PREPARING FOR HIGH COAST WINTER HIKE
GET READY FOR YOUR ADVENTURE
Everything you need to know before setting out on one of Sweden’s most popular winter adventures!
Snow-covered forests, dramatic coastal mountains and breathtaking views across a winter wonderland. Sweden’s High Coast World Heritage Site is made for snowshoe hiking – and during High Coast Winter Hike, you’ll experience it all alongside experienced guides and new friends, with everything in place for an unforgettable winter adventure.
PREPARATIONS
• Travel, Accommodation & Food »
• Essential Gear & Packing List »
• Join the Hikers’ Community »
• Physical Preparation »
First held in 2015, High Coast Winter Hike has grown into Europe’s largest winter hiking event, bringing together experienced adventurers and curious first-timers from around the world.
A Big Adventure – Easier Than You Think
High Coast Winter Hike brings together days of snowshoe hiking, breathtaking landscapes, new outdoor skills and a wonderful sense of community in the heart of Sweden’s winter wilderness. It might sound like a big undertaking, but we’ve made joining the adventure as easy as possible.
All you really need to do is make your way to Sweden’s High Coast, arrange your accommodation and arrive prepared with the right personal gear. We’ll help you with the rest, offering support both before and throughout your adventure.
Du har nog redan mycket av vad som behövs. För Discovery räcker det med vanliga friluftskläder och ett friluftskök. Väljer du Expedition behöver du även tält, sovsäck och liggunderlag för nätterna ute i vinterlandskapet.
We Take Care of the Details
Once you arrive, we want you to focus on what really matters – the adventure itself. We plan the routes, arrange experienced guides and transfers during the event, provide snowshoes, organise meals and offer outdoor skills workshops to help you feel confident exploring Sweden’s winter wilderness. And when the hiking is done, we come together for a memorable After-Hike celebration at FriluftsByn.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about travel, accommodation, food, essential gear, connecting with fellow hikers and preparing for your adventure. Take it one step at a time – and by the time you arrive, much of the planning will already be taken care of.
Enjoy a Scenic Road Trip – The easiest way to reach FriluftsByn in Sweden’s High Coast is by car, either driving yourself or sharing a ride. As a reference, the drive from Stockholm takes around five hours. Alternatively, you can travel by train to Örnsköldsvik and book a seat on our shuttle bus, taking you directly from the train station to FriluftsByn on Wednesday and back again on Sunday.
We’ll go through everything together before setting off. On Wednesday evening, FriluftsByn and Naturkompaniet host an introductory workshop on winter outdoor skills. On Thursday morning, we gather for a mandatory adventure briefing, covering everything you need to know before heading out on the trail and answering any questions you may have. Together with our experienced guides, you’ll feel confident, prepared and ready for an unforgettable winter adventure.
Getting Ready for Your Adventure
You don’t need to be an expert in winter hiking, but a little preparation goes a long way. Get used to hiking with a loaded backpack, practise packing your gear and make sure you feel comfortable using the equipment you’ll bring on the trail.
All participants should know how to use their camping stove. If you choose Expedition, you should also be confident setting up and taking down your tent. You don’t need previous experience camping in snow, but you should know how your own equipment works before arriving in Sweden’s High Coast.
And remember, preparing is part of the adventure! It builds confidence and excitement, so when we finally stand together with our snowshoes on, you’ll be ready to head out and enjoy the experience.
PREPARATIONS
Explore the sections below to get ready for your adventure. You’ll find everything you need to know before joining High Coast Winter Hike – from how to get here and what to pack to tips from fellow hikers and how to prepare for a few unforgettable days in Sweden’s winter wilderness.
PREPARATIONS
Travel, Accommodation & Food »
Find everything you need to know about travelling to and from Sweden’s High Coast, where to stay and how meals are arranged before, during and after your adventure.
PREPARATIONS
Essential Gear & Packing List »
Explore our packing list with all the required equipment, along with recommended gear to help you feel comfortable and well prepared for your winter adventure.
PREPARATIONS
Join the Hikers’ Community »
Connect with fellow adventurers in our Facebook group! Share tips, ask questions, get inspired and arrange carpooling or borrow gear from other participants before your adventure.
PREPARATIONS
Physical Preparation »
Find practical tips on how to prepare your body and build the fitness and confidence you need for your winter hiking adventure.