Alpine ski touring

Swedish mountains offer excellent conditions for alpine ski touring. Combine the challenge of climbing a mountain with the rush of skiing downhill in untouched, off-piste terrain and choose your own path, both up and down. STFs mountain stations, such as Abisko, Sylarna, Helags, Storulvån, and Kebnekaise, are located close to some of Sweden's most breathtaking alpine ski touring areas.

What does an alpine ski tour involve?

A alpine ski tour, or “radonnée,” involves ascending a mountain with the help of skis or a splitboard. Using climbing skins attached to the skis, you can walk uphill without the risk of sliding backwards. When you finally reach the summit of the mountain, you remove the climbing skins, leaving you with only a fantastic descent in (hopefully) untouched powder snow. If you haven’t done alpine ski touring before, we recommend starting with a course or guided ski tour, as there can be a risk of avalanches in some cases. You need to be confident navigating the mountain and have a good understanding of avalanches, including avalanche equipment. STF’s mountain stations offer courses for both beginners and experienced ski mountaineers.

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Abisko – Try out alpine ski-touring

Abisko-Kebnekaise mountains

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Day activity

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Abisko – Intro to alpine ski-touring

Abisko-Kebnekaise mountains

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Multiple days

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Abisko – Hire a private guide (winter)

Abisko-Kebnekaise mountains

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At Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain, you can experience alpine ski touring at over 2,000 meters! The southern peak is covered by a glacier, so its height varies. The northern peak is the highest fixed point in the country.

Important preparations for alpine ski touring

Alpine ski tours are thrilling and advanced adventures, taking you up the mountain and down the slopes. These outings require serious safety awareness. You need to be confident in mountain navigation and have solid avalanche knowledge, including handling avalanche equipment. It’s a good idea to take your first alpine ski tour with a guide who can teach you how to use the right ski gear, such as climbing skins placed under touring skis to make uphill travel easier. Your guide is both a safety asset and a source of valuable knowledge.

Tips for alpine ski touring

1. Choose the right skis for your tour. Ski equipment comes in various brands, features, and designs. Consider renting so that you know it’s tailored for the activity. Most mountain stations offer equipment rentals, and as an STF member, you can often get a discount on rentals.  It is important to wear a helmet when alpine ski touring as it is for all types of skiing. Make sure that all members of the group have a set of safety equipment.
2. You’ll need a backpack with a capacity of 35-45 liters. In it, pack a map, compass, a first aid kit, sunscreen as well as safety equipment like a transceiver, shovel, avalanche probe, helmet, and windproof sack.
3. Dress in layers and avoid overdressing when you set out because you’ll quickly warm up going uphill. Choose base layers and socks made of wool or synthetic materials to stay warm even when sweating. Over the base layer (and possibly a sweater), wear your transceiver. Shell garments protect against the sun and wind while allowing mobility, but pack warmer insulation clothing in down or fleece to put on when taking breaks on the mountain. A neck gaiter (buff) is handy to have around your neck or head. Protect your eyes with sunglasses or ski goggles.
4. Bring a bigger supply of food and drinks than you might use, just in case of an emergency.
5. It’s crucial to plan your trip well before setting off. Really consider your and your group’s abilities and experience. Avoid going on tours alone and leave a travel itinerary so someone knows your destination, departure time, and estimated return time. Stay updated on reindeer herding activities in the area you’re in. In late winter, reindeer migrate to their summer grazing areas, so be careful not to disturb the reindeer herds. Also, ensure there’s a sufficient snow cover to prevent damaging sensitive ground when skiing.
6. Mountain weather can change rapidly. Always check the weather forecast one more time before heading out. It’s essential to be aware of avalanche forecasts, navigation, and to have a good understanding of avalanche safety equipment.
7. If you’re new to alpine ski touring, we recommend starting with a course or guided tour. STF’s mountain stations offer courses for both beginners and experienced ski mountaineers. Guides provide both safety and a wealth of valuable knowledge.
8. For those who typically snowboard, consider using a splitboard as an alternative. Instead of regular ski touring skis, you can choose this board, which can be split in the middle. This way, you have touring skis for the ascent and can assemble them into a single board for the descent.

Accomodations by the skiing adventure

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STF Hemavan Mountain station

The Vindelfjällen mountains

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STF Bruksvallsliden Hotel

Härjedalen

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STF Kittelfjäll Värdshus

Lappland

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STF Sylarna Mountain station

The Jämtland mountains

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STF Enaforsholm Fjällgård

The Jämtland mountains

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STF Höglekardalen

The Jämtland mountains

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Flexible booking conditions

When you book through our website, you will always be given flexible booking conditions, regardless of changes to your own holiday plans or the world around you.

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More tips for you

Skiing

If you love skiing, the winter mountains are a true paradise. Here, you can go cross-country skiing, zoom down the alpine slopes, or head out on a ski tour.

The right equipment

Equipment isn’t everything, but being well-prepared always helps. With good shoes and a comfortable backpack, you can go further.

Lists for packing

Are you wondering what you need to pack for a day trip in the mountains or for a longer hike? On this page you will find packing lists for both summer and winter.