Vemdalen Information

Apres-ski

Vemdalen is hardly famous for its après-ski scene but, as with most things Scandinavian, there is a pleasant, laid-back feel to several of the venues that offer evening entertainment.

Among the livelier bars for après-ski in Vemdalen is Baggen (Vemdalsskalets Högfjällshotell (tel: 46 68 415 100; www.vemdalsskalet.com/), which has a good party atmosphere and live music. Other venues of note are Hotell Klövsjöfjäll (tel: +46 682 413 100; www.klovsjofjall.se), in Klövsjö, and Passet at SkiLodge Skalspasset (tel: +46 684 30 100; www.passetvemdalen.se); a lively new on-mountain evening spot with live bands in high season.

The Anorak Restaurant and Bar (tel: +46 684 312 13; www.anorak.nu) is a good option for drinks as soon as the slopes close, with an ideal location at the base of the runs in Skalspasset.

Eating out

There are now more than 20 restaurants in and around Vemdalen, and the number of options continue to grow year on year.

Among the best restaurants in Vemdalen is Hildings Krog (tel: +46 684 31330; www.hildingskrog.se), which serves top-quality food based on local ingredients, and has panoramic views over the Hovdebacken slopes at Vemdalskalet.

The Anorak restaurant (tel: +46 68 431 011: www.vemdalen.se/foretag/linger-cafe/) serves Swedish style tapas, along with more usual fodder including great steaks. Meanwhile, Linger café (tel: +46 68 431 011) is one of the most popular eateries in the resort, serving hot sandwiches using bread baked in their own stone oven.

At Björnrike, there are a handful of cosy eateries offering both à la carte and pizza options, as well as the Grizzly Bar and Grill (tel: +46 684 15380; www.grizzlybar.se), which dishes up American-style burgers and barbecue dishes.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Due to the small size of the resort, Vemdalen’s activity offerings away from the slopes are relatively limited; and those offered primarily revolve around being out on the snow in one form or another.

Visitors can go on a snowmobile safari, try their hand at dog sledding, take part in various kinds of trekking trips in the mountains or discover Vemdalen’s mountains and wilderness on horseback. An additional option is to try the traditional pastime of ice fishing, a recreational activity still widely enjoyed by the local community. Ice climbing is also an increasingly popular activity for those with a head for heights.

For those still itching to strap on the skis, there are nearly 300km (186 miles) of well-prepared cross-country skiing tracks to explore. Of these, machine-groomed trails total 50km (31 miles) – guaranteeing snow cover – and are prepared for both skating and classic styles.

Family fun

Vemdalen is a great option for skiing families on account of its many gentle, uncrowded slopes with soft snow cover. The resort’s lift network is becoming increasingly family friendly too, with recent investment in fast, easy-to-use six-seater chairlifts and conveyor lifts. Björnrike, in particular, is well suited for young skiers and its resident ski school is very good, with English-speaking instructors.

In terms of activities, there are children’s clubs with dedicated ski and play areas in all three ski areas, while the bowling hall in the village keeps both kids and adults entertained.

Children up to the age of seven do not have to pay for SkiPasses if wearing a helmet, while those between eight and 15 pay a heavily discounted fee.

Retail therapy

There is limited shopping of note in Vemdalen as the majority of stores are either under the broad umbrella of ‘essentials’ – such as grocery shops, a baker’s and a pharmacy – or ski rental outfits.

There are, however, a small number of independent shops selling gifts, handicrafts or antiques in the central village area.

Splashing out

Head to Storhogna Högfjällshotell & Spa (tel: +46 682 413 030; www.storhogna.com) for a weekend of pampering. Choose from a range of spa treatments, encompassing everything from facials to full-body scrubs, or more particular treatments for hands and feet. The various kinds of massage on offer are also worth exploring. Additionally, there is a pool, gym and relaxation areas.

Hotels

Choose from accommodation either located within the village or on the slopes. There is a great range of bed and breakfasts, hostels, guest houses, private cabins and hotels in Vemdalen to suit most budgets.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap