Mountain Magic for Beginners

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 it remains one of the country's most threatened mammals.

Hiking and Trekking > Mountain Magic for Beginners

From zero to hero over six days in the Swedish mountain wilderness

Trekking holidays in Sweden: Jämtland

Keen on spectacular mountain walks but with little experience of mountain life? After this experience you will be able to get around safely and easily in the mountains and the wilderness all on your own.

Over these days you will learn everything from how to interpret the weather and use a compass to how to keep your strength up and get a good night’s sleep in a tent. After a hearty breakfast, you have your first theory lesson before putting on your walking boots 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.

Photo: Annica and Torkel Ideström

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!

Vålådalen lies with in the province of Jämtland. Here you will find majestic forests and mountains and forests extending for mile upon mile, great lakes, small ponds, babbling brooks and whirling rivers. Some of the rivers are still untouched and run unrestrained.

The water is fresh and you can drink it and fish in it everywhere in the province. Jämtland is rich in flowers and wildlife. In this area live all five of Sweden's large predators: the brown bear, the wolf, wolverine, lynx and the golden eagle (see Wildlife Guide). The moose and reindeer are common and often seen by the side of the road.