Short answer
The winter sports break in Stockholm is week 9, 1–5 March 2027. Without leaving the city, the family can ski at Hammarbybacken, with a children's area and two magic carpets, at Flottsbro in Huddinge, with a chairlift and a sledging hill, or at Väsjöbacken in Sollentuna. There is an artificially frozen ice rink in Kungsträdgården, cross-country tracks at sports grounds and golf courses when the snow comes, and swimming baths and museums for the slushy days.
Skiing near Stockholm
| Slope | Where | Good for children | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hammarbybacken | Sickla, in the middle of the city | Children's area with two magic carpets | A view over the city – and lots of people during the winter break |
| Flottsbro | Huddinge | Chairlift, button lift, T-bar and sledging hill | Commuter train and bus from the city |
| Väsjöbacken | Sollentuna | Several lifts and a terrain park | Suits both beginners and experienced skiers |
Opening hours and prices vary with the snow and are set before each season.
Not every Stockholm family goes to the mountains for the winter break – and there is no need to. Within commuter train and metro distance there are three ski slopes, an ice rink in the city centre and, when winter cooperates, cross-country tracks and sledging hills in every park. The winter sports break in Stockholm is week 9, 1–5 March 2027 – the dates for the whole country are in winter sports break 2027.
Skiing in the middle of the city – Hammarbybacken
Hammarbybacken in Sickla is Stockholm's own ski slope, with a view over the whole city from the top. There are five runs, two lifts, a snow park and a children's area with two magic carpets – good for children taking their first turns. There is a ski school, rental and a café on site. The season usually starts in mid-December, depending on the snow.
It is easy to get there by public transport: go to Sickla kaj and walk five to ten minutes along Hammarby allé.
Flottsbro – the largest in the Stockholm area
Flottsbro in Huddinge, a couple of dozen kilometres south-west of the city, is the highest ski area in the Stockholm region. There are five runs, the longest around 700 metres, and three lifts – a chairlift, a button lift and a T-bar – and a sledging hill for the youngest. Equipment can be hired on site or booked online in advance, and booking ahead is a good idea during the winter break.
Take the commuter train to Huddinge, about a quarter of an hour, and then the bus towards Flottsbro, about 25 minutes.
Väsjöbacken in Sollentuna
In Sollentuna north of the city lies Väsjöbacken, with several lifts and a terrain park. It suits both beginners and experienced skiers and is a good alternative for families who live in northern Stockholm.
Sledging, skating and cross-country
- Tobogganing: when the snow comes, any hill will do. Bring a sledge, a bum board or an old bin bag and go to the nearest park.
- Skating: in Kungsträdgården there is an artificially frozen ice rink. With your own skates it is free, and skates can be hired on site.
- Cross-country skiing: when there is snow, tracks are made at sports grounds, golf courses and in outdoor areas around the city. Where they are made varies with the snow, so check the current tracks before you go.
Tips: Bring a thermos of hot chocolate to the slope. During the winter break the queues in the cafés are long, and a break on a bench is often enough for the children to manage another run.
When the snow does not come
The snow may not come in Stockholm even in early March. Then swimming baths, museums and Skansen work whatever the weather – but the swimming baths are often busy during the winter break week, so go early in the day. More ideas for Stockholm during a school break are in Christmas holidays in Stockholm, which also works for a wet winter break day.
To the mountains instead?
Week 9 is the busiest week in the mountains of Dalarna, because Stockholm, Dalarna and Värmland are on holiday at the same time and the Vasaloppet race is on Sunday 7 March. If you are going anyway – book early and compare the resorts in ski trips in Sweden. Do not forget the packing list.
Packing for a winter break day in Stockholm
Frequently asked questions
Where can children ski in Stockholm during the winter break?
At Hammarbybacken in Sickla, which has a children's area with two magic carpets, at Flottsbro in Huddinge, which has a chairlift, button lift, T-bar and sledging hill, and at Väsjöbacken in Sollentuna.
How do you get to Flottsbro without a car?
Commuter train from Stockholm City to Huddinge, about a quarter of an hour, and then the bus towards Flottsbro, about 25 minutes.
Where are the cross-country tracks in Stockholm?
When there is snow, tracks are made at several sports grounds, golf courses and in outdoor areas around the city. Where they are made varies with the snow, so check the current tracks before you go.
What can you do during the winter break in Stockholm when there is no snow?
The artificially frozen ice rink in Kungsträdgården, swimming baths, museums and Skansen work whatever the weather. The swimming baths are often busy during the winter break week, so go early.
When is the winter sports break in Stockholm in 2027?
Week 9, 1–5 March 2027, in all municipalities in Stockholm County that have published their dates.
