, SWEDEN Activity: Trip duration: Snowshoe Trekking 7 days in total Group size: No. of trekking days: Distance trekked: Dates: 5 days Approx. 60kms Available March - Apr 2020 Level of difficulty: 8-12 participants 1 UK + 1 Local Leader Accommodation: Tough Mountain huts & hostels HIGHLIGHTS Fully supported Arctic Trek Snowshoe trek the Kungsleden (Kings) Trail in the wild Abisko National Park surrounded by the Abisko Alps Guided snowshoe expedition which is suitable for beginners Travel gently through untouched snow, past Kebnekaise (Sweden s highest mountain) and track some of the park s amazing wildlife Learn about the Sámi culture, reindeer herding and see a Sámi village Overnight in Swedish mountain huts and reward yourself with well-deserved sauna Allow yourself the best chance of witnessing the Northern lights Experience the back to basics and pristine lifestyle in the Arctic wild. In the extreme north of Sweden, 180kms inside the Arctic Circle, hides the last remote wilderness in Lapland. Arriving here you will experience the unique home of the Sámi people and Kungsleden, the Kings Trail, an expansive landscape of birch forests, stunning glaciers, powerful rivers and the highest mountains in Sweden. Your winter snowshoe expedition begins in Abisko, home to one of Sweden s oldest National Parks. Abisko is also famous for being one of the best places on earth to view the Aurora (Northern Lights). You will average 14kms per day trekking through spectacular and ever-changing landscapes. Each night will be spent in remote arctic mountain huts, were you can enjoy a sauna at the end of perfect day of snowshoeing in the Arctic Circle. This is the perfect opportunity to be an Artic explorer. You will be fully supported throughout your trek, with support snowmobiles transferring your luggage from hut to hut. A local cook who will serve you a well earnt hot meal at the end of the day. As part of your challenge you can volunteer to assist with collecting wood, lighting a fire in the stove, assist the cook in the kitchen and fetching water from remote wells. A good level of fitness is required, and previous trekking experience would be beneficial for you, however you do not need any snowshoeing experience as training will be provided.
ITINERARY ROUTE MAP ITINERARY This itinerary includes an additional two nights stay at the Ice Hotel on completion of the trek. Group size No. of days Start Finish 6 12 participants 7 days Lake Alesjaure Kebnekaise - Nikkaluokta.- Kiruna - Day 1 Itinerary UK to Kiruna Abisko National Park Flight from UK to Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN) and Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN) to Kiruna (KRN) On arrival at Kiruna Airport a private transfer will take you to Abisko, approximately 1.5 hours. After checking in to your room you will meet your Swedish Mountain Guide who will provide you with a full briefing of your adventure that lies ahead. Later in the evening a 3-course dinner will be served in the restaurant. Lodging in private 4 bedded dorm rooms. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity for an optional trip to the Abisko Sky Station to view the Aurora (at an additional cost to the participant). Distance Hours
2 Abisko Lake Alesjaure After breakfast you will be issued with your snowshoes and you will head out to explore the Abisko National Park directly from the Mountain Station. This is a perfect time to try out your personal equipment and learn the technique of snowshoeing. After 2-3 hours of walking you will return to the Mountain Station for lunch. Following lunch there will be an exciting 35km (2 hour) transfer by snowmobiles through the high mountains and your cabins at Lake Alesjaure. That evening, your lodging will be in mountain dorm rooms with either gas or wooden fire heating. There s also the chance to enjoy a sauna in the Swedish highlands. Any kit not needed for the snowshoe hike can be sent to the trail finishing point in Nikkaluokta. 