Self-guided Ski Touring on the Jämtland Triangle

Overview

Duration: 5 days/4 nights (additional nights optional).

Accommodation: Shared 4-person rooms (upgrades available) in mountain stations along the route.

Required: Good health and good level of fitness. Previous experience of ski touring and travelling independently in winter required. Minimum 2 persons. Minimum age 18.

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The "Jämtland Triangle" is one of the real jewels in the crown of the Swedish mountain world - a modern classic taking you between three spectacularly-located mountain stations: Storulvån, Sylarna and Blåhammaren. Self-guided Ski Touring in the Jämtland Triangle is the ideal tour for those with previous experience of ski touring and knowledge of winter conditions, a challenging but accessible adventure to be enjoyed at your own pace.

You will receive map and route description for your tour. The routes between the cabins are cross-marked at regular intervals. On arrival you will have a chance to discuss the route with your local hosts and points of special interest along the way. When you're ready, it's then time to set off into the mountains to create your own adventure!

You begin from the mountain station at Storulvån, one of the entry points to the Jämtland mountains, offering a comfortable start to your mountain experience and a full range of facilities. From here it is 16km to the station at Sylarna, with the impressive bulk of the Sylarna massif rising behind. From Sylarna you ski 18km to Blåhammaren, the highest-altitude station in the Triangle, before returning 12km to Storulvån. You can of course choose to plan rest days or stay an additional night at the stations for a day tour in the surrounding region before moving on.

A minimum of 5 days/4 nights (arrival/departure plus 3 days' skiing station-station) is required for this self-guided ski tour, but we strongly recommend that you plan additional days into your ski touring itinerary, including a day at Storulvån to get used to your equipment and the surroundings and contingency day(s) in case of delays due to bad weather, etc.

Itinerary

This route requires a minimum of 5 days/4 nights. We recommend you allow additional days to get used to your equipment and the terrain, day tours/rest days at the mountain stations and to allow for delays in case of bad weather.

All three stations have sauna, small shop for provisions and facilities for self-catering.

Day 1

Arrival at Storulvån Mountain Station, where you will stay minimum one night before beginning your ski tour. You have access to your room from 14.00. You will have an opportunity to discuss the tour ahead with your local hosts before setting out.

Storulvån - Sylarna (16km, altitude difference + 310m)

After breakfast you begin your ski tour, taking you towards Sylarna. The Sylarna region is popular with hikers, climbers and skiers. The peak at 1762m lies across the border in Norway, and during your whole ski tour you will have the Sylarna peak prominent in your view.

A day's skiing brings to you Sylarna Mountain Station, where you have the opportunity to take a sauna and soothe those muscles after a day on the trail! It is a popular option to stay an extra day at Sylarna to enjoy the beautiful mountains and do a tour in the area. You can join guided day tours or do a self-guided day tour, perhaps to the Tempel valley with its steep mountain slopes.

Sylarna - Blåhammaren (18km, altitude difference +45m)

Your tour continues towards Blåhammaren Mountain Station, the smallest and highest of the stations with a long and exciting history. For example, on New Year's Eve 1718, 3000 soldiers froze to death in the area after being caught out by a snowstorm while crossing the mountains from Norway.

Blåhammaren offers a lovely relaxing and personal atmosphere, and dinner is a real experience! At 18.00 the bell rings and guests take their seats for a 3-course meal.

Blåhammaren - Storulvån (12km, altitude difference -355m)

After enjoying the atmosphere of the station, it is time to make your way back towards Storulvån. It's downhill all the way, so this stretch offers easy skiing with beautiful views of Helags and Sylarna. Stop at a wind shelter along the way and enjoy lunch with a stunning view before moving on. The last part of the route takes you through birch forest towards Storulvån Mountain Station.

Back at the station, you can relax after your adventure with a sauna. Why not stay an extra day or two and explore some of the surrounding peaks before heading back to civilisation? On your departure day, please check out by 10.00.

Dates & Prices

Dates

Start days by arrangement 17.02-01.05.12 (tour must be completed latest 01.05.12)

The Price

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.

• Option 1 (self-catering): £286/person
• Option 2 (most meals included): £409/person

NB: Please note that ski equipment is not included - please see "Optional Extras" below.

What The Price Includes

Accommodation

• Four nights' accommodation in shared 4-person rooms in mountain stations: Storulvån two nights, Sylarna one night, Blåhammaren one night.
• All three stations have sauna facilities, use of which is included for guests.
• All three stations have small shop for provisions and kitchen facilities for self-catering.
• Accommodation upgrades and additional nights can be added - see "Optional Extras" below.

Meals

Option 1: Self-catering

• Self-catering facilities are available at each station for you to prepare your own meals. The stations have small shops with simple provisions for purchase.

Option 2: Most meals included

• Full board at Storulvån (two nights) and Blåhammaren (one night).
• Breakfast and packed lunch at Sylarna (kitchen and small store available for self-catering for dinner).

Equipment

Map of the Jämtland mountains. You will have the chance to discuss your tour with your local hosts at Sylarna before beginning.

What The Price Does Not Include

• Alcoholic drinks (Option 2).
• Bed linen and towels are provided at Storulvån, but not at Sylarna or Blåhammaren. These can be hired locally, or alternatively bring your own towel and sleeping bag liner/pillow cover for your tour. Pillows and blankets are provided.
• End cleaning of your room is included at Storulvån. At Sylarna and Blåhammaren you should clean your room before departure.

Optional Extras

Equipment

• Ski equipment (skis, boots, poles, climbing skins): 4 days (minimum required for tour) £98/person, 7 days £135/person. Please provide shoe size, height and weight in advance.
• Windsack: Emergency shelter in case of bad weather and also a comfortable shelter for breaks in windy conditions. We strongly recommend you hire this equipment if you do not have your own. 4 days (minimum required for tour) £18/sack, 7 days £25/sack (suitable for up to 2 persons).
• Randonee/telemark ski equipment: If you plan to stay some extra nights at Storulvån or Sylarna stations, there are good opportunities for peak tours in the area. Please contact us for details of equipment hire.

Accommodation Upgrade

• Standard accommodation during the tour is in shared 4-person rooms. Accommodation can be upgraded to 2-person rooms for an additional £70/person (based on 4 nights).

Additional Nights (room only, food not included)

• Storulvån: 4-person room £53/person/night, 2-person room £75/person/night
• Sylarna: 4-person room £52/person/night, 2-person room £68/person/night
• Blåhammaren: 4-person room £55/person/night, 2-person room £65/person/night

Practical Info

Health requirements/experience

This is a self-guided ski tour in a winter mountain environment. You should have a good level of fitness and previous experience of ski touring. The trails are well-marked, but it is essential that you are comfortable with travelling independently in winter conditions including a knowledge of map reading/navigation and winter safety considerations.

Equipment/clothes needed

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.

Groups

Minimum 2 persons required for safety reasons. This experience is ideal for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Additional Notes

This provider has received a prestigious Swedish Ecotourism award for its commitment to high standards to cultural and environmental sensitivity.

Location

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.

By Air

Fly to Stockholm then onward by night train to Enafors (travel time about 9 hours) or fly to Trondheim for train to Enafors (about 1.5 hours). From Enafors, it is about 30 mins by bus to Storulvån Mountain Station.

Without Flying

Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward train connections to Enafors.

Map of Sweden