 Poster: A snowHead
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May find my way near Are in Sweden in late March, and looking for any advice on terrain, lodging, food, apres, etc. if there is an existing thread, my apologies, I did not find it via search function.
I'm a decent skier on and off piste, wondering if I should hire a guide for back country or side country tour, and then do I bring AT gear? There are 2 of us travelling, my mate is not a great skier, but he may be happy lodging and drinking all day. I know nothing about are, is it worth even making a trip out there? Lodging suggestions?, etc. a bit broad based questions, but anything is appreciated.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Redwine, will reply later today....
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Themasterpiece
He knows Åre well - but you say "near Åre"?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Redwine. My TR is - http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?p=2869147&highlight=#2869147
My family loved it, but we didn't do any off piste.
There are three main areas - Are By (main skiing area), Bjornen (area for beginners/kids) and Duved (few km down the road). My TR gives a brief review of each area.
Lodging is easy using Skistar website.
You mentioned your mate is not a great skier - how good is he? Bjornen area is good for beginners, but there aren't many cruisy blues in Are. If he can handle reds, he'll be alright.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@dobby, @Hyst, thank you much for all the information. Looks like I will be able to notch another country that my ski's will touch.
On the off piste, is it true off piste A(ie, one should take a guided group or else get lost in the wilderness, I am also not comfortable in reading avalanche conditions), or more like "through the gates" in the US, or what I have learned is called itineraries in Europe (or at least switzerland), ie avi controlled, but not patrolled that may require hiking or cat walks, etc. essentially, should i line up a guide, or is it easy to just join an off-piste group when I arrive.
Is it possible to see the northern lights from someplace close by?
Thank you for all the help. We had the first flakes here in Boston, so my anticipation grows.
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@Hyst, you are not wrong on checking the price of wine before ordering!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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We are heading back to Åre this winter for the 3rd time. Its a good resort, different to the alps. Åre is the busiest centre of the area, but the cheapest to stay at is probably Duved, about 10km west of Åre. Bring your own booze as it can be a little expensive. though the food is very nice. If getting to the area from Trondheim remember to stock up with duty free when you land.
There is some good skiing to be had coming off Åreskutan (the main hill above Åre). If skiing off to the east of it then you will certainly need some skins. The summit is a walk from the top station and from memory you can ski off all sides of it. There was some nice skiing out to the west where you could join back up into the ski centre. There is a great long unmarked run back into the ski centre from the top. Needs a little bit of care, and some polling at the bottom. If you have not skied the area, i would probably go into that area with guides, or one of the organised ski star trips.
There is also some nice touring around Duved and Tegefjallet. We had a nice tour of Mullfjallet hill which is located above these resorts.
As someone mentioned above, it does get windy here, and certainly early in the season the top station gets closed a lot due to the weather.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Good advice above on where to stay, buy food and alcohol etc. Note, Sunday is typical change over day. Åre By (village) is the best place to stay for bars and resturants, or Åre Fjallby by the race arena and VM8 lift (A22). But it is most reds and blacks in that area.
For your friend, Björnen and Sadlexpressen (lift B37) are good areas to ski. If there are the right group lessons, they only £50 for 3 hours each day. Pay attention to where they meet. They often start at Björnen (lift B41) or Rödkullen (lift A17), so it would be a trek if you are staying in Duved or Tegelfjall, or even a journey from Åre By could be tricky.
For you, go to the Skistar Åre website and click on skischool and other products, and it will take you to guided tours e.g., Huså tour, the back side (Baksidan), the ravines (couloirs). I did the avalanche intro, which was great value and good fun. Åre Lavincenter does more serious courses www.arelavincenter.se.
Åre area: Lots of offpiste. Whenever the Kabinbanan (A29) or Gondolen (H23) are running, drop everything and ski the top area. Those lifts are vulnerable to wind and icing, so take advantage when open. The whole top area is an offpiste playround. Easy (blue) offpiste heading down to Stendalsliften (H24, and H25, H27). My son in this area:
Short hike up to the top where you can ski the back side (Baksidan). Or if you go with a skistar group they pull you up on a rope behind a piste machine. Nice video from someone on Backsidan https://www.freeride.se/video/56968/. On the back side you can take routes down round Lillskutan to Sadeln, or down into the east ravine.
Also from the top and back side there is an easy (blue) offpiste run all the way north to Huså. Not done it myself, but aiming to after Christmas. Obviously if booked through Skistar they will get you back, or you can get snow scooter transport back to Stendalen (lift H24) for 170 kr http://www.gruvbacken.se/. I’d call them through before setting out.
Offpiste either side of Tusenmeter lift (H28) is good. Another video from this area https://www.freeride.se/video/57060/. From there you can continue down into the west ravine (Västra Ravin), or from the top of the lift traverse across to the east ravine (Östra Ravin). Both come together and out at FjallgårdsXpressen (A34).
This article marks some offpiste areas in Åre https://www.freeride.se/spotguiden-are-del-1/. Use Google translate. Great book is “Åre Offpiste” by Kristoffer Frenkel. Probably hard to get it outside of Sweden, and it’s in Swedish… But it gives lift names and marked diagrams, so is easy to figure out.
In the areas above there will be lots of people skiing offpiste. Of course there is risk of avalanche like any offpiste. The piste map marks some areas, including the ravines (which are also obvious terrain traps). Avalanche prognosis can be found here http://lavinprognoser.se/ and this map shows different areas of avalanche risk in Åre http://www.fjallsakerhetsradet.se/ImageVault/Images/id_594/scope_0/ImageVaultHandler.aspx.
