Lindvallen is Sälen's most family-friendly hub with many green/blue slopes, a ski school close to the accommodation and a wide range of services such as Experium and SkiStar Lodge. Tandådalen is more ski-oriented with a greater sense of height, more red/black slopes and a quick connection to Hundfjället-perfect for those who want more variety and challenge but still have child-friendly options in Östra Tandådalen.
Lindvallen - family-friendly and convenient
The difference between Lindvallen and Tandådalen is particularly noticeable in the feeling on the mountain and how the days flow. In Lindvallen, everything is built for simplicity: you roll out from the cabin to gentle green and blue slopes, the ski school's meeting places are close to the accommodation, and between the runs there are cafés, children's areas and Experium with swimming, cinema and bowling within walking distance. This is where many people take their first turns-from roller coasters and button lifts to their first real runs-and it's also where the range of restaurants, shops and activities is most concentrated. For families and beginners, this means short distances, minimal logistics and maximum time on snow without much planning.
Tandådalen - more drop height and variety
Tandådalen has a different profile. Here, the pace on the mountain is higher, the descents longer and the variation greater. You'll find plenty of red slopes that invite you to carve, a few black slopes that give you a pulse-booster, and the connection to Hundfjället opens up a whole extra system of slopes and views. This makes Tandådalen attractive to skiers who have already mastered the basics and want more terrain to work with for a whole week. At the same time, East Tandådalen has easier slopes and good training areas, so mixed groups can split up and still meet in the same square for lunch or coffee. The overall skiing feeling is more ”skiing first, everything else later” - with the slopes as the clear protagonist. Read more about the ski resorts in Sälen to compare areas.
Services, nightlife and activities
The service and evening offerings also differentiate the areas. Lindvallen has the widest choice of food, après-ski and off-slope activities, which is worth its weight in gold when the kids want to swim or when you want to alternate skiing with cinema, bowling or shopping. Tandådalen has fewer but focused options around the square and a vibrant daytime skiing focus; many people staying here choose to put their evening energy into early mornings and more vertical metres the next day. Are you travelling with small children, or do you prioritise convenience and ”everything together”? Then Lindvallen usually wins. If you are a group of friends or a family where several people want more speed and vertical drop - and maybe even a day trip over to Hundfjället - then Tandådalen is the right choice. For family tips, see Sälen with children.
Snow conditions & cross-country tracks
In terms of snow and exposure, Tandådalen/Hundfjället is often perceived as having a bit more of a mountain feel thanks to more open locations and more varied terrain, while Lindvallen offers many slopes with forest edges that can provide some shelter for windy days. Cross-country trails are available in both areas, but if you really want to vary your skiing, you'll appreciate Tandådalen's and Hundfjället's trail systems close to the bare mountain, while Lindvallen offers easily accessible family trails close by. Read more about Cross-country tracks in Sälen to plan your trips.
The choice between Lindvallen & Tandådalen
In summary, the choice is less about ”better or worse” and more about the rhythm of your holiday. Choose Lindvallen for smooth family logistics, a ski school around the corner and a wide range of activities when the ski goggles come off. Choose Tandådalen for more runs per day, greater variety and quick access to Hundfjället - without completely giving up child-friendliness if you live in the eastern part. And are you ambivalent? Stay where you like it best and plan a day trip to the other area-it's the combinability that makes Sälen so strong.
For more planning, see our pages on accommodation in Sälen, activities & adventures and weather tips on the weather in Sälen.