen offers the most dramatic scenery, with tracks running near the tree line between Åreskutan and Mullfjället. For an even higher experience, Trillevallen’s Välliste Runt route traverses an open plateau with panoramic views of the southern Årefjällen peaks, but it requires excellent fitness and favorable weather.
Can beginners ski at Vålådalen?
Yes, but options are limited. The illuminated 2 km, 3 km and 4 km loops are suitable for beginners working on technique. However, Vålådalen’s primary clientele is advanced and elite skiers; beginners may feel more comfortable at Björnen, where all tracks are rated easy to moderate.
Where can I check the current track grooming status?
Tracks at SkiStar (Björnen, Duved, Ullådalen) are updated daily in the SkiStar app. Trillevallen, Ottsjö and Edsåsdalen status on the Längdspår app or at fjallupplevelser.com. Valadalen.se publishes updates from Vålådalen.
