EXPLORER

The Full Winter Adventure.

Expedition is the group for those who want to experience the winter landscapes of the High Coast in the most independent and traditional way: by carrying all of your own gear and setting up two different night camps along the route. This is our most demanding option – but also the one that brings the greatest sense of freedom, adventure, and pride.

During the High Coast Winter Hike – Expedition, you carry your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, food, water, and clothing. A full winter pack usually weighs between 16 and 20 kilos, depending on your equipment and how you pack. This requires physical preparation and allowing your body to get used to hiking with a heavy backpack over longer distances.

You should feel comfortable using your tent and camping stove. Being able to pitch your tent in windy conditions, handle your stove in snowfall, or keep your gear organized when it’s cold is simply part of the experience. However, no previous winter hiking or winter camping experience is required – most participants have never camped in winter before.

The daily stages are designed to offer both movement and recovery. As long as your body is used to carrying a backpack, you’ll have plenty of time to rest, eat, and enjoy the expansive winter views along the way. You move at your own pace, together with others who have chosen the more adventurous path.

One of the things that makes Expedition so special is ending each hiking day in a new winter camp. Here you’ll find campfires, camaraderie, silence, and star-filled skies – along with a unique sense of connection to both nature and the group. Guides are always nearby to answer questions or help if something goes wrong, but in Expedition, you truly carry your own adventure.

Expedition is perfect for those who:

• want to challenge both body and mind

• are comfortable carrying a heavy pack

• appreciate independence and closeness to nature

• want to feel the pride of accomplishing something few ever attempt

It is the rawest, most authentic winter adventure we offer – and for many, it becomes an experience they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Explorer is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to experience magnificent winter landscapes without carrying all their gear every day. Unlike Expedition, where you carry everything on your back and move camp twice, Explorer begins with building a shared base camp where your tent and heavier equipment stay for the remainder of the adventure.

From this base camp, we head out on daily hikes with significantly lighter packs — usually carrying only water, lunch, a camping stove, and extra layers. This means you can focus more on the hiking experience and the scenery, rather than the weight of your backpack.

You don’t need any previous experience with winter hiking or winter camping to join Explorer. Most participants are beginners, and the structure of the group is designed to feel safe, supportive, and accessible. The most important requirement is that you have average fitness and feel comfortable moving in hilly terrain — we’ll be hiking up snow-covered mountains and down through valleys.

Since we walk 8–10 kilometers per day with lighter packs, you’ll have plenty of time to rest, take in the surroundings, and enjoy views that often exceed expectations. The pace is set so that most people can follow along comfortably, with regular opportunities to pause for warm drinks or simply enjoy the silence of winter.

The only real preparation needed is to test your equipment before arrival — making sure you know how to pitch your tent, operate your stove, and pack what you need. While guides are always available to help, we want each participant to feel confident in their own gear.

In short, Explorer is the ideal option for those who want:

• a safe and supportive first step into winter hiking

• lighter packs and day hikes from a fixed base camp

• time for breaks, scenery, and shared moments

• an adventure that is challenging but not overwhelming

It offers a wonderful balance of learning, nature, and just the right amount of challenge — which is why Explorer is our most popular group.

Cabin Comfort and Scenic Day Hikes

Pathfinder is the perfect choice for those who want to experience the winter beauty of the High Coast without carrying heavy gear or sleeping in a tent. Here, you stay in shared cabins in FriluftsByn while enjoying some of the region’s most stunning winter day hikes.

Unlike Expedition and Explorer, Pathfinder requires only light daypacks during the hikes — typically just water, lunch, and extra layers. This allows you to move freely, take your time, and fully enjoy the landscapes without the weight of overnight equipment.

Pathfinder is well-suited for participants with average fitness who enjoy being active outdoors, even if they have limited experience with winter conditions. We hike up snow-covered peaks and through varied terrain, but the pace is adapted so that you have time to enjoy the scenery, rest, and take in the silence of winter. A great way to prepare is simply to take a few hikes in hilly terrain before you arrive.

Each day offers beautiful winter trails, moments for warm drinks, and viewpoints that are unforgettable. And when evening comes, you return to the comfort of your cabin — warmth, a real bed, and a welcoming atmosphere that make Pathfinder our most comfortable adventure option.

One of the highlights of the trip is joining the Explorer and Expedition groups at the campsite on the second evening. Here, you’ll enjoy a grill night around the campfire, share stories with the other hikers, and—if you’re curious—there’s even the opportunity to try ice dipping.

Pathfinder is perfect for those who:

• want to experience winter hiking without tenting or heavy packs

• appreciate comfort and security with cabin accommodations

• enjoy scenic day hikes at a relaxed pace

• want an accessible and enjoyable introduction to winter adventures

• like a blend of outdoor activity, good company, and cozy evenings

It is the ideal balance of comfort, nature, and adventure — and a wonderful way to discover the magic of winter in the High Coast.

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 Expedition group typically attracts participants with some general hiking experience, even though for many, it’s their first time using snowshoes or camping in true winter conditions. They come for the challenge, the independence of carrying all their own gear, and the sense of accomplishment that grows as they move deeper into the winter landscape.

The Explorer group draws a wide variety of hikers — from complete beginners with a decent level of fitness to more experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking to share an accessible but exciting winter adventure. It’s ideal for those who prefer lighter packs, a supportive group setting, and plenty of breaks to take in the views along the way.

The Pathfinder group appeals to curious adventurers who want to experience winter hiking without the weight of a full pack or the demands of tent camping. Some are entirely new to outdoor life, while others are seasoned hikers who simply enjoy returning to a warm cabin each night. It’s the perfect option for those who want scenic day hikes, camaraderie, and a more relaxed introduction to winter conditions.

Most participants choose to join the adventure on their own, and it rarely takes long before new friendships start forming along the trail. Others bring friends or family and enjoy sharing the experience with someone they know.

Around half of the participants come from Sweden, while the other half consists of adventurous hikers from across Europe, creating a wonderful mix of languages, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Some join because they love the feeling of being part of a group, while others come to enjoy a bit of personal space, choosing to hike certain sections at their own pace. There’s room for both approaches, and it’s likely this sense of freedom that creates the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere the Winter Hike is known for.

We set off together — the Expedition and Explorer groups start from different points — and before long, you’ll naturally find yourself walking alongside others who share your pace. Of course, you’re always free to hike at your own rhythm all the way to camp.

Guides are positioned at the front and back of each group, and you’ll meet them along the trail throughout the day.

Most hikers enjoy a mix of walking with a few others, spending some time alone, and meeting new people along the way. You might find someone whose pace matches yours and decide to share the journey — that’s all part of the fun.

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 Expedition and Explorer:

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)

Included meals Pathfinder:

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

Saturday:
Breakfast: In FriluftsByn
Lunch: Freeze-dried meal (2)
Dinner: At After-Hike

Sunday:
Breakfast: In FriluftsByn

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, Expedition and Explorer 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 >>

in the Expedition group carry all our gear and make two different night camps, allowing us to explore more areas. Participants in the Explorer group set up a base camp and hike with lighter packs. Pathfinder sleep in shared cabins in FriluftsByn.

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. Participants in Pathfinder will join us at the campsite for dinner.

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 or bus back to FriluftsByn.

For Expedition and Explorer 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.