The landscape in Sweden is beautiful – it has miles of unspoilt wilderness covered with forests and lakes. Norway and Sweden have the best downhill skiing in the Scandinavian countries, but Sweden is slightly cheaper than its neighbour.

Åre, Sälen and Idre Fjäll are some of the largest Swedish ski resorts, but many of the other (smaller) resorts are grouped quite closely together so you can ski several in a week if you hire a car. The Swedish ski school has a good reputation, particularly for the kids programme.

Like the other Scandinavian countries, cross-country skiing is very popular and it's a great way to see the wild scenery.

Snow is pretty much guaranteed from December to May, but keep your extremities covered up in midwinter – the temperatures are damn cold. During December and January the days are short, but in the spring it stays light till after 8pm. How about skiing by the light of the midnight sun? You can in May and June in the Swedish Lapland resort of Riksgränsen.

The Swedish people are friendly and welcoming and there is quite a lively après-ski and nightlife scene.