Sweden

Beginner Skate Ski and Yoga Retreat

7 nights from £1850 • €2150 • $2380

Activities

6 days guided adventures

Accommodation

7 nights traditional mountain hotel

Level

Beginner Friendly

Food

Top quality restaurant meals

Difficulty

Group Size

Moderate

Transfers

10 new friends

Dates

Fly into Røros, Norway

February

Experience the thrill of exploring winter landscapes in an active and fun way with our skate skiing retreat in Sweden. This week-long adventure is designed for beginners, offering the perfect opportunity to learn the basics of skate skiing while enjoying the beauty of the snowy surroundings. 

With just the right mix of challenge and fun, this active winter holiday is the perfect introduction to skate skiing. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never stepped on skis before or already have some prior experience with other forms of skiing, you can get started exactly where you are. In other words, join us and let’s have a crack at it! 

The first thing you’ll notice if you’ve tried other forms of skiing (like our cross-country skiing retreat) is how different skate skiing feels. It ramps up the physical challenge, with your legs, glutes, and abs all working to generate speed. You’ll be getting a full-body workout without even realising it!

It’s a demanding sport, but don’t worry, you don’t need to be an athlete. Our expert instructors will guide you through the technique and help you find your rhythm. Get ready to surprise yourself with the freedom and skills you’ll discover on the snow.

When we’re not on the skate skis there are plenty more winter activities planned to keep the fun going. 

We’ve got snowshoeing adventures to explore the winter landscape, snowcat rides to take in the night sky, cosy mountain dinners, and the ultimate Swedish ice bathing experience… straight into a frozen lake for that icy plunge! Of course, we won’t let any sore muscles get in the way of our winter adventure. Our yoga sessions will loosen you up, and the sauna will take care of the rest. 

Location

For our beginner skate skiing retreat, we’re heading off to the world famous village of Bruksvallarna. Even the Swedish national team comes here to train, and if it’s good enough for the pros it’s perfect for us to learn the basics of skiing. With over 300 kilometers of groomed tracks to explore, we’ll be pushing ourselves through some of the best terrain Sweden has to offer. And while your legs are working, your eyes get a break, soaking in the snow-covered landscapes that surround us.

Activities

What Is The Difference Between Skate Skiing and Classic Skiing?

We’re still on skis and snow, but that’s almost where the similarities end. Skate skiing is a completely different sport than the ‘classic’ skiing technique, and it can be a bit of a brain puzzle to work with in the beginning. Instead of keeping your skis parallel like in classic skiing, you’re pushing off the ground, kind of like ice skating or rollerblading. You generate power by driving your legs outward, so it’s all about using your body to keep moving—way more intense!

If you’re a total beginner this retreat is perfect for you, as we’ll ease into it. And if you’ve already done any form of skiing, skating, or even cycling, you’ve already got some transferable skills in the bag! Balance, coordination and endurance will all come into play here.

While this is a beginner skate skiing retreat so you won’t need to bring any prior experience, be prepared for a more intense physical challenge than classic skiing. You’ll need a little more fitness to get the hang of it, but the payoff? More speed, power, and freedom to play around on the snow.

Snowshoeing

We’ll swap the skis for snowshoes during this part of our winter adventure. Snowshoeing doesn’t require any serious skill—just snap on the specially designed shoes that spread your body weight across the soft snow, and walk like normal. The concept dates back to the Neolithic age, but today’s snowshoes are way more durable and lightweight. So while the tech has advanced, the experience is still simple: just walk and explore!

Mountain Dinner and Snowcat Ride

Embark on an exhilarating snowcat ski ride to the top of the mountain, where a cosy cabin awaits. Indulge in delicious local cuisine amidst the starry night sky, creating a truly unique and memorable dining adventure.

The snowcat will also serve as our transport for some days skiing, for our more experienced skiers there’s the chance to be towed behind it as it climbs the mountain!

Fitness and Experience Level

  • We’re here to support you out of your comfort zone as you learn something new, by creating fun and supportive environments. We recognise everyone’s journey in trying new sports is different. We believe cross-country skate skiing is a fantastic sport for beginners with no previous skiing experience, but it may not be the sport for everyone.

