The most challenging ski slopes in Scandinavia
Steep hillsides make for great slalom skiing – and in the Nordic countries this means that there is plenty of places to test your skills down black runs or off-piste. Here's some of the most intense downhill experiences you can have in Scandinavia.
Alpine skiing is said to have originated in Norway in the 1800s, so there is no wonder that the Nordic people have a fondness for hurling themselves downhill steep and snowy slopes on a pair of skis. Want to experience it yourself and test your skills? Then this selection should be on your bucket list:
Svartåshanget – Klövsjö, Sweden
Vemdalen in the mid-Swedish region of Jämtland is a ski resort blessed with good snow conditions and early opening of the slopes, often as soon as at the beginning of November. Of the 58 slopes in Vemdalen, divided between three different ski areas within a 40 km radius, it is slope number 10, Svartåshanget, in the Klövsjö ski area that provides the biggest challenge. Svartåshanget is Vemdalen’s steepest prepared slope, with a gradient of up to 38 degrees, and offers a rigorous test for advanced skiers.
Where to stay: The modern Hotel Klövsjöfjell
Eksperten, Høgegga Slopes – Trysil, Norway
(pictured, photo Ola Matsson/Skistar)
Trysil features demanding black runs in the Høgegga area, characterized by steep gradients and moguls. These slopes are favored by expert skiers seeking intense challenges. The steepest of them all is slope number 75, better known as Eksperten, "the expert", with a 45 degrees gradient – needless to say the name suits this slope!
Where to stay: The exclusive Radisson Blu Resort
Riksgränsen, Sweden/Norway
The slopes at Riksgränsen ski area stretches to both sides of the Swedish-Norwegian border in the northern part of Scandinavia, creating the opportunity to ski in two countries at the same time. Riksgränsen (it literally means "national border") is famed for its extensive off-piste areas, offering challenging runs on the front side of the mountain. The resort’s natural terrain provides a playground for advanced skiers looking for ungroomed and demanding descents, with the popular Uffes vägg ("Uffe's wall") the steepest with a gradient of up to 45 degrees. If you want an even greater challenge, the Nordalsbranten (not reached by lift) has up to a 55 degrees angle.
Where to stay: The unique Niehku Mountain Villa
Rallarsvängen – Björkliden, Sweden
Björkliden is located 25o km north of the Arctic Circle and is surrounded by magnificent nature and towering mountains, making this a perfect place to create demanding slopes. The Rallarsvängen slope provides advanced skiers with a thrilling descent amidst the stunning Arctic landscape.
Where to stay: The 4-star Hotel Fjället
Olympiabakken – Kvitfjell, Norway
As the name implies, the Olympiabakken slope in Kvitfjell was built for the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, and if it is good enough for the Olympic downhill skiers, it should be a great ride for other expert skiers too. The Olympic slope is Norway's longest downhill run, and the whole Kvitfjell ski area is renowned for difficult slopes that are best suited for experienced skiers, with a gradient of up to more than 60 degrees.
Where to stay: The traditional and comfortable Gudbrandsgard Hotell
Huttu-Ukko – Pyhä, Finland
The black run Huttu-Ukko is Finland’s steepest ski slope with a gradient of 35 degrees – a favorite of advanced skiers and with breathtaking Arctic views. Pyhä is located in the northern Lapland region of Finland and is also known for the possibilities to see the northern lights.
Where to stay: The glass-roofed cabins at Northern Lights Village
Levi Black World Cup Slope – Levi, Finland
The ski resort Levi offers senic views and is home to the challenging Levi Black, a steep and technical slope also known as G2, and is the slope where the Alpine World Cup is held each year.
Where to stay: The contemporary and stylish Design Hotel Levi
If you're looking for more skiing adventures, the following sites offer a lot of inspiration and useful information: Visit Norway, Visit Sweden, Visit Finland