Winter Expedition Sarek
Join Outdoor Vagabond on an epic skiing expedition to Sarek National Park in northern Sweden. Sarek National Park is often described as Europe´s last wilderness. It is a mountainous area marked by deep valleys, steep rocky walls and massive glaciers. No other place in Sweden offer such awe-inspiring views as this wild and untouched land.
This winter expedition in Sarek is for anyone looking for a challenge
Sarek Nationalpark always offers challenges, and this winter tour is no exception. The winter season in the mounatains demands good decision-making and the weather might change fast and drastically. We ski approximatley 15-20 km a day and the terrain varies. Some days we conquer hilly climbs and long downhill slopes while other days we enjoy flatter landscapes. Our original thought is that everyone pulls a sled and have a smaller day-pack on their back. You don’t have to be an experinced expedition skier, but some cross-country skiing experience and a overall good fitness is necessary. The expedition does not require previous winter camping experience – that’s what our excellent guides are for! This winter expedition is suitable for someone who wants to experience Sarek by winter and is ready for a real adventure.
Sarek National Park is part of the greater area of Laponia – an UNESCO World Heritage since 1996
The area holds a special importance for the world, due not only for its unspoilt natural beauty, but also for its cultural significance for the Sami-people. The Sami-people, an indigenous folk of northern Scandinavia, have had a presence in the area that dates back to prehistory. Sarek National Park has been grassing land for the Sami-reindeers for centuries, and it still is. During the summer the chances of seeing some of these spectacular creatures are basically guaranteed, but during the winter season they have made their way to the forest land of the east.
The spectacular nature of Sarek
As you ski through Sarek Nationalpark you will be welcomed by an alpine mountain area filled with high peaks and dramatic valleys. In Sarek you will find more than 100 glaciers that hide among the snow covered peaks and from here the waters of Sarek’s countless rivers and streams. A big perk of a winter expedition is the possibility to travel above all these frozen waters and choose a route the summer hikers cannot.
The Nothern Lights are dancing on the dark skies of Sarek
A winter expedition in Sarek also means Aurora season in Sarek. During clear, crispy nights the likelihood to expereince this magical light play above our camp and mountain peaks is strong. The northern lights is best experienced with your own eyes in the quiet wilderness but for the photo nerd is it definetly possible to collect some spectacular photos to bring home as a memory.
We ski in a small group for an exclusive experience
Our groups are of 6 to 10 participants led by two trained and certified Swedish mountain leaders. Expect to share laughter, joy and the sense of comradeship that always emerge within a group on an adventurous journey.
“Eat well ski well” is one of our mottos
On this journey you will enjoy delicious outdoor meals based on home-made and home-dried ingredients. We have a special menu prepared for you with a mix of vegetarian dishes and some dishes with fish and meet from the wild. Of course, we also try to cater for every special food request. We know that sharing a meal in camp with you fellow skiers can be the highlight of the day.
Safety is everything to us
Sarek offers many challenges that other wilderness areas do not. In Sarek there are no marked tracks, no cell phone coverage, no signs and most rivers don’t have bridges. To keep you safe you will be guided by two professional Swedish mountain leaders equipped with all the necessary safety-equipment. With the help of our guides, you won´t need much previous outdoor knowledge yourself. All you need is a pair of strong legs and an appreciation of the wild!
The adventure awaits!
In short…
Price
31 000 SEK
Language
Our guides speak Swedish and English
Group size
1-8 participants
2 Swedish mountain leaders
Departures
New dates to be announced for 2023. Please contact us for more information.
Total duration
11 days
Skiing days
9 days
Tour starts at
STF Saltoloukta mountain lodge
Tour ends at
STF Saltoloukta mountain lodge
Total Distance
ca 117 km ski tour
possibly extra km during day trip on the rest day
8 km skiing to and from the bus stop – STF Saltoloukta
Daily Distance
10-20 km (5-10 h)
Difficulty
Difficult
Minimum age
16 years
Outdoor Vagabond´s words about the tour
“A real adventure to experience the winter in Sarek!”
Program
Day 1 – Welcome to Saltoloukta
Our winter expedition in Sarek starts with you meeting the guides and the rest of the group either at the bus stop Kebnats or by Saltoloukta mountain lodge. Your arrival times might vary and we will adapt to those. From the spot where the bus stops to the mountain lodge is it approx. 4 km over the lake Langas. This first stretch of our winter expedition you will ski with your guide. During the afternoon will the group together with the guides go through and divide our gear. You will talk about how a sled is adequatly packed, as well as eventual backpacks. There are a lot of gear and food that’s coming with us! In the evening we savour a delicious dinner at the mountain lodge restaurant to celebrate the start of our journey. Cheers!