    The Movement & Terrain

    Cross country skiing is a gliding and sliding motion. If you do not like the sensation of sliding this winter sport might not be for you.

    In skate skiing you do travel at speed, so you need to be prepared for the possibility of falling at speed when you're beginning! If you are nervous about falling, this winter sport might not be for you.

    Cross country skiing does have downhill sections which you will learn to go down and control your speed. If you do not like the sensation of going downhill, maybe from previous skiing experiences, then you may not enjoy skate cross country skiing.

    Fitness

    Skate skiing is a physically demanding sport! It does get described as ‘running with skis on’. As far as cardio fitness goes, this is true - it can be hard work! We do recommend you have a high fitness level to get the most out of the experience. Each day we will have 2 x 2-3 hour lessons and tours and on some occasions full day tours. Skate skiing is a full-body workout that combines endurance, strength, and flexibility.

    We encourage you to be kind to yourself when deciding if this is the sport for you, if not, we have loads of other winter adventures on offer!

  • Duration: You’ll be active for up to 7 hours per day.

    Distance: We will be skiing for several hours each morning and afternoon or doing full day tours, on consecutive days.

    Coaching: You’ll receive great coaching while exploring! It’s not a bootcamp, but you will learn new skills and refine your technique.

    Intensity: Skate cross country skiing appeals to fit, athletic people who like to train on a regular basis. Skate skiing is a full-body workout that combines endurance, strength, and flexibility.

    Experience: You don't need to have ever skied before (any ski discipline). 

    Fitness: You will need a high level of cardio fitness, as this activity is athletically demanding.

    Balance: You’ll be skiing on a groomed track, but unlike classic skiing you won’t be in pressed grooves in the snow. You’ll need good balance to stay upright!

    Falling: Expect a few tumbles while learning skate cross country skiing. In skate skiing you do travel at speed, so you need to be prepared for the possibility of falling at speed when you're beginning!

    Downhill: You will need to be comfortable gaining speed on a slope.

    Sliding Motion: Being comfortable with a gliding sensation is essential.

    Consecutive Activity: This trip involves several days of consecutive skiing, which can be tiring.

    If you have any questions about this, please do get in touch before booking, we're happy to help!

  • During our winter escape, we’ll be staying in the cosiest, family-run mountain hotel. It’s a traditional stay that lets you experience the landscape in all its glory, with all the modern amenities to keep you warm and comfortable. The hotel has a laid-back, welcoming vibe, perfect for unwinding after a day on the trails. There’s also a small spa with an indoor pool and a sauna to help you relax and recharge during your seven-night stay.

  • Fuel your adventure with delicious and abundant food, all included in this trip! Start each day with a buffet breakfast, and refuel with a packed lunch during your outdoor adventures.

    Spend three evenings at the hotel, savouring three-course meals crafted from local ingredients and inspired by regional recipes. For a change of scenery, dine out on two nights at the renowned local Brasserie Kerstin, known for its commitment to local produce and authentic culinary experiences. And for a truly unique experience, we'll enjoy a meal in a mountain top hut, surrounded by stunning vistas.

Itinerary

    • Sun 23 February - Sun 2 March

    • Sun 23 March - Sun 30 March

Dates

Price

Private Room Ensuite: £2000 (approx. €2330 / $2570)

Twin Room Ensuite: £1850 (approx. €2150 / $2380)

  • Gutsy Girls is a UK-based adventure company welcoming women worldwide. Prices are in pounds (£) with estimates in euros (€) and US dollars ($). The final amount dependant on your card provider’s conversion rate at time of payment and may fluctuate.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.

