Sweden

Beginner - Learn to Ski Holiday

Travel

  • You are responsible for booking your own travel.

    Our hotel is located in the heart of the Southern Åre Mountains, is renowned not only for its fantastic alpine skiing and beautiful trails but also for its rich history.

    It is an hour's drive from Åre Östersund Airport, Sweden.

    It is two hour’s drive from Trondheim international airport in Norway.

    Our transfers are from Trondheim airport, Norway, because there is much better availability of flights to and from the UK.

  • Transfers to and from Trondheim Airport (Norway) are included for the following times.

    Sunday - Sunday Trips

    Transfer Times

    Arrival Day: Trondheim Airport at 18:45

    Departure Day: Trondheim Airport at 15:30

    Arrival Day

    Norwegian DY1305:

    London Gatwick 12:35 ✈ Oslo Gardermoen 15:45

    Connect in airport

    Norwegian DY762:

    Oslo Gardermoen 17:00 ✈ Trondheim 17:55

    Note: Booking a through-flight with Norwegian lets you connect in Oslo without going through immigration.

    Departure Day

    Norwegian DY1340:

    Trondheim 17:50 ✈ London Gatwick 19:25 (direct)

    Thursday - Thursday Trips

    Transfer Times

    Arrival Day: Trondheim Airport at 16:05

    Departure Day: Trondheim Airport at 15:30

    Arrival Day

    Norwegian DY1303:

    London Gatwick 09:15 ✈ Oslo Gardermoen 12:25

    Connect in airport

    Norwegian DY756:

    Oslo Gardermoen 14:40 ✈ Trondheim 15:35

    Note: Booking a through-flight with Norwegian lets you connect in Oslo without going through immigration.

    Departure Day

    Norwegian DY1340:

    Trondheim 17:50 ✈ London Gatwick 19:25 (direct)

  • Sunday - Sunday Trips

    Arrival day recommended flight: Norwegian

    Norwegian DY1305:

    London Gatwick 12:35 ✈ Oslo Gardermoen 15:45

    Connect in airport

    Norwegian DY762:

    Oslo Gardermoen 17:00 ✈ Trondheim 17:55

    Note: Booking a through-flight with Norwegian lets you connect in Oslo without going through immigration.


    Departure day recommended flight: Norwegian

    Norwegian DY1340:

    Trondheim 17:50 ✈ London Gatwick 19:25 (direct)

    Thursday - Thursday Trips

    Arrival Day

    Norwegian DY1303:

    London Gatwick 09:15 ✈ Oslo Gardermoen 12:25

    Connect in airport

    Norwegian DY756:

    Oslo Gardermoen 14:40 ✈ Trondheim 15:35

    Note: Booking a through-flight with Norwegian lets you connect in Oslo without going through immigration.

    Departure Day

    Norwegian DY1340:

    Trondheim 17:50 ✈ London Gatwick 19:25 (direct)

    Please note that Gutsy Girls cannot book travel and is not responsible for your travel to Trondheim and that this information is just provided as a guide to help you!

  • Yes if you prefer you can fly to Åre Östersund Airport, which is a 1 hour drive to Trillevallen

    We will not be able to pick you up from Åre Östersund Airport.

    You can book an airport bus at https://transfer.flygtaxi.se/are 

    You need to get off at "Undersåker vid Sportshop"

    Please email us at bookings@gutsygirls.co.uk with your arrival time, and someone from the hotel will be at the bus stop to collect you (free)

    On departure, we will book you a taxi to "Undersåker vid Sportshop" in time for the airport bus back to the airport. This will cost 500 SEK (1-4 passengers)

    If you want a private taxi direct from Åre Östersund airport to Trillevallen, please email us. The cost will be in the region of:

    • One way (1-4 passengers): 1.600 SEK

    Please note that Gutsy Girls cannot book travel and is not responsible for your travel to Trondheim and that this information is just provided as a guide to help you!

  • Yes. There are daily departures of day and night trains from Malmö, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Uppsala, and Gävle, among others. The trains stop in Undersåker.

    Please email us at bookings@gutsygirls.co.uk with your arrival time, and someone from the hotel will be at Undersåker train station to collect you (free)

    On departure, we will book you a taxi to Undersåker train station in time for your train. This will cost 500 SEK (1-4 passengers)

    You can book trains at https://www.sj.se/en/. SJ releases the train tickets in four batches throughout the year. In October 2024 you can book tickets until March 17, 2025. 

