The Afterski in Lindvallen usually runs from about 15:00 to 18:00. During the high season (Christmas/New Year, sports holidays, Easter) it's often daily, while the rest of the winter months it's mainly Thursday-Saturday. Sunny spring-winter days see a lot of people moving out onto the terraces, and live music usually peaks between 16:00 and 17:30. Always check the daily times in the SkiStar app and on the restaurants' social media.
Lindvallen - Sälen's après-ski hub
Lindvallen is Sälen's most accessible après-ski area, and the schedule follows three rhythms: weekday vs. weekend, low season vs. high season, and weather. The base is a classic “boot slot” from around 15:00 to 18:00, perfect for skiers who get off the last lift around 3pm. During Christmas/New Year, sports holidays and Easter, the programmes are extended - more days with live bands and longer sets, sometimes with the first session already at 14:30. In January and early December, the programme is more concentrated on Thursday-Saturday, often peaking on Fridays and Saturdays. Read more about the ski resorts in Sälen for the area overview.
Where and when will it happen?
Around Sälfjällstorget and Lindvallens torg (Gustavtorget/Experium area) you'll find the most central stages, which means that the crowd quickly gathers right after the last rides. On weekends in high season, the indoor stages fill up early; if you want a seat, arrive before 15:30 or book a table if possible. In the spring-winter, much of the action moves out onto the terraces - the atmosphere often peaks between 16:00 and 17:30, with sunshine, music and crowds on the outdoor terraces. On windy days, more people stay indoors, and the pace is more even. For tips on restaurants, see restaurants in Sälen.
Audience, atmosphere & seasonal rhythms
Early sets (15-16) are often family-friendly with sing-alongs and a slower pace, while later sets (around 17) are more energetic. During sports holidays, programmes are planned for families with children - with an earlier start and a clear end before dinner. During Easter, especially in fine weather, the feeling rather than the time is extended: when the band finishes at 6pm, the buzz continues on sunny decks until the temperature drops. For more family-friendly evening tips, see family activities in Sälen.
Practical tips for the best experience
If you want to maximise the experience, think logistics. Leave enough layers on your body - a thin down or fleece between your shell and base layer will keep you comfortable outside. Change into dry gloves before you go inside, otherwise they'll never get warm again for the evening session. Park skis neatly in racks (it gets crowded around 4pm); have a small carabiner/cable to hook the equipment together. Drink water between drinks and plan your journey home - walk or take a ski bus rather than skiing at dusk. For accommodation within walking distance of the square, see accommodation in Sälen.
How to find current times
For the day's programme: start in the SkiStar app for event listings and piste status, then check each restaurant's social media - it will update start times, band names and whether the set is inside or outside. If you're travelling with a group, contact the venue before lunch for information on queues and seating arrangements. A smart trick: stop by your favourite venue in the morning, ask the staff about the day's plan and band time - they'll know exactly what the evening looks like. For more entertainment tips, see après-ski & entertainment in Sälen.
Summary & related tips
Expect 15:00-18:00 as standard for après-ski in Lindvallen, with extra live music during Christmas, sports holidays and Easter. The best atmosphere can be found on sunny terraces around 16:00-17:30. Plan ahead, arrive early, and let the weather and weekly rhythms dictate - you'll nail the perfect après-ski vibe every time.
Combine with dinner at restaurants in Sälen or end the evening with relaxation at Experium. Read also more about winter experiences in Sälen for more tips.