If you are planning a skiing holiday this winter, you could be tempted to head to a popular ski resort, only to spend the majority of your trip in a queue for the ski lift. If you are looking to spend more time on the slopes, why not consider a cross-country skiing holiday in Sweden?
Cross-country skiing in Sweden
Also called touring, cross-country ski breaks allow you to travel through an area, experiencing all of the natural slopes on offer. These holidays are a great alternative to a standard ski break, as you really get to explore the country outside of the confines of the resort.
The great thing about these holidays is that you can tailor them to suit your needs. If you’re looking for an adventure, you could book a cross-country break where you camp out between ski destinations, or you could simply head to a ski resort that offers cross-country day trips.
Sweden is a popular destination for cross-country skiing, as it boasts a mixture of flat and mountainous terrain. If you are planning your first cross-country ski trip, the King’s Trail (or Kungsleden) is a great option for beginners to intermediates.
Led by a guide, you will travel from Abisko to Nikkaluokta via stunning national parks and breath-taking mountains. During the tour, you will stay in numerous cosy log cabins, experiencing a true slice of Swedish culture while you ski.
The King’s Trail is located deep inside the Arctic Circle so, as you can imagine, temperatures are freezing. Obviously, you will need to adequately prepare yourself in order to tackle these sub-zero conditions.
Ski clothing can be expensive, so you may be tempted to scrimp and save wherever possible. This could result in you buying poor-quality clothing that is ineffective at keeping you warm and safe. Instead, shop around a bit. Craigdon Mountain Sports seems like a good choice, stocking everything from ski socks to ski helmets at affordable prices.
You’ll also need to make sure you are fully covered by your holiday insurance provider. Telling some white lies to knock your premium down could result in your insurance being deemed invalid – hardly ideal should you become injured during your trip. Select an insurance provider that specialises in winter sports, like Columbus Direct, so you have a safety net should anything go wrong.
Take a look at The Independent’s review of the King’s Trail here.
Have you ever tried cross-country skiing in Sweden?