Nordic ski touring in Lapland: The King's Trail
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationSuede / Lapland
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AgeFrom 18 - 60 years
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CO₂-Emissions59.88 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Bathed in the soft light of the Arctic winter , this Nordic ski touring trip invites you to a total immersion in the heart of Swedish Lapland , far beyond the Arctic Circle. Guided by a specialist polar guide , you'll ski through breathtaking landscapes: open birch forests , frozen lakes , open plateaus , and rolling hills , typical of the Scandinavian Far North.
The moderate and accessible pace makes this adventure ideal for those seeking an active escape , without any major technical difficulties. Each stage leads you to a comfortable mountain refuge , often equipped with a traditional sauna , where you can enjoy cozy evenings after your exertions. This winter journey immerses you in unspoiled nature , conducive to contemplation, rejuvenation , and the authentic, timeless experience of a Nordic adventure .
The highlights
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Ski touring in the vast snowy landscapes of Lapland
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Trip led by a guide specializing in polar regions
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Nights spent in comfortable Nordic cabins, sometimes with a sauna
Photos
Sport
Level
Nordic ski touring
In figures
Nordic backcountry skiing
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 192 m
Management
French
Nicolas is a guide specializing in Nordic and polar environments. Trained in polar regions, he has been leading trips in Scandinavia for several years, particularly in Finland and Sweden. A former soldier, he has extensive experience in trekking in cold and isolated conditions.
Passionate about mountains and wide open spaces, he regularly enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, and long-distance trail running. His approach prioritizes safety, adapting to conditions, and sharing a collective experience in the Arctic environment.
Program
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Arrival in Kiruna
- Accommodation Youth hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Meet in Kiruna in the late afternoon, directly at the hostel. The town is accessible by night train or plane from Stockholm. From the train station or airport, the hostel is easily reached by taxi or bus (approximately 10 minutes).
Depending on your arrival time, you'll have free time to explore Kiruna and settle in. At the end of the day, you'll meet your guide and the rest of the group. Dinner is on your own, either in town or at the hostel.
Day 1 -
Beginning of the ski touring trip
- Transportation 01h - 80km
- Activity Nordic backcountry skiing
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After the final preparations, transfer by train to the starting point of the route. Start of the ski tour through a light birch forest, alongside a river and frozen lake areas.
The ascent is at a steady pace, ideal for getting your bearings. Arrival at the refuge at the end of the day. Settling in, preparing dinner, and evening at the refuge, with the possibility of using the sauna depending on conditions.
Day 2 -
Great northern valleys
- Activity Nordic backcountry skiing
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A longer day spent traversing vast open valleys bordered by mountainous terrain. The landscapes gradually become more alpine and more mineral.
Passing near a Sami encampment and crossing vast snowy landscapes. Arrival at the refuge in the late afternoon, distribution of group tasks, meal and rest time.
Day 3 -
Intermediate stage
- Activity Nordic backcountry skiing
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A shorter stage allowing for recovery while continuing the trek. The terrain alternates between open valleys and narrower passages surrounded by mountains.
Arrival at the refuge in the early afternoon. Free time to rest, enjoy the refuge or take a short walk around the site, depending on the energy of the group and the conditions.
Day 4 -
Passing the mountain pass
- Activity Nordic backcountry skiing
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A gradual climb leads to the highest point of the route, at approximately 1150m altitude. After the pass, the trail descends into a wide, open valley used in summer as a reindeer herding area. Arrival at the refuge is expected in the mid- to late afternoon. Free time to rest or explore the surrounding area.
Day 5 -
glacial valley
- Activity Nordic backcountry skiing
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hike through a wide and majestic valley, surrounded by some of Sweden's highest peaks. The route is relatively short, allowing you to fully appreciate the surroundings and the mountain hut at the end of the hike. Enjoy a peaceful evening at the hut, in a secluded and typically Nordic atmosphere.
Day 6 -
End of the wandering and return to Kiruna
- Activity Nordic backcountry skiing
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The final day of skiing takes you through a wooded valley, alternating between flat sections and gentle descents. The route offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains before reaching the finish line.
Shuttle transfer to Kiruna at the end of the day. End of the trip. An additional night in Kiruna is available as an option, before or after the expedition.
Day 7
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
The city is accessible by night train or plane from Stockholm. From the train station or airport, the hostel is easily reached by taxi or bus (approximately 10 minutes).
The city is accessible by night train or plane from Stockholm. From the train station or airport, the hostel is easily reached by taxi or bus (approximately 10 minutes).
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a specialist guide.
- Accommodation in Nordic mountain huts equipped for winter
- The equipment needed for the trek is included in the program, including a pulka for the group.
- Meals during the trek, from the first breakfast (Day 2) to lunch on the last day (Day 7)
- The return transfer between the end point of the route and Kiruna
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to Kiruna
- Personal expenses
- Meals not included in Kiruna (first and last day)
- Access to the saunas in the mountain huts, when offered (payable on site)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Cold weather package rental : CHF137.22 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
