Winter rail destinations: Riksgränsen

Published: 1 Dec 08 14:46 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/16052/20081201/

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Lying 200 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, Riksgränsen is Sweden’s most northerly resort and a nature lover’s delight.

• Winter rail destinations: Narvik (3 Nov 08)
• Winter rail destinations: Åre (6 Oct 08)
• Winter rail destinations: Sveg/Vemdalen (18 Sep 08)

Where

Riksgränsen is located by the Norwegian border in the Kiruna municipality in Lapland.


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The quick pitch

Due to the dark Arctic winter, Riksgränsen’s season is much more delayed than other resorts, with the lifts open from as late as February until June. The resort is fortunate enough to receive a high level of snowfall every year, and although more experienced skiers will exhaust the relatively easy fifteen pistes within a day or two, there are fantastic opportunities for off-piste skiing.

Riksgränsen has fourteen marked off-piste routes which, with a specialist guide, have much to offer. Off-piste guiding is priced from 395 kronor per person and heli-skiing is available from 1,395kr for one drop. The resort is particularly suited to snowboarding with its powdery snow conditions and wide courses. It also attracts free-ride and telemark enthusiasts.

"As a ski resort Riksgränsen is exotic as it lies 250km north of the polar circle. We have moret snow this time of year than anywhere else in Sweden and have great slopes.

"The resort is good for both the average skier and also those who like something more extreme. For experienced skiers, more unusual areas like off-piste are very accessible and nearby," says Pelle Lindberg, CEO of Strömma Fjäll & Aktivitet AB, the company which operates the Riksgränsen resort.

Off the slopes, the Siberian husky tours are well worth a visit and are great for kids and adults alike. There are various options, such as the ‘fikatur’, which involves the winning combination of cake and dog sledding and costs 1,095kr per person. For those who would like to venture further afield, the scooter safari is great fun, and costs from 1,100kr. Please note, all trips and guided tours can be booked through the resort website www.riksgransen.nu.

The Abisko National Park is easily accessible by road from Riksgränsen, and provides an ideal opportunity to appreciate the outstanding beauty of Lapland. The Abisko Mountain Station is also considered one of the best places in the world from which to view the Northern Lights phenomena, making it a must-see for any visitor to Riksgränsen.


Accommodation

Hotell Riksgränsen

There is only one accommodation provider at Riksgränsen, but it offers a range of options from hotel rooms to apartments.

Tel: +46 980 40080


Fast Facts

Ski Pass (6 days):

Adult – 1,455kr
Child (8-16) – 1,170kr
Children under 8 - Free

Resort elevation: 387m
Top elevation: 1350m
Base elevation: 90m
Lifts: 6
Runs: 15


Take the train to Riksgränsen

From Stockholm

Monday to Sunday - 2 departures (2 night trains: 18.12, 20.42)

From Gothenburg

Monday to Sunday - 2 departures (2 night trains: 14.42, 17.00)

From Malmö

Monday to Sunday - 2 departures (2 night trains: 18.12, 20.42)

From Sundsvall

Monday to Sunday - 2 departures (2 night trains - Monday to Friday: 16.53, 20.22; Saturday: 16.11, 18.03; Sunday 16.11, 20.22)

Note: There will be variations to the above times for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

For a more complete timetable, please see:




Useful links

www.riksgransen.nu

www.abisko.nu

www.visitsweden.com


This article was produced by The Local in cooperation with SJ