Ski & Rock Sälen - Experience Sweden's largest spring festival in the mountains

When the spring sun warms the Sälen mountains and the ski season reaches its crescendo, the area around Högfjällshotellet is transformed into Sweden's most spectacular festival venue. Ski & Rock Sälen combines the best of both worlds - fantastic skiing during the day and pulsating live music in the evening. With over 6,000 visitors, the festival has established itself as the obvious end to the ski season and a highlight of the mountain's event calendar. It brings together music lovers and ski enthusiasts in a unique atmosphere where spring skiing meets top-class entertainment.

Ski & Rock Sälen is not just a music festival - it's a complete mountain experience that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The festival takes place at the end of April and marks the traditional end of the ski season in Sälen. For a few intense days, the area around Högfjällshotellet is transformed into a vibrant festival area where Sweden's top artists perform on the large outdoor stage.

According to SVT's reporting, the 2024 edition of the festival broke previous records with as many as 6,000 visitors during Friday's concerts. This shows the enormous interest in the event, which continues to grow year after year. The festival has become a tradition for many and a highlight of the Sälen events calendar.

What makes Ski & Rock unique is the combination of skiing and music. During the day, visitors can enjoy spring skiing in the sunshine, and then gather in front of the stage when evening comes. This combination creates a very special atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in Sweden.

To really enjoy the Ski & Rock experience, the choice of accommodation is crucial. The festival season is one of the most sought-after of the year in Sälen, and the best accommodation options book up quickly. For those looking for that little bit extra, Sälengodset offers exclusive chalets and apartments perfectly located in relation to the festival area.

The Sälengodset and Fjällgodset offer high-quality accommodation with all the amenities you could wish for after a day on the slopes and an evening at the festival. They offer stylish accommodation with fully equipped kitchens, comfortable beds, saunas and generous socialising areas - perfect for families and larger groups alike.

Ski & Rock is a sociable experience that many people choose to share with friends or family. Our spacious cabins are perfectly suited to larger groups with plenty of space for socialising, cooking and relaxing. After an intense day at the festival, there's nothing better than returning to a warm and cosy cabin to unwind with good friends.

Ski & Rock Sälen has over the years established itself as one of Sweden's most interesting music festivals with an impressive line-up of artists. The festival attracts both established big stars and exciting newcomers to the spectacular stage at the foot of Högfjällshotellet.

Every year Ski & Rock presents a strong programme headlined by some of Sweden's most popular artists. In previous years, the festival has hosted names such as Lars Winnerbäck, Veronica Maggio, Håkan Hellström and many more. The programme often reflects the best of the Swedish music scene with artists that attract a wide audience.

The festival offers a varied music experience, from rock and pop to hip hop and electronic music. The programme is carefully curated to suit the festival's target audience and create the perfect end to the ski season. Concerts usually start in the afternoon and continue into the evening, leaving plenty of time for skiing during the day.

According to reports from local media, interest in the festival has increased significantly in recent years, with record numbers of visitors. This has led to an expansion of the festival area, which can now accommodate up to 6,000 people at a time.

One of the unique aspects of Ski & Rock is the opportunity to combine great skiing with music experiences. April often offers perfect conditions for spring skiing with sunshine, mild temperatures and well-groomed slopes.

The festival's schedule is designed to allow you to make the most of both the skiing and the music. With concerts taking place mainly in the afternoons and evenings, there's plenty of time to enjoy skiing in the morning. Many visitors choose to ski until lunchtime, take a break for food and drink, and then continue with a few runs before heading to the festival area.

Sälen offers a varied range of skiing for all levels, from beginners to experienced skiers. During the festival, all major lift systems are open, giving access to an extensive piste system. Spring conditions often provide soft, forgiving slopes in the morning that transition to slightly more challenging conditions in the afternoon.

Ski & Rock Sälen doesn't just offer concerts on the main stage - the whole area is buzzing with after-ski and nightclubs that go on well into the small hours. The after-ski culture is a central part of the experience, creating a natural transition from day to night.

During the festival, several of the area's restaurants and bars are transformed into lively after-ski venues with live music and DJs. The Högfjällshotellet's after ski is an obvious hub, but other establishments in the area also offer entertainment and festivities. The atmosphere is great, with a mix of ski enthusiasts and music lovers creating a unique atmosphere.

It is worth noting that the après-ski venues fill up quickly during the festival days. To secure a seat, it is recommended to arrive early or book a table in advance where possible. According to local reports, security has been stepped up during the festival with increased police presence to ensure a safe experience for all visitors.

An important part of the festival experience is of course food and drink. Ski & Rock Sälen offers a wide range of options, from quick street food options on the festival grounds to more exclusive dining experiences nearby.

On the festival site itself, there are several food trucks and food stalls serving everything from classic burgers and sausages to more innovative options. This gives visitors the opportunity to grab a quick bite to eat without having to leave the area and miss any of their favourite artists.

For those looking for a more substantial dining experience, there are several high-class restaurants in the area. Many of these offer special menus during the festival, focusing on local produce and traditional dishes with a modern twist. Enjoying a well-prepared dinner overlooking the mountains is the perfect way to unwind between skiing and concerts.

During the festival days, the pressure on the area's restaurants is very high. To avoid disappointment, it is strongly recommended to book a table in advance, especially for dinners. Many restaurants open their bookings several months in advance specifically for the festival period, so be out in good time to secure your place.

The key to a perfect Ski & Rock experience is in the planning. Book your accommodation, skipass and any restaurant visits well in advance. Create a tentative plan for the artists you want to see and how you want to combine this with skiing and other activities.

April in the mountains can bring a variety of weather conditions - from bright sunshine and spring temperatures to snowfall and cold. Therefore, pack with the layering principle in mind. For skiing, thinner shell clothing is recommended, which can be supplemented with warming layers if necessary. For festival nights, warm clothing is essential, as temperatures drop quickly when the sun goes down.

The fastest way to get to Ski & Rock is to fly to Scandinavian Mountains Airport, which is only 10 minutes from Sälen. During the festival period, the number of flights from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö increases. From the airport, there are shuttle buses and taxi services that will take you directly to your accommodation or the festival area.

For those who prefer to travel by land, there are several options. By car, the journey from Stockholm takes around 5-6 hours, from Gothenburg 5-7 hours and from Malmö 8-9 hours. During the festival, traffic is often heavy, so plan for extra travelling time and pay attention to traffic information.

There are also bus connections from major cities to Sälen, with increased frequency during the festival period. For the environmentally conscious traveller, this is an excellent option and also provides the opportunity to rest during the journey.

To ensure that all visitors have a positive experience during Ski & Rock, there is a strong focus on safety and well-being. According to local news reports, the police will increase their presence during the festival days to handle the increased number of visitors and ensure order.

The festival area has clear rules about what you are allowed to bring in. Security checks are carried out at the entrances, and there are plenty of security staff on site. The festival also has special safe zones and first aid stations at strategic locations.

As a visitor, you have a responsibility to show consideration for both nature and your fellow visitors. Use the waste stations provided and follow the instructions of the organisers and security staff. Remember that many visitors have to fit into a limited space, so show consideration and contribute to the positive atmosphere that Ski & Rock is known for.

Ski & Rock Sälen offers a unique combination of spring skiing and top-class music in one of Sweden's most beautiful mountain environments. With record numbers of visitors in recent years, the festival has consolidated its position as a must for both music and ski enthusiasts.

To make the most of your Ski & Rock experience, we recommend booking your accommodation well in advance. Our exclusive chalets at Sälengodset and Fjällgodset offer the perfect base for your festival stay, with the highest level of comfort and convenient location in relation to both ski areas and the festival site.