Årefjällen Trailrunning

The purpose of the project is to put the region on the map both internationally and nationally as a world-leading trail running destination. The goal of the project is to develop the area into a world-leading trail destination through collaboration between businesses, associations, and interest groups in Södra Årefjällen and Åre. Focus is also placed on the possibility of extending the season, which creates travel reasons for the entire area for training tourism from June to September. With a clear product and increased quality in the trails, it benefits both facilities and other stakeholders. The project period creates conditions for a business model where the added value created for the visitor and guest generates annual revenues that cover the costs of ongoing maintenance.

Within the framework of the project, the following elements are planned to be included: – project management – coordination between various investments in new projects – coordination of different interest groups/businesses – landowner issues – long-term operation of the trails related to trail running – study visits to leading trail running destinations – concept development – develop and adapt Åre trails (www.aretrails.com) and the app for trail running with, among other things, timing, trail map – develop a market-communicative concept that packages trail running for both national and international target groups.

LAG board's justification

The project is prioritized by LAG because it is expected to contribute to several of the strategy's objectives within the intervention area Passionate Entrepreneurship in collaboration. Above all, the project is expected to contribute to the Leader strategy's goal of an even more attractive tourism industry, and particularly the goals of increased entrepreneurship and increased employment. The project is assessed to have great potential for job creation. The hope is also that the project leads to increased sustainability, increased drive in collaboration between businesses, associations, and affected villages in the area, and that collaboration is promoted.