Train to the Mountains – How It Works to Sweden's Ski Resorts

Train to the mountains – is it possible? How it works

Travelling to the mountains by train has gone from being a niche solution to becoming one of the most comfortable, sustainable and family-friendly ways to reach your winter adventure. For many, a winter trip is all about experiences, calm and memories for life – and then it's a relief to skip long traffic queues, winter road conditions and expensive parking. But where do the trains actually go? And how does it work when the resort has no station of its own?

Here's a guide to taking the train to the mountains, which resorts have a direct connection, and where you need to book a transfer for the last stretch.

A red train by snow-covered mountains, with a view of the Matterhorn in the background.

Train to the mountains – how does it work in practice?

There are three types of mountain trips by train:

Direct train to resorts with their own station
Train to the nearest station + bus/transfer
Train to a central point (e.g. Östersund, Mora, Röjan) + connecting mountain bus

Which option applies depends entirely on the resort's geographic location and how the infrastructure is built.

Many travellers appreciate the train because the journey becomes part of the adventure itself. It's calm, comfortable and child-friendly – perfect for a family that wants to travel sustainably, or for anyone who wants the holiday to start the moment they step aboard.

For tips on other nature-close travel experiences, you can read more under Unique train experiences.

Ski resorts you can reach directly by train

These resorts have their own station and are therefore the most train-friendly options for mountain travellers.

Åre – Sweden's most classic mountain train station

Åre has one of the country's busiest mountain stations and is connected by both night and day trains. The station is right in the middle of the village, which means you can step off the train and walk straight to your accommodation or the ski bus.

This makes Åre an especially good resort for families and groups who want to travel smoothly, sustainably and without a car. The combination of adventure, village life and restaurants also makes Åre perfect for groups of friends and couples – and you'll find a separate, longer guide under Åre.

Duved – calmer than Åre but on the same train line

Just a few minutes west of Åre lies Duved, which also has its own station. It's one of the most convenient options for anyone who wants:

Lower accommodation prices
Shorter distances to the lifts
A calmer, family-friendly area

Duved is perfect for anyone seeking mountain experiences without the crowds – while still wanting a smooth train option.

Storlien – a train station on the mountain border with Norway

Storlien has a station with both Swedish and Norwegian train connections. The resort's location makes it especially popular for day trips, cross-border shopping or more relaxed skiing. For many families, this is one of the most affordable mountain trips by train.

A train passes a city with buildings and water in the background.

Ski resorts where you take the train + a smooth transfer

Several large ski resorts have no station of their own, but are built around efficient transfer solutions. For many, this still means the journey is both smooth and comfortable.

Vemdalen – train to Röjan ("Vemdalen station") + bus

To Vemdalen you travel by day or night train to Röjan station, sometimes marketed as "Vemdalen station". There, connecting transfer buses wait to take you to:

Vemdalsskalet
Björnrike
Klövsjö/Storhogna

The transfer is timed to match arriving trains, making the journey seamless and easy even for families with children.

You'll find more about the area in the guide to Sweden's ski resorts.

Sälen – train to Mora or Malung + mountain transfer

Sälen has no train station in the mountain area itself. There are, however, two clear routes:

Train to Mora → mountain bus to Sälen
Train to Malung → bus onward to, for example, Lindvallen or Hundfjället

This combination makes the trip car-free, yet still smooth. The buses are set up for winter tourism and have plenty of room for equipment.

For summer guides, there's more to read under Sälen in summer.

Idre Fjäll – train to Mora + mountain bus

To Idre you take the train to Mora, and from there direct buses run up to the mountains. The trip is a popular option during winter break, early spring and for families who want to avoid driving themselves.

Hemavan/Tärnaby – train to Umeå + bus

Even though Hemavan is far to the north, you can still travel in a climate-smart way:

Train to Umeå
Bus transfer onward up through the mountain range

This is one of the longest options – but also one of the most nature-rich, where the journey through the interior of Västerbotten becomes part of the experience.