Cross-country skier on a snowy forest trail.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing is both a healthy outdoor activity and a competitive sport. It suits you whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or want to push your limits. Visit Vålådalen and head out on world-class trails, or explore the Vasaloppet Arena at Grövelsjön Mountain station with its magnificent views. Unbeatable nature experiences and hundreds of kilometres of trails await in the Swedish mountains.

Cross-country skiing for beginners and pros

The charm of cross-country skiing is not just the chance to enjoy nature – it’s also excellent exercise. In fact, you often forget that you’re working out. Both beginners and experienced skiers can enjoy cross-country skiing. It’s up to you whether you want to train for the Vasaloppet, take a leisurely Sunday outing, or aim for something in between. You set the level of difficulty by choosing your pace, terrain and distance.

Stay close to the cross-country tracks

STF Hemavans Fjällcenter

The Vindelfjällen mountains

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Skåne

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STF Bruksvallsliden Hotel

Härjedalen

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STF Sälen Gräsheden Hostel

Dalarna

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STF Pensionat Grisslehamn 

Uppland

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How to choose cross-country skis

Ski length depends on your weight, height, and skiing experience. As a rule of thumb, classic cross-country skis should match your height plus about 20 centimeters. However, children up to around age 10 can use skis that are the same length as their height. Your weight is also a factor; choose slightly shorter skis if you are lighter or longer skis if you are heavier. There’s plenty to read about ski equipment for different disciplines. At many of our mountain stations, you can get advice and rent equipment.

Tips for beginners

If you’re new to cross-country skiing, there are a few things worth knowing. Dress appropriately and pack wisely to make your outing more enjoyable. Some ski trails are located on mountain plateaus, where the weather can change quickly. So, double-check the weather forecast before heading out, and adjust your clothing accordingly.

Avoid cotton garments next to the body: choose instead underclothes and thermal undergarments of wool or synthetic material. You will in this way remain warm, even when you get wet or sweat while skiing.
Wear a pair of thin woollen socks and make sure that your feet have plenty of room in the boots, which will help to prevent them getting cold.
Your choice of clothes depends to a certain degree on how fast you intend to ski. If you ski rapidly, it’s a good idea to have less clothing, since the skiing itself will keep you warm. If you plan to take it easy along the trail, you may need to wear more clothes. But make sure that you are not wearing too much clothing: it’s better to feel slightly chilly just before you set out, since you will start to generate heat when you ski.
A thin jacket that protects from the wind without being fully windtight is preferable. In warm weather, a sweater with a wicking capacity is enough for the outermost layer. Legwear can be either tights or wind-resistant trousers. A buff can be worn round your neck or on your head to keep warm in the wind or snow.
The white snow reflects sunlight. Apply sun block with a high factor and wear sunglasses, even if the sun does not penetrate the cloud cover. This will prevent sunburn.
If you are planning a long or high-intensity trip, remember to take water or a hot drink, and something to eat. Use a waist belt to carry equipment or a small rucksack (the type used by joggers is suitable). If you travel around a track in the form of a loop, you can leave drink at the start and take a drink after every lap. If you are going out for a calm trip just to enjoy yourself, you can, of course, take more equipment with you.
A thick jacket and dry woolly hat can be comfortable to put on when you end the trip.