Heliski in Sweden's Arctic Circle
When you think of heli skiing, Sweden is not normally a country that springs to mind. Despite not having particularly high mountains, the snow remains reliable and cold temperatures persist with good powder skiing possible right through until the end of May and it is possible to ski down to elevations of only two or three hundred metres. With a lack of daylight and a biting cold, the heli ski season does not really kick off until March and normally finishes around June. By mid May there is 24hrs of daylight to play with making it possible to ski late into the night.
When it comes to heli skiing, the real advantage of all this light is that it allows you to take advantage of weather windows that would not normally be possible because it is dark. And with the northern coastal areas of Sweden not really lending themselves to the most reliable weather in the world, this is a real plus.
If you are based in Europe and want to heli ski without traveling half way round the world, Sweden is both convenient and practical for either a week long trip or an extended weekend. With a helicopter at your disposal, good skiing conditions can almost always be found. However, it would be unrealistic to expect the consistent levels of powder that ranges in Canada or Russia receive. More realistic would be to expect a variety of different snow conditions ranging from excellent powder to spring snow. . . and everything in between.
Location
(click here to view location)
Situated in the high-alpine area of Sweden's north, close to the border with Norway, and almost 400 km above the Arctic Circle, Abisko Mountain Lodge offers access to Sweden's highest peaks and is Scandinavia's only destination heliski lodge. Being only a short drive from resort of Rikgransen, this is an excellent choice for those wanting to combine lift accessed skiing with some heli skiing.
Why Heli ski Here?
- Heli ski under the midnight sun
- Small groups
- Ease of access from Europe
- Good late in the season heli skiing (March to June)
- Good option for a long weekend from Europe.
The Heli skiing and Heli boarding
With not much over 1,800 metres, the peaks in the region are not particularly high but the runs are surprisingly long averaging about 1,000 vertical metres. The terrain is both interesting and varied with some nice steep pitches but there is no tree skiing which makes days with limited visibility somewhat challenging. With its exposure to the wind and long hours of daylight, snow conditions can vary quite a lot from one area to another and from one part of the day to the next but with small groups the programme is both flexible and personal and overall this is an excellent place to heli ski.
Accommodation & Facilities
Owned and run by Dick and Mina Johansson, Abisko Mountain Lodge offers the very highest levels of personal service and cuisine and the atmosphere in the lodge is relaxed, warm and friendly. The fifty or so rooms are all located in the recently renovated main lodge, which has a large dining room, bar and living room with log burning fire. The guest rooms are fairly small they are clean and comfortable. If the sound of a nice steam and a soak after a hard day's heli skiing sounds appealing, there is a large sauna complex in the main lodge and a hot tub outside overlooking the mountains. For those wishing to have a bit more privacy there are also a number of simple, eco-friendly cabins behind the main lodge.
Helicopters & Safety
Eurocopters are leased from one of northern Sweden's most reputable helicopter companies and are flown by pilots who are experienced operating in an arctic environment. Without exception, all heli skiing guides are seasoned professionals who have passed a series of comprehensives exams to qualify them as members of the U.I.A.G.M., the recognised International Mountain Guide Associations. They continuously monitor the weather and snow stability in an effort to balance the maximum levels of safety with high quality heli skiing.
2009 PRICES AND PACKAGES
Our heli ski packages to Abisko can be customised. If would like to modify this in any way please give us a call on +44 (0)207 836 3547 or email us on info@eaheli.com
4 Day Heliski Package
Price guide: GBP £1,550
Included in the price:
- Return transfer from Kiruna Airport
- Transceivers and necessary safety equipment
- 2 days heli-skiing up to 6 drops in total OR ski touring with Mountain guide
- 3 nights accommodation with breakfast
- 2 day skipass in Riksgransen
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