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.
Ski school in Lindvallen · Tandådalen · Hundfjället · Högfjället
| Area | Meeting place | Children’s play area next to |
|---|---|---|
| Lindvallen | Experiumtorget, Gustavsplatsen and Sälfjällstorget; Vallabod Cross-Country Centre for cross-country skiing | Valleberget at Experiumtorget, Sydpolen at Söderåsen |
| Tandådalen | Valle’s Ski Park at Tandådalstorget, the ski school lift | Valle’s ski resort, conveyor belts and button lifts |
| Hundfjället | Trollbäckstorget, between the Trollift and Line’s lift; young people and adults at Kvarten | Trollbäckstorget, Trollskogen |
| Högfjället | the Mården ski lift below the Högfjällshotellet | The children’s slope, conveyor belt and button lifts |
Prices and availability are shown in SkiStar’s weekly and area-based booking system – book in the same area where you live, and book in advance for the school holiday weeks. During Valle’s family weeks from 9 to 31 January 2027, ski school, ski hire and SkiPass are included for children up to and including 6 years of age when accommodation is booked through SkiStar; SkiPass is otherwise always free for children up to and including 6 years of age. Stöten and Kläppen have their own ski schools. Which slopes are suitable for beginners in each area: beginner-friendly ski slopes in Sälen.
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
When it comes to childcare away from the slopes, there is no standardised, central “mountain nursery” that is open every week. However, it is often possible to arrange childcare in three ways: (1) a private childminder who comes to the chalet for daytime or evening childcare, (2) kids’ clubs, playrooms and activities at certain hotels or lodges with scheduled sessions, and (3) local, experienced childminders whom you book yourselves – we can recommend some options.
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: book a ski school in the same area where you’re staying and hire your equipment the evening before. Clearly specify the meeting point and pick-up location, share the instructor’s phone number, and be there 10–15 minutes before the start. For childcare – ask to set up a simple chat group with the childminder to discuss times, the door code and instructions. You book the ski school and equipment yourselves via SkiStar; arrange childcare through local contacts – we’d be happy to provide recommendations.
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.