Sälen is located in the western Dalarna and consists of several separate mountain systems that together form the destination ”Sälenfjällen”. This means that the altitude varies quite a lot between valleys, residential areas and highest rideable points. As a rule of thumb, you'll find yourself in the valleys at around 400-600 metres, while the ride and viewpoints often move up towards the 700-900 metre level. This variation is also one of the reasons why Sälen suits so many types of visitors: it's easily accessible low mountain with a distinct mountain feel, without the need to go to extreme heights.
Sälenfjällen – the peaks and heights
The peaks in Sälenfjällen reach around 900 metres above sea level: Östra Granfjället at Stöten is the highest at 948 metres, Stor-Närfjället north of Tandådalen reaches 931 metres and Hundfjället 925 metres. The tree line is low and has risen – researchers noted as early as 2007 that the birch forest had climbed over the old bare mountain peaks – so the ‘mountain’ feel in Sälen comes from the vastness and the open moors rather than from the altitude. Which mountains these are, which is the largest, and where the nature reserves are located: the mountains in Sälen – which is the largest and nature reserves and national parks near Sälen. Facts, history and nature all in one place: about Sälen.
Elevation levels of different areas
If we look area by area, the picture becomes clearer. Lindvallen, the most family-orientated part of Sälen, extends roughly from 410m up to around 740m above sea level. Here you'll find gentle slopes, wide pistes and close access to services - perfect if you're looking for reasonably long runs and smooth logistics. Next door is Högfjället, which offers more of a bare mountain feel; here you'll be moving at between 500 and 830 metres above sea level, and the views from the open areas are often part of the experience.
Tandådalen, Hundfjället and Kläppen
On the western side you will find Tandådalen and Hundfjället. Tandådalen is roughly between 390 and 680 metres above sea level and serves as a hub for both alpine and cross-country skiing. Neighbouring Hundfjället is higher - typically 520 to 850 metres - and provides that big mountain feel with wide views from the top, while the Trollskogen and children's areas make it easy to start skiing. To the south, a little to the side of the central SkiStar systems, is Kläppen. It's its own mountain with a lower tree line and sheltered forest passages, about 430 to 780 metres above sea level, popular with families and park skiers alike.
Stöten - Sälen's highest mountain
At the northernmost end lies Stöten, which is the resort’s highest-altitude facility: the base is at around 580 metres and Sälenfjällens’s highest peak, Östra Granfjället, stands at 948 metres – the lifts do not reach all the way to the top. The higher altitude often means a longer season and truly stunning views of the Norwegian border mountains.
Why height matters
Altitude affects snow safety, season length and piste quality - especially in spring when the higher parts of the slopes are better at keeping the cold out. It also affects the length of runs: greater altitude often means longer runs and more varied terrain, while the lower, forest-protected parts can feel safer when the weather is windy. In summer, altitude means more bare rock, more open views and cooler temperatures on the higher plateaus, while lower elevations offer wind-protected trails and easier family rides.
Selecting an area by height
If you want to choose an area based on altitude, think of it this way: if you want to maximise snow conditions and views, choose Hundfjället or Stöten with peaks around 850-920 metres. If you want child-friendly, close to services and lots of green/blue, choose Lindvallen and Högfjället at 500-740 and 500-830 metres respectively. If you prefer forest-protected, pleasant skiing and a strong park profile, Kläppen at around 430-780 metres is ideal. And if you want a mix of everything with smooth connection between systems Tandådalen fine as a base around 390-680 metres.
Executive summary
Sälenfjällen ranges from approximately 390 to 950 metres above sea level – a variation that makes the area perfect for everything from family-friendly skiing to mountain walks with stunning views. For a holiday that combines altitude and comfort, you can stay in Sälengodset, Fjällgodset or Olarslodgen, all with proximity to activities and adventures, hiking trails and spa on Experium. The combination of accessible low mountains and high peaks makes Sälen unique - there are mountain experiences for all altitudes, seasons and levels of ambition.