  • If you have extra time, Trondheim is worth exploring. It’s a vibrant city with a rich history, stunning natural surroundings, and a lively cultural scene. Here are some highlights:

    • Nidaros Cathedral: The most significant medieval structure in Norway, this stunning cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a pilgrimage site.

    • Bakklandet: The charming old town features colorful wooden houses, cozy cafes, and unique shops. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll or to experience local culture.

    • Outdoor Adventures: Trondheim offers access to amazing outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and, in winter, even fat biking on the surrounding trails. The nearby fjords and mountains provide breathtaking views.

    • Historical Sites: The city has several museums, like the Archbishop’s Palace Museum, and remnants of its Viking past.

    • Food Scene: Trondheim is known for its excellent food culture, with plenty of local seafood and farm-to-table restaurants.

  • We will connect you with others on the trip via WhatsApp, so you may be able to arrange to travel together.

Accommodation

  • Trillevallen’s Mountain Hotel, or Trillevallens Högfjällshotell, is a historic and charming retreat nestled in Sweden’s Southern Åre Mountains. Established in 1938, it offers a mix of slope-side rooms, apartments, villas, and lodges, all combining classic mountain ambiance with modern comforts. The rooms are comfy and simple, but light and airy.

    The hotel has its own sauna.

    Guests enjoy hearty mountain breakfasts and dinners highlighting local Jämtland cuisine. Trillevallen is renowned for its excellent skiing opportunities, offering 21 slopes and eight lifts suitable for all skill levels. In addition to alpine skiing, the area provides 120 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails and scenic touring routes.

    Known for its tranquil, relaxed atmosphere, it serves as a serene escape surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. 

  • Yes, towels and hairdryers are provided in the rooms.

  • Laundry facilities are not available. You can bring travel wash or soap flakes for handwashing clothes if needed.

Food

  • You will enjoy a generous mountain breakfast each morning and a delicious dinner in the evening, featuring dishes prepared mainly from Jämtland’s local ingredients. The hotel's restaurant emphasises regional cuisine, providing an authentic taste of the local flavours.

  • Yes, we can cater for all dietary requirements. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary preferences in advance.

Activities

  • Our beginner downhill ski holidays are rated moderate.

    The trip is perfect for beginners, with no previous winter sport experience, however you’ll need a good level of fitness to get the most from this experience.

    What to Expect

    • Duration: Each day you’ll be active for 6-7 hours

    • Intensity: Although you will  be taking ski lifts to get up the hills, you will need a good level of fitness as it’s a physical sport, especially when you’re just starting out!

    • Downhill: You will need to be comfortable gaining speed on a slope.

    • Sliding Motion: Being comfortable with a gliding sensation is essential.

    • Falling: You’ll need to be comfortable with the idea of falling over!

    • Cold Exposure: While activity generates warmth, this area of Sweden often sees temperatures dip below freezing. We'll advise you on effective layering to stay warm.

    • Consecutive Activity: This trip involves several days of consecutive skiing, which can be tiring.

    If you have any questions about this, please do get in touch before booking, we're happy to help!

  • No! This trip is beginner-friendly. Our guides will provide instruction and support throughout the experience. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and try something new.

Gear & Packing

  • We will provide:

    • Skis

    • Poles

    • Ski boots

    • Helmet

  • For alpine skiing in Sweden, you’ll need to stay warm, dry, and comfortable while ensuring freedom of movement. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials for a layered and protective outfit:

    Base Layer (Next to Skin)

    • Top and Bottom: Wear moisture-wicking thermal underwear, ideally made of merino wool or synthetic materials, to keep sweat away from your skin. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and can make you feel cold.

    • Socks: High-quality ski socks (merino wool or synthetic blends) to keep your feet warm.  Again, avoid cotton

    Mid Layer (Insulation)

    • Fleece or Down Jacket: A fleece, synthetic, or down mid-layer will provide insulation. Fleece is a popular choice for moderate temperatures, while down or thicker synthetic layers work well for very cold days.

