Tracks in wilderness: a cross-country ski adventure in Arctic Sweden

The vast snowy wilderness of Swedish Lapland is best experienced on traditional wooden skis. During this tour we’ll create our own tracks through the  crystallised landscapes of Lapland – weaving through forests, skirting frozen lakes, discovering local plants, birds and mammals native to this part of the Arctic. We’ll discover the complex ecosystem and develop an understanding of local people’s relationship with it. This region of northern Sweden also witnesses the playful Northern Lights which dance in the night skies during winter.

• Create your own path through wilderness with traditional wooden skis
• Share meals of local wild fish and meat prepared by the campfire on tour
• Rejuvenate in comfortable guesthouse accommodationclose by to forests, lakes and rivers
• Stay a night in a wilderness cabin reached by skis and wait to see if the Northern Lights dance in the night sky

Please click on any image below to see a larger version, or scroll down for more details of this tour.

Itinerary:

Day one

Transfer from Kiruna or Gällivare to our accommodation. Settle in to the guesthouse and gather round the fire in the evening.

Day two

Today we’ll be introduced to skiing using broad forest skis. Our guide will teach us all the basics for skiing with traditional wooden skis. By the end of the day we’ll be fully prepared for the rest of our holiday.

Day three

We’ll spend today following the tracks of animals. We’ll explore the wilderness and learn about local wildlife. Our guide will explain how the animals live and how the ecosystem works. Possible tracks include moose, reindeer, fox, hare, and, if we’re lucky, pine marten or lynx

Day four

Discover a peace of mind in the magic old forest. We’ll ski in Naakajärvi Ecological Park where the ancient trees groan under the snow, whispering their life stories as you quietly explore this old forest area, absorbing the magical atmosphere.

Day five

Today will be at your own pace. You’ll have the option to book other activities including husky-sledding or taking part in the Sámi culture. The additional activities offered today aren’t included in the tour price and must be booked in advance.

Day six

This morning, we’ll leave for our overnight wilderness excursion travelling by ski to our scenic wilderness camp.  Here we’ll be accommodated in a beautiful rustic log cabin. The cabin is completely off-grid (no electricity or running water) and houses a wood-fired sauna which our guide will help us to get going before ensuring we’re comfortable for the night. The wilderness camp is the ideal spot to observe the Northern Lights and, with a little luck, they will dance over the night sky.

Day seven

Our guide will return to greet us in the morning, and lead us back to the guesthouse via a different route.

Day eight

Transfer to departure airport or train station in Kiruna or Gällivare.

Dates:

Departures 2011:

23 January / 30 January / 27 Febuary / 6 March

Season:

Winter (January - March)

Number of days:

8

Price:

£1325 per adult sharing (£860 for children)

Bespoke trips for groups are available - please enquire for more details.