Winter Mountaincraft in Jämtland

Photos: Annica and Torkel Ideström

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.

Cross Country Skiing > Winter Mountaincraft in Jämtland

Learn how to look after yourself in the wide white winter wilds!

Cross country skiing holidays in Sweden: Jämtland

Keen on spectacular white mountain landscapes, but with little experience of winter mountain life? After this mountain course 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.

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. 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.

Photo: Annica and Torkel Ideström

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!

The course concludes with a well-deserved sauna and dinner at Vålådalen's fine old mountain lodge.