Ski Touring and Winter Mountaincraft in Jämtland

Photos: A. & T. Ideström

Cross Country Skiing > Ski Touring and Winter Mountaincraft in Jämtland

Map of Sweden

The Wolverine

Also known as the Skunk Bear, Devil Bear, Carcajou, and Glutton, the Wolverine is, for its size, probably one of the most powerful top-of-the-food-chain predators. The Wolverine is powerfully built and well-adapted for winter survival and walks on the soles of its feet, as do bears and humans. This is called a plantigrade posture and allows the animal to move much easily through soft, deep snow.

Despite being protected in Sweden since 1969, the wolverine remains one of Sweden's most threatened mammals.

A private guided ski touring experience including training in winter mountain skills

Ski touring holidays in Sweden: Jämtland

Keen on spectacular winter mountain landscapes, but with little experience of winter mountain life? After this ski touring expedition in the company of an experienced local guide, you will be able to get around safely and easily in the winter mountains and the wilderness all on your own. It is uplifting and exhilarating to be in the mountains - as long as you know how to do it safely.

In addition to skiing through some of Sweden's most spectacular mountain landscapes, over four days you will learn everything from how to interpret the weather and use a compass to how to keep your strength up during the ski tour and get a good night's sleep in a tent.

Photo: Annica and Torkel Ideström

After a hearty breakfast, you have your first theory lesson before putting on your skis and setting out for the mountains in Vålådalen's and Sylarna's impressive mountain region in western Jämtland. You begin at a comfortable pace, getting gradually accustomed to the complete silence and vast open spaces. Everybody carries his or her own personal equipment and food. In the evening you can be sure of hearing interesting conversations around the camp fire since both your leaders, Annika and Torkel, have extensive experience of mountain and outdoor life, having participated in long expeditions in the Swedish mountains and Greenland.

Part of the mountain course includes practical training in a storm simulator in which you can experience exposure to a hurricane-force wind under safe conditions. You can also feel how hard the wind actually blows at a mere 10 metres per second and practise putting up a tent or using a wind sack. The only thing that counts when you are confronted with a real life problem is knowledge and experience!

This adventurous but accessible ski touring experience concludes with a well-deserved sauna and dinner at Vålådalen's fine old mountain lodge.

Comments on Ski Touring and Winter Mountaincraft in Jämtland:

"We truly enjoyed our experience in Vålådalen and Torkel has been a very helpful guide for all our family. Thank you for all the support you gave us and let's stay in touch...Let's hope we will be able to organize another tour next year!" Donatella and family, private tour April 2009

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