Short answer: In the winter of 2026/27, Lindvallen will open on 4 December, and Högfjället, Tandådalen, Hundfjället, Stöten and Kläppen will open on 10–11 December. The last day of skiing is 4 April at Kläppen, 11 April at Högfjället, Tandådalen, Hundfjället and Stöten, and 18 April at Lindvallen. This gives 16–19 weeks of skiing, depending on the resort. These dates are the resorts’ planned season dates – the lifts open as soon as the snow allows, sometimes earlier, and snow conditions determine exactly when they close. The full range of off-piste winter activities – snowmobiling, dog sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing – is summarised in Winter in Sälen, and everything about the area in Sälenfjällen.
2026/27 season dates – venue by venue
Here is how the resorts themselves have planned for the winter of 2026/27. SkiStar reserves the right to make changes and will open Lindvallen in conjunction with Ski Test Weekend or as soon as snow conditions permit.
| Facility | Opens | Last day of skiing | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lindvallen (SkiStar) | 4 December 2026 | 18 April 2027 | approx. 19 |
| Högfjället (SkiStar) | 11 December 2026 | 11 April 2027 | approx. 17 |
| Tandådalen (SkiStar) | 11 December 2026 | 11 April 2027 | approx. 17 |
| Hundfjället (SkiStar) | 11 December 2026 | 11 April 2027 | approx. 17 |
| Stöten | 10 December 2026 | 11 April 2027 | approx. 17 |
| Kläppen | 11 December 2026 | 4 April 2027 | approx. 16 |
SkiStar’s alpine snow guarantee applies from 18 December 2026, whilst Stöten’s applies from the opening day. Kläppen will also be opening its autumn park with stored snow as early as 2 October, but this is a limited-access park and does not form part of the regular season. The weeks with the most reliable snow conditions are listed in When is snow most likely in Sälen?.
How long is the skiing season in Sälen?
Counting from the opening day to the last day of skiing, the season lasts 16–19 weeks depending on the resort: longest at Lindvallen, which opens first and closes last, and shortest at Kläppen. The full range of slopes is rarely open at the same time – in December and April, only a selection of runs are open, whilst from Christmas to Easter, all are open. The start of the season is determined by the cold weather and snow production, and the end by the spring sunshine. This is how it has worked out in recent seasons:
- 2025/26: Lindvallen opened on 28 November at Högfjället; Tandådalen–Hundfjället and Stöten opened on 11–12 December.
- 2023/24: SkiStar opened quietly in the middle of the autumn half-term on 2 November, and the last day of skiing in Sälen was Sunday 21 April.
How Sälen compares with other locations is set out in Which mountain resort has the longest skiing season?.
Start of the season and early winter
When the nights become consistently cold, the snow cannons kick into action, and Lindvallen usually opens first – on 4 December in the winter of 2026/27, or earlier if the snow arrives. Högfjället and Tandådalen It opens on 11 December; Stöten opens on 10 December with a Grand Opening weekend from 10 to 13 December. During the first few weeks, the range of activities will expand week by week – perfect for those who want plenty of space on the slopes and appreciate the peace and quiet before the pre-Christmas rush.
Christmas, New Year and winter holidays
From mid-December to the Epiphany, the atmosphere is at its peak. Trees, lights and celebrations meet freshly groomed slopes and sparkling evenings. This is the high season for both skiing and atmosphere - but also the time when you should book ski school, equipment and restaurant visits in good time. In January, the pace slows down again: the slopes are well groomed, the days shorter and the prices slightly lower - perfect for those looking for snow safety and tranquillity.
Sports holidays, February and full winter
From the end of January through February, Sälen is at its snowiest. All areas - from Hundfjället to Stöten - is open with full service. During the sports holiday weeks (7-10), the pace is faster, but the atmosphere is family-friendly and full of activities. If you want to avoid the crowds, choose the weeks before or after the holidays and go early in the day. For variety, combine skiing with other winter experiences such as snowmobiling, ice fishing or a sauna evening in the cabin.
Spring winter and the end of the season
March and April bring spring winter - for many, the most favourite time of year. The sun is high, the days are long and you can combine firm morning slopes with sunshine and softer afternoon snow. Spring winter in Sälen is synonymous with a coffee break in the snow, lighter clothing and a more relaxed pace. Easter 2027 falls early, from 26 to 29 March, after which there are one to three weeks remaining: Kläppen closes on 4 April, Högfjället, Tandådalen, Hundfjället and Stöten on 11 April, whilst Lindvallen will remain open until 18 April. As always, the weather and snow conditions will determine exactly how long the lifts remain open.
Weather, planning and tips
Seasonal variations make planning important. Choose January for cold, fast slopes; February for the most snow; March for light and sun; and December for Christmas spirit and the chance of fresh snow. Whatever the time - book accommodation, ski school and tables in advance during weekends and holidays. Follow daily updates via resort apps to see which lifts and slopes are open. Remember sun protection in March-April and layered clothing as temperatures change. Driving an electric car to the mountains? See current charging stations on the page Electric cars & charging.
Executive summary
The 2026/27 ski season at Sälen runs from 4 December to 18 April at Lindvallen, and from 10–11 December to 4–11 April at other resorts. The start is dictated by the cold, the end by the spring sunshine. By choosing the right weeks – quiet January, lively February or sunny March–April – you can tailor your mountain experience to suit you. If you want to minimise the walk to the lift, there is a mountain chalet in Sälen near the ski slopes – we show the actual distance to each house. Our chalets and exclusive mountain houses in Sälen can be found in Lindvallen, Tandådalen and Sälfjället; for those who want extra comfort, there is luxury accommodation with a sauna, spacious communal areas and mountain views. If there are a lot of you travelling, a larger cabin in Sälen for the whole party or large mountain houses for up to 30-50 people the right way, and if you’d like to see in the New Year on the slopes: New Year celebrations in Sälen.