HOW TOUGH IS THE ADVENTURE?
The High Coast Winter Hike that most people – with the right preparations – can enjoy. You can choose between the Classic route or the shorter distances we call Pleasure which gives you a bit more time to relax during day one and day two. The nightcamps are however the same as well as all seminars. You can also change between the routes as you like.
We are here to help. During the hike, guides and some of Swedens most popular outdoor brands are here to help. Check out this video to learn more.
THINGS THAT MATTERS
If you made it all the way here you most probably got what it takes physically, at least for the pleasure routes that still is a challenge. Your experience will more have to do with how you adjust your clothing, if you stay hydrated and if you know how to use your equipment. Here are four factors that will determine how “tough” it will feel.
YOUR PHYSIQUE
Your general physique will of course matter so make sure you prepare by hiking with a packed backpack before you arrive.
STAY HYDRATED
If you drink regularly you will have a much nicer adventure. You too will be much nicer.
YOUR ADJUSTMENTS
Most hikers who get a tougher time have forgotten to adjust their clothing. Most often they hike too warm and start sweating too much loosing water and get damp clothing. Make sure to adjust your clothing in time.
KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT
If you feel comfortable with your equipment everything will feel easier. Learn how to pitch your tent and how to boil water on your stove.
TWO ROUTES
– Same stunning nature
During day one and day two you can choose two routes. The ordinary “classic-route or the shorter “pleasure-route”. Of course amount of snow, how cold it is and other weather related factors will have an impact but with the right preparations you will make it. Here is a litte more information about the two rolutes that we have tried to put on a scale one to five.
CLASSIFICATION
We use the following scale:
1) Easy hiking
2) Somewhat Challenging hiking
3) Challenging Hiking
4) Tough Hiking
5) Extreme Hiking
WINTER HIKE
– CLASSIC ROUTE
4 = Tough Hiking
The Classic route for the High Coast Winter Hike will set you out on 6-8 hours of beautiful active hiking per day if we take away breaks. This means there is plenty of time for rest and embracing the magnificent landscape. The terrain is varied and some parts of the hike are really steep – it is called the High Coast for a reason. Some distances are more tough – Mt. Slåttdalsberget, Mt. Stampberget and Mt. Skuleberget. You will need need some previous hiking experience and be physcal fit to amke the Classic Route.
Distances: 8-12 km, 6-8 hours
Classification: 4 – Tough hiking
Recommendation: Have hiked 40 km with equipment. Comfortable with putting up the tent and have spend a night in it.
WINTER HIKE
– PLEASURE ROUTE
2-3 = Challenging Hiking
Day I and Day II you can choose a shorter distance on 5-7 kilometers per day. The terrain is still varied and steep but you will have even more time to recover and have nice fika in the woods and on top of the mountains. If you hike the pleasure routes you will reach the nightcamps at around 16:00. If you are not sure which route to choose – well take the Pleasure Route Day I and then you decide on Day II. During Day III we all hike the same route, however you can choose to skip the hike up Skuleberget and finish down in FriluftsByn. But this is something we do not recommend because the view from the top is too amazing.
Distances: 5-12 km, 4-7 hours
Classification: 2-3: Somewhat challenging to Challenging Hiking.
Recommendation: Have hiked 30 km with your equipment. Comfortable with putting up the tent and have spend a night in it.
TAKE IT FROM PREVIOUS HIKERS
Of course it very much depends on your physique, minset and experience but here is what previous hikers have to say about the adventure. You find even more information on the participant group High Coast Winter Hikers >>
“I LEARNED A LOT”
It was the first time I ever put on snow shoes or tried to put up a tent in snow. I learned a lot and had a fantastic time! The hiking itself was a good balance. It was tough in places but the distances not too great, which left plenty of time for relaxing and taking 2 hours to put the tent up!
/ Martin Ball, England
“I ENJOYED IT EVERY NIGHT”
It was the first time for me sleeping in a tent during winter. The tour itself wasn’t too tough being used to some relief and terrain. Camping in the snow was a great experience and I enjoyed every night. The two main factors to enjoy the trip for me was to stay dry (moisture is your biggest enemy) and to have a warm sleeping bag, or two put together.
/ Elsa Löffler, Germany
“JUMP INTO THE ADVENTURE”
To people still doubting to do it, I would say take the jump into the adventure. Read all the tips carefully, follow them thru and you should be just fine! It speaks for itself you should be able to pitch a tent and prepare yourself. Both mentally and physically. And if you need help…don’t hesitate to ask. There are guides and more experienced hikers who can lend you a hand. Don’t be scared about the distances. If you are in normal condition you are able to hike them. It is not a race, it is about enjoying nature and the magical beauty of winter time.
/ Robbie Lybaert, Belgium
“EVERYONE LOVES TO HELP”
You can always fall back on the group members or the organisation. Asking questions is never an issue and everyone loves to help. The landscape is beautiful. With some nice shoes, layered clothing, a warm enough sleeping bag you will get through. Think a bit, learn and you’ll get comfort and beauty as reward.
/ Jorik Gelderman, Belgium
“IF YOU HAVE ANY REGULAR EXCERCISE, ANYONE CAN PULL IT OFF”
I am a 47 year old, overweight. office guy who never camped in his life, but even I did it this february. Only the first day was hard, but it was because we did the long route in half the day and didn’t drink enough, ending up with cramp and a hurt hamstring. Due to the hamstring, managed to carry on next day by taking the short route. Was it tough, for me? Yes, but if you have any regular excercises I think anyone can pull it off. And then there’s the great organisation behind it all, with kind and helpful people who will help you, motivate you and inspire you. As one volunteer told me, this hike is not about finishing first, or with your backpack, but about enjoying yourself and the beautiful nature.
This hike inspired me to do the summer one also, I will be there again.
/ Valentin Šendula, The Neatherlands
THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO JOIN THE ADVENTURE
STUNNING NATURE >>
During three days we will hike through the highlights of the High Coast, one of Swedens most beautiful regions.
GET NEW SKILLS >>
We invite some of Swedens most popular outdoor brands to join us and share their skills. Here is the lineup for 2022.
LOTS OF FUN >>
Pre-evening, ice bathing, After-Hike and much more. The hike is like a moving festival. Here are is what will happen.
COME BY YOURSELF – HIKE WITH NEW FRIENDS >>
Every year plenty of hikers arrive by themselves and join others. Want to know more?
