Stockholm: Introduction to Cross Country Skiing

If you’re interested in trying cross-country skiing just outside Stockholm, this 5-hour introduction tour offers a friendly, accessible experience perfect for beginners. Led by an English-speaking instructor, the trip includes transport, equipment, and small-group guidance. For 4.6 out of 5 based on ratings, it provides a reliable way to enjoy winter in Sweden without prior experience, with the option to relax afterward in a sauna.

What makes this experience stand out is its location at Lida, a forest area known for its dependable snow conditions. The snow-secure 2.3 km track is wide and maintained through stored snow, making it ideal for those new to the sport. The trip is designed for anyone with normal fitness, and it offers plenty of personal support to help you learn at your own pace. A warm outdoor lunch by the fire enhances the day, with the chance to extend your skiing or unwind in the sauna, which costs 50 SEK per person.

While the tour is beginner-friendly, travelers should prepare with warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and winter sports gear. It’s a relaxed outing, with a manageable itinerary that balances instruction, practice, and downtime. The small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures a personal touch and a less rushed experience. The meeting point is conveniently located near both Skanstull and Mariatorget metro stations or a short walk from Stockholm Södra station.

Key Points

• Beginners welcome: No prior skiing experience needed, and the trip is suitable for anyone with normal fitness.
• Location at Lida: Forested area with a snow-secure 2.3 km track and natural snow possibilities off track.
• Includes transport and equipment: From Stockholm to the ski site, with gear provided for a hassle-free day.
• Personal instruction in small groups: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring attention from the instructor.
• Lunch by the fire: A warm outdoor meal halfway through the day, adding Swedish charm.
• Optional sauna: Relax at the end of the day for 50 SEK, with space for towels and payment on site.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Cross-Country Skiing at Lida Forest

This tour starts at The Green Trails meeting point, a short walk from major metro stations and Stockholm Södra station. After a 40-minute van ride, you arrive in the forest, where the instructor guides you through the basics of cross-country skiing. The focus is on techniques and confidence-building, with the route set on a wide, snow-secure track.

The emphasis is on relaxed learning rather than intense practice, making it perfect for those curious about the sport or seeking a gentle winter activity. The 2.3 km track offers enough distance for beginners to get a feel for gliding and turning, with natural snow conditions available if weather permits. If natural snowfall occurs, deeper forest tracks might be practiced for a more authentic experience.

Learning the Basics of Cross-Country Skiing

The class sessions are designed to introduce key skills, including how to balance, push, and glide on skis. The instructor provides personal support during the initial one-hour lesson, helping everyone get comfortable on their skis. After the first session, there’s a 30-minute lunch around a fire, giving time to rest and chat.

Following the meal, a longer 1.5-hour session allows for further practice and refining techniques. The pacing is relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and improve. The overall aim is to build confidence, so beginners can enjoy the sport without feeling overwhelmed.

The Forest Track and Snow Conditions

The forest track at Lida is known for its reliable snow, thanks to stored snow making it suitable year-round. The tour may venture off the main track into the forest if natural snow has fallen, offering a more authentic cross-country skiing experience. This flexibility depends on weather conditions, but the main track remains guaranteed for snow.

This setup ensures that even if natural snowfall is light, participants can still enjoy a smooth, enjoyable ski experience. The track’s width and maintained surface make it accessible for first-timers, with enough space to practice turns and glides comfortably.

Lunch and Rest Breaks in the Swedish Forest

A highlight of the tour is the outdoor lunch by the fire, served approximately halfway through the day. The hot meal provides warmth and nourishment, against a scenic forest backdrop. This break offers a chance to relax, take in the winter scenery, and socialize with others in the group.

After lunch, participants can choose to continue practicing or take a break. The calm, natural setting helps keep the experience feeling leisurely rather than rushed, perfect for those new to cross-country skiing.

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Optional Sauna for a Swedish Finish

Toward the end of the tour, there’s an optional visit to the sauna for those who wish to unwind. The sauna costs 50 SEK per person, paid on the spot with a credit card. Travelers should bring a towel if they plan to use the sauna. This relaxing option adds a traditional Swedish touch and a cozy way to conclude the active day.

The sauna is entirely optional, so participants who prefer to head straight back or extend their skiing can skip it. The flexibility allows each person to tailor the experience to their comfort level.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Transport, and Group Size

The tour departs from The Green Trails, which is a short 10-minute walk from two major metro stations (Skanstull and Mariatorget) and an 8-minute walk from Stockholm Södra station. The van transfer to the forest takes about 40 minutes, setting a comfortable pace for the trip.

With small groups limited to 8 participants, the experience maintains a personal and relaxed atmosphere. The guide speaks English, making communication straightforward for international visitors. Booking is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Weather and Seasonal Flexibility

Weather can influence the exact route and timing, but the itinerary is adaptable. The main focus remains on the snow-secure track and learning experience, regardless of conditions. Participants should prepare with warm clothing, hats, gloves, and winter sports gear to stay comfortable throughout.

Comparing This Tour to Other Winter Activities in Stockholm

While this tour centers on cross-country skiing, Stockholm offers other winter experiences such as ice skating, hiking, or kayaking in the winter archipelago. Each activity provides a different perspective on Swedish winter, but this skiing trip stands out for its instructional approach and small-group focus.

The experience offers a unique chance to learn a Swedish national sport in a beautiful natural setting, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed, beginner-friendly introduction to cross-country skiing.

Stockholm: Introduction to Cross Country Skiing – Final Thoughts

This tour delivers a friendly, well-organized introduction to cross-country skiing close to Stockholm. The 5-hour format balances instruction, practice, and relaxation, with the forest setting providing a scenic backdrop for winter activity. The small group size, personal guidance, and snow-secure track ensure a supportive environment for newcomers.

The lunch by the fire and optional sauna add authentic Swedish touches, making it more than just a skiing lesson — it’s an immersive winter experience. While weather conditions can impact the off-track practice, the guaranteed snow on the main track keeps the experience consistent.

Ideal for beginners or anyone curious about trying cross-country skiing in Sweden, this trip offers a safe, relaxed way to enjoy the snowy landscape just outside Stockholm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior experience needed for this tour?
No, this tour is designed specifically for beginners, with no previous skiing experience necessary.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and winter sports gear to stay comfortable on the snow.

How long is the skiing track?
The main track is 2.3 km long and guaranteed to have snow, making it suitable for beginners to practice comfortably.

Can I join if I want to relax rather than ski more?
Yes, after the initial lessons and practice, you can choose to take a break or head back early instead of continuing.

Is the sauna included in the price?
No, the sauna costs 50 SEK per person and is paid on site; it’s optional.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from The Green Trails, within walking distance from Skanstull and Mariatorget metro stations.

How large are the groups?
Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 8 participants, to ensure a relaxed, personal experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to changing plans.

Can I pay on the day?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later; payments are made on-site for optional extras like the sauna.

Is the itinerary flexible?
Yes, the route may change depending on weather conditions, but the focus remains on the snow-secure track and learning experience.

How accessible is the location?
The meeting point is accessible via public transportation and within walking distance from key metro stations and Stockholm Södra station.

This cross-country skiing tour offers a relaxed, authentic taste of Swedish winter sports, with plenty of support and scenic beauty to make the day memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby