Ski Touring on the King's Trail from Abisko to Kebnekaise
"I can honestly say that it was one of the most exhausting but also rewarding things I have ever done...After a couple of days I was skiing as well as the rest of the group (or so I would like to think!)" Ben
"An extraordinary trek across the Swedish tundra...a great place to see the Northern Lights. That evening we all oohed and aahed at the shifting curtain of green in the freezing Arctic sky." Simon Birch in The Independent.
Not sure which of our ski touring experiences is best for you? You can compare our range of cross country skiing holidays in Sweden here.
Photo: STF Bildarkiv
Photos: 1,3,4,7:STF Bildarkiv; 2,6:Ben Brooks; 5:Nature Travels
Scientists predict that the Northern Lights in Sweden this winter will be the strongest for 50 years, making it the ideal time for a winter holiday in Lapland!
NEW FOR 2012: Add an extra night at Abisko before your tour including a night visit to the Abisko Aurora Sky Station (March tours only), giving excellent chances to see the Northern Lights.
The King's Trail (known as "Kungsleden" in Swedish) is a long-distance path in the far north of Swedish Lapland, deep inside the Arctic Circle. An excellent destination for hiking in the summer, the King's Trail also offer marvellous opportunities for ski touring in wintertime.
Ski Touring on the King's Trail is one of the world's "classic" ski touring routes - challenging, spectacular and dramatic without requiring extensive expedition experience or extreme levels of fitness. The tour is led by local guide and is suitable for those with an intermediate-advanced level of ski touring experience.
The Abisko-Kebnekaise trail is probably the most famous section of the King's Trail, running from Abisko Mountain Station on the shores of Lake Torneträsk south to the base of Mt. Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain at 2105m. Along the way, you will be staying in mountain cabins, taking part in the preparation of meals and other duties as you reflect on the day's adventures. The cabins are heated by wood-burning stoves and offer simple but comfortable accommodation - a welcoming haven after a long day on the trail! Your last night in the mountains is spent at Kebnekaise Mountain Station, which offers sauna, showers and a well-earned restaurant meal as you prepare for the final day's ski touring towards Nikkaluokta.
Each day you will be covering 12-20km between the cabins, carrying provisions for max. 2 days at a time. You should count on a pack weight of around 10-12kg.
Ski Touring on the King's Trail from Abisko to Kebnekaise offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery of this remote region in the full glory of a Swedish winter!
For those with a special interest in the Northern Lights, there is the option to add an extra night at Abisko before the tour, including a visit to the Aurora Sky Station. The microclimate in the Abisko area means skies are often clearer than elsewhere and the Aurora Sky Station gives very good chances to see the Northern Lights.
NB: There is the option to add a night at Abisko Aurora Sky Station before your tour. Please see "Optional extras" below".
Gather at Abisko Tourist Station in the afternoon around 16.00-17.00 after the last connection arrives from Kiruna. Dinner in the station restaurant and information about the tour.
The start of your tour. The route takes you through Abisko National Park to lake Abiskojaure and your cabins on the south side of the lake.
Distance: 15km.
This day takes you up into the high mountains to the cabins at lake Alesjaure, with the chance for an evening sauna to soothe your muscles!
Distance: 20km.
A shorter section than the previous day, taking you to the mountain cabin at Tjätka.
Distance: 13km.
Today you will cross over the Tjäktjapass at 1440m with views of the Tjäktjavagge valley. From here, it is easy skiing down to the cabins at Sälka, where the opportunity for a sauna awaits!
Distance: 12km.
This day offers easy skiing along the Tjäktjavagge valley towards Singi, where accommodation for the night will be in dorms with gas or wood-fired heating.
Distance: 13km.
Stunning views over mountain peaks and glaciers as you head for Kebnekaise Mountain Station, which offers sauna, showers and restaurant dinner.
Distance: 14km
Your final day of ski touring takes you to Nikkaluokta, where you have a meal in the local restaurant and take a shower. Bus to Kiruna for onward connections departs around 17.00.
Please note that the programme is subject to change depending on weather and snow conditions.
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.
The max. height difference on a particular day during the tour is around 400m. You will be carrying at most provisions for 2 days at a time, with a typical pack weight of 10-12kg. You should count on an additional weight of 2-3kg for provisions/safety equipment on top of your personal packing.
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.
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.
NB: Please note that ski equipment is not included. Please see "Optional extras" below.
Accommodation at Abisko Tourist Station, Kebnekaise Mountain Station and beds in mountain cabins along the route.
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. The cabins you will visit during this hike have 20-78 beds (rooms with 4-10 beds, male/female mixed). 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.
Full board accommodation at Abisko Tourist Station and Kebnekaise Mountain Station. Meals along the route and final meal in Nikkaluokta.
Food for sale (for additional snacks): In Alesjaure and Sälka there are small shops where you can buy dried and canned food, drinks and snacks, etc. There is no fresh food for sale in the mountain cabins. There is also a small shop at Abiskojaure where you can find some food, but the range is not as wide as in Sälka and Alesjaure.
Experienced and knowledgeable local guide.
Bus transfer Nikkaluokta-Kiruna Centrum.
Alcoholic drinks.
For this mountain tour you should have a good level of fitness and previous ski touring experience. The distance between the cabins varies from 13-20km, with a maximum altitude difference on a single leg of around 400m.
Recommended minimum age 16 years. Children under 16 with suitable experience accompanied by an adult may also be able to participate - please contact us to discuss your requirements.
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.
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.
Created by the Swedish Tourist Association at the end of the 19th century, the King's Trail (or "Kungsleden") was made to introduce hikers to the beauty and majesty of the Lapland scenery.
The trail runs 440km from Abisko in the north to Hemavan in the south, passing through some of the world's most spectacular mountain landscapes. In summer, taking day-tours from the main route allows for an ascent of Sweden's highest mountain, Kebnekaise, or excursions into the pathless wilderness of the mighty Sarek National Park.
Despite the remote ski touring possibilities afforded by the trail, altitude differences are relatively small, which makes the King's Trail an ideal long-distance path for extended tours.
This tour has received a prestigious Swedish Ecotourism award for its commitment to high standards to cultural and environmental sensitivity.
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.
Fly to Stockholm. For outward journey, night train to Abisko Turiststation or domestic flight to Kiruna plus train to Abisko Turiststation. The tour ends in Nikkaluokta for bus transfer to Kiruna (included in the price). Return from Kiruna to Stockholm by night train or domestic flight connection.
Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward train connections to Abisko Turiststation and return from Kiruna.
Bushcraft and outdoor cooking for all ages based at an organic farm.
A lakeside tipi holiday for families or adults with optional activities on land and water.
A challenging wilderness canoeing adventure for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
A true wilderness expedition into the untamed mountains of Sarek National Park.
Sea kayaking and wild camping in a UNESCO World Heritage area.
A husky holiday combining dog sledding and ice fishing from tipi base.
Choose your own husky for a comfortable winter adventure together in the frozen north.
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