Our mountain landscapes offer excellent conditions for ski touring. The challenge of ascending the mountain is combined with a descent through untouched, beautiful off-piste terrain. You choose your own route, both up and down. STF’s mountain stations, such as Abisko, Sylarna, Helags, Storulvån and Kebnekaise, are located close to some of Sweden’s most breathtaking ski touring areas.
What is ski touring?
Ski touring, or “randonnée”, means making your way up a mountain using skis or a splitboard. With climbing skins attached to the underside of your skis, you can move uphill without slipping backwards. Once you reach the summit, you remove the skins and are rewarded with an incredible descent in (hopefully) untouched powder snow. If you haven’t tried ski touring before, we recommend starting with a course or a guided tour, as there can be a risk of avalanches in some areas. But don’t let that stop you – STF’s mountain stations offer courses for both beginners and experienced ski tourers.
Ski touring is an exciting and advanced way to explore the mountains, taking you up to the summit and down the slopes. It requires a strong focus on safety. You need to feel confident with mountain navigation and have good knowledge of avalanches, including how to use avalanche safety equipment. For your first ski tour, it’s a good idea to go with a guide who can teach you how to use the right gear, such as climbing skins fitted to your skis to help you ascend. Your guide provides both safety and valuable expertise. Here you can find our packing list for ski touring.
Choose the right skis for your tour. Ski equipment can feel like a jungle of different brands, features and designs. Consider renting equipment so you know it’s suited to the activity – and you won’t have to spend a lot on gear you may only use a few times a year. At most mountain stations, you can rent equipment, and as a member you get a discount.
You’ll need a backpack of 35–45 litres (designed to carry a probe, shovel and helmet). Pack a map, compass and first aid kit including blister plasters and sunscreen, as well as safety gear such as a shovel, avalanche probe, helmet and bivy bag.
Dress in layers and avoid overdressing when you set off, as you’ll quickly warm up on the ascent. Choose base layers and socks made of wool or synthetic materials to stay warm even when sweating. Wear your transceiver over your base layer (and possibly a midlayer). Shell clothing protects against wind and sun while allowing freedom of movement, but bring warmer insulating layers such as down or fleece to put on during breaks. A buff is useful for keeping your neck or head warm. Protect your eyes with sunglasses or ski goggles.
Bring enough food and a warm drink so you can refuel regularly – and pack a little extra in case of an emergency.
Plan your tour carefully before setting out, and base it on your own and your group’s ability and experience. Avoid going alone and leave a trip plan so someone knows where you’re going, when you start and when you expect to return. Stay informed about reindeer herding in the area. In late winter and spring, reindeer move to their summer grazing grounds, and it’s important not to disturb the herds. Make sure there is sufficient snow cover so you don’t damage sensitive ground.
Mountain weather can change quickly. Always check the forecast again before heading out. It’s important to stay updated on avalanche forecasts (opens in new tab), navigation and have good avalanche knowledge, including how to use avalanche equipment. Read more about mountain safety.
If you’re new to ski touring, we recommend starting with a course or a guided tour. STF’s mountain stations offer courses for both beginners and experienced ski tourers. Guides provide both safety and valuable expertise.
A splitboard can be a good option if you usually snowboard. Instead of traditional touring skis, you use a board that splits in half. This allows you to climb using it like skis, then reassemble it into a snowboard for the descent.
Flexible booking
Whether your own travel plans change or the world around you does, you’ll always have flexible booking terms when you book on our website. That’s what we call a true sense of freedom!
