REGISTRATION

The hike is challenging in parts. The rules are simple. As long as you bring the required gear, check in at the checkpoints, follow the marked trail, avoid littering, and adhere to the rules for Skuleberget Nature Reserve and Skuleskogen National Park, you’re good to go. We’ll go over the rules for the Nature Reserve and National Park during the Winter Outdoor Skills Course on Thursday, before heading out on the adventure. For the required gear, see: Required Gear >>

Cancellation

The adventure is cancellable until December 31st. After December 31st, registration fees are non-refundable. However, you can purchase insurance that makes your registration refundable. For more details, visit Startklar >>, where you can also sign up for the insurance. This insurance covers all events and competitions you register for within a year.

Toilets and Cabins

You’re welcome to use the toilets available in the National Park, at FriluftsByn, and at the FriluftsByn summit cabin. You can also take shelter in the cabins within the National Park. However, overnight stays must be in your own tent.

Littering

We place a high value on leaving the area in better condition than when we arrived. Therefore, it is strictly prohibited to leave trash along the trail or at energy stations. All packaging you bring with you must be carried out. You can dispose of your trash at FriluftsByn after crossing the finish line. If any checkpoint official, fellow participant, or guide sees someone littering, they will be immediately disqualified.

The High Coast Winter Hike requires good judgment. We do not recommend participation for anyone with back, knee, or heart issues. Consider your personal health before joining the hike. We also recommend a minimum of 8 hours of rest before driving after completing the hike.

First Aid

For your safety, we have medical staff stationed along the trail and at the overnight camps. They’ll assist if you run into problems during the hike. The most common issues are blisters, and they will use your provided gear to help you. You’ll also be given an emergency contact number before you head out. We always inform emergency services about the High Coast Winter Hike, and in case of serious injury, dial 112.

Don’t take unnecessary risks.

Seriously, don’t take unnecessary risks. Slåttdalsberget, the viewpoint at Slåttdalsskrevan, and Skuleberget are areas with higher risks, as the cliffs drop straight down for up to 100 meters. Stay away from the edges—heavy backpacks and slippery rocks are not a good mix. Keep a safe distance from ledges. The hike follows well-marked trails, and sticking to them increases safety. Drink plenty of water, rest when you’re tired, and eat when you’re hungry. Don’t cook inside your tent.

Mobile Phone

You’ll have coverage for most of the High Coast Winter Hike, but not in all areas. Be sure to bring a charger, as there will be no opportunities to charge your phone during the hike.

Gear

You don’t need the latest gear to join the High Coast Winter Hike, but you do need the required equipment. Required Gear >>

If You Need to Abandon the Hike

If for any reason you need to leave the High Coast Winter Hike, you must inform staff at the checkpoints or call the number provided during check-in. In case of emergency, dial 112 (SOS Alarm).

We hope this information doesn’t scare you, but instead encourages you to avoid unnecessary risks during the High Coast Winter Hike. So, let’s get ready for the adventure!

If you're feeling a bit tired or an old injury starts acting up, our guides are here to help you take a few shortcuts, letting you reach your camp earlier so you can relax and wait for the rest of the group.

If you need to pull out completely, we have specific spots where we can arrange pick-up. However, keep in mind that it may still require a fair bit of hiking to reach the nearest evacuation point.

There are guides at the front and back of each group, and you'll also encounter guides along the trail.

Together, we'll make sure you have an awesome winter experience.

The Explorer group attracts everyone from complete beginners with a decent fitness level to experienced winter hikers looking for an exciting adventure with others. It’s ideal for those who want to hike with lighter packs and enjoy plenty of breaks along the way.

The Expedition group draws in people who have some hiking experience, though for most, it’s their first time using snowshoes or camping in winter conditions.

Most participants come solo and quickly get to know the other hikers, while some bring friends or family along.

About half of the group usually comes from Sweden, with the other half made up of participants from across Europe.

Some join because they love the idea of heading out together, while others come to enjoy some solo time and choose to hike certain stretches more independently. There’s room for all types of experiences, and that’s probably what creates such an incredibly relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

We’ll set off together—Expedition from one spot and Explorer from another. Often, you’ll naturally fall in step with other hikers who have a similar pace right from the start. But you’re free to walk at your own rhythm all the way to the camp.

