There doesn't seem to be too much English-language information on skiing in Scandinavia on the internet. I know there aren't too many skiers on this site, but I'll ask anyway. I seem to recall watching a downhill competition on Europsports last year that was either in late October or early November. So... anyone have an idea how early the slopes open? Most of the downhill resorts I'm finding seem to be in Norway or the far north of Finland.
Posted by
London, UK
470 posts
Tom, I've not skied in Sweden so dont have personal information. But you could try the Ski Club of Great Britain - www.skiclub.co.uk. You could also check out the websites of UK ski package holiday providers to see how early they go there - eg Thomas Cook, Chrystal Holidays, Inghams.
Posted by
Espoo, Finland
102 posts
I just did a seach on Google:"lapland ski resorts" and I got tons of stuff in English. Shouldn't be difficult to find something that you like. Looks like the season starts in October.
Posted by
OP
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I saw a few sites for Lapland, but not much concrete information about the pistes...
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
I'm not a skier, but I have been skiing at Vemdalen and Idre in Sweden. I stuck to the beginner slopes so cannot really comment on the "real" slopes at these resorts. Most Swede's consider Åre to be the best skiing in Sweden. I checked the Åre website and it looks like they guarantee most of the lifts to open 9 December this year (they use artificial snow if needed). However, some of the lifts will open once the first snow arrives in November. Another popular resort in Sweden is Sälen. There are multiple places to ski in Sälen. One resort, Tandådalen says that it opens "As early as possible (at the end of October or beginning of November). " Information on several of these resorts can be found on http://www.skistar.com/en/ For resorts in Sweden, I think you will find most info in English. However, if you need help with any sites in Swedish, I'll be happy to help.