Sweden

Late Spring in Sweden is a bit like a huge AA meeting on ice as snow junkies from around the world gather to take advantage of 24 hours of daylight.

There are those who make the pilgrimage every year, just to experience the bizarre thrill of riding under the midnight sun. In practice however, skiing in Sweden in June affords skiers and boarders the chance to get out on the slopes in anything other than a full survival suit. The winters in Sweden are harsh.

The world's most northerly ski resort is Riksgransen, 625 miles north of Stockholm and a good 150 kms into the Arctic Circle. You're so far north in fact, that you half expect to see polar bears lurking near the nursery slopes, waiting to pick off a hapless snow-plougher. Drink enough licorice schnapps and you just might.

The great thing about skiing and snowboarding in Sweden is that you don't actually need to go that far north. Even the southern ski resorts in Sweden tend to be snow sure from December through to May. And because there's less altitude here than in the Alps, you'll find the landscape is different.

Another bonus is that ski resorts in Sweden are particularly child-friendly - children under 11 get free passes and helmets for example, which is something that will appeal to owners of large broods.

Åre, Sälen and Idre Fjäll are all popular with a cross-section of skiers and snowboarders, and provide the kind of infrastructure you'd expect from a decent ski resort.

If it's accessibility you're after, the resort of Sunne in Sweden's Varmland is three hours from Oslo by car. With only ten runs it's not the most extensive, but it's just about close enough for a spot of weekend riding.

Cost

Eating, drinking and accommodation in Sweden can be expensive. On the plus side, the standard is generally very high. Youth hostels provide a cheaper alternative and can be found in most resorts. The average price for an adult lift pass for a week is US$210.

Getting here

It's possible to get regular flights to Stockholm or Oslo from most destinations in Europe and further afield. If you're planning on skiing in the north of Sweden, you'll need to arrange an additional internal flight.

To compare ski resorts in Sweden by nearest town, city or airport, see our Resort Comparison pages.