Snowshoeing in Wolverine Country
Photos: T.Ideström
Explore the forests and mountains with nothing to disturb the silence but the crunch of your snowshoes in the snow. Snowshoeing is an ideal way to explore the winter landscape, moving quietly across snow-carpeted frozen lakes and through magical pathless forests of birch and pine. Enjoy real coffee made on warming fires, spend a night in high-quality Hilleberg tents or a snow cave and experience the real sound of silence. Along the way you will see dozens of tracks left by the animals which inhabit the region, with luck including those of wolverine and lynx, two of Sweden's rarest animals, which have a stronghold in this area. A real close-to-nature tour led by an experienced expedition guide which is ideal for those seeking a moderately challenging yet very accessible winter experience.
Timed to coincide with morning night train arrival and evening night train departures to/from Stockholm, Snowshoeing in Wolverine Country offers a full three days of activity. Your adventure starts at Vålådalen mountain station with breakfast together with your guide, an experienced mountain expedition leader. After breakfast you make your packed lunch before heading off for a day's snowshoeing in the surrounding forests in the beautiful wilderness of the Vålådalen Nature Reserve, away from trails and cabins. In the afternoon you return to the mountain station for a 3-course dinner and overnight accommodation at the station.
The following morning after breakfast you head out deeper into the reserve, where you will be spending the night under canvas in high-quality tents or in self-build snow cave depending on weather conditions and/or preference. For those with an interest in winter bushcraft and winter camping skills as well as the rich cultural and natural heritage of the area, there is plenty to learn from your local guide and many stories to tell around the evening camp fire. After your night in the wilderness, your tour ends back at the mountain station, where you will have a well-deserved sauna to soothe your muscles and reflect together on what you have learnt and experienced. In the evening transfer can be arranged to the night train or you may choose to stay additional nights at the station and continue your exploration of the magical mountains of Vålådalen.
The tour has no fixed itinerary and the route taken and distance covered will vary depending on weather and snow conditions from a few kilometres to around 10km or more. For private tours, there is also a great deal of flexibility to adapt the level of challenge and focus of activities according to the level of experience and wishes of the participants.
No previous snowshoeing experience is necessary - you may be surprised how easily snowshoes allow you to move through the snow! You should have a general good level of fitness and be used to hiking and in summertime with a backpack. If you wish, it is also possible to borrow a "pulk", or sled, to pull behind you when snowshoeing as an alternative to a backpack.
Read our blog article about snowshoeing.
Arrival by night train from Stockholm. Transfer by local bus to the mountain station for breakfast and meeting with your guide. After breakfast you will be issued with your equipment for a day's snowshoe tour in the surrounding area. You will return to the mountain station for dinner and accommodation that night. Sauna available.
After breakfast you will make ready for your overnight tour. This day's snowshoeing takes you deeper into the Vålådalen reserve through a landscape of rolling hills and ancient forest. You will spend the night beneath the stars in high-quality Hilleberg tents or build your own snow cave to sleep in, depending on weather conditions and preference.
Your day's snowshoeing takes you back towards the mountain station for farewell sauna and snacks with your guide before transfer to the night train for departure. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your stay in the area with additional night(s) at the mountain station.
24.02-26.02.12
Groups of min. 4 persons can arrange private tours at standard prices on other dates by arrangement between mid-February and late March.
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.
£609/person
All meals are included from breakfast on Day 1 to afternoon snacks on Day 3, including 3-course dinner at mountain station on Day 2. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.
Local guide(s) with extensive experience in leading winter expeditions.
Minimum age 18 years. You should have a general good level of health and fitness and enjoy the outdoors in wintertime. You should have previous experience of hiking with a pack and camping in summertime.
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.
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 more easily through soft, deep snow.
Despite being protected in Sweden since 1969, the wolverine remains one of Sweden's most threatened mammals. Read more about the wolverine.
This tour has received a prestigious Swedish Ecotourism award for its commitment to high standards to cultural and environmental sensitivity.
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.
Fly to Stockholm for night train to Undersåker (travel time around 11 hours) or fly to Trondheim for day train to Undersåker (approx. 2.5 hours; note that this option is only possible for private tours with custom start/end times or if spending additional nights at the mountain station before and after your tour). Transfer from Undersåker to mountain station by taxi bus or private taxi.
Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward train connections to Undersåker.
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