Tegefjäll: If you look at the piste map, there are areas with trees cleared to allow some tree skiing https://www.freeride.se/video/56850/.
Duved: offpiste (side of piste) https://www.freeride.se/video/56832/
Some offpiste areas in Duved and Tegefjäll are noted in this article https://www.freeride.se/spotguiden-are-del-2/.
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See, @Redwine, we told you @Themasterpiece would be along to sort us all out....snow base is building up nicely.... less than three months and I'll be there....
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You know it makes sense.
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@yuppie, and @Themasterpiece, Hei, hei, can you tell me if there is a place to test/rent the Extrem skis that are made in Are??
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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I would contact them directly, I'm sure they would arrange a test for you.
Communicating in English should not be a problem at all.
http://www.extremskis.com/contact-us/
I think i will do the same. I'm up there just after Christmas, so this might be a fun afternoon activity 
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Themasterpiece,
Keping a watchful eye on this thread as I'll be visiting Are for the first time in December.
I'll be there from Dec 26th to Jan 1st and would love to meet up with others for some local knowledge on the hidden powder stashes?
I'll be staying in the Brunkulla apartments. Give us a shout if you fancy meeting up
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Hyst, thanks, done
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@dbeatski,
Got this reply from Extrem regarding demo skis:
"We will have a demo center next to the lift VM6. Starting in January and we are open mainly in the weekends."
Sadly a little to late for when i am there.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@yuppie, cheers for that, I was thinking of going in March or April, but a pity for you.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Redwine, I have been reticent of posting because I'm not sure our requirements of Åre are the same as yours, but I figure if you are coming from so far, it's better to have too much information than too little, and I guess you are bright enough to filter out what you don't need.
All above is good info, we would add that if you are coming so far, stay two weeks, and hire a car. Several smaller ski centres within 300km, Norway just down the road, the frozen waterfalls at Tannennfossen and much more. Having the car would enable you both to share a trip.
For your friend, I am sure beginner and intermediate group lessons are also held in Åre By and Duved as well as Bjornen
Even visiting Norwegians get pi55ed before they go out, so use system bologet and stick to beer when you are out.
Skistar has loads of very reasonable priced accommodation, I think they maybe lose customers because people think that the price is pp when it is the price of the accommodation, for the week, whether full or not.
Last season mrsthcramps and I had a very high quality apartment to our selves, 40m from ski in/ski out, with our own sauna, boot warmers, ski clothing dryers, wifi, good kitchen, etc, in march for £460 (in total, not each). we were 10 mins max from the town walking.
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Thank you all. I am always amazed by the knowledge snowheads have in their heads. So air is booked, will arrive are march 26, and get to ski 27/28/29 and part of the 30th. Then off to a crazy dinner, which is the reason my mate is going, he is a chef and lusts over the cooking being done at faiveken.
Looking for lodging now, and if anyone finds themselves there at the same time and fancies a meet, give me a shout.
Thanks again. Such good info and impossible to find anywhere else.
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Enjoy  Remember, in resort you cn save a lot at lunchtime by using one of the warming picnic huts where they even have microwaves so that you can heat your own food.
When we went we all took a 5lt box of wine in our main cases, helped out a lot with the drinks bill, although the gov booze shop wasn't as pricey as we expected.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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use skistar, best website ever
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Quit skiing for the day here in Åre, wet day .... where's the best bar?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Not young and got 2 kids in tow, a decent boozer would be nice 
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You know it makes sense.
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Hmm, my kids always join apres ski in Switzerland ... and before you say it ... yes, this isn't Switzerland. Anywhere a bit family friendly aka tolerant?
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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There used to be a beer bar a little up from Villa tottebo into a yard. Sell local beer very quiet.
edit: But can not find it on the net anymore!
http://www.are360.com/en/Dine/Bars--Nightlife/
I can not do better sorry - did stayed in Duved.
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Fri 30-12-16 14:07; edited 1 time in total
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Poster: A snowHead
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Parkvillan, opens at 17.00
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Whoo getting cold up there in a weeks time - remember to dress up. Around minus 20 in daytime sounds cold.
@Themasterpiece, good you know the area. 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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The hotel at the top of the Bergbanan lift seems to be a place of heavy metal mayhem from about 4pm onwards, if you like that sort of thing
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Very wet here at the mo but must soldier on. Kids in pool today so just me doing a bit of water skiing .... the higher the better of course. Tried http://www.parkvillan.se last night, small bar with great beer, small restaurant at the back (very burger based) with beers to match the food .. 12 draught beers, yummy. Going to eat there later. Getting cold in the days to come and as per the rest of Europe, needs more snow
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@dvb, thanks for the tip re Park Villan - will visit in Feb. Seems to be unseasonably warm ATM in Are.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@dobby, it is what it is, gotta get out. Met a couple of groups today ski touring and had a chat, might be the best option tomorrow as the ski pass price is not worth it in these conditions, still great to be off work and in the mountains
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I saw it had been raining. That sucks. But as you say @dvb it is what it is. You could look at the skistar experiences under the ski school section of the website - you may be the only one signed up. Avalanche intro is interesting. There was a small avalanche a few days ago, seems naturally triggered https://www.freeride.se/mindre-lavin-i-are/
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@dvb, I quite agree. I'm very much of the opinion that it's a ski holiday so you go skiing. Seems like it's going to get a little colder.....min. temp when we were there last year was only -16C - not too bad, but a bit charpy on the lifts.
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FAQ