3 Lake Alesjaure Tjakja Mountain Hut This is the start of your King s Trail challenge! The first part of today s leg takes you along the frozen Alesätno River with steep mountain walls rising more than 1000 meters either side of you. The valley will narrow as you start the climb up towards the Tjäktja mountain-cabin. You will cover a distance of 14kms through the awe-inspiring landscape gaining 200 metres in altitude. Lodging will be in mountain hut in dorm rooms with either gas or wooden fire heating. Tjakja is the smallest of all the mountain huts and can only take 20 people as additional space needs to be allowed for cross country skiers. 4 Tjakja Mountain Hut Salka Hut This morning your climb continues before you cross over the Tjäktjapass at 1140 metres. The Tjäktjavagge valley opens up below with incredible views across the Arctic landscape. You will then slowly descend to the STF mountain huts at Sälka, with another chance to have a mountain sauna in the evening! Lodging will again be in dorm rooms with either gas or wooden fire heating. 6kms 14kms 14kms 3 hours 6 hours 5 hours 5 Salka Hut Singi Hut Today the trail takes you to the cabins at Singi which are surrounded by very steep mountain sides escalating more than 1000 meters around you. You will trek through the ore of the arctic landscapes covering 13kms of mountain valleys which lead up to incredible glaciers. This will be your final night of lodging in mountain huts dorm rooms with either gas or wooden fire heating. 6 Singi Hut Kebnekaise Your final day in snowshoes will take you to Kebnekaise Mountain Station which is the base of the highest mountain in Sweden. This is the heart of Swedish alpinism with astounding arctic views throughout your 15km trek with an altitude difference of + 150 metres, 150 metres. It is the perfect way to complete your artic adventure. Arriving at your accommodation you can take a well-deserved sauna and shower before a celebration dinner at the restaurant that evening! Your lodging will in 4-10 bedded rooms. 13kms 15kms 5 hours 6 hours
7 Kebnekaise Ice Hotel Cold room After breakfast at Kebnekaise, we have a 1-hour snowmobile transfer through 19km of the frozen Valley of Ladtjovagge to the trailhead at Nikkaluokta. You will then be transferred to Kiruna Airport, which will take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Return flights from Kiruna (KRN) to Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN) and Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN) to UK
TRIP INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WHAT S INCLUDED Before your snowshoe trek Access to your personalised account area to download expedition info Pre-trip support materials kit list, travel advice, responsible tourism tips Training guide Discount code for Cotswolds Outdoor and Snow & Rock retail stores All risk assessments and safety management Public Liability insurance International Passenger Protection Cover During your snowshoe trek All transfers in country 1 night s high standard hostel accommodation 5 night s mountain hut accommodation Qualified UK Mountain Leader Qualified Swedish Mountain Guide Satellite telephone, VHF radio back up All meals on expedition Snowshoe and trekking pole hire Snowmobile transfers Sauna in Alesjaure and Sälka Safety equipment and first aid provisions Helicopter transfer from Kebnekaise to Nikkaluokta if there is not sufficient snow for a snowmobile transfer NOT INCLUDED Currently not included but can be organised at an additional cost Return flights from the UK (LHR or LGW) to Kiruna Sweden. Flights operated by SAS or Norwegian Air and cost approximately 350pp return Any overnight accommodation required during flight times / stopovers / extensions Luggage transfer cost 15 per bag, which can shared between two.
At the participants expense Travel insurance (mandatory) Clothing and equipment as detailed on the Kit List Any other items not listed in the Trip Notes Personal spending money. TRIP COSTS COSTS PER PERSON 7-day itinerary Registration fee Final balance Total cost 6 12 participants 250pp 1,750pp 2,000pp The Swedish government will be introducing a new 25% tourist tax in July 2019. This has been accounted for in the challenge cost.
