Ski and Wild Camp in South Lapland (Sweden)

An expedition in majestic surroundings with the flexibility to adapt

Your tour takes place in the area of Blaikfjället, a beautiful landscape of low fells and a protected nature reserve in the county of Västerbotten in the south of Swedish Lapland. The terrain is relatively flat, ideal for backcountry ski touring, but with possibilities to have magnificent views to the horizon from the fell tops.

The route and distance covered is flexible to be able to adapt to weather conditions and to offer the best experience, but has the goal to reach the highest hill in the area to enjoy stunnning views over the surrounding wilderness.

The emphasis is on enjoying the experience and the beauty and tranquility of your surroundings. You'll typically cover 5-7km/day for Day 1 and Day 4 and 10-12km/day for Day 3 and Day 4, spending around 4-6 hours skiing each day.

You'll be pulling everything that you need with you for the tour behind you in "pulks" - tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food and clothing. You will normally share a pulk one per two persons, possibly in combination with a backpack for lighter items, taking it in turns to pull the pulk.

You'll bring everything with you for your expedition in "pulks". Photo: ET.

Starting in the morning of Day 1, you'll spend four days skiing through snow-covered forests and in more exposed terrain, camping wild in the snow along the way.

Waking in the morning, surrounded by a white wilderness and with either the wind or the very special silence of Lapland in winter as the soundtrack, is a truly magical experience. Have a peek outside to see what the day will bring, and maybe enjoy your first coffee before leaving the comfort of your sleeping bag!

When ready, you'll break camp and put on your skis to continue your journey further over the fell.

Though animals are often shy and hard to see, the area is rich in wildlife, and you may well spot tracks of the elusive wolverine or mighty moose during your tour.

Wild camping in winter is an unforgettable experience. Photo: ET.

Full skiing and camping equipment included

All specialist winter equipment you need for your tour is included - skis and poles, tent, winter sleeping bag and mat, cooking equipment and provisions (winter boots are available to hire as an optional extra if needed).

The skis used are OAC Kar skis or similar - shorter and wider than standard backcountry skis and ideal for beginners and for skiing off-track in mixed terrain. They are stable and easy to use, with partial climbing skins integrated into the base to provide additional grip for uphill sections.

OAC Kar skis are ideal for backcountry touring with bindings compatible with any winter boot. Photo: ET.

Wild winter camping with good possibiltiies for Northern Lights

When each day's skiing comes to an end, you will pitch camp at a suitable spot to prepare dinner together and enjoy the very special atmosphere of wild winter camping using 2-3 person expedition tents.

Camping far from light pollution and spending an extended period outdoors gives good chances to see the Northern Lights, and with luck your evenings around camp may be illuminated with dancing curtains of green across the night sky.

The emphasis is on enjoying the adventure and the beauty of the landscape - there's always time for coffee! Photo: ET.

A little taste of luxury at the end

After your four days in the wilderness, you will have rightly earned a chance to relax! Before transfer back from the end point on Day 4, you can enjoy a session in the special "sauna tent", the perfect opportunity to unwind after the trip and ease those tired muscles.

Of course, don't miss the chance for a roll in the snow to make some snow angels as part of your sauna experience!

Included

Accommodation & Facilities:

• Wild winter camping on all nights in 2-person expedition tents. Solo travellers will share tent with other same-gender participant.
• Use of sauna tent at the end point of the tour on Day 4. Towel is provided for use in the sauna.

Meals:

All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4. Food served on the tour may be a combination of "expedition" meals and simple cooking such as mashed potato and sausages, noodles, etc.

Some snacks are also included, but you should also bring additional snacks (e.g. chocolate, nuts, dried fruit) for extra energy when skiing.

Equipment:

• Backcountry ski equipment: Short skin-based skis (OAC Kar 147 or similar) and poles. The skis are short and wide and have bindings to fit standard winter boots. Winter boots are available to hire as optional extra.
• Camping equipment:
  • Tent, shared one per 2 or possibly 3 persons - solo travellers will share tent with other same-gender participant (tents used are typically Hilleberg Staika, Fjällräven Abisko Dome or Fjällräven Abisko Endurance).
  • Winter sleeping bag with liner.
  • Sleeping mat (winter-rated inflatable mat + foam or aluminium second mat for additional insulation).
  • Camping meal-kit (plate, cutlery, bowl, mug).
  • Thermos (some thermos or Nalgene bottles will be provided for the group - guests should also bring own thermos for personal drinking water).

Full camping and ski equipment (except boots) is included. Photos: ET.

Guide:

Services of experienced local guide. Your guide will provide advice on ski technique and winter outdoor skills as necessary during the tour.

Transfers:

Return transfer between Dorotea and start/end point of the tour as per itinerary.

Not Included

• Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
• Alcoholic drinks.

Required

Health requirements/experience:

Minimum age 16 years (when travelling with adult 18+). For private tours, younger guests with suitable fitness and outdoor experience may also be possible by arrangement.

You should have a general good level of fitness, be used to spending extended periods outdoors and be prepared for potentially challenging and changeable winter conditions. Previous experience of camping is recommended but experience of winter camping is not required. Some previous ski experience will be an advantage but is not required - the tour is also suitable for complete ski beginners.

Distance covered and route taken is flexible, but you will typically be skiing for around 4 hours per day for Day 1 and Day 2 (distance 5-7km/day) and 5-6 hours per day on Days 2 and 3 (distance 10-12km/day).

What makes this "Medium"?

The tour is intended as an introductory experience for guests who may not have done a winter expedition of this kind before. The daily distances and level of challenge is flexible depending on weather conditions and other factors.

Terrain is relatively flat with no significant ascents/descents and the skis used are stable and easy to manage.

However, the tour takes place in a remote environment and the element of winter camping can significantly add to the level of challenge compared to a tour with cabin accommodation. You will be carrying everything with you for the tour in using pulks and rucksacks.

NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.

Equipment/clothes needed:

For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".

A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.

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. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.

Preparing for your trip:

For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.

Minimum number:

There is no minimum required for this experience. Scheduled tours are guaranteed to run from the first booking. You are of course welcome to book as a solo traveller.

Groups

Max. group size 4 persons for public tours. For private tours, slightly larger groups may be possible by arrangement - please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Eco Info

This provider has a written environmental policy.