Östersund – Winter experiences in the city with mountain views

For the family who wants more than just skiing on their ski holiday

Östersund is the capital of the region, and the proximity between the city and the mountains is just one of the things that make it a unique destination. There are 90 km of cross-country ski trails and three ski lifts with slopes right in the city. Since 2010, Östersund has been a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, thanks to the culinary experiences available in the city’s restaurants, which reflect the regional food culture. The city boasts a rich selection of restaurants, shopping, several hotels, and a vibrant city center characterized by being a university town with many students.

A ski holiday in Östersund offers:

• Cross-country skiing on 90 km of groomed trails
• Alpine skiing
• The Moose Park
• Long-distance ice skating
• Winter cycling
• Ice fishing
• Winter park for children
• Winter bathing
• Spa options
• Museums
• Storsjöbadet water park
• Multichallenge Adventure House with indoor activities for children and adults

Transport

• Flight: You can travel to Åre/Östersund Airport, which is only 15 minutes from Östersund city center. SAS has direct flights during winter from Copenhagen Denmark to Åre/Östersund Airport.
• By train: With SJ, Norrtåg or Snälltåget to Östersund railway station.
• Car: Östersund is easily accessible by car. It is 400 km from Umeå (4.5 hours), 560 km from Stockholm (6.5 hours), and 780 km from Gothenburg (10 hours). Rental car firms in Jämtland Härjedalen.

Large and small destinations for a ski holiday in Sweden

A large or small ski resort can have different advantages depending on the skiing experience your family desires. A smaller place is more manageable, often with fewer guests and more space in the slopes, as well as peace and quiet when taking the ski lift. If the children are old enough to ski on their own, it is often easy to agree on a central meeting point without worrying about them getting lost. Good size, manageable ski resorts of Jämtland Härjedalen: Trillevallen, Bydalsfjällen, Lofsdalen, or Storlien.

If you’re looking for a wide range of activities besides skiing, then the city of Östersund will suit you. If you’re seeking even smaller, cozy, and affordable options, you might want to consider Kullstabacken in Hammarstrand, which has a nearby hotel and cabins, or Stora Blåsjön in Frostviken, with hotels, cabins, and camping facilities nearby.

A larger ski resort offers more options, more varied skiing, and if your family has completely different preferences for skiing and activities, this can be an advantage, allowing both beginners and experienced skiers to have a really good experience. The larger ski resorts have more facilities, including indoor activities if needed due to the weather. The largest ski resort in Jämtland Härjedalen is Åre, where the areas of Åre Björnen and Duved-Tegefjäll are the most family-friendly. Åre has quite a few restaurants, cafés and nightlife. Vemdalen and Funäsfjällen are two other large ski areas, also with a very wide range of slopes and facilities that cater to both beginners and experienced skiers with a wide selection of restaurants and cafés.