Day 2 – Aiming for Sitojaure
After a steady breakfast at the STF Saltoloukta restaurant is it time for us to get ready to head out in the mountains and our winter expedition in Sarek. Sarek is usually named “Europe’s last wilderness”, and it is an unavailable location. Therefore we will spend our first couple of ski days getting there – days well worth their while to be able to travel in the splendor park. This is our first ski day with proper distance, possibly the longest day of the tour, and our goal is the Sitojaure mountain hut. We are starting off with a steady climb from Saltoloukta along the marked winter trail. We will during this day travel along the King’s Trail, which mainly meanders along the Avtsusjjåhkå stream, before it leads us down through the forest to Sitojaure. The mountains are grand during winter, and today we will definetly get the taste of what awaits during the rest of the expedition.
Day 3 – Aiming for Aktse
After a good nights sleep and a steady breakfast we will get ready for another day on the King’s Trail. Today’s goal is Aktse mountain hut and we start off with peaceful skiing over the lake Sitojaure’s southern parts. We move through magical mountain forests as we approach the hills of Njunjes. The ascent over the massif is well worth the hard work because when we descent on the other side the massive views make their entrance, yeah, that’s when we understand the meaning of a winter expedition. We take it easy down the winding trail and allow us to be absorbed by Aktse’s incredible location at the mouth of the Rapa Valley. Here we will spend our last indoor night.
Day 4 – Into the deep Rapa Valley
We enjoy our last indoor breakfast by the warmth from the fire. When we are packed and ready, we let Sarek’s most famous valley, the Rapa Valley, swallow us. Today’s ski stretch past Skierffe’s massive steep walls and further past the heart of Sarek – Nammásj. In the valley we will pitch the expeditions first tent camp and we take on everything that camp life in Sarek might mean. If we are lucky, the sky might dance for us after dark.
Day 5 – Further through the valley
For the first time during our winter expedition in Sarek we open our morning drowsy eyes in the national park. Outside of the tents the air is crispy and the snow crystals glitter hypnotizing in the morning light. We travel comfortably further through the Rapa Valley and pass a few famous Sarek spots during the day. Mighty Låddebákte raise ahead of us and possibly it will fit well as back drop for our second tent camp.
Day 6 – Bierikbákte in sight
Our winter expedition in Sarek continues and it is time for us to diverge from the stalwart Rapa Valley we have travelled through so far. We take on the ascent towards Bierikjávrre, and to avoid the most sweaty parts of the hill we aim to follow the Bielajåhkås ravine. Surrounded by mighty peaks we yet again take of our skis to pitch camp with the beautiful Bierikbákte in full sight.
Day 7 – Resting among the mountains
Today might be suitable for a slow rest day. It is possible to go for a shorter day tour with just a light backpack or to stay in camp and rest from skiing. Maybe some of you are curious to spend the night in a snow cave? This would be the perfect opportunity to bild one! A winter expedition in Sarek will gift you experiences of a life time, but with the impressive mountain areas, the snow covered landscapes, and the aurora filled skies comes with demanding weather and tired legs. To make sure the winter expedition in Sarek turns out as enjoyable as possible we keep within the margins with this planned rest day.
Day 8 – Towards the foot of Sluggá
We get up and get ready for another day of skiing on this winter expedition in Sarek. With rested legs and minds we are aiming for the characteristic peak Sluggá. The route runs along the valley between Sarvatjhåkkå and Ähpár where we travel over the frozen watercourses. The ice lays thick on the mountain lakes, forms spectacular shapes and if we listen closely we might here its song. A day with good visability, despite the distance, we can also spot Sweden’s highest stand-alone mountain – Áhkká.
Day 9 – Towards the southern tip of Bietsávrres
By now our winter morning routine is well set and imagine that makes it even more fun to be out on a winter expedition in Sarek! Today’s goal is the southern tip of lake Bietsávrre. To make our way there we swing around Sluggá and take the route all along the lake to eventually reach the foot of Lulep Gierkav. We pitch our last winter expedition camp. The dream about starlit skies and dancing nothern light still lives!
Day 10 – Saltoloukta and a warm sauna
The morning comes and for the last time we leave the warmth of our sleeping bags and meet the snow covered widths. This winter expedition has reached its last day’s march and our goal is Saltoloukta mountain lodge. Our skis carry us over the windswept landscape and soon we will meet the familiar trail marks of the King’s Trail. Back down at the lodge the warm sauna and a festive dinner awaits. We look back on an unforgettable winter expedition in Sarek and enjoy the company of our friends.
Day 11 – Departure or extended exploration of Laponia
After enjoying our breakfast at the lodge, we put our skis on for the last time this winter expedition. We ski the few kilometers over the lake and make sure you make it in time for the rest of your trip. If you are not ready to finish your adventure just yet we can strongly recommend you to extend your trip with a few days either at Saltoloukta mountain loge, or “Stora Sjöfallet” mountain hotel. Stora Sjöfallet’s nature museum is well worth a visit if you’re interested learning more about Laponia and its cultural heritage. Let us know if you’re interested in extending your trip and we will help you out!
Why Ski Sarek with Outdoor Vagabond?
