FAQ
Are you visiting Storulvån and the Jämtland mountains for the first time? Below, we’ve gathered common questions and answers that might come up. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact us at storulvan@stfturist.se.
General questions
Do you offer transportation to other mountain stations?
There is currently no passenger transport between Storulvån and Sylarna/Blåhammaren.
Do you sell maps?
Yes, we sell mountain maps covering the entire Jämtland mountain area.
Do mountain cabins have a shop and what’s sold?
All mountain stations and mountain cabins in the Jämtland mountains have a shop with essential supplies for provisioning. Storulvån, often the starting point for mountain hikes, has a well-stocked store offering clothing, equipment, souvenirs, and food.
Mountain cabins follow a standardized selection, though some may have more or slightly less than the basic assortment.
How do I get from the train to Storulvån?
Wänseth Buss operates a transfer service from the train station in Duved. The transfer must be booked by 5:00 PM the day before at www.wansethbuss.se (opens in new tab) or by calling +46 647 220 20. Please note that the bus does not accept card payments.
Are there storage lockers/luggage space?
We have a luggage room that all guests can access free of charge. If you prefer to store your belongings in a personal locker, padlocks are available for purchase in the shop, or you can bring your own from home. Lockers can be used for an unlimited time during the season but will be cut open and emptied when the station closes for the season.
Is there mobile coverage in the mountains?
Telia has the best coverage in the area. There is generally good reception between the mountain stations, but it weakens and disappears in some spots around the cabins in Vålådalen. Other operators have very limited or no coverage at all.
How are the hiking trails marked?
The summer trails along the Jämtland Triangle are wide and usually marked with orange paint on rocks. Signs are placed where the trails split. In some areas, summer and winter trails overlap, which may make it seem like summer trails are marked with trail crosses.
Winter trails are marked with red trail crosses, while summer trails have orange markings on rocks and trees. If you’re unsure – ask the staff!
Can I rent camping or safety gear?
At Storulvån, rentals are mainly available in winter for ski equipment and similar gear. In summer, we offer backpacks and trekking poles for rent. Contact us if you have questions about availability.
Storulvån also serves as a pick-up point for Outdoor Buddies, which has a wider range of rental equipment. You can book through them and collect or return your gear here.
Pre-book your equipment here (opens in new tab)
For questions about guiding, rentals, or general tour tips, contact Storulvån’s rental service at jamtland.fjallsport@stfturist.se.
Is there a restaurant?
Dining options vary at our accommodations. Storulvån, Sylarna, and Helags have restaurants with full alcohol service, offering delicious dinners in the evening as well as breakfast and lunch packs in the morning.
Blåhammaren has a self-catering kitchen, and you can purchase pre-packaged meal kits with ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Mountain cabins are entirely self-catering, but all have a shop selling food supplies.
Can I pay by card?
All mountain stations (Storulvån, Blåhammaren, Sylarna, and Helags) accept card payments.
Among the mountain cabins, Stendalsstugorna, Vålåstugorna, Lunndörren, Anaris and Fältjägarstugan also accept card payments.
Do I need a map in the mountains?
We always recommend bringing a map and compass, even when following marked trails. They are essential if you get lost in bad weather, face an emergency, or simply want to plan your route in the evening. In heavy snowfall, visibility can be very poor, and a compass is crucial. Trail markers follow straight lines, with double markers indicating a change in direction—this is when knowing how to navigate with a compass becomes especially important.
How is the weather usually?
As we all know, weather is difficult to predict—especially in the mountains. The terrain of peaks and valleys causes rapid shifts, meaning one station may have a storm while another enjoys clear skies. Stay updated by checking the weather forecasts from YR or SMHI.
Winter questions
Can everyone ski?
This is something you need to assess for yourself—skiing is done at your own pace and responsibility. It’s important not to overestimate your ability, but the distances between cabins and stations are designed so that anyone with basic fitness should manage. If it doesn’t feel right, there’s no shame in turning back!
How fast do you ski approximately?
The time required to ski between accommodations in the Jämtland mountains varies greatly depending on fitness level, pack weight, and break times. On average, you can expect a speed of 3–4 km per hour.
Do I need climbing skins?
We highly recommend bringing climbing skins. They make long uphill sections easier and provide better grip on icy or hard-packed snow. If you’re pulling a sled, they are almost essential.
Where do the trails start?
On the other side of Storulvån’s main building. Ski across the frozen Storulvån or walk over the bridge to the signs. The trails to Gåsen, Sylarna, and Blåhammaren split immediately.
