Where is the best afterskin in Sälen?

Where can you find the best après-ski in Sälen? This question divides ski groups every winter – and the honest answer is that the four resorts offer four different kinds of party. This guide compares the après-ski scenes in Lindvallen, Tandådalen, Hundfjället and Högfjället so that you can choose the right afternoon for your particular group. An overview of the full range of After-ski and entertainment in Sälen can be found on our experiences page – here we focus on the comparison itself.

Short answer: the best after-party depends on the sort of party you’re looking for

If you’re after the biggest stage and a classic sing-along atmosphere, Lindvallen is the obvious choice. If you’re looking for a live band and the liveliest atmosphere in the venue, Tandådalen is the place to be this winter. If you’d rather go for something a bit cosier, where the after-ski is a relaxed end to the day’s skiing rather than the main event of the evening, then Hundfjället and Högfjället are the places for you. To sum it up:

• Lindvallen: the largest, the most traditional and the easiest to fit in with family life and dinner plans.
• Tandådalen: the ultimate party atmosphere – a live band, a dance floor and standing room from the afternoon onwards.
• Hundfjället: a genuine mountain atmosphere and a warmer, more intimate ambience.
• The High Mountains: The most laid-back of the four – après-ski in the form of an open fire, good beer and lively conversation.

None of them is objectively ”the best” – but for any given group, there is almost always an obvious first choice. Below, we’ll go through them one by one.

Lindvallen – the largest and most classic

Lindvallen is Sälen’s largest resort, and this is evident even as the lifts wind down for the day. This is where you’ll find the après-ski that most people associate with the Swedish mountains: packed venues right next to the slopes, well-known sing-along tunes, ski boots double as dancing shoes, and a crowd ranging from groups of students to parents with young children. Its size is Lindvallen’s strength – there are several venues to choose from, meaning the atmosphere rarely hinges on a single venue, and the proximity to accommodation, restaurants and amenities makes it easy to move from après-ski to dinner without any logistical hassle. For those who want to kick off their ski boots and be home before dessert, accommodation with live near the slopes- It’s hard to beat this spot.

Tandådalen – live band and maximum energy

If you ask those who head to the mountains as much for the party as for the skiing, many will point to Tandådalen. Here, the après-ski has a more distinct concert-like atmosphere – live bands on stage, a fast-paced vibe and a crowd that turns up to sing along to every chorus. The atmosphere in the venue is often the liveliest in the whole valley during the peak season weeks, and for hen parties, stag parties and groups of friends in a party mood, it’s precisely that energy they’re travelling here for. The flip side of the coin is that it can get crowded, and anyone wanting a seat and a quiet enough environment for conversation would be wise to arrive early – or choose a quieter venue. Tandådalen is also right next door to Hundfjället, so it’s perfect for skiing at one place and partying at the other.

Hundfjället and Högfjället – cosier and quieter

Not everyone wants to end their day’s skiing amidst a sea of raised arms. Hundfjället offers an après-ski experience with a more traditional mountain feel – wooden buildings, the warmth of an open fire and an atmosphere where you can both hum along and have a proper chat. This makes the resort a great choice for mixed groups, where some want to enjoy a beer in the sun whilst others catch the last lift up. Högfjället, the classic high-altitude spot, is the most tranquil option: here, the afternoon is more about the sun terrace, the views and a nice drink than the dance floor. For couples, for groups of adults and for those who see après-ski as a break rather than a party, Högfjället is often the best answer to the question – even if it rarely wins the vote amongst a group of twenty-somethings.

When does Afterskin start – times and seasonal patterns

Afterski is essentially an afternoon event: the party gets underway as the slopes start to empty and continues for a few hours, before the crowds move on to enjoy dinner and the evening. Exact times vary between resorts, days of the week and seasonal periods – programmes are at their busiest during school holidays, the winter sports break and Easter, whilst quieter weeks may have fewer days of activities. If you’d like to time your visit to the largest resort, we have a separate guide to when afterskin begins in Lindvallen – it covers the opening times and schedule there, whilst this article will help you choose a venue. A good general tip, wherever you go: book a table or a place well in advance during the weeks when schools across Sweden are on holiday.

From the slopes to the evening – here’s how to carry on

Afterskin is just the first act. The classic routine is to head home, have a quick shower, get changed and gather round a long dinner – and this is where your accommodation makes the difference between a good evening and a fantastic one. With a spacious house close to the party, you avoid the transport issue altogether: no one has to drive, no one waits for a taxi, and anyone who wants to leave the after-party early can do so without ruining the evening. If some of the group then want to carry on out, bars and nightlife are a chapter in their own right – we’ve compiled them in the guide on where people go out in the evening, which picks up where the after-party ends. Many of our guests find, however, that the best after-party is the one at home: a sauna, some bubbly and a kitchen big enough for the whole gang.

Summary – how to choose the best afterskin in Sälen

Here’s how to choose the best afterskin in Sälen for your group:

• The classic: Lindvallen – the widest range, the broadest audience and the simplest logistics.
• The party: Tandådalen – live bands and a really lively atmosphere; come along early during the school holidays.
• Myset: Hundfjället – a mountain feel and an atmosphere where you can hear the conversations.
• The tranquillity: Högfjället – a sun terrace and views instead of a dance floor.
• Stay close to the venue where you’re having your party – that way, it’ll only be a few minutes’ walk from the slopes to the sauna and then on to dinner.
• Plan the rest of your evening with our guide to Evening activities in Sälen.

In other words, the best after-ski in Sälen is the one that suits your group – and with four resorts in the same valley, it’s never far away.