When is the winter market in Åsele?

In February, in the heritage area. In 2026 it was held on 21–22 February 2026; the dates for next year are published by the municipality and the market. Åsele-Nappet on lake Stamsjön is held at the end of March, alongside the winter market according to the municipality.

How dark is it in winter?

Åsele lies at 64°10′ north, south of the Arctic Circle, so the sun rises every day. Around the winter solstice it is up for only a few hours. The snow and the open river still mean it never feels completely black.

Can you go dog sledding without experience?

Yes. Huskykennel Lappland runs both guided tours and tours where you drive your own team after instruction, in small groups. The owner is often out guiding and asks for a text message rather than a phone call.

Does the Ångermanälven freeze?

The river is regulated and large stretches stay open all winter, with ice only along the banks and in still water. Never go out on river ice without local knowledge. The lakes are another matter; there you ice-fish once the ice bears.

November to February

Winter

The snow comes in October and stays until May. This page is about the dark part, November to February: the dog teams, the winter market, the ice fishing and the northern lights over a river that does not freeze. For March and April, when the sun is back, see late winter.

Things to do in winter

Dog sledding

Huskykennel Lappland in Åsele runs tours where you drive your own team or ride in a guided one, from day trips to packages with meals and accommodation. In winter also snowmobiling, snowshoe walks, ice fishing and igloo building where you sleep in your own igloo.

The winter market

The original market was a winter market, and it lives on in a smaller format in the heritage area in February. In 2026 it was held on 21–22 February 2026.

Christmas market in the church cottages

The local heritage society's Christmas market in December, in the church cottages and farm buildings in the heritage area.

Ice fishing

Lake Stamsjön, Viskasjön and the lakes in the forest country once the ice bears. Perch and pike, brown trout in the mountain lakes to the west. Permits via ifiske.se. The big competition, Åsele-Nappet, comes at the end of March.

Snowmobiles and skis

Snowmobile trails from the town out to the villages and towards the neighbouring municipalities, cross-country tracks and snowshoes. Check the trail status before setting out, and respect reindeer grazing land.

Northern lights

Åsele lies within the belt where the aurora appears regularly in winter. What you need is darkness, a clear sky and patience. Go down to the river, away from the street lights, and look north.

Björnlandet on skis

The national park is snow-free only from June to September. At other times you get there on skis or snowshoes, and the cabins are still there. A winter tour for the experienced.

The darkness

Around the winter solstice the sun is up for only a few hours in the middle of the day, and stays low. The snow does a lot for the light, and from January you can clearly notice the days growing.

The market was a winter market

For over two hundred years Åsele market was held in January. The roads were too poor for heavy loads in summer, so trade took place when the snow bore. The summer market is therefore the young variant. The winter market in February is what remains of the original: smaller, colder and closer to what Åsele once was, a Sámi trading place by the river.

Common questions

When is the winter market in Åsele?: In February, in the heritage area. In 2026 it was held on 21–22 February 2026; the dates for next year are published by the municipality and the market. Åsele-Nappet on lake Stamsjön is held at the end of March, alongside the winter market according to the municipality.
How dark is it in winter?: Åsele lies at 64°10′ north, south of the Arctic Circle, so the sun rises every day. Around the winter solstice it is up for only a few hours. The snow and the open river still mean it never feels completely black.
Can you go dog sledding without experience?: Yes. Huskykennel Lappland runs both guided tours and tours where you drive your own team after instruction, in small groups. The owner is often out guiding and asks for a text message rather than a phone call.
Does the Ångermanälven freeze?: The river is regulated and large stretches stay open all winter, with ice only along the banks and in still water. Never go out on river ice without local knowledge. The lakes are another matter; there you ice-fish once the ice bears.

Where to stay

Åsele Wärdshus and the winter cabins at Åsele Camping in the town, Fredrika Hotell and the cabins in Fredrika, the hostel in Gafsele. See all accommodation.

Travelling in March or April? Then it is late winter, with considerably more light.

Information last checked 21 september 2026.