Enjoy a luxury winter break in Sweden combining Stockholm and Are.
Alpine destination Are is of top international class and is one of the Nordic region’s most frequented holiday destinations. It is the only ski resort in Sweden with a genuine Alpine atmosphere. The range of pistes covers everything from advanced skiing on demanding slopes to relaxed skiing on easy slopes. Are of today is best known for its ski area and the city pulse/atmosphere during the winter peak season, but Are as a tourist resort has a long history. As early as in the 12th century, thousands of pilgrims from all over Europe visited the village on their way to St Olaf’s grave in Nidaros, nowadays Trondheim.
Are and its surroundings as a destination for tourists from far away developed in the later part of the 19th century, initiating the transformation of Are from a farming village to an international ski resort. Up to this point, the inhabitants of the valley were mainly engaged in farming, combined with hunting and fishing. Today Are has just as many visitors during the summer as in the winter.
Are is not only about skiing. Those who prefer non-skiing activities can join husky and snowmobile safaris as well as adrenaline fuelling zip line! If you are a keen shopper you can find all the latest trendy gear and the ski service here is top class. There are many restaurants, some ten on or around the square alone, offering delicious foods from all over the world. There is nightlife for any taste, every night and one of the largest stages in the mountains presents the best Swedish artists.
You will start your holiday in Stockholm by staying in a design hotel Nordic Sea. Stockholm is one of the most charming capitals of Europe, which is easy to explore by foot. Each part of the city is different, so those in search of more hidden gems should boldly venture further away from Drottningsgatan and let the underground carry them away from the city centre.
PRICES & DATES
From price is based on 2 people sharing a room and includes return economy class flights to Ostersund via Stockholm, all airport taxes, 1 night at Nordic Sea in standard room, return private transfers from Ostersund airport to Copperhill Mountain Lodge, 3 nights in Bronze suite at Copperhill Mountain Lodge and breakfasts daily. From price is based on Sunday departure. It is possible to book optional activities in Are.
Departures daily from 17 December 2010 to 31 March 2011.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Fly to Stockholm and self transfer to your hotel. Check in to 4 star Nordic Sea for 1 night. The hotel is located in the heart of Stockholm so you can easily explore the Swedish Capital by foot. Take an evening stroll to the Gamla Stan (Old Town), spoil your taste buds in city’s numerous restaurants or enjoy a cool drink at the Ice Bar located in Nordic Sea Hotel.
Day 2
Morning at leisure and self transfer to the airport. Take an hour-long domestic flight to Ostersund Are and private transfer to Copperhill Mountain Lodge and check in to Bronze suite for 3 nights.
The hotel is located outside of resort centre on top of a mountain Forberget and offers a free shuttle bus service within Are. Here you can enjoy stunning mountain views, world class design and ski in/out. Resort of Are is not only one of the most popular skiing resorts in Scandinavia but also offers lots of activities for non-skiers.
Days 3 and 4
During your days in Are we recommend pre-booking some activities such as husky and snowmobile excursions or zip line. Are has one of Europe’s largest zip line parks in the breathtaking nature of Areskutan Mountain. Zip line consists of a pulley suspended on a cable over a valley or incline and will provide amazing feelings of flying. This is a must do for everyone who loves extreme excitement and beautiful nature! Zip line may not be for faint-hearted, but you don’t have to be especially brave either to experience the exhilaration of flying.
If you prefer less adrenaline fuelling activities, enjoy Copperhill Mountain Lodge’s spa and wellness centre, which has eight treatment rooms, relax area, sauna, indoor pool and gym.
Those after some entertainment can enjoy hotel’s two restaurants and two bars. The impressive lobby bar, Fireside Lounge & Bar, has a 32 metre high fireplace and has just been nominated in European Hotel Design Awards. In the village centre you will find further 60 restaurants and cafes. Apres ski in Are offers something for everyone. You can enjoy live music or enjoy a quiet drink by an open fire.
Day 5
After breakfast take a private transfer back to Ostersund airport and fly home via Stockholm with SAS.
Hotel, Activity and Local Information
Copperhill Mountain Lodge is an alpine design hotel in Åre, Sweden, that opened in December 2008. Located on the top of a mountain, it enjoys a unique panorama and direct access to northern Europe’s largest skiing area. The hotel offers 112 hotel rooms and suites, spa, conference capacity for 450 people, several restaurants and bars, inhouse ski shop and its own helipad. The architecture has a modern lodge-style setting, designed by the American architect Peter Bohlin, known for drawing Bill Gates’ private residence and Apple’s prestigious stores. Copperhill got its name from the area’s history as a copper mining town. Copper, as well as other regional natural materials, plays an important part in the interior design of the hotel. The hotel rooms and suites get their character from natural materials, modern design classics and historical pictures from Åre. Most of the rooms and suites have a spectacular view of untouched mountain nature. Standard features: LCD TV, fridge, safe, tea and coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board and wireless broadband. The hotel offers two restaurants and two bars and also has Spa and health club with eight treatment rooms, relax area, sauna, indoor pool and gym.
Nordic Sea Hotel is a genuine Stockholm hotel, situated in the very heart of the city. It is located next door to the Arlanda Airport Express train and to the Central Railway Station allowing you a smooth check in when arriving to the city. Nordic Sea is a contemporary hotel with a local touch and individual in style and is rated as a four-star hotel. The hotel has 376 rooms in 4 different catergories. They all have handmade beds from Hästens, specially designed bed linen, soft, fluffy duvets and ample pillows. Other services include: Room service, valet parking, in-house laundry, business center, Sea Bar & Restaurant, Nordic Relax with exercise facilities and massage. The hotel is also a home to Absolut Ice Bar.
• Cave Tour at the limestone caves by snowshoes
• Cross country Skiing
• Dog sledding
• Handicraft tour
• Snowmobile under the stars
• Tannforsen waterfalls
• Zipline