Sweden

Sweden emulates Norway in almