The Glory of Winter: Horse Riding and Cross-Country Skiing
Photos: Helena Ifrig
Ammarnäs is a pretty village of around 200 inhabitants tucked away in the Swedish mountains at the confluence of the Rivers Vindelälv and Tjulå.
The first settlers arrived here in the 1820s, attracted by the natural meadows in the delta. The first chapel was inaugurated in 1858, but was replaced in 1912 by the present church. The Sámi church town, with around fifteen stilted houses, lies near the church. These houses were used by the Sámi people when they came to worship at the church.
Many people today visit Ammarnäs for the beautiful scenery. The two main industries are tourism and reindeer husbandry.
Duration: 5 days
Dates/Period: 02.02-06.02.08, 09.03-13.03.08, 23.03-27.03.08, 30.03-03.04.08, 06.04-10.04.08
Price: from £363/adult
Accommodation: 4 nights in youth hostel or mountain hotel
Required: Minimum age 12, max age 60 or by arrangement. Max 95kg. Good general health. Suitable for riders comfortable and in control at walk and trot, firm seat. Some knowledge of cross-country skiing preferable. Temp level -20 deg C.
Visit Sweden's largest nature reserve and experience the glory of winter in the far north, when the surrounding mountains and small villages are covered in a white blanket of snow!
Ride Icelandic horses along picturesque trails in the crisp winter air, with views of the beautiful snow-capped peaks all around. Extremely sure-footed, keen and good-natured, Icelandic horses are a joy to ride and very beautiful, with unusual colours and long, shaggy manes and thick coats.
Vindelfjällen's Nature Reserve lies in the remote north of Sweden and is one of Europe's largest protected natural areas, covering an area of 550,000ha. In Vindelfjällen you can witness a gyrfalcon dive to attack an unwary willow grouse or see the tracks of a wolverine winding their way up the mountain slopes.
Photo: Helena Ifrig
This area has so much to offer. Take in the scenery, learn about a village brimming with history and culture, experience the thrill of winter riding and the freedom of cross-country skiing. In Vindelfjällen you will be enveloped in the tranquility of winter.
Come and explore this magnificent area on cross-country skis and Icelandic horses. Winter here means SNOW - and lots of it!
Read our blog post about the Vindel Mountains.