Åsele The market and the river

March to April

Late winter

Åsele's late winter begins on the ice. One Saturday at the end of March, hundreds of ice anglers stand on Stamsjön, and then follow five weeks of packed snowmobile trails, long dog-sled tours and a sun that warms the riverbank while the snow is still there.

Things to do

Åsele-Nappet

Hundreds of ice anglers on Stamsjön one Saturday at the end of March, organised by Åsele IK since 1963. There are prizes worth hundreds of thousands of kronor, with SEK 20,000 for first prize. In 2026 the competition was held on 21 March.

Snowmobiling in daylight

The trails from the town out towards the villages are packed and firm in March, and the days are long enough for tours that in January would have ended in the dark. Huskykennel Lappland runs guided snowmobile tours for those who would rather go with a guide.

The dog teams' best weeks

A firm base, light and dogs that can go far: late winter is when Huskykennel Lappland runs its longest tours, for as long as the snow holds into April.

The winter market in the rear-view mirror

February's winter market in the heritage area, in 2026 on 21–22 February 2026, is the heir of the old January market. The Nappet on Stamsjön comes a month later, at the end of March.

Ice fishing without the competition

Any lake where the ice bears: perch and pike in the forest country, trout in the mountain lakes to the west. Permits are bought at ifiske.se, and in April you can sit on the ice in your shirtsleeves.

Crust mornings

After a clear night the snow bears anywhere until mid-morning. It is the simplest way to get out onto the bogs and along the river without either skis or a trail.

The market's old season

It is easy to forget that for several hundred years Åsele market was a winter event. Trading took place in January, when the lakes and bogs bore and heavy loads could be hauled on snow. The summer market is a late invention. Late winter, then, is the season that was once the most important of the year here, and the winter market in February and the Nappet in March are what remains of it.

Common questions

When is Åsele-Nappet held?
A Saturday at the end of March. In 2026 the competition was held on 21 March on Stamsjön by the bathing place. The next date is published by Åsele IK.
What is the difference between winter and late winter?
The light. The snow is the same, but from March the days are long and the sun gives warmth. That is why the ice-fishing competition, the long dog-sled tours and the snowmobile weekends fall just then.
Is everything booked up in the winter school holidays?
Rarely in Åsele. Unlike the mountain resorts, the town has room even in weeks 7 to 10 and at Easter. The hotel, the campsite's winter cabins and the hostel in Gafsele are the options.
Can you walk out on the river ice?
No, not without local knowledge. The Ångermanälven is regulated and runs open in many places all winter. The lakes are another matter; there you ice fish once the ice bears.
When does late winter end?
In May, when the snow goes and the bogs turn wet. The villagers call it menföre. In June the river and the fishing are going again, and in July comes the market.

Accommodation

Åsele Wärdshus and the campsite's winter cabins in the town, Fredrika Hotell and Gafsele Lappland Hostel. There is usually room even in the winter school holiday weeks. See accommodation.

Information last checked 22 oktober 2026.