    Outer Layer (Weather Protection)

    • Ski Jacket: A waterproof and windproof ski jacket with insulation or as a shell, depending on conditions and personal preference. Look for features like a snow skirt, adjustable hood, and ventilation zippers.

    • Ski Trousers / Salopettes: Waterproof and breathable ski salopettes. Insulated options work well for colder days, while shell pants are better for layering and flexibility.

    Accessories

    • Goggles: Choose a pair with UV protection and an anti-fog coating to protect your eyes from snow glare.

    • Neck Gaiter or Buff: Protects your neck and face from wind and cold.

    • Gloves or Mittens: Insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens are crucial. Mittens tend to be warmer, but gloves offer more dexterity.

    • Beanie or Hat: Wear under your helmet if conditions are especially cold.

    Additional Tips

    • Hand Warmers: Small, disposable hand warmers are a nice backup on extra-cold days.

    • Layering Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust layers depending on the temperature and your activity level.

    Since Swedish alpine conditions can be very cold and windy, these layers will help you stay comfortable and prepared for any temperature swings on the mountain.

  • Yes! You can find a detailed packing list here.

  • Yes, bring a small daypack (around 25 - 35L) for essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers. A lightweight dry bag is also recommended to keep things dry.

  • We provide all the necessary equipment for skiing. You will need ski goggles and your own winter walking boots.

  • Gutsy Girls and their providers in Sweden don’t rent out ski clothing directly. 

    However you can rent ski clothing and equipment from a number of outlets:

    Outdoorbuddies Sweden

    This company will deliver directly to the hotel in Sweden.

    Eco Ski

    UK Company - Gutsy Girls Guest get 10% off rental clothing - drop us an email for the code!

    Ski Clothing Hire

Other Questions

  • In Åre, Sweden, winter temperatures can vary significantly but are generally quite cold. Here’s an overview of average temperatures during the ski season months:

    December to February: Temperatures in Åre typically range from -10°C to -3°C (14°F to 27°F) during the day. At night, it can drop lower, especially in January, which is usually the coldest month. This sounds cold, however, for most of the winter in Sweden it is a “dry” cold which tends to feel less cold than “damp” cold.

    March: As spring approaches, temperatures start to warm up a bit, averaging around -6°C to 1°C (21°F to 34°F).

    Wind can make the air feel even colder, and higher elevations on the slopes tend to have chillier temperatures than the village. Dress warmly and in layers to stay comfortable in these conditions!

  • Most places in Sweden accept credit or debit cards, so there’s no need to carry large amounts of cash. If you'd like, you can bring a small amount of local currency for personal expenses.

  • There is no upper age limit for our adventures - we have women up to 70 years old join us.

    The Gutsy Girls community is filled with fun, friendly and supportive women from 18-70+. We never ask your age, just that you are up for an adventure!

    As a rough guide, most Gutsy Girls guests are 24-60 years old, with around 60% in their 30s-40s. After a day learning to ride, mountain biking over the hills, hiking to peaks for incredible views or exploring remote locations by paddleboard and kayak, everyone’s ages become irrelevant as we bond over our experiences.

  • Absolutely! Many of our participants join solo, and it’s a great way to meet new, like-minded friends. We’ll connect you with other participants via a WhatsApp group before the trip.

  • Whenever possible we use female instructors and guides, however we cannot always guarantee this, simply because there are fewer female instructors available!

    Our first priority is to work with the most highly experienced and considerate instructors and guides, who are patient, friendly and as passionate as we are about building women’s confidence in the outdoors.

    Simply due to the ratio of men to women in the outdoors industry, sometimes this means our guides and instructors are male.

    We keep a close eye on the feedback our guides receive from our guests as we believe that overall this is more important than their gender. We sincerely hope that as more women are introduced to adventure sports and activities, the amount of female guides and instructors in our industry will increase.

  • If the weather affects the planned activities, we will adjust the itinerary as needed. Safety is our top priority, and we always have backup options for indoor or alternative activities.

  • The itinerary for this trip can be found on the Gutsy Girls website on the relevant page.

    Please note however that our itineraries are never set in stone and that our guides will often swap things around to make the most of the given weather conditions on each day and taking the current forecast into account. 

    Please be flexible with our guides who work hard to ensure we are able to have adventures and stay safe at the same time.