Åre for international visitors

In Sweden, cars must use winter tyres from 1 December to 31 March whenever winter road conditions apply. Studded tyres are permitted from 1 October to 15 April, and outside that window when winter conditions apply. Rental cars picked up in Sweden come fitted for winter – if you rent abroad and drive here, confirm it with the rental company.

Roads to Åre and Björnen are ploughed and gritted continuously, but snowfall, ice and wind-packed snow happen. Allow more time than the map suggests, drive with headlights on at all times and keep a generous distance. Moose and reindeer move close to the road, particularly at dawn and dusk.

1. 1.Winter tyres 1 December–31 March in winter conditions.
2. 2.Studded tyres allowed 1 October–15 April.
3. 3.Dipped headlights on day and night, all year.
4. 4.Allow extra travel time and braking distance.
5. 5.Watch for moose and reindeer at dawn and dusk.

Cards work everywhere – lift tickets, groceries, restaurants and buses. Many places do not accept cash at all. Visa and Mastercard are accepted generally; American Express is less reliable in smaller businesses.

Swish is the Swedish mobile payment system and requires a Swedish personal number and bank ID, so it is normally unavailable to visitors. Tipping is not expected in restaurants or taxis – rounding up is more than enough.

1. 1.Bring cards rather than cash.
2. 2.Visa and Mastercard work best.
3. 3.Swish requires Swedish bank ID, rarely available to visitors.
4. 4.Tipping is not expected.

Systembolaget has the sole right to sell drinks stronger than 3.5 percent alcohol by volume. Opening hours are limited, stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, and the minimum age is 20. Bring photo ID.

Supermarkets only carry beer up to 3.5 percent. In restaurants and bars the minimum age is 18. The nearest Systembolaget is in Åre village, about 7 km from Björnen – shop before the weekend if you arrive late on a Friday.

1. 1.Systembolaget sells everything above 3.5 percent.
2. 2.Age limit 20 in store, 18 in bars and restaurants.
3. 3.Closed Sundays and public holidays.
4. 4.Nearest store: Åre village, about 7 km.

Call 112 in an emergency – it covers police, ambulance, fire and mountain rescue, and the call can be handled in English. For non-urgent matters call 1177 for round-the-clock medical advice, which also directs you to the right clinic.

There is a health centre and a pharmacy in Åre village. If you come from the EU or EEA, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). From outside the EU you need travel insurance covering medical care – ski injuries may require specific cover.

1. 1.112 – emergencies, English spoken.
2. 2.1177 – medical advice around the clock.
3. 3.Health centre and pharmacy in Åre village.
4. 4.EU/EEA: bring EHIC. Others: travel insurance including skiing.

Sockets are 230 volts, type C and F – the same as Germany and most of the continent. Visitors from the UK, Ireland and Switzerland need an adapter. Mobile coverage is good in the valley and across the lift system, and EU roaming is free of charge.

Tap water is excellent and meant to be drunk – there is no reason to buy bottled water. Supermarkets are in Åre village, with a smaller grocery store in Björnen. Waste sorting is standard in Sweden and separate bins are provided at the lodge.

1. 1.230 V, type C and F sockets.
2. 2.Adapter needed from the UK, Ireland and Switzerland.
3. 3.Tap water is safe to drink.
4. 4.Supermarkets in Åre village, small store in Björnen.

In December daylight runs roughly from nine to three, which shortens the skiing day and lengthens the evening by the fire. March and April bring long days, and in May it stays light late. Northern lights can appear on clear winter evenings but can never be guaranteed.

The Swedish right of public access lets you hike, pick berries and mushrooms and camp briefly in nature – with responsibility attached: do not disturb, do not destroy, keep your distance from houses and reindeer, and carry all rubbish out with you.

1. 1.December: daylight roughly 9 am to 3 pm.
2. 2.March–May: long days and spring sun.
3. 3.The right of public access applies – with responsibility.
4. 4.Keep distance from reindeer and leave no litter.