FAQs
Here’s where you’ll find our most commonly asked questions. If you can’t find an answer here then e-mail us and we’ll answer all your questions personally.
- What’s the weather like in Åre?
Well, like all mountain resorts in the summer it can be a bit random. We can get heat waves one week and be scraping ice off our windscreens the next. Generally it’s warm and sunny in July and August. September can be downright cold but also dry, making it a good temperature for biking and making the trails dry too. Check out the weather report here. Click the upper right hand side for the English version if your Swedish is a bit shoddy.
- When’s the best time come?
Any time the lifts are running! July and August are warmer, but September is quieter.
- Are there long lift queues?
Almost never. Unlike the Alpine resorts, Åre has not been over-run by tourists and foreign mountainbikers. It’s almost only the local Swedes that ride here, making it a chilled place to ride your bike. No lift queues means more runs!
- What bike should I bring?
Any Freeride or downhill bike is perfect for Åre. You may be struggling on some of the rougher trails on a five incher though. Leave your hard tail at home unless you’re suicidal. Åre bike park is world class for mountainbiking and will snap your hardtail in two.
- Are there any good bike shops out there or shall I bring spares?
There are loads of good bike shops in Åre with excellent mechanics and a good supply of spares. They can be a bit pricey though so you may want to bring out a few bits that you break most often. Bring a spare rear mech hanger too as they are as rare as cock flavoured lollipops, and any specialist bike parts you may need.
- What kit should I bring with me?
Prepare for everything. Bring warm and cold weather kit, no matter when you come out, and a rain jacket. You can buy sun block out here though. Puncture kit is essential as every gets one at some point during their stay (Åre can get rocky and fast). Pump, camel back and a change of kit. Full face helmet is essential, as is travel insurance. You can bring some basic tools for your own convenience but we do have a complete tool kit available to you.
- Isn’t it expensive in Sweden?
No, that’s an old myth. Food prices in the supermarkets in Åre are often slightly cheaper than the UK, as is the beer. Going out is expensive, a beer can cost 4 quid. If you like spirits then stock up in the duty free on the way over, you’re looking at 15-20 quid a bottle. Reindeer and Moose meat is cheaper than in the UK.
- How much money should I bring?
Once you’ve paid for your holiday, flights and travel insurance, that’s it. There are no hidden costs. All you need to bring is beer and food money as the holidays are self catered. Some guys have scraped through on 70 quid for a whole week. Others have gone out and partied like it’s 1999 and blown a huge wad of cash. It’s up to you really.
- Is the riding too extreme, I’m not that experienced?
We have trails for everyone over here. There are trails for complete beginners and novices, intermediate riders and World and Nordic downhill champs tracks. All tracks are graded and clearly marked so you can choose the difficulty of the trail you want to ride depending on your mood on the day. Åre is a great place to learn new skills and progress as there is so much riding here.
- My partner doesn’t ride, can they still come out and have a good time?
Absolutely, there’s plenty to do for non-riding partners and we’ve had a few come out and stay with us. Not only do they get a fairly beefy discount but we also help find and book other activities for them. Everything from spa treatments, shopping trips, zip lining, horse riding, sight seeing and petting Moose. Åre has loads to see and do so you won’t get bored (unless you’re boring).
- What’s the night life like?
Åre is a small village with a very chilled night life in the summer. It has loads of excellent restaurants and bars open in the summer where you can enjoy fine dining and a cold beer. You can leave your dancing shoes at home though as there are no night clubs open. Honestly, the riding’s so epic you’ll probably be in bed by 11 anyway. Dress code is strictly jeans and skate shoes. You’d look a right plonker in a pair of shiny brogues.
- Is the language a problem?
Everyone speaks amazing English over here, from the lifties to the guys that empty your bins. It’s ridiculous. Most love speaking English too, so there is absolutely no language barrier at all.
- Will I have a good time?
Hell yeah. We’ve been running for three years now and everyone has loved their trip over here – 100% happy customers. More than just superb riding, Åre is a cool little place where everyone is friendly and relaxed. Now what are you waiting for? Stop dithering about and get over here.