Does the road close? What happens if it is closed?
Between February 1 and April 15, the road is closed at night from 10 PM to 8 AM. It may also close at short notice in bad weather, with the Swedish Transport Administration determining whether it is safe to travel.
Even when the road is closed, snowplows usually operate to ensure it can reopen in the morning. Please respect the closure—driving on a closed road can be dangerous, especially in severe weather, as there may be no space to safely pass the snowplow, increasing the risk of avoidable accidents.
For current traffic updates, check the Swedish Transport Administration’s website (opens in new tab) and search for road 1019.
Motorized traffic is very limited in the high mountains, and we do not offer snowmobile or tracked vehicle transport to the barrier if the road is closed.
Do you sell fishing permits?
No, but you can purchase fishing permits online at natureit.se (opens in new tab). All fishing waters around our stations and cabins are within the Handölsdalen Sámi village.
Do you groom or prepare the trails?
No.
Can my seven-year-old handle the ski tour?
Children are often more capable than we think, but for them to enjoy and endure the trip, it needs to be on their terms. Make the journey an adventure—take frequent breaks to play in the snow, look for reindeer, and have a snack. It’s a good idea to take your child on a longer ski trip at home first to see how they manage.
For younger children, a sled can be a great option, and child sleds are available for rent at Storulvån. Another helpful tip is to bring a tow rope to assist your child when the terrain gets tough. It can be attached to their backpack or a harness, and using climbing skins can be beneficial. Also, keep in mind that children experience cold differently than adults.
Is there an avalanche risk?
All summit skiing in the area is at your own risk. There are no closed-off areas, so your own judgment determines where you ski.
Current avalanche forecasts (opens in new tab). We recommend staying updated on the latest conditions, understanding existing avalanche risks, and following expected developments in the coming days.
Learn more about avalanches (opens in new tab). There are also many good books on avalanche safety, route selection, and rescue techniques.
Do I need touring skis?
Touring skis are wider than regular cross-country skis and have steel edges, which are useful in untracked mountain terrain. The width helps in deep snow, while the steel edges provide grip on icy and hard-packed surfaces.
You can use regular cross-country skis, but be prepared for more challenging conditions in deep snow and icy slopes. Also, keep in mind that standard cross-country ski boots are not as warm as sturdy touring ski boots.
Summer questions
Where do the trails start?
The trails start right behind Storulvån’s main building. Cross the bridge over Storulvån and follow the wooden walkway to the signs. The trail to Gåsen branches off before reaching the cabins on the other side of the river, while the trails to Sylarna and Blåhammaren pass the cabins and split after the uphill section toward Storulvåfjället.
How long does it take to hike?
The time required for a hike varies greatly depending on fitness level, walking speed, pack weight, and break times. In general, you can expect an average pace of 3 km per hour on the trails—slower in rocky or hilly terrain with a heavy pack, and faster on smooth paths with a light load.
Am I capable of doing the hike?
This is something you need to assess for yourself—hiking is done at your own pace and responsibility. It’s important not to overestimate your ability, but the distances between cabins and stations are designed so that anyone with basic fitness should manage. If it doesn’t feel right, there’s no shame in turning back!
Do I need rain boots or are hiking shoes enough?
The trails are generally quite dry, with boardwalks over most wetlands. However, rain can make the trails wet, and some sections remain muddy year-round. If you stick to the trails and want to stay dry, mid-height hiking boots are sufficient. If you go off-trail, you may need to take detours to avoid marshes and wetlands unless you have high boots or rubber boots.
It’s also possible to hike in low-cut hiking shoes or running shoes, but if they’re not waterproof, expect to get wet. If that’s not a problem, all stations have drying rooms for wet shoes. Hiking boots are recommended if you’re carrying a heavy pack or need extra ankle and foot support.
What is Blomsterleden?
Blomsterleden is the trail leading up to our nearest mountain, Getryggen. The soil is rich in limestone, creating a habitat for many rare flowers and plants. The trail goes all the way to the summit of Getryggen, at 1,381 meters above sea level. An information sheet about the hike is available at Storulvån’s reception.
Can my five-year-old handle the hike?
Children are often more capable than we think, but for them to enjoy and manage the hike, it needs to be on their terms. Turn the hike into an adventure—take plenty of breaks to play in streams, look at flowers, watch for reindeer, and have a snack.
It’s a good idea to take your child on a longer hike at home first to see how they manage. There are many great hiking trails outside the mountains as well—who knows, you might discover a new favorite spot!