- We offer a well thought out route that catches with width of winter in Sarek
- Comfortable housing with three-course dinners in Saltoloukta before and after the expedition
- Small groups of 1-8 participants.
- Two certified Swedish mountain leaders, no matter group size.
- Outdoor education for everyone who desires – our guides are happy to share their immense knowledge of life in the Scandinavian mountains.
- Delicious outdoor meals based on home-made and home-dried foods.
- Safety and professionalism from the beginning to the end.
- Our sincere commitment to sustainability.
Tour summary
Price
31 000 SEK
Language
Our guides speak Swedish and English
Group size
1-8 participants
Guides
2 Swedish mountain leaders
Departures
New dates to be announced for 2023. Please contact us for more information.
Total duration
11 days
Skiing days
9 days
Tour starts at
STF Saltoloukta mountain lodge
Tour ends at
STF Saltoloukta mountain lodge
Total Distance
ca 117 km ski tour
possibly extra km during day trip on the rest day
8 km skiing to and from the bus stop – STF Saltoloukta
Daily Distance
10-20 km (5-10 h)
Difficulty
Difficult
Minimum age
16 years
Outdoor Vagabond´s words about the tour
“A real adventure to experience the winter in Sarek!”
Price includes:
- Preparation videocall with the guide before your trip
- 2 certified Swedish mountain leader
- All accomondation day 1-11
- 2 nights at mountain lodge in Saltoloukta
- 2 nights at mountain huts along the King’s Trail
- 6 nights in Hilleberg-tents
- All meals day 1-11
- 2 three-course dinners in Saltoloukta
- 2 hotel breakfasts in Saltoloukta
- Delicious outdoor meals based on home-made and home-dried foods
- Luggage storage in Saltoloukta
- Possibility to snow mobile transportation to and from mountain lodge
- Lots of expedition gear
- Expedition sled – Fjellpulken
- Day backpack (Lundhags 54 liters)
- Hilleberg-tent (3- or 4-person tents)
- Inflatable sleeping mat
- Sleeping bag and liner
- Outdoor cooking stove and utensils
- Your guides bring first aid kit and essential safety equipment.
Price does not include:
- Personal skiing equipment according to packing checklist
- Personal snacks
- Beverage to hotel meals
- Transportation to and from Saltoloukta
Transports
Saltoloukta (bus stop Kebnats) is located in the north of Swedish Lappland. To reach the bus stop at Saltoloukta you need to catch the bus from the town of Gällivare. If you want to travel by train there are night trains available from Stockholm and Göteborg to Gällivare. The closest airports are found in Gällivare, Luleå and Kiruna. We are happy to assist you in finding the right transportation to Saltoloukta. Contact our booking department and we will suggest the most suitable alternative based on your needs.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Welcome to Saltoloukta
Day 2 – Aiming for Sitojaure
Day 3 – Aiming for Aktse
Day 4 – Into the deep Rapa Valley
Day 5 – Further through the valley
Day 6 – Bierikbákte in sight
Day 7 – Resting among the mountains
Day 8 – Towards the foot of Sluggá
Day 9 – Towards the southern tip of Bietsávrres
Day 10 – Saltoloukta and a warm sauna
Day 11 – Departure or extended exploration of Laponia
Booking:
Booking is made after contact with our booking department and after a 20 % payment of the total tour price.
General agreement
Download Outdoor Vagabond´s General agreements for 2021 in PDF >
Packing checklist
Soon to be announced
Accommodation
STF Saltoloukta
As start and final destination on our winter expedition in Sarek stand cozy Saltoloukta mountain lodge. The lodge is located in roadless land by the world heritage area Laponia and in winter time the transportation to logde goes by snow mobile or skis. The timbered main buildning has kept its charm since 1918 and offers with its belonging guest houses approx. 100 beds. Our welcome and farewell dinners will be enjoyed in the restaurant that bases its menu on local produce such as wild game from the area and fish from the lake below the lodge.
STF Sitojaure mountain hut
Our expeditions first day leads us to STF Sitojaure mountain huts. The huts are found along the King’s Trail and located in the southern areas of lake Sitojaure. In the mountain huts we are staying in cozy multi-bed rooms with access to the self-catering. We chop our own fire wood, keep the hut heated and collect water from the lake.
STF Aktse mountain hut
Our expeditions second day leads us after a long down hill to STF Aktse mountain hut. The hut is found along the King’s Trail and located in the spectacular mouth of the Rapa Valley and Sarek Nationalpark. In the mountain hut we are staying in cozy multi-bed rooms with access to the self-catering. We chop our own fire wood, keep the hut heated and collect water from the stream.
Tents
During the winter expedition we spend 6 nights in high quality tents made for mountain conditions. When you make your booking you can specify if you prefer to share a three- or four-person tent. During winter it is always a little bit more crowded in the tent with all the bulky winter wear. Therefore the 3-person tents are shared by two people and the 4-person tents are shared by three people during the winter expedition in Sarek.. To share a tent is always more weight-efficient and the team work while pitching camp save time and effort.