To book accommodation in Sälen requires forward planning, especially during winter when demand is highest. The most popular weeks - sports licence, Christmas, New Year and Easter - often fill up a whole year in advance. Families targeting weeks 7-9 usually book as early as spring the year before, while the most attractive houses disappear even earlier. If you wait until autumn, the best locations may be gone or much more expensive.
When should you book for winter?
Christmas and New Year's weeks are the most sought-after and are often booked 12 months in advance. Easter, especially when it falls late, quickly becomes fully booked in early summer. Also the high season in February-March require advance planning, while January and April offer better availability - but popular weekends can still require at least 4-8 months of planning. Early bookers not only get a better price but also greater choice in both house size and location.
Summer, autumn and low season
During summer and autumn, booking rates slow down. For most of them summer weeks is enough 2-4 months in advance, but the Midsummer weekend should be secured as early as the New Year as it attracts many who want to combine celebrations with hiking and cycling. August gets booked up quickly when holiday planning starts, so April-May is a good time to book. Autumn holidays (week 44) have become an increasingly strong mini-peak season - book by June-July if you need lots of beds or want a spa and views.
Factors affecting how early you should book
Large houses for 10-20 people go first whatever the season. Location strongly influences: ski-in/ski-out at Sälfjällstorget or Lindvallen, saunas, jacuzzis, electric car chargers and panoramic views are most in demand. If you want the most exclusive options like Sälengodset, Fjällgodset or Olarslodgen, you should book early. However, if you have flexible dates, can travel Sunday-Thursday and avoid holidays, you can often find affordable last-minute options.
Smart booking strategy
For winter: be ready 9-12 months in advance if you want the most popular weeks. For summer, 3-4 months is enough, except for midsummer which requires longer notice. If you want to squeeze the price in the low season, last-minute bookings sometimes work, but then you need flexibility in both house and dates. Those who book early almost always win in freedom of choice - and get time to plan activities, conference travel or event in peace and quiet.
Executive summary
The bigger the house, the more sought-after the week and the more options - the earlier you should book. For the winter season, book up to a year in advance, for summer a few months is enough, and for the off-season you can sometimes bargain late. Whatever the season, it is wise to see availability and book early to ensure you get the best house and peace of mind for your trip to the mountains.