Riksgränsen ski resort

About Riksgränsen

Location:

Riksgränsen (meaning 'state border') is located in the very north of Sweden, just east of the Norwegian border, 132km (82 miles) from Kiruna in Sweden and 48km (30 miles) from Narvik in Norway.

Website:

Slopes

On the slopes

Riksgränsen has a lot to offer all kinds of skiers. Beginners, intermediates and families in particular are well served by the wide slopes and the soft, copious layers of snow; and there is a ski school in the resort for those wishing to learn or to brush up on their skills.

While experts may find the conventional slopes too easy (there is only one black run), Riksgränsen is ideal for freeriding and has exceptional off-piste conditions. The large amounts of powdery snow and the wide-open terrain also make the mountain a popular destination for snowboarding.

There are 13 marked off-piste areas, and several of these are very difficult. One classic off-piste run goes from the top of Riksgränsen Mountain to Björnfjell train station on the Norwegian side (skiers then return to Riksgränsen by train/bus). There are also guided tours on mountaintops around Riksgränsen, for example; the Vassitjåkko, Rombakkstötta, Spanstind and Storfjället, which is dependent on weather and snow conditions.

Heli-skiing is also very popular and is among the best value in the world, with around 60,000-sq-km (23,166-sq-miles) of terrain to explore. Meanwhile, cross-country skiers can make use of plenty of trails or go backcountry with a guide.

The ski season in Riksgränsen ski resort runs from middle/end of February until late May and then re-opens for a few days during midsummer (late June), with skiing under the midnight sun available towards the end of the season.