Sälen is one of the country's best destinations for learning to ski. Ski schools are numerous, well organised and located right next to the large children's areas. In Lindvallen you'll find several Valle areas with conveyor belts, button lifts and very gentle slopes, making the start safe for the little ones. Högfjället, Tandådalen and Hundfjället have similar centres, and Stöten runs its own ski school range with both group and private lessons. The range of courses usually includes Mini/Knatte (approx. 3-4 years), Junior (5-9), Youth (10-15) and adult groups. In addition to classic alpine instruction, snowboarding, park/technique sessions and private lessons are often offered, with an instructor tailoring the content to your level and goals.
Organisation and language options
Programmes are usually 3-5 days, 60-90 minutes per session, but you can also book single sessions or private lessons. Instruction is available in Swedish and English; in high season, additional languages may be available depending on instructor staffing. All children should wear a helmet and be dressed in layers - also pack warm mittens, buff and ski goggles. A small snack in your pocket (or in a parent's jacket) often saves energy between sessions. For 3-4 year olds, morning groups are popular because children are most alert then; older children tend to do just as well after lunch.
Childcare outside the slope
For off-slope childcare, there is no single, centralised “mountain nursery” that is always open every week. However, it is often possible to arrange help in three ways: (1) private babysitters who come to the chalet for day or evening care, (2) children's clubs, playrooms and activities at some hotels/lodges with timed sessions, and (3) flexible solutions via your accommodation host who is in touch with local, experienced babysitters. Some hosts (e.g. premium lodges) can also help match babysitters with the right skills for young children, siblings or special needs.
Safety, price and planning
If you are booking childcare, think about safety and logistics. Ask for references, ID and preferably paediatric CPR training. Check age, allergies, sleeping arrangements and whether the babysitter can take the children outdoors (sledding, snow play) or stay indoors if the weather changes. Prices vary according to the season, time of day and number of children, but you should expect an hourly rate of a few hundred euros and a trip to the cottage. Evenings and weekends during holiday weeks are most in demand - book as early as you can.
Tips for families and accommodation
A flexible arrangement for families is to combine half a day of ski school with half a day of childcare. This gives the child both educational development on the slopes and quiet recovery in the chalet. For older children and teenagers, private lessons work great for quickly unlocking the next level - from first turns on the blue slope to carving or park.
Practical booking tips: reserve a ski school in the same area as you live and hire the equipment the night before. Set the meeting point and pick-up clearly, share the instructor's phone number and be on site 10-15 minutes before the start. For babysitting - ask for a simple chat group with the babysitter for times, gate code and instructions. If you're staying in a premium chalet, your host can often coordinate both ski school, equipment and babysitting in the same flow.
Summary & related experiences
Ski schools in Sälen are comprehensive, well-planned and very child-friendly, while childcare can be arranged through local contacts, hotels and accommodation hosts. With plenty of advance planning, you'll have a programme that's both safe for the kids and relaxing for the adults.
If you are travelling as a family, you can read more about Sälen with children and our comfortable accommodation in Sälen. Feel free to combine your trip with family activities or a relaxing day with Relax & Spa. For children who want to try more than skiing, there are exciting water park on Experium and several activities & adventures in Sälen.