SKATING ON LAKE ÅNN
It was time for autumn break in Åre. A few days before Vera and I were set to leave, I started seeing ice skating photos from Åre popping up everywhere on social media. Had the ice already formed up there? It certainly seemed like it. And what a day we ended up with!
At first, I wasn’t sure if I should head out on the ice with Vera on my own, but as the weekend approached, I realized we wouldn’t be alone on the ice. So, on Friday, we packed our skates and drove up.
Vera’s skates aren’t exactly the newest model, and they caused her some discomfort last year. So, this time, I rented her a more modern pair from Fjällsport in Duved. It turned out to be a great decision—she skated really well today, even though it was her first time on skates with a loose heel.
After a while, it was time for lunch, and we found a cozy spot by the shore, basking in the warm sunlight. We pulled out the thermoses and enjoyed our sandwiches with the view of Storulvån on the horizon. Coffee for me, and hot chocolate for Vera.
Fortunately, in the days leading up to our trip, it had been a bit colder, allowing the ice to freeze a few more centimeters. Most of the ice was in great condition, around 8-10 cm thick, though in some spots it was a bit thinner, so we had to stay cautious the entire time.
The ice was crowded with people, and there were plenty of dogs sliding around as well. While sometimes it’s nicer to skate in solitude, it actually felt great to have others around this time. I’ve been dreaming of ice skating in the mountains for so long, and finally, that dream came true. What a day! Perfect ice, brilliant sunshine, and a magnificent view. It doesn’t get better than that!