Lindvallen is Sälen's most accessible and family-friendly area: wide green/blue pistes, large Valle children's areas and renowned ski school in winter - plus Experium with water park, cinema, bowling and spa. In summer, the Sälen Bike Park takes over with lift-borne cycling, pump track and accessible hikes. Around the square there are hire shops, cafés and popular restaurants - all within walking distance.
Winter in Lindvallen - family friendly and easy
Lindvallen is the place where “everything is close by” and it shows from the moment you step outside the door. In winter, the day usually starts in one of the big Valle zones: conveyor belts, button lifts and wide, gentle slopes allow children and adults alike to get to grips with the basics without stress. The ski school is comprehensive - from first glides to private lessons - and you'll want to get two or three sessions in early in the week to build confidence in turns and speed control. Once you're warmed up, Lindvallen's classic blue runs await: long, wide slopes with a gentle gradient that rewards rhythm and balance. This is where beginners become skiers and where parents can cruise alongside the kids without compromising the experience. Read more about the ski resorts in Sälen.
Everything within walking distance
The logistics do much of the magic. Rentals, ski services and shops are close to the lifts, and many accommodations offer ski in/ski out or a short walk to the piste. This means more runs, less transport and easier breaks: grab a hot chocolate, adjust boots, back out. Lunch is convenient with several restaurants close to the slopes - or you can go home, make something quick and be back on the snow half an hour later. For those who like activities in the park, there are playful elements and easier jumps / rails that suit progression; if you want bigger challenges, take a day trip to Tandådalen/Hundfjället and return to base in Lindvallen in the afternoon.
Experium & evening life
If it's windy in the mountains or you want to take a break from skiing, the Experium Lindvallen's joker. The adventure pool with wave machine and slides saves grey days, and the spa area is a nice recovery for tired legs. Cinema, bowling and games fill in the gaps without you having to leave the area. Evening entertainment ranges from family-friendly dinners to more grown-up après ski - choose the mood to suit your party. Classics like Lammet & Grisen when there's a crowd, more contemporary menus inside the Lodge, and simpler fast food for days when hunger wins over planning. Book a table well in advance during school holidays and weekends.
Cross country, snowmobile & winter excursions
Lindvallen is also great if someone in your party doesn't ski. Cross-country tracks and walking trails start close to accommodation, and many people choose a morning ski run followed by a long coffee in the square. Stroller-friendly paths mean that even the smallest family member can get out in the daylight. Snowmobile tours, dog team and snowshoeing can be booked easily through local operators - a fun complement to the piste that provides mountain contact at a slower pace.
Summer in Lindvallen - cycling & hiking
When the snow melts, Lindvallen changes costume but retains its accessibility. Sälen Bike Park Starting at the square: hitchhiking with flow trails graded like ski slopes (green/blue/red), plus pump track and skills areas where you can nail technique safely. Hire everything on site - from kids' bikes to full suspension - and book a lesson for rocket development. For families, there are shorter gravel and forest trails around the village, and for those who want longer, rhythmic trails, Rörbäcksnäs is within easy reach by car. The hike is low-key: follow easily marked trails up the nearest hill for a coffee break with a view, or take a half-day hike towards Högfjället for more open views. Warmer days attract swimming in Experium, cooler evenings sauna and barbecue at the cottage.
Food, service & practical tips
If you like to shop “on the road”, ICA Supermarket Lindvallen is your base for large-scale shopping, while smaller convenience stores and delicatessens complement during the week. Electric vehicle chargers are available at several car parks and at selected accommodation, which makes it easier if you come up by electric car. Ski buses connect Sälfjällstorget, Lindvallen and Högfjället in winter - handy if you want to vary without a car.
Tips for getting the most out of Lindvallen
- Pre-book rental packages and ski school, especially weeks 7-10, Christmas/New Year and Easter.
- Go early - morning skiing in Lindvallen is gold for all levels.
- Split the days: morning run + afternoon on Experium or a leisurely long run.
- Stay close to the square if you prioritise convenience; just outside you often get more space for your money.
- Summertime: start in the Junior Zone/pump track, take the lift only when the technique feels safe.
Summary & related tips
In summary, Lindvallen is the “all-in-one” in Sälen: safe and educational ski start, easy progression, good food stops and a wide range of activities just steps from the piste. In summer, you switch seamlessly to cycling and hiking - still with the same simple logistics. That's why Lindvallen often becomes the place where the mountains stick as a habit, not just a holiday.
Explore more about Sälen with children, activities & adventures and accommodation in Sälen to plan your next trip.