FURTHER INFORMATION TRANSFERS Internal road transfers Airport transfers and transfers to and from the start of the trekking point will be via mini bus. All mini buses are fitted with seat belts. PASSPORT, VISA, INSURANCE & VACCINATIONS Passport All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. Airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than 6 months validity. Visa Currently as a British Citizen you do not require a visa to enter Sweden. However, we recommend that you check with the relevant embassy for the most up to date information regarding visas. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and obtain your own visa, if one is necessary. Adventurous Ewe is not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise. Please visit the UK Foreign & Commonwealth office website, or your respective nationality governing website, for the latest travel information on Sweden at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sweden/entry-requirements
Currently US citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. We recommend that you check with the relevant embassy for the most up to date information regarding visas. Please visit the US Travel State Government website, for the latest travel information on Sweden at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/international-travel-country- Information-Pages/Sweden.html Insurance It is a condition of joining this trip that you are insured against medical and personal accident. It is compulsory to supply Adventurous Ewe with documentary evidence of your travel insurance at least 14 days prior to departure. Vaccinations For up to date vaccination information please check the NHS government website Fit for Travel at: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations Safety Adventurous Ewe prioritises the safety of all of their trekkers and staff, and as such have developed a thorough safety management system. This encompasses comprehensive risk assessments and procedures together with audits of all aspects of your challenge from vehicles, snow mobiles to accommodation and associated expedition activities. Your health and safety is our top priority. Travel Aware The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and NHS have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. To keep informed of current travel news visit https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ FURTHER INFORMATION EXPERIENCE Trekking experience and level of difficulty To complete the Kings Trail Arctic Snowshoe Trek comfortably, it is preferable that you have previous experience of long walks in varied and irregular terrain carrying a 35 litre day-pack. Previous experience of trekking in snowshoes is not required as training and sufficient practice time is included in your itinerary, however you must be a confident walker with a good level of fitness in order to manage the sections of ascent and long duration of the trek, combined with carrying your backpack every day. You will be required to carry additional items due to the remoteness of the trek. This will include, packed lunches & snacks, drinking water, wet weather gear, additional warm layers and personal items. You will be split into pairs to carry additional equipment such as a shovel and a group shelter. Due to the unpredictability of the climate in the Swedish Arctic, you will need to be prepared for walking in all conditions, as the weather can change extremely rapidly, making clothing and footwear choices important. The regions we visit on the trip are very remote and you should be prepared to spend time in areas where facilities and services are limited. Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group and weather conditions.
MOUNTAIN LEADERS Support Team During you Arctic Adventure there will be a full support team at hand. Each day they will load your luggage onto snowmobiles which will be transported to the next hut. There will also be a local Swedish cook. Mountain Guides All our Adventurous Ewe reps are qualified Mountain Leaders and experienced winter expedition guides who have been carefully selected to ensure you have the best experience on your trek with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure. All Guides are remote first aid trained as well. Your local mountain guide has also been carefully selected based on their Arctic Guiding experience and knowledge of the trek together with their knowledge of the area and Sami culture. Your local guide will also be fluent in English and Swedish. FURTHER INFORMATION Group participation This is an expedition style trek, where you will be expected to take part in cooking meals and helping with the general smooth running of the challenge. You will work as part of a team with your fellow artic trekkers and share a once-in-a-lifetime remote winter expedition. CATERING Meals Our first night in the mountain hut will be fresh local produce typically reindeer meat stew, with a vegetarian option. All other meals will be pasta, bean stew and mainly vegetarian meals. Breakfast is typically porridge, toast, cheese and cold meats. Lunch is a packed lunch of sandwiches, nuts and snack bars, each person will carry a flask for hot soup, tea or coffee. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation Your first night s accommodation will be at the STF Abisko Mountain Station. All rooms are based on 4 bedded share dorms with shared bathrooms. Dorm room will be for Adventurous Ewe clients only.
While trekking the King Trail we will be staying comfortable Swedish mountain huts. Tjakja Mountain Hut will be the smallest hut which has 35 beds split into 4 dormitory rooms. All the other mountain huts are a series of cabins. With each cabin having 4 rooms per cabin each with 4-8 bed per room. Both Alesjaure and Singi Hut have traditional sauna facilities where is this is hot water available for washing. All the huts also have a small shop where you buy food snacks, drinks, even beer!! FURTHER INFORMATION RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Responsible Travel in Sweden Adventurous Ewe is committed to delivering travel experiences in a responsible and ethical manner and with sustainable development at its core. We respect and aim to operate our adventures and events to benefit local people, their cultures, economy and the environment! For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: https://www.adventurousewe.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/responsible-travel- Adventurous-Ewe-2018.pdf Some of the responsible travel features embedded in our Kings Trail Arctic Snowshoe Trek: Using local crew and drivers wherever possible who are all extremely knowledgeable and willing to share their local way of life often with a big friendly smile Staying in smaller-scale locally owned accommodation Buying locally produced food and drink, and dining in locally owned restaurants Minimising plastic waste wherever possible Careful management of limited energy and water resources Offering real life experiences which promote cross-cultural understanding Operating with a leave no trace ethos Take only photos, leave only footsteps and kill nothing but time.
For any further information or if you have any queries, please contact Jim Young at Adventurous Ewe: Email: jim@adventurousewe.co.uk l Mobile: 07747 346 588