Discover Mountain Ski Touring in Lapland

Overview

Duration: 7 days/6 nights.

Accommodation: Shared rooms in mountain station and mountain cabin.

Required: General good health, normal level of fitness and some experience of cross country skiing. Recommended minimum age 16.

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If you have some previous cross-country skiing experience on prepared trails but are yet to discover the adventure and challenge of a mountain ski touring expedition, Discover Mountain Ski Touring in Lapland is the tour for you!

Under the supervision of experienced local guides, you will spend a week ski touring in the majestic mountain scenery of Lapland in the far north of Sweden, developing your skiing abilities and knowledge of the mountain world and gaining the confidence you need for your own tours.

Starting from an award-winning traditional mountain station along the King's Trail in Swedish Lapland, Discover Mountain Ski Touring in Lapland features a combination of circular day tours and hut-to-hut sections to take you deep into the wilds of this remote region, giving you the ideal opportunity to improve your skills and technique in a challenging but accessible and enjoyable way.

The experience begins with a day-tour from the station, returning in the evening for a well-earned meal and sauna before heading out to spend the next days in the mountain plains above the tree line, with overnight accommodation in a simple but comfortable mountain cabin. If you are feeling confident enough on your skis, there may be the possibility for a day's ski touring in the mighty pathless wilderness of Sarek National Park.

By the end of the tour, when you return to the welcoming hospitality of the mountain station for your final night, you should be justly proud of your achievements, with improved skiing skills and a new-found confidence in your abilities to move safely and enjoyably through the winter mountains.

Itinerary

Day 1

On arrival at Kebnats you will be transferred by snowscooter 5km across the lake to Saltoluokta Mountain Station. You will meet at the station approx. 30 minutes after the bus arrives at Kebnats. You will have lunch followed by an instruction meeting where you will go through your equipment and the week's programme. Dinner in the mountain station's award-winning restaurant.

Day 2

A day-tour in the area around the mountain station, where you will have a chance to improve your ski technique and practise with windsacks, snow shovels and climbing skins. In the evening, you will have lunch and also the opportunity to take a shower and sauna. Personal items not needed during your ski tour can be left at the mountain station for a small storage fee.

Day 3

After breakfast you will be transferred by snowscooter with sled to the Sitojaure cabins. Scooters used are operated by local residents using environmentally-friendly 4-stroke motors and driven only on marked trails outside the protected areas. Provisions for your tour will be transported at the same time. Distance to Sitojaure is 19km. Participants who wish to can ski the last section while your packing is transported to the cabins.

Day 4

Day-tour in the area around Sitojaure. Exact route dictated by preferences, ability and weather conditions.

Day 5

A new day-tour from Sitojaure. If you are feeling confident enough and if weather conditions permit, there is the option to take a tour into the mighty pathless wilderness of Sarek National Park.

Day 6

You will head back towards Saltoluokta, where a shower and sauna awaits, this time skiing the whole distance through a landscape of mountain slopes and deeply sculpted, meandering valleys. In the evening you will have dinner together and reflect on all that you have experienced and learned during the week.

Distance: approx. 19km.

Day 7

For those still with energy to spare, there is the possibility for a morning tour in the area - or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this traditional Swedish mountain station. In the afternoon, you will be transferred across Langas to Kebnats for bus to Gällivare for onward connections.

Please note that the programme is subject to change depending on weather and snow conditions.

Additional Information:

There are only emergency telephones in the cabins. The phone is directly connected to the police. Mobile phones generally do not work out in the mountains.

Distance covered on day tours will depend on weather conditions and the needs/wishes of the participants. Typical distance around max. 20km/day.

The max. height difference on a particular day during the tour is around 400m (not including possible summit tours).

The midnight sun does not shine until late spring. In March and April the nights will still be dark and you should bring a small torch and a few candles.

Dates & Prices

Dates

• 25.03-31.03.12
• 15.04-21.04.12

The Price

Prices are in British Pounds. If you wish, you are also welcome to make your payment by bank transfer in Euros or Swedish Kronor. If this would be of interest, please let us know and we will be happy to provide prices.

• 25.03-31.03.12: £741/person
• 15.04-21.04.12: £741/person

NB: Please note that ski and other equipment is available to borrow free of charge for this tour but must be booked in advance - please see "Equipment" below.

What The Price Includes

Accommodation

Shared rooms in mountain station and mountain cabin.

Cabins: The beds are fitted with mattresses, pillows and blankets. During the winter season you should bring a light sleeping bag (the interior of the cabins is warm once heated - a dedicated winter bag is not required). The cabins are comfortable but of basic standard and there is no electricity or running water. You will all need to help each other with domestic duties, cleaning, cooking, doing the dishes etc. Wooden fires or gas heats the cabins. The cooking is done on gas stoves. Sitojaure has 22 beds. There are also extra mattresses and blankets in case the cabin gets full. Everyone will get shelter - in the event that all the beds are occupied you will get a space on the floor and a mattress. It is not possible to reserve beds in advance.

Meals

All meals at Saltoluokta Mountain Station and during the tour.

Food for sale (for additional snacks): There is a shop at Saltoluokta if you wish to purchase snacks, etc.

Equipment

Safety equipment.

The following items are available to borrow at no additional charge if you do not have your own. Please advise in advance which items you require:

• Ski boots, skis and poles (please advise height and shoe size in advance)
• Climbing skins for skis
• Rucksack
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Thermos
• Gaiters

Map and compass are also available to borrow on request (advance booking not required).

Guide

Experienced and knowledgeable local guide.

Transfers

Local transfers between the mountain station and Kebnats and during your tour.

What The Price Does Not Include

Alcoholic drinks.

Optional Extras

Items not needed during the tour can be left at Saltoluokta Mountain Station station for a small storage fee. Bring a small bag to pack your things in.

If you would like to extend your stay before or after the tour, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss the alternatives with you.

Practical Info

Health requirements/experience

For this tour you should be in good general health, have a normal level of fitness and some previous cross-country skiing experience.

The distance covered each day will depend on the route chosen, likely to be maximum approx. 20km. The max. height difference on a particular day during the tour is around 400m (not including possible summit tours).

Recommended minimum age 16 years. Persons under 16 years accompanied by an adult may also be able to participate - please contact us to discuss your requirements. Recommended maximum age 65 years.

Equipment/clothes needed

A detailed recommended equipment list will be sent with your booking confirmation.

NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing.

Groups

Minimum 6 and maximum 14 participants. This experience is open to travellers from all over the world. Groups may be made up of participants from a number of countries, around 60% of whom are likely to be from Scandinavia.

Private groups of minimum 6 persons can book this experience at standard prices on other dates by arrangement. Smaller groups are also possible at an additional rate - please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Laponia

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Laponia covers an area of 9,400 square kilometres. The landscape is extremely varied, from the dramatic mountainscapes of Sarek to the swamps of Muddus.

The majestic mountains of the Stora Sjöfallet and Sarek national parks are found in western Laponia. This is where you find Sweden's largest glacial area, with hundreds of glaciers. As hard, volcanic bedrock erodes slowly, the mountains are both high and steep. The tallest peaks reach 2000 metres above sea level.

Additional Notes

This provider has received a prestigious Swedish Ecotourism award for its commitment to high standards to cultural and environmental sensitivity.

Location

Detailed information on travel options will be sent with your booking documentation. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.

By Air

Fly to Stockholm then onward by night train to Gällivare. From Gällivare, travel by bus to Kebnats (approx. 2 hours) from where transfers are included.

Without Flying

Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward train connections to Gällivare and bus to Kebnats.

Map of Sweden