Included

  • 5 days of skate skiing

  • Skate ski lessons and guided tours with an expert instructor

  • 1 guided snowshoe tour

  • 3 yoga sessions

  • 7 nights accommodation in a mountain hotel with sauna

  • Ice bathing experience

  • Breakfast and lunch buffets, and dinners include
    3x 3-course dinners at the hotel, 3x dinners at local restaurants, 1x dinner in a mountain cabin

  • Transfers to/from Röros airport or train station

  • Ski equipment hire: boots, skis, poles

  • Ski pass and transfers for skiing

  • Expert ski guides

  • Gutsy Girls host

    • Flights

    • Drinks

    • Travel Insurance

    • Personal clothing / gear (check the link below!)

  • Cancellations are effective from the date we receive your written notice via email. The following fees apply:

    • 100% of the trip cost if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip.

    • 30% of the trip cost if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip.

    Full terms and conditions are available for review before you book and make payment

Travel

  • On arrival day we will collect you from:

    • Røros airport at 19:30 or

    • Røros train station at 19:40

  • Arrival:

    • Flight: DAT DX526

      • Departs: Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) 18:20

      • Arrives: Røros (RRS) 19:10

    • Train:

      • Departs: Oslo lufthavn 14:59

      • Arrives: Hamar 15:43 (Change trains)

      • Departs: Hamar 16:05

      • Arrives: Røros 19:35

    Note: Arrange your own international flight to Oslo, allowing time for a self-transfer to the Røros flight.

    Departure:

    • Drop-off at:

      • Røros airport: 10:30

      • Røros train station: 10:45

    • Flight: DAT DX523

      • Departs: Røros (RRS) 12:30

      • Arrives: Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) 13:20

    • Train:

      • Departs: Røros 12:20

      • Arrives: Hamar 15:52 (Change trains)

      • Departs: Hamar 16:13

      • Arrives: Oslo lufthavn 17:01

    Note: Arrange your own international flight from Oslo, allowing time for a self-transfer. Luggage lockers are available at the station. Explore Røros if time permits: Visit Røros.

    Check our FAQs for additional travel information.

Packing List

    • Cross country skis

    • Ski boots

    • Ski poles

  • Cross country ski kit - for more info see our blog post:

    • 25 litre backpack

    • Base layers (a selection - you might want to wear more than one on a cold day)

    • Long johns

    • Fleece

    • A breathable, waterproof shell jacket - a hiking waterproof is ideal

    • Soft shell winter hiking trousers (windproof, water repellent, breathable)

    • A warm packable insulated / down jacket

    • A selection of socks of different thicknesses to help you get the best fit in your hire boots (wool is best)

    • Sunglasses (ideally polarised)

    • Warm hat

    • Buff (you might want two - one for your neck, one as a headband)

    • Ski gloves (2 pairs, ideally, in case one gets wet - normal ski gloves will do - warm mittens are best if you are prone to getting cold)

    • Thinner gloves in case it is warm (you will get hot if you’re working hard!)

    • Glove liners and/or disposable hand warmers if you suffer from cold hands

    • Waterproof trousers (optional - recommended for a cold / snowy week or to keep your legs warm if you have thin trousers)

    Off the skis:

    • Yoga wear 

    • Casual evening clothes

    • Night wear

    • Toiletries

    • Swimwear for the sauna if you wish (Swedes will happily go nude!)

    • Neoprene booties if you want to ice dip (optional!)

    • Sunscreen (high factor) 

    • Any prescription medication 

    • Other medication (paracetamol/ibuprofen) is significantly more expensive in Sweden so bring some if you need to

    • Compeed or moleskin for blisters, just in case!

    • Slippers for the hotel

    • Sturdy hiking boots (these are important as you will need to attach snowshoes to them for the snowshoeing day. They should be waterproof and have good ankle support).

    Other Stuff:

    • Camera 

    • Dry bags for inside your day pack to keep stuff dry

    • Waterproof case for your phone might be handy

    • Snacks

    • Thermos so you can take hot drinks out on the trails

    • Lunchbox for taking lunch out on the trails

    • Water bottle (not a camelbak style bladder which will freeze)

    • English tea bags if you’re a tea drinker!

    • If you’re packing light, you could bring soap flakes/wash to hand wash thermals if required

Questions?

If you have any questions, check our FAQs or drop us a message below!