Trip Guide: Beginner Skate Ski & Yoga Holiday

Ready to learn skate skiing in Swedish wilderness? This week-long adventure is designed for those new to the technique, offering the perfect opportunity to learn the basics in epic snowy surroundings.

Skate skiing feels completely different from other skiing. It ramps up the physical challenge, with legs, glutes, and abs all working to generate speed. It’s demanding, but you don’t need to be an athlete. Expert instructors will guide you through the technique and help you find your rhythm.

It’s not all just skate skiing. Away from the tracks you’ll head on snowshoeing adventures, snowcat rides under night skies, enjoy mountain dinners, and try Swedish ice baths. Yoga sessions will also loosen you up, and the sauna handles the rest.

Woman skate skiing on snowy mountains, wearing winter gear and backpack on ski trail

Snow-covered forest with frosted trees and ski tracks in the winter landscape at sunrise

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 if I miss the group transfer?

We collect guests from Trondheim 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 mountain valley with ski tracks and skiers, framed by winter trees and peaks

Fitness & Skill Level

Skate skiing gets described as ‘running with skis on’ so very good cardiovascular fitness is essential. Each day you’ll be skiing for approx 7 hours a day, with a mixture of lessons and tours. There will be breaks and time for lunch, but you’ll be on the move a lot.

Experience Requirements: No prior skate ski experience is needed to take part, but you do need to have previous experience with skiing, skating, or balance-focused sports.

Movement & Terrain: Cross country skiing involves gliding and sliding. If you dislike this sensation, this sport isn’t for you. You’ll also travel at speed with downhill sections requiring speed control. Oh and you’ll fall, but it’s all part of the learning process!

What does the daily activity involve?

You’ll be active for up to 6 or 7 hours per day and skiing each morning and afternoon. By the end of the week you’ll also be doing full day tours. You’ll receive great coaching while exploring – it’s not a bootcamp, but you will learn new skills and refine your technique.

What fitness level do I need?

Skate skiing requires really good cardiovascular fitness – it’s not suitable for those new to physical activity. You’ll also need good balance and coordination and a lot of leg and glute strength.

What should I expect when it comes to falling?

Expect tumbles while learning, it’s all a normal part of the process. Be aware you could be moving at speed so the falls will come quicker.

How can I prepare for this trip?

Work on cardiovascular fitness for endurance and stamina. Running, cycling, in-line skating or any other higher intensity exercise all help. We also recommend improving strength, core stability and balance which will all be essential for the weight transfer between skis.

Sleep & Eat

You’ll be staying in a cosy, family-run mountain hotel with stunning views. It’s simple but the rooms are comfortable, there’s a small spa with a pool and sauna, and WiFi reaches throughout (so you don’t have to wait to start your social media brag). Towels are provided in each room, but hairdryers are shared.

All meals are included, from your arrival dinner to breakfast on departure day. The day starts with a breakfast buffet, whilst you’ll have a packed lunch to eat whilst out on your adventures. Evening meals alternate between three-course hotel dinners using local ingredients and meals at a local renowned Brasserie. One night you’ll also have a special mountain top hut dinner with stunning vistas.

What are the rooms like?

The rooms are simple but comfortable and the hotel has a laid-back, welcoming vibe – perfect for unwinding after a day on the trails. There’s also small spa with an indoor pool and sauna to help ease tired muscles during your seven-night stay.

Can you handle 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 laundry available?

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.

Winter aerial view of a ski resort village with snow-covered trees, slopes and buildings in the valley

Weather

February in Sweden = proper winter conditions. Temperatures are around -10°C, sometimes dropping to -20°C so you’ll need your thermal base layers. Swedish winter is typically a “dry” cold, but your eyelashes will likely freeze.

Mountain weather can be unpredictable with changing conditions, so come prepared and trust your coaches to adjust plans for your safety.

How should I prepare for the cold?

Skate skiing generates heat, despite the cold conditions. You’ll warm up and sweat while moving, but cool quickly when you stop for a break. Layers, including merino wool (or a synthetic equivalent) base layers are your best friend in cold weather. Take them off when you get hot, put them back on when you get cold. The magic of merino wool will also mean you don’t feel cold if you get sweaty.

What should I wear for the conditions?

We recommend wearing wool or synthetic base layers, topped with a windproof, breathable, waterproof jacket (shell) with a hood. You should also keep a warm, insulated jacket in your backpack for breaks. Your legs will also thank you if you wear windproof, water-repellent, breathable soft-shell trousers or leggings. This will be the same for snowshoeing too.

Always avoid cotton clothing as it gets cold when wet and doesn’t dry quickly.

What other weather considerations are there?

Other vital items are warm socks, sunglasses, sunscreen (the snow reflection can be intense), waterproof and insulated gloves, a buff and hat. Unlike downhill skiing, skate skiing doesn’t require bulky, super insulated clothing.

Women cross-country skiing on a snowy track across a winter landscape

Snowy landscape with ski tracks and signs 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.

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.

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.

Women skate skiing on snowy tracks with poles, SWIX waist pack, in a mountainous winter landscape

Woman skate skiing on snow in open winter landscape with distant mountains in the background

Packing List

What We Provide

- Skate skis, boots and poles
- Snowshoes
- Ski pass and transfers for skiing

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
- Insect repellent (not needed in February, but noted for other seasons)
- Compeed or Moleskin blister plasters
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen — both are significantly more expensive in Sweden
- Any prescription medication
- Snacks for on the trails
- 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 (if you’re a tea drinker — Swedish hotels don’t always deliver on this front)

Trip Code SWEBRUSSK – Include this code in any message so we can find your trip straight away.

Holiday trips

Cross Country Skiing

Ice Bathing

Beginner Skate Skiing and Yoga Holiday in Sweden

Master skate skiing - the faster, more demanding cross-country technique - in the Swedish mountains, with snowshoeing, ice bathing and potential northern lights spotting too.

Sweden Adventure Holidays

Feb - Mar