Almén Ski Lodge, a hidden gem in the outback of Åre

This is a private-owned self catered lodge. So don’t expect any other service except the one you bring on your own. You might find this a bit uncomfortable, but trust me. Once you have checked in and settled down, you will realize why you made this reservation in the first place.

You will notice the sound of silence. There are no roads in sight. No snowmobiles are allowed. Exceptions are made only to reach the houses, that are scattered here and there on the mountainside. Then you have the view, and what a view! If the sky is clear, you can see all the way to Norway. The border is approx 60 kilometers away, as the crow flies.

Even if it feels remote, there are only 900 meters down to the nearest ski lift and car park. Not far away, you will find the Buustamon fjällgård. An old vintage hotel where you can go for a drink or dinner. This is however a cottage where you should leave your alpine skis behind and go cross-country or randonnée. I mean, the snow is on the front porch and there is where your skiing adventure starts.

After a good day skiing, you can sit down in the living-room, enjoying the panorama over the Scandinavian mountains. Hearing the sound of the open fire crackle behind you. If you fancy a sauna and a snow-bath (and who doesn’t), there is a separate sauna house for your convenience.

annons

When you are out on your ski expeditions, you might stumble into a herd of reindeer. Watch them, but keep a distance as they get scared easily. In Sweden, there are no wild reindeer. All animals in the herd are owned by some member of the local indigenous people. Anyway, once out there, don’t forget to pay Lillåstugan a visit. This is a small, authentically family-owned café on the mountainside, not far from your current residence. Once there, you shall order a Swedish waffle with cloudberry jam and whipped cream and a “kokkaffe” (stove brewed coffee) to go with that. Now you are close to heaven.

Remember, this is a road less country, so the only way to reach the cottage is by foot, by skiing or with a snowmobile. The house hosts six people, but serves best for a couple or two. As it’s a private own cabin, you can check for availability by sending us an e-mail, and we will be happy to forward your request to the owner.