Short answer
The ski school in Idre Fjäll takes children from the age of two. The youngest ski in Stor och liten with a parent, 3–4-year-olds go to Askeklubben, 5–6-year-olds to Knatte, 7–9-year-olds to Patrull and 10–15-year-olds to Skidliga. Most groups run Monday to Friday. You hire skis at Torget or Syd, and booking online always gives a better price. Children under seven ski free on the slopes.
The ski school in Idre Fjäll – which group?
| Age | Group | Format | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–3 years | Big and Small (Stor och liten) | Child and parent together | The parent is on skis next to the child |
| 3–4 years | Askeklubben | Play in the snow and the first steps | A good start for those who have never skied |
| 5–6 years | Knatte | Three levels | Choose the level by what the child can actually do |
| 7–9 years | Patrull | Four levels | Can the child stop on their own? That decides the level |
| 10–15 years | Skidliga | Groups by level | Snow park, freeride and racing are also available |
| 8–15 years | Snowboard | Three levels | Snowboarding suits children best from the age of eight |
Most groups run Monday–Friday. The ski school is open from just before Christmas until April.
Idre Fjäll is one of Sweden's most child-friendly mountain resorts, and the ski school is a big part of that. Here children can start as early as two, and the groups are divided by both age and level all the way up to fifteen. This guide is about the practical side: which group your child should be in, where to hire skis and what the first day can look like. General information about the resort, the slopes and accommodation is in Idre Fjäll.
The ski school groups
The ski school in Idre Fjäll divides children by age, and from five also by level. The table above shows all the groups. In short:
- Stor och liten (2–3 years) – child and parent ski together, and the parent is on skis next to the child. Perfect for those who want to be there the first few times.
- Askeklubben (3–4 years) – play in the snow and the first steps on skis, without a parent.
- Knatte (5–6 years) – three levels, from the first snowplough to children who ride the lift on their own.
- Patrull (7–9 years) – four levels.
- Skidliga (10–15 years) – groups by level. For the older ones there are also sessions in the snow park, freeride and racing.
Snowboarding is available for children aged 8–15 in three levels, and adults can join a group or book a private lesson. The ski school also has lessons with sit-skis and dual-skis for those who need them.
Tips: Be honest about your child's level when you book. Can the child stop on their own and ride the lift without help? Then a higher level suits. If the child ends up in a group that is too difficult, it is rarely fun.
When does the ski school run?
Most groups run Monday to Friday, and there are also two-day courses Friday–Saturday and some five-day options. The ski school is open from just before Christmas until April. Book early for the winter break and Easter weeks, when many families want the same times.
Children's areas and Aske's playground
Idre Fjäll has several children's areas with gentle gradients, easy lifts and magic carpets, and the mascot Aske is part of the ski school and the children's activities. By the slopes there is also Aske's playground, a wooden playground where children can climb and slide between lessons. Idre Fjäll itself recommends starting at around the age of three.
Familjebacken, Västbacken and Nordbackarna are some of the slopes, and anyone who wants to see something really steep can look up at Chocken – one of Sweden's steepest slopes. It is definitely not for small children, but a good thing to point at from the lift.
The ski rental
The sports rental has several locations:
- Torget – the largest, with drop-in, specialist equipment and a workshop for sharpening and waxing.
- Syd – for those who have booked in advance and just need to collect and return.
Booking online always gives a better price, and you can book up to four days before arrival. For a fee of 495 kronor, booked at least seven days in advance, the equipment can also be delivered to your accommodation – nice if you arrive late in the evening with tired children.
Lift passes and children's prices
Children under seven ski free on the slopes, and a helmet is required. Lift passes bought online are cheaper: Idre Fjäll gives a discount for online purchases and a further discount if you book well before arrival. A free mountain train and a free bus run between the slopes and the accommodation.
A plan for the first day
- Collect the skis the evening before – then you avoid the queue in the morning.
- Ski school in the morning – the children are at their freshest then.
- Lunch and play – a break at Aske's playground or a cup of hot chocolate.
- Afternoon together – ski the family slope and let the children show what they have learnt.
More tips on daily rhythm and rest days are in the first ski trip with children, and do not forget the ski trip packing list. We compare other Swedish mountain resorts in ski trips in Sweden, and if you want to try Norway there is Hafjell's slopes near Lillehammer.
Before ski school in Idre – easy things to forget
Frequently asked questions
From what age can children go to ski school in Idre Fjäll?
From the age of two. Children aged 2–3 go to Stor och liten together with a parent on the slope, and from three there is Askeklubben without a parent.
Which groups are there in the ski school in Idre?
Stor och liten (2–3 years), Askeklubben (3–4 years), Knatte (5–6 years, three levels), Patrull (7–9 years, four levels) and Skidliga (10–15 years). Snowboarding is available for ages 8–15, and adults can join a group or take a private lesson.
Where do you hire skis in Idre Fjäll?
At Torget, which takes drop-ins and has a workshop, or at Syd, where you collect pre-booked equipment. Booking online always gives a better price, and for a fee the equipment can be delivered to your accommodation.
Do children ski free in Idre Fjäll?
Yes, children under seven ski free on the slopes. A helmet is required for children.
Which days does the ski school run?
Most groups run Monday to Friday. There are also two-day courses Friday–Saturday and some five-day options. The ski school is open from just before Christmas until April.
