Stöten Magazine
Ski instructor Lina's top tips for cross-country skiing
Ski instructor Lina Säll Nilsson has been cross-country skiing since childhood. Here she answers your questions about cross-country skiing and shares her best tips for beginners.
What is the most important thing to consider when trying cross-country skiing for the first time?
Start with a track where there are no steep slopes as it is the most difficult to handle as a beginner. In Stöten and Sälen, the 5 kilometre Training Trail is a good start for beginners as it is mostly flat with no steep sections. Avoid the 3-kilometre electric trail, even though it is the shortest, as it contains several hills.
Can I hire cross-country skiing equipment?
Absolutely! Stöten's ski hire shop has cross-country skiing equipment and they're happy to help you. When you hire equipment, they'll help you find the right stuff for you - making your skiing safer and easier.
How should I dress when travelling cross-country?
I tend to think of myself as dressing for a run, usually less clothing is needed than you think when cross country skiing. A wool base layer together with jacket and trousers with windproof panels but good ventilation, a pair of thinner mittens and a thin hat is my standard outfit.
Do I have to wax my skis before going out on the tracks?
There are good waxless skis with a kind of skin underneath that are good if you are a beginner - then you don't have to worry about the waxing bit at all. Otherwise, there are several waxing sheds located around Stöten's facility. If you need help waxing your skis, you can turn to our ski hire, they are professionals.
In spring, the cross-country tracks at the top are a big favourite
Where is your favourite place to go cross-country skiing?
When there's enough snow and the sun starts to warm up in the spring, the cross-country trails at the top of Stöten in Sälen's mountains are a big favourite. I appreciate it most when the trip becomes a longer excursion with a coffee stop along the way. Or if I even pack the storm kitchen in my backpack to be able to cook lunch on the way - it's great!
Mountain trails - with magnificent views of Sälen's beautiful mountain world
Stöten has two cross-country ski tracks up on the bare mountain with fantastic views of the mountains. The tracks are laid as soon as there is enough snow to ensure that the nature reserve is not damaged by the track machine. The trails usually open around week 6-8 and are at their best in spring-winter. Daily weather reports determine whether the trails are open. The summit trail is a 3-kilometre round trip that starts at the top of WC Express and continues with a fantastic 360-degree view of Sälenfjällen and the mountains on the Norwegian side. The Östra Granfjäll tour, on the other hand, is a full 16 kilometres with unbeatable views of the Swedish and Norwegian mountains. You go up with WC Express and then glide easily down 1 kilometre to the top of Mormors Störtlopp. The trail continues around Östra Granfjället, past Närfjällsstugan and along the snowmobile track back to WC Express which takes you down the mountain again.
Cross-country trails up in the mountains with fantastic views of the Swedish and Norwegian mountains
Important to consider!
Don't forget to dress for the weather before heading out on the summit trail! In the cold mountains, the weather can change very quickly. Before you set off, check the weather forecast and the lift pass, dress warmly and be aware of the cooling effect of the wind. See more information and current weather here.
Do you have more questions?
Do not hesitate to contact us! We will be more than happy to answer your questions, whether it's about cross-country skiing or anything else regarding your holiday in Stöten in Sälen.
Sälen's best cross-country ski tracks
Cross-country tracks in the valley
Choose between skate and classic style. The six-metre wide tracks start from four different track centres at Stöten Ranch, Skidtorget, Soltorget and Kronoparken.
- 3 km Lysrundan - Classic style (lighted track until 23:00)
- 4 km Pipsvängen - Skate and classic style
- 5 km Training track - Skate and classic style
- 7 km Slingersvansen - Classic style
- 8.5 km Comborundan - Skate and classic strainer
Cross-country tracks in the mountains
Stöten has two cross-country ski trails up on the bare mountain with fantastic views of Sälen's mountain world. The tracks are laid as soon as there is enough snow, but are best from week 6 onwards in spring winter.
- 3 km Top track
- 16 km Eastern Granfjällsturen
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