Stöten Expands for Winter 2026–27 with New Express Lift and Major Snowmaking Upgrades

Stöten in Sälen is entering the 2026–27 season with one of its most ambitious development phases in decades. The resort is investing heavily in lift infrastructure, snowmaking capacity and family‑focused facilities, aiming to improve flow on the mountain, strengthen snow reliability and elevate the overall guest experience. The centrepiece of this expansion is a brand‑new express chairlift at Skidtorget, complemented by extensive upgrades to the snowmaking system across multiple slopes.

A New 6‑Seater Express Lift at Skidtorget

Skidtorget, Stöten’s westernmost and increasingly popular area, will see the opening of a detachable 6‑seater express lift designed to ease congestion and improve access to varied terrain. The lift begins at Skidtorget and rises to just below the treeline near the Älvan run, offering a fast, weather‑resilient connection to higher elevations.

Key details include:

• Capacity: 2,400 people per hour

• Length: 1,100 metres

• Vertical rise: 230 metres

• Ride time: under four minutes

The lift is part of a SEK 120 million investment package that also includes expanded parking, a new children’s area, a conveyor lift for beginners and a new café, Älvans Café, serving coffee, pastries and waffles. The upgrades transform Skidtorget into a fully equipped hub with diverse terrain, dining options and family‑friendly amenities.

"Developing Skidtorget has long been part of our development plans, and last year we completed the first stage of work with a completely new slope and a more comprehensive snow system in the area. Now we are starting stage two of the development process by building a new chairlift," says Tomas Berg.

The entire Skidtorg area will get a major facelift. It will be a complete ski area with a warming hut, toboggan run, café and restaurant. Before next winter, the car park will also be expanded and a brand new children's area will be created next to the camping lift - perfect for beginners! There will also be a new road built, which will both open up for easier access and make the Ski Square bigger.

The new Farfars fartvind run, which premiered in December last year, has quickly become the favourite of many Stöten guests with its generous width and gentle slope. At the same time, the popularity of the run has increased the pressure on the lifts around Skidtorget.

The planned chairlift – a detachable 6-seater with a length of 1,100 metres – brings Stöten’s total lift capacity to an impressive 2,400 people per hour. Featuring modern detachable technology, a high level of comfort and fast travel times, the lift takes skiers up 230 metres in altitude in just under four minutes. The lift departs from Skidtorget and the top station is strategically located just above the top station of the Dubbelliften – but below the tree line to ensure skiing conditions remain favourable for as long as possible.

"The result of the new chairlift will be better operation, smoother flows and a more reliable skiing experience for the guest, even in challenging weather conditions," says Tomas Berg.

Why Skidtorget Needed an Upgrade

The area has seen a surge in visitors since the opening of the blue run Farfars fartvind, which quickly became a favourite thanks to its wide, gentle profile. The increased traffic placed pressure on existing lifts, prompting Stöten to accelerate its long‑term development plan. According to Destination Manager Tomas Berg, the goal is to ensure all three of Stöten’s main base areas offer varied skiing and direct access to chairlifts, making the resort more intuitive and enjoyable for families.

Major Investment in Snowmaking

Alongside lift expansion, Stöten continues to strengthen its snowmaking infrastructure. Over the past decade, the resort has invested more than SEK 100 million in snow production, and this year’s upgrades extend that commitment.

New developments include:

• Additional snow cannons across the resort

• A new snowmaking system on the green Bjärven run, fed from the top of Vargy Express

• Improvements designed to ensure reliable snow cover regardless of weather fluctuations

The upgrades aim to secure early‑season openings and maintain consistent conditions throughout winter, reinforcing Stöten’s reputation for dependable skiing.

Enhancements for Children and Families

Stöten is also investing in playful, accessible terrain for younger skiers. Vargy’s adventure trail is being redesigned with new features such as a ski bridge, mini‑ravine and additional obstacles. A second Stöten Ski Shop is opening at Stötentorget, offering rentals, boot‑fitting and equipment testing. Accommodation upgrades include renovations at Stöten Ski Hotel and refreshed interiors in several Varglyans cabins.

A Long‑Term Vision for Growth

CEO Johan Thorn describes the developments as part of a long‑term strategy to keep Stöten at the forefront of Scandinavian ski destinations. With expanded terrain, improved lift capacity and strengthened snowmaking, the resort aims to deliver smoother operations, better skier flow and a more complete experience for guests of all ages.

Stöten opens for the season on 10 December 2026, with its upgraded Skidtorget area set to become one of the most significant new additions in the Swedish ski landscape this winter.