Stockholm
Despite being the country's biggest metropolis, Stockholm has a great variety of city skiing options. One popular spot is Gärdet, just east of the city centre, which has two tracks – one easier, and one more advanced.
Most sections of the tracks aren't lit with the exception of the nearby streetlights (and moonlight), but it is easily accessible through either the metro to Karlaplan and Gärdet, or by bus.
People skiing at Gärdet in Stockholm in January 2016. Photo: Janerik Henriksson/TTFeel like some late night skiing? Stockholm's iconic Stadion stadium becomes a floodlit ski track when there's enough snow, and it's completely free to use, although a voluntary fee was introduced for winter 2023.
The grounds are open until 9.30pm on weekdays – meaning there's plenty of time for after-work skiing – 7pm on Saturdays, and 9.30pm on Sundays. Simply catch the metro to Stadion and cross the road.
Stockholm city council also sometimes top-up the ski track using snow cannons if there hasn't been enough natural snowfall. In 2023 they opened the stadium for skiing on November 29th.
Skiers at Stockholm Stadion in winter 2014. Photo: Erik Mårtensson/TTThe jewel in Stockholm's skiing crown is probably Hammarbybacken, where you can take in the unusual experience of downhill skiing while overlooking the busy city.
Equipment can be rented onsite, lessons can be booked if necessary, and there's even a café to warm up afterwards. Take the subway to Gullmarsplan, then change to the tram and get off at Sickla kaj stop before walking for less than 10 minutes towards the big hill with the Hammarbybacken sign!
Opening times can vary depending on whether it's a holiday and whether there's enough snow for skiing, but the slope is usually open until 10pm on weekdays and 6pm at weekends.
Downhill skiing at Hammarbybacken in Stockholm. Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TTGothenburg
Sweden's second city isn't quite as spoiled for choice as the capital, but there are a couple of convenient options.
Even if there's not enough snow on the ground, it's still possible to ski thanks to the Skidome, which has 1.2 kilometre long indoor tracks catering to different styles. Facilities include changing rooms equipped with saunas, a relaxation area with a jacuzzi, and ski rental.
One centrally located outdoor track worth a visit when there has been decent snowfall is Delsjö Golfbana, which becomes a skiing rather than golfing spot in the winter.
It's free to use, and can be reached by taking the bus south from the city's central station until Delsjömotet or Kallebäck. Both are less than a 10 minute walk from the track.
Skåne
It may be in the south but university town Lund still caters to those who enjoy skiing with a track in Stadsparken, where there's a short 0.42 kilometre course for the classic style.
If the temperature is below freezing for long enough, they'll top up ski tracks with snow cannons, so you might even be able to ski if there hasn't been much natural snow.
It's well lit, a changing room at nearby Högevallsbadet pool helps, and there's also a café in the park for a post-ski debriefing. The park is a short walk from the centre of the city.
Further outside the city, Kungsmarken golf club turns into a ski track when the weather allows, and there's also a ski route at Skrylle nature reserve, although these aren't usually topped up with extra snow.
In Malmö, your best bet for skiing if there's been enough snow is at Flansbjer in Bulltofta park, although you may find yourself dodging children sledging down the 150m long slope.
Uppsala
One option in Uppsala is Sunnerstabacken, where those who enjoy slalom or snowboarding can have some fun.
This usually opens once there's been enough snowfall for winter sports, so check their website before you travel.
In recent years, the lift has been open well into the evening on weekdays, meaning there's ample time for a ski trip after work. There's also a spot for buying snacks or drinks, so what's not to love?
Those who prefer cross-country skiing can also find a whole range of improvised tracks listed here, including updates on their condition according to the weather.
Umeå
Snow isn't hard to come by in the northern university city, and the options are endless if you're looking for cross country skiing after a snowfall. Many of the around 50 tracks in Umeå are lit and cater to multiple styles. A full list of them can be found here (choose 'skidspår' under 'typ av anläggning').
If downhill is on the agenda, a 25 minute drive south to Bräntbergsbacken is worth the effort, where there's a lift, cafe for fika and a spot to barbecue if you're feeling brave. Check opening hours carefully and make sure it's opened for the winter season.
Remember to dress to impress... Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TTGävle
A 20 minute bus journey from the centre of Gävle will take you to Hemlingbybacken, where there’s the chance to downhill slalom, cross country ski in the forest, and easier tracks for kids. Again, make sure it's opened for the season before you travel.
Take the 95 bus south to Gävle Hemlingby then walk for only three minutes. You can also take bus 501 or 3 but you'll have to walk a bit longer. The course is open until 9pm on weekdays and 4pm at weekends.
Retro skiing in Gävle. Photo: Tobias Röstlund/TTCan't find a skiing spot in your Swedish town or city? Try the search function here for nearby spots and regular updates on their condition.
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