Riksgränsen

Riksgränsen is the world's northernmost ski resort, located some 200km (124 miles) to the north of the Arctic Circle. It has a relatively mild climate, however, as the Atlantic Ocean with the warmth from the Gulf Stream is just 6km (4 miles) away.

Riksgränsen is a very special ski resort. The lifts start running as late as in February, as it is only then that light begins to penetrate the winter season darkness, and the skiing season goes on until late June. From mid April until June it is possible to go skiing in the midnight sun.

The natural beauty of the area is breathtaking. It receives lots of natural snow every year and offers first-class skiing in well-prepared pistes as well as great off-piste opportunities. Riksgränsen is very popular with freeriders and the snowboard and telemark crowd, but it is a great place for conventional downhill skiing as well.

Resort elevation: 420m (1,378ft).

Top elevation: 909m (2,982ft).

Base elevation: 420m (1,378ft).

Number of lifts: 6.

Number of runs: 16.

Average annual snowfall: Unavailable.

Riksgränsen (meaning ‘state border') is located in the very north of Sweden, just east of the Norwegian border, 130km (81 miles) from Kiruna in Sweden and 45km (28 miles) from Narvik in Norway.

The season runs from February until late June.

Riksgränsen has a lot to offer all kinds of skiers. Beginners, intermediates and families are well served by the wide slopes and the soft, copious layers of snow, and while experts may find the conventional slopes too easy (there is only one black run), Riksgränsen is ideal for freeriding and has exceptional off-piste conditions. The large amounts of powdery snow and the wide-open terrain make the mountain a popular destination for snowboarding.

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).

The lifts (two chairs and four drag lifts) are fast and reliable. Owing to the latitude, snow conditions are always good. There is a ski school, and equipment hire is also available.

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.

There is a children's area near the Nordal lift and Nordalskiosken, and the ski school offers instruction for young children.

Riksgränsen does not have a lot to offer in terms of shopping. There is a convenience store and a shop selling sports equipment, and that's about as far as it goes.

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.

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.

Visitors can either ski or walk from the hotel or the car parks to the slopes.

Check out Riksgränsen's fantastic heli-skiing opportunities (book through the resort). Alternatively, try the Same Zen treatment in the local spa. It is inspired by traditional therapies from the Lapland region and includes a facial, a treatment bath and a massage using warm, soft stones to spread locally produced birch oil all over your body.

Moderate

Hotell Riksgränsen
There 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

Nearest airports: Kiruna (KRN); Harstad-Narvik (EVE).

Distance to resort: 130km (80 miles); 65km (38 miles).

Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes; 50 minutes.

Nearest railway station: Riksgränsen (trains from Stockholm and Gothenburg).

Intermediates, Snow reliability, Snowboarders, Après ski, Environmental awareness, Beginners, Summer skiing