Travel from the UK to Sweden's capital Stockholm, where you then catch another internal flight to Ostersund. Upon arrival you will be met by Intrepid Expeditions members of staff, transport will be waiting for you at the airport and you will then drive for one hour north of Ostersund to the cabin at Krogbodarna near Raftalven.
This is a remote, private area where Intrepid Expeditions base themselves for the winter each year. We have three cabins: two x four man and one x ten man. The cabins are very basic, no electricity, running water, oh and the toilet is outside (but what a view) Just a small kitchen, gas lighting and a log burning fire - perfect.
After an early typical Swedish breakfast you will be transported by minibus for one hour to Akersjon where you collect the keys to your snowmobiles. After a safety briefing and the issuing of warm clothing we will load up all the equipment needed for the next three days in order to continue the expedition. Once everyone is ready we travel down the hill to the first lake where you will get to practice your driving skills, and the team will only set off into the wilderness when everyone is confident, satisfied and familiar with their machine.
The duration of the expedition will be spent driving through some of the most amazing wilderness that Sweden has to offer. Journeys will take us across frozen lakes, climbing over mountains, and through stunning snow-laden coniferous forests. After an exhilarating morning's drive, we will stop for a hot lunch in a typical Swedish hut. The afternoon again will again be spent driving the snowmobiles and finding a suitable spot for the night. The evenings will be spent in either a tent or a mountain cabin (subject to availability).
After breakfast we repack all of our equipment and refuel the snowmobiles, give them a good check over and then once again head north with the intention of covering another 100 kilometres, with a lunch stop on the way. As with previous nights, the evening will be spent in either a mountain cabin or a tent.
After an early breakfast we start our day once again loading the equipment and then commence the return journey back to Akerjon, in order to eventually hand back the snowmobiles.The evening will be spent back in the comfort of the cabin at Krogbodarna.
This day is all about having a well deserved rest.After breakfast the hot tub is set down by the lake where we then drill a hole in the ice, pump the water into the tub, get the fire stoked up and a few hours later - hey presto bath time! You can be sure a bath has never felt so good !
After an early breakfast we will then drive back to Ostersund airport, and then onwards to the UK.
Flights
Accommodation
Food
Transport in Sweden
Guide
Snowmobile (one per person)
Fuel/oil
Insurance (for the snowmobile)
Warm clothing (snowmobile phase
if needed)
Crash helmet
Personal expenditure; Personal travel insurance; Chef; Room Service.
All food and accommodation in Sweden is provided with such delights varying from survival rations to roast moose.
You must ensure that your personal travel insurance covers you for this activity, and make sure that it covers you for damages as well as medical injury. There is a maximum excess limit of £700.00 pounds if you damage a snowmobile as they cost in the region of £6000.00 plus pounds and are no older than twelve months old.The money should be recouped by your insurance provider.
You must hold a full UK driving licence or a full motocycle licence.
Hat
Gloves/Mittens
Sun glasses/ski goggles
Warm jacket
Warm trousers
Warm boots
Set of thermals
Enough underwear and socks for the duration
T-shirts
Fleece/jumper
Head torch and spare batteries
Small first aid kit
Toiletries bag and towel
Camera
Sleeping bag
Bivvy bag
Roll mat
Large bag to put all your kit in.
All that is required is a current, valid 10 year passport and a current European health insurance card.
January - April Average Temperature 0c - to minus 30c
Although the temperature is extremely cold, the atmosphere is crisp and exhilarating, and not like cold days in the UK.
