Four skiers climbing a snowy mountain slope with panoramic views.

A group of backcountry skiers with a guide in an orange jacket ascending the mountain on a sunny day.

A close-up of an avalanche transceiver in a hand.

A guide pointing out across the mountains to three people on ski touring skis.

Abisko – Intro to alpine ski-touring

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Do you want to learn how to plan and carry out alpine ski-touring tours on your own? In the area around Abisko there are endless peaks and possibilities, making this an excellent place for an introduction to alpine ski-touring.

During three intense days, your engaging and competent guide will teach you the basic skills needed to go ski touring on your own. You’ll learn about equipment, technique for both the uphill and downhill, basic avalanche safety and mountain safety.

We live comfortably and eat well at STF Abisko Turiststation to be able to relax after long and rewarding days in the mountains.

Good to know

4 days, of which one is pre-meeting
Gathering on Day 1 at 5:00 PM at Abisko Tourist Station. The course ends on Day 4 at 4:00 PM.
Min 4 / max 8 participants
Age limit: 16 years in company of a guardian
Prerequisites: You should be a confident skier and have good physical fitness, but you do not need any previous ski touring experience.

The price includes

3 nights accommodation in a shared dorm room in our youth hostel Keron
Full board, from dinner on arrival day to lunch on departure day
Guide (certified according to the Swedish norm “Fjälledarnormen”)
Avalance equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe), 3 days
Local transportation, 2 days

More information

Program

Day 1
We gather at 5:00 PM for an introduction to the coming days, followed by a three-course dinner together at Restaurant Kungsleden.

Day 2
We spend the first day on our local mountain, Nuolja. Here, there are excellent opportunities to practice transceiver searches, probing techniques, and digging. We also get the chance to familiarize ourselves with all the equipment and make an easier ski tour outside the lift system.

Days 3–4
We move through and ski in varied terrain on the peaks around Abisko. The choice of mountain for the day is determined by current weather and snow conditions. We travel by minibus to the best peak for the day. Skiing is combined with practical and theoretical avalanche training, as well as other useful skills to learn before undertaking your own ski tours in the future. We finish around 4:00 PM on Day 4 so that you will have time to catch the afternoon train southbound.

The program may change due to prevailing weather/snow conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

Equipment

Please see our recommended packing list for ski touring. (opens in a new tab)

We recommend that you try packing your backpack at home beforehand to make sure everything fits. Pack light.

Some equipment, such as skis, can be rented from our shop and rental center Fjällboden. If you need to rent equipment, please contact us as soon as possible. All participants in our ski touring courses who are STF members receive a 15% discount on the member rental price. Equipment rental (opens in a new tab).

Safety

This course takes place in advanced mountain terrain and involves elements of risk. As a participant, you are required to have the correct equipment according to the recommended packing list and to follow the instructions given by the guide on site. The guide is trained in wilderness first aid and will do everything possible to minimize any potential risks during the activity.

Insurance during STF activity

If you are an STF member and take part in an activity organised by STF, you are covered by accident insurance during the activity. The insurance also applies to children accompanying a member up to and including the year the child turns 15.

About the insurance

About the area

Abisko is located in northern Lapland, around 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, and is one of Sweden’s most accessible alpine mountain areas. Abisko National Park offers a well-developed trail system with clearly marked routes, making the area suitable for both shorter trips and longer hikes.

The Kungsleden trail passes through the area, heading south between Lapporten (Čuonjavággi) and Mount Nuolja. To the north of Abisko lies Lake Torneträsk, one of Scandinavia’s largest mountain lakes, contributing to open views and a varied landscape.

The area is known for excellent conditions for seeing the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. Visitors can follow marked trails independently or join guided tours, and equipment rental is available if needed.

Booking conditions

You can cancel up to 30 days before arrival. After that, no refund will be issued. If the arrangement does not reach the minimum number of participants 30 days before it takes place, it may be cancelled.

Travel information