Hemavan Tarnaby Resort Transfer Guide

Hemavan and Tärnaby sit in Swedish Lapland, roughly 20 kilometres from the Norwegian border. They share a lift pass but offer completely different skiing. Hemavan is the cruiser – high-alpine bowls and wide, forgiving runs that drop down towards the Ume älv river. Tärnaby, 18 kilometres down the road, is the racer. It is a steep, technical hill that produced some of the most successful alpine competitors in history. Together, they give you a mix of accessible wilderness and serious racing pedigree that feels entirely different from the busy resorts further south.

Mountain culture & milestones

The local ski culture revolves around the Tärna IK Fjällvinden sports club. Founded in 1928, the club has produced more than 130 World Cup victories through racers like Ingemar Stenmark and Anja Pärson. Skiers first raced slalom on Laxfjället in 1937. Today, the Ingemarbacken slope – where Stenmark learned to ski – is listed as a national historical sports site.

Valley bases: where to stay

The ski area covers two separate villages linked by a local bus. Hemavan is the larger commercial centre, while Tärnaby is a quiet, traditional racing hub.

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Ski sectors at a glance

The two mountains provide 50 kilometres of pistes with a clear split in difficulty.

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The mountain & skiing

Hemavan’s pistes start in exposed upper bowls and drop into the birch forests. The runs are wide and forgiving, making them ideal for beginners and intermediates looking to carve. Tärnaby is much steeper. Its direct fall-line runs are built for advanced skiers and race training. Both mountains offer good off-piste skiing, with open powder fields above the tree line and steeper drops just outside the marked boundaries.

The village & après-ski

Neither village has a loud party scene. Hemavan has more facilities, including the Bayhill Center mall, cafes, and a few restaurants. Après-ski usually means a quiet drink in a hotel lounge or local pub. Tärnaby is even quieter, with just a few local restaurants catering to the racing clubs.

Snow & season

Because the resorts sit just below the Arctic Circle, the season is long. Tärnaby usually opens in late October, followed by Hemavan in early November, and both run until early May. The cold latitude keeps the snow in good condition through spring. Mid-winter days are very short, but both mountains have extensive floodlighting for night skiing.

Summer & year-round

In summer, Hemavan is the northern start of the Kungsleden (The King’s Trail), Sweden’s 440-kilometre hiking route. The surrounding Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve draws hikers, anglers, and mountain bikers from June to September.

Safety & mountain etiquette

The boundary between groomed pistes and high-alpine wilderness is sharp, especially in Hemavan. If you ski off-piste, carry avalanche gear and know how to use it. Weather near the Arctic Circle changes quickly. You are also skiing next to the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, so follow local rules regarding wildlife protection.

Who it suits best

Hemavan works well for families and intermediates who want wide slopes and the convenience of an airport right in the village. Tärnaby is for advanced skiers and racers who want to ski the steep, direct runs used by the Swedish national team.

Getting there

– Nearest airports: Hemavan Tärnaby Airport (1 km), Umeå Airport (360 km) – Nearest rail hub: Storuman

Written by the Alps2Alps editorial team.

This guide is published by Alps2Alps for general information only. It is not affiliated with Wikipedia or any resort, airport, or lift operator. Facts were accurate at the time of writing; always check official sources before travel.