SkiStar - a Scandinavian success story

Whoever followed the World Ski Championships 2019 in Åre will have noticed the name SkiStar. The Swedish operator of the ski resort was the title sponsor of the event. But the company is not only active in Sweden. SkiStar also operates ski resorts in Austria and Norway. We'll tell you what's behind the brand and which ski areas already belong to it.

The Swedish company is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm stock exchange and is divided into the operation of ski resorts and the development of real estate and infrastructure. SkiStar's core business is the full-scale ski experience for its guests - from accommodation and ski passes to ski schools, shops and leisure activities in the ski resorts.

Modern accommodation close to the slopes and lifts, varied ski areas and all-round service - the concept works. In Scandinavia SkiStar has already achieved a market share of 41%. Record profits were achieved last winter and sales continue to rise. For the 2019/20 season, around 330 million Swedish kronor (around 30.7 million euros) can therefore be invested in modernization and snow-making systems.

SkiStar is also involved in the construction of the Scandinavian Mountains Airport. The new airport between Sälen and Trysil is intended to improve the accessibility of the resorts and thus attract even more ski holidaymakers in the future. Direct flights from London to Sälen-Trysil are planned. The opening is scheduled shortly before Christmas 2019.

Currently seven ski areas are part of SkiStar. Most of them are located in Scandinavia, but with St. Johann in Tirol there is also a ski resort in the Alps. With the SkiStar All season pass, you can ski in all seven ski areas.

Austria

The only SkiStar ski area in the Alps is St. Johann in Tirol. The idyllic family ski area on the north side of the Kitzbüheler Horn offers 42 kilometres of slopes. With a view of the Wilder Kaiser, there are 22 downhill runs available for winter sports enthusiasts, most of which are marked blue and red. Rustic huts, a snow park and a toboggan run complete the winter experience here.

Sweden

If you are skiing with reindeer crossing your path and the slopes are lit by the northern lights, you are probably in Sweden. The SkiStar group includes the three most famous Swedish ski resorts Åre, Vemdalen and Sälen. Panoramic views for miles and miles over untouched nature and the country's innovative food culture make a skiing holiday in Sweden a special experience.

With more than 190 km of slopes, Åre is the largest of the seven SkiStar ski areas and one of the top skiing destinations in Sweden. The slopes of the traditional mountain village in Jämtland are divided into three areas: Åre By, Björnen and Duved. The ski area is internationally known as a World Cup venue. Over 100 competitions have already been held here, including the Alpine Ski World Championship 2019.

Sälen actually consists of several small ski resorts, too. In Lindvallen, Högfjallet, Tandålen and Hundfjället there are 100 runs leading in all directions. With a free ski bus you can easily switch back and forth between the resorts. Situated in Dalarna on the border to Norway, Sweden's most famous ski resort is particularly popular with families. Nevertheless, sporty skiers will also find one of the steepest slopes in the country in Sälen.

Modern lifts, wide pistes and snow safety await you in Vemdalen with its destinations Vemdalsskalet, Björnrike and Klövsjö-Storhogna. With more than 50 descents through deep forests but also above the tree line you can enjoy a varied skiing day here. Compared to Sälen, however, things are much calmer in Vemdalen.

Vemdalen is about 480 kilometres from Stockholm, where SkiStar also operates a small ski resort. At Hammarbybacken five slopes invite you to ski - including a unique view over the Swedish capital.

Norway

The two largest ski resorts in Norway also belong to SkiStar: Trysil and Hemsedal. The two villages offer two completely different ski resorts. Trysil is the largest resort in the country with 78 kilometres of slopes. The descents wind like serpentines around Trysilfjell and offer great conditions for carving.

Hemsedal on the other hand is embedded in rugged mountain peaks and therefore bears the name "Scandinavian Alps". Steep downhill runs, snow parks and a great off-piste area await you here. At the bottom of the resort there is also one of the largest children's areas in Norway. Thanks to its snow-sure location, the season here lasts from November to May. Hemsedal is also known for its après-ski parties on weekends.