Guides are posted at the front and back of each group, and you’ll also encounter them along the trails.

Usually, it’s a mix of hiking with a few others, going solo for a bit, and then running into new people along the way. You might meet someone who’s just the right pace for you and decide to team up. You get the idea. It’s going to be a good time.

Throughout the hike, we’ll follow marked trails. However, the trails in Höga Kusten aren’t adapted for winter, so markers are often hidden under snow. That’s why our guides go out in advance to make sure there are tracks to follow, making it easy to find your way.

Still, it’s a good idea to keep track of where you are. When you check in for the adventure, you’ll receive a map, and we’ll go over it together before heading out. Landmarks are well-marked in the terrain, so it’s simple to keep your bearings.

Each group tends to spread out quite a bit, so you may not always see other participants, but guides are positioned at the front and back of every group. You’ll also come across guides along the trail who can answer any questions.

When you check in, you’ll get a phone number to call if anything comes up. Most of the route has cell coverage.

Food from Thursday lunch to Saturday lunch:

Since we’ll be hiking at our own pace and we want everyone to enjoy meals whenever they’re hungry or find a beautiful spot, most of the meals consist of high-quality freeze-dried dishes.

We offer a wide variety, and you’ll choose and collect your freeze-dried meals at check-in. You’ll pick up two breakfasts and three meals. Naturally, we cater to special dietary needs; just specify them when signing up for the adventure.

Included meals:

Thursday:

Lunch: Freshly prepared meal at FriluftsByn.
Dinner: Freeze-dried meal (1)

Friday:

Breakfast: Freeze-dried breakfast (1)
Lunch: Freeze-dried meal (2)
Dinner: Prepared dinner in the base camp.

Saturday:
Breakfast: Freeze-dried breakfast (2)
Lunch: Freeze-dried meal (3)

Please bring your own snacks, sweets, nuts, coffee, tea, and any other beverages. It’s also a good idea to pack electrolyte tablets or powder. For water, you’ll melt snow during breaks, so don’t forget a thermos.

Outside these times, you can purchase breakfast and dinner at FriluftsByn. These meals aren’t included in the registration since some participants may be staying with friends or elsewhere.

You can find more details about meals here:
Travel, Accommodation, and Food >>

While participants in the Explorer group set up a base camp and hike with lighter packs, we in the Expedition group carry all our gear and make two different night camps, allowing us to explore more areas.

Each night camp has campfires and outdoor toilets. Guides will also be present at the camps to lend a hand if needed.

On the second night of the adventure, the Explorer and Expedition groups share a campsite, where we’ll have a grill night, and for those interested, there’s a chance to try ice dipping.

Most participants have never camped overnight in winter before, and many often say it’s an unforgettable experience. It feels safe with others around, and the vibe is always warm and welcoming.

We’ve gathered a few tips on how to make your night camp even more comfortable here:

Create a Cozy Night Camp >>

For your safety, you need to check out before setting off on each day’s hike and check back in when you return to the base camp.

The check-in and check-out is a staffed station located at the base camp.

Guides will also hike at the front and back of the group each day, so if all goes as planned—which it usually does—we’ll know everyone has reached the night camp when the guides at the back arrive.

By checking in and out, we get an extra layer of assurance that everyone has headed out and made it back. It adds to overall safety.

In the Explorer group, we bring all our gear to the bus that takes us to the starting point. After the bus ride, there’s a 900-meter hike to the base camp where you’ll carry all your equipment. Throughout the adventure, you’ll store any gear you don’t need for day hikes in your tent.

In the Expedition group, we also bring all our equipment to the buses, but then carry it with us throughout the hike.

On the third and final day, all participants have the option to send their tents and sleeping bags back to FriluftsByn.

The adventure finishes at the summit of Skuleberget, and after hiking down to FriluftsByn at the mountain’s base, you’ll find your gear waiting. This is also where we’ll host the After-Hike celebration.