Riksgränsen

The Swedish Ski Resort of Riksgränsen is approximately 250km (150 miles) north of the Arctic Circle and more than 1500km (1000 miles) north of the Swedish capital Stockholm.

The ski area would not make the world top 1,000 on size or vertical drop, the lifts are old and resort amenities limited. It's so cold and dark here that the season does not get underway until February, yet by June many people are skiing in shorts, as the temperatures are actually warm for the latitude, thanks to the Gulf Stream and maritime climate.

Despite this Riksgränen is actually a cult ski resort destination: 24 hour daylight from mid-May thanks to its northerly latitude with skiing and boarding possible at midnight from May 22nd.

Riksgränen is famous for its affordable heliskiing and near limitless ski touring, on a huge area. In the ski area served by lifts you can travel in relative safety down literally hundreds of different off piste lines. Even ski down a piste that starts in Sweden, crosses the border in to Norway and then returns to Sweden!

The resort it's self, consists of one large sprawling building a hundred metres below the lifts. It has a weathered 1960s feel from outside and the self catering apartments are short on luxuries but still comfortable enough. The current owners have invested in the more hotel like section of the complex and added a spa to the facilities.

4 , 3, 7, 1

Off Piste: 14 marked areas:
There are 14 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 (and then returning to Riksgränsen by train).
 

Lifts opening hours 2009:

Opendaily 09.00-16.00

Night skiing: Tue & Fri 22.00-00.30

Other Activities.

Heli-skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling are some of the activities on offer. It is also possible to watch killer whales in the fjords on the Norwegian side of the border not far away. There are guided tours up on the mountain tops around Riksgränsen, with guided off-piste skiing back down to the village afterwards. There are also 8km (5 miles) of cross-country trails.

Après ski

The après-ski activities, which in early summer can take place well past midnight, are held in Hotell Riksgränsen (Riksgränsvägen 15A). Grönan is the hotel's après venue and is good for socialising, a game of pool, dancing, live music and parties. Pelikanhyllan is a nice outdoor venue - the après ski often takes place here in April and May.

Eating out

Nordalskiosken has a variety of refreshments on offer up on the slopes near the Nordal lift and the children's area. Café Lappis offers food and drink at lift base. Restaurant Lapplandia (Hotell Riksgränsen) is a rather excellent restaurant offering modern Swedish cuisine based on ingredients from the region.

Accommodation

Moderate
Hotell RiksgränsenThere is only one accommodation option at Riksgränsen. Visitors can choose between a luxurious or more moderate hotel room or a self-catering apartment.

Riksgränsvägen 15A
Tel: (0980) 40080.
Website: www.riksgransen.nu