Trip Guide

Trip Guide: Improvers Cross Country Ski Holiday in Sweden

Push your cross-country skiing skills in Sweden’s backcountry. On this trip you’ll have 5 days of longer tours, technique refinement, and terrain that’ll test your abilities.

We’ll be based in a Swedish mountain village where groomed tracks lead to backcountry adventures, and the hotel sits by a frozen lake. This trip is for those Cross Country skiers looking for the next step and to cover some more serious ground with expert coaching.

Woman cross-country skiing on snowy track in a winter landscape with a mountain in the distance
Cross-country skiers travelling across a snow-covered valley between mountain slopes

Getting There

This trip is in Sweden, but you fly into Trondheim in Norway, as that’s where you’ll find the most regular flights. From London there’s a direct flight on the way out with Norwegian, and plenty of options for a connecting flight to Trondheim via Oslo or Bergen. From there the group transfer collects you for the scenic three hour drive across the Norwegian-Swedish border to your hotel

Can you suggest flights?

You can fly direct from Gatwick to Trondheim with Norwegian on the way out. There’s no direct flight home, so the return routes via Oslo.

Suggested Flights
  • Arrival Day: LGW 11:50 – TRD 15:15 | Norwegian DY 1341
  • Departure Day: TRD 14:25 – LGW 20:20 | Norwegian DY 173, DY 1318
Group Transfer

We include one shared transfer on both the arrival and departure days of your trip.

  • Arrival Day: Pick up at Trondheim airport at 16:00
  • Departure Day: Drop off at Trondheim airport at 12:25

Not sure if your flight works? Just ask, we’re happy to help.

What happens if I miss the group transfer or have flights at different times?

We collect guests fromTrondheim airport at one set time. If you miss these times, private transfers can be arranged. Our transfers cannot wait for delayed flights.

Should I add in time to explore Norway?

If you have time, we highly recommend visiting Trondheim. This old viking settlement is now the third biggest city in Norway and offers something for everyone, from a thriving art scene to incredible restaurants, history and buildings.

Snowy valley landscape over a Swedish town at dusk, with hills and lit buildings
women cross country skiing on snowy landscape.

Fitness & Skill Level

This trip is for women with a minimum of 3 full days cross-country skiing experience. Never tried it? Been years since you last skied? Think your downhill skills count? You’ll need our beginners trip first. You need to snow plough confidently, move effectively in and out of tracks, manage speed and direction on downhills, and be comfortable skiing longer distances.

Expect 6-7 hours of activity daily, with a mix of technique lessons and tours out to explore the mountains covering up to 25km. Some days we’ll do both with lessons in the morning and touring in the afternoon. You’ll cover 10-25km daily on varied terrain, at different speeds and still with the occasional fall.

You already know what a workout cross-country skiing is, and how prepared you need to be. We recommend medium to high-intensity cardio 3 times a week for around 45 minutes – running, HIIT, cycling, spin classes – stuff that gets your heart pumping. Walking and yoga won’t cut it for the cardio demands.

Real talk: If you’ve got the minimum experience and can handle the distances, you’ll love progressing your skills. If you’re still wobbly on basics or nervous about longer distances, we recommend our beginners trip.

I exercise regularly but haven't trained specifically - will I cope?

To do this trip you will have cross country skied before, so should know what you need to tackle seven days of back to back skiing. If you exercise at medium intensity at least 3 times a week, you’ll manage the physical demands.

How can I prepare specifically for cross-country skiing?

Working on your cardiovascular fitness will help you with endurance and stamina. Try running, cycling, in-line skating or other higher intensity exercise. Good balance is essential for weight transfer from one ski to the next too.

I’m an experienced Alpine skier, can I come on this trip?

No. Cross Country skiing is a totally separate sport with different technique and terrain. You may have more confidence on skis or pick the moves up quicker, but you’ll need to start on one of our beginners trips.

What if I can't keep up with the group?

This trip is for improvers and intermediate cross country skiers, so we ask that you have the right level of experience to come on this trip.

Woman cross-country skiing across snowy landscape with mountains in Sweden

Sleep & Eat

You’ll stay at a family-owned hotel with a restaurant well known for its great meals. The views are spectacular and you can ski right from the door.

The rooms are simple, there’s a lobby, a lounge with a bar and a small spa for a quick dip and sauna. There’s also a ski area where you can wax your skis.

The delicious food on this trip is a real highlight. You’ll have a breakfast buffet and packed lunch for your days out. Dinner will either be at the hotel’s fantastic restaurant, or in a renowned brasserie just up from the hotel. One evening you’ll eat at a cabin 1050 metres above sea level with magnificent views. For every meal the focus will be on local produce and authentic flavours from the region.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms are comfortable but simple. Towels are supplied, but hairdryers are shared between rooms, so bring your own if you need guaranteed access. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel to keep you connected.

Can you cater for my dietary requirements?

The hotel handles all dietary requirements and allergies and is experienced at adapting their local cuisine to suite. This covers everything from vegetarian and vegan to specific allergies and medical dietary needs. We’ll request detailed information about your dietary needs before arrival, please make sure you’re clear about your requirements.

Is there anywhere to do laundry?

There is no laundry service available, but you could bring soap flakes or travel wash to give clothes a quick swill in your bathroom sink if needed.

What's the WiFi situation?

Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.

Snowy Swedish countryside with winter lodges and pine trees at dawn, aerial view
Candlelit dinner table with wine glasses, beers and plates of food being served

Weather

Temperatures around -10°C are considered perfect for cross-country skiing, but you may sometimes have conditions that are more like -20°C. This sounds cold, however, for most of the winter in Sweden it is a “dry” cold which tends to feel less cold than a”damp” one. It will still cut through you though if you don’t have the right layers on.

Snow conditions are generally excellent throughout winter. Trail maintenance means guides can find good skiing regardless of recent weather patterns.

How should I dress for these temperatures?

Cross country skiing is a really active sport and means you’ll be generating heat (and getting sweaty) while out in the cold. This is great whilst you’re on the move, but when you stop for a break you cool down quickly. We recommend merino wool or synthetic base layers, topped by a windproof, breathable waterproof hiking jacket with a hood, plus a warm, insulated jacket to put on at rest stops.

What if the weather affects skiing conditions?

Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so our guides adjust daily plans to ensure the best (and safest) experience. They know the terrain and can find alternative routes for different weather scenarios.

Woman enjoying a winter plunge in Sweden
Two women snowshoeing in Sweden

Good to Know

Communication: There’s free WiFi throughout the hotel, so staying connected isn’t an issue.

Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you’ve had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving 200-300 SEK, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.

How many guests will be on this trip?

Max 10 guests.

What is the currency and will I need cash?

Swedish krona is the local currency, but everywhere accepts card. You may want to bring some cash to tip your guide.

Should I bring travel sickness tablets?

The road from Trondheim to Bruksvallarna is winding — worth packing tablets if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Why aren't all guides and instructors female?

We work with the best guides available, male or female. There are fewer women in outdoor guiding roles, so we prioritise expertise and guest experience. We vet every guide carefully and monitor feedback closely to ensure all guides align with our ethos and standards. We also hope more trips like ours encourage more women to find new activities and become guides themselves.

Two women enjoying winter cross country skiing
Snowy landscape with a signpost

Packing List

What We Provide

    • Cross-country skis (properly fitted to height and weight)
    • Ski boots (we’ll help achieve perfect fit)
    • Ski poles (correctly sized)

What You Need to Bring

On the Skis

    • Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support — for snowshoeing day, mandatory
    • Base layers — merino or synthetic, bring a selection (you may want to layer two on colder days)
    • Long johns
    • Fleece mid-layer
    • Breathable, windproof shell jacket (a hiking waterproof works well)
    • Softshell winter hiking trousers — windproof, water-repellent, breathable
    • Warm packable insulated or down jacket (for stops and cold days)
    • Waterproof trousers (recommended for cold or snowy conditions)
    • Selection of socks in different thicknesses — wool is best for hire boot fit
    • Warm hat
    • Buff — bring two if you can (one for your neck, one as a headband)
    • Warm ski gloves or mittens — bring two pairs in case one gets wet
    • Thin gloves for warmer sessions when you’re generating heat
    • Glove liners and hand warmers if you suffer from cold hands
    • Sunglasses — polarised if you have them
    • 25 litre daypack

Off the Skis

    • Yoga wear
    • Casual evening clothes
    • Nightwear
    • Slippers for the hotel
    • Swimwear for the sauna (optional — Swedes are happily nude but you do you)
    • Neoprene booties for ice bathing (optional)

Personal Kit

    • Insulated water bottle — not a hydration bladder, it will freeze
    • Thermos for hot drinks on the trails
    • Lunchbox for packed lunch days
    • Sunscreen — UV reflects strongly off snow even in winter
    • Compeed or Moleskin blister plasters
    • Paracetamol and ibuprofen — both are significantly more expensive in Sweden
    • Any prescription medication
    • Snacks for the trails — more than you think on longer tour days
    • Dry bags to keep kit dry inside your pack
    • Waterproof phone case
    • Travel adaptor

Optional

    • Camera
    • Soap flakes for hand-washing base layers if you’re packing light
    • English teabags (Swedish hotels don’t always deliver on this front)

Packing Tips

Fabric Guidelines: Avoid cotton – it gets wet, stays wet, and makes you really cold. Wool or synthetic base layers regulate your body temperature and manage moisture. Merino wool doesn’t retain odours like synthetics but synthetic layers dry faster.

What vital items do I need to pack? Other than a good layering system, vital items include warm socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, waterproof and insulated gloves, a buff and hat. Also don’t forget comfy clothes for yoga and evenings in the hotel, as well as swimwear for the spa and polar plunge.

woman snowshoeing in snowy landscape.
Woman meditating in yoga pose

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