The resort and its ski area is large by any standards - with a vertical big for a part of the European continent not famed for its high mountains, and there are over 44 lifts to get you up it. From the top there are spectacular views across the huge frozen lake beside the resort. There are other unique advantages - the long season for example, from late November well into May. Most of all there is the good-natured friendliness of the Swedes, who seem to share some natural heritage of humour and the same concept of what`s fun with the British, the Danish and the Dutch. The resort is an historic one, although it is continuing to expand at a rapid rate.
Architecturally the resort is a mix of old wooden buildings and modern additions. The resort centre, around the railway station square is especially attractive. The arguments against Are, and indeed Scandinavian skiing in general, are that it is cold, dark mid-winter and the alcohol prohibitively expensive. The reality is that the Gulf Stream helps to keep Swedish resorts at around the same temperature as those of the Alps. Although it can be dark 30 minutes earlier than the Alps in December and January the lifts still operate through to 3.30pm and there is extensive floodlighting for night skiing, which many feel defines the terrain more clearly than winter sunshine. Finally for prices, the Swedish Krona has devalued dramatically against major currencies - by around a third over recent years. Alcohol prices are in line with those of the Alps and meals and lift tickets generally cheaper. Apres Ski `After Ski` as it`s called locally begins at 3pm and you can choose between a lively bar where you pile your ski boots up in the corner, grab a beer and listen to a live band or something a bit more relaxed, maybe a good old communal sing-song. In both cases live performances are usually the order of the day, with bands playing pop, rock, jazz or blues at least six nights of the week in high season. The slopeside Hotel Sunwing is traditionally the liveliest place when the lifts close, with the Diplomat popular later on and right through the evening. Six nightclubs continue with, often, live acts right through in to the small hours. Activities On Wednesday nights the toboggan run is floodlit for night sledging. |
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calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras
