Early spring – March and April – is the time of year that many guests consider to be Sälen’s best: the sun is high in the sky, the days are long, the snow is still on the ground but softens in the afternoon, and the crowds thin out after the school holidays. Below is a comparison of how these two months differ. The whole winter from the first snow: Winter in Sälen.
Sälen in March
Snow: the deepest snow of the season, all resorts open – snow depth in Sälen. Light: around twelve hours of daylight in the middle of the month, and the sun is starting to warm things up – sunny weeks in the mountains. People: Week 9 (1–7 March) is the busiest week of the sports holiday, with Stockholm and Dalarna on holiday; week 10 is the Norrland holiday; after that, it’s quiet until Easter, which in 2027 will take place on 26–29 March. Vasaloppet takes place on Sunday 7 March. Price: Standard winter rates in all properties – from 55,250 SEK for a week in Villa Åsstigen to 87,500 SEK in Fjällgodset; Easter week costs the same. Opening hours: everything. Do: skiing in the morning, a spot in the sun for lunch, cross-country skiing in The calf’s turn, and selected lifts run until 18.00 – Lindvallen every day, Högfjället on Friday–Saturday, Tandådalen on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Hundfjället on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Magic Mountain is lit up until 7 March: ski lift opening hours.
Sälen in April
Snow: Light snow in the afternoon, heavy in the morning. The season ends on 11 April at Högfjället, Tandådalen, Hundfjället and Stöten, and on 18 April at Lindvallen – the skiing season. Light: fourteen to fifteen hours. People: With Easter falling in March, April 2027 is quiet from the very first day; the final week of Lindvallen is filled by Ski & Rock and the SkiStar Winter Games on 15–18 April. Price: Standard winter price until 10 April, after which prices will be lower for Sälengodset (62,500 SEK per week instead of 82,500) and Fjällgodset (67,500 instead of 87,500); Olarslodgen and Stenlodgen will retain the winter price until 24 April. Opening hours: The ski lifts close at the end of the season; the winter restaurants follow suit. Do: spring skiing, Ski & Rock, and, at the end of the month, the first hikes in the valley – go for a walk in the spring. The weather month by month: weather in Sälen.
Skiing in the sun
Start the day on skis while the surface is at its best. The cold of the night provides firm, fast pistes in the morning - perfect for carving in Lindvallen, Högfjället, Tandådalen and Hundfjället. Towards lunch, the snow softens, the speed slows and the focus shifts to sun and company. Take a break on a terrace or create your own picnic spot in the snow with hot chocolate and a sandwich. The feeling of sun, snow and tranquillity is the signature of spring winter.
Cross-country skiing and nature experiences
For many, spring is the best time for cross-country skiing. The trails are of a high standard and the light makes the tours extra enjoyable. Choose between shorter sessions for technique and pulse or longer mountain trails with miles of views. Bring a thermos and a seat mat - sitting down in the shelter and looking out over the mountain ranges is as much a part of the experience as the skiing. For variety, combine skiing with snowmobile safari or ice fishing on the frozen lakes.
Children, family and activities
For families with children, spring winter is ideal: longer days, moderate temperatures and plenty of off-piste activities. Build snow huts, roll snowballs or visit Trollskogen in Hundfjället where the fairytale environment lives on even in March and April. A shorter walking tour in the mountain forest or a visit to Experium for swimming and playing are perfect breaks when your legs want to rest from skiing.
Afterski, sauna and dining experiences
When the sun is at its highest, the afterski moves out onto the terraces. A drink in the sun, music in the background and mountains in the eye - it's hard not to smile. Later in the evening, a sauna, warm floors and maybe a dip in the jacuzzi or hot tub await. Want to make it easy? Book a holiday private chef in the cottage or catering for a comfortable evening where the food matches the view. For larger parties, the Sälengodset and Fjällgodset excellent - with large lounge areas, sauna and ski storage.
Planning and security
Ski early in the day when the snow is at its best and reserve the afternoon for sunbathing or cross-country skiing. Spring winter requires flexibility in clothing choices - layers work best. Mornings can be cold, but afternoons warm in shelter. Don't forget sun protection and UV glasses - the reflection in the snow is strong. On the ice, be careful: follow local advice and signposts. If you are travelling by car, be aware that the roads can be frosty at dawn and dusk, even if the day is above freezing. If you drive an electric car, plan to charge via Sälens charging stations.
Accommodation and leisure
In early spring, the morning snow is the best – if you’re staying by the lift, you’ll make the most of it. The Skiers Lodge offers ski-in/ski-out access in Lindvallen; Stenlodgen is next to Olarslodgen at Sälfjällstorget; and Gattarstugan is about one kilometre from the nearest lift in Tandådalen; Olarslodgen is situated at Sälfjällstorget, with restaurants just round the corner. All the houses, with distances: Ski-in, ski-out at Sälen. If you want to avoid the morning rush: breakfast delivery to the house.
Executive summary
Spring winter in Sälen is the best time in the mountains for many: the best snow of winter meets the warmth and light of spring. Fewer visitors, better weather and a natural pace where activity and enjoyment go hand in hand. It's the season for quality of life, sun on your face and mountains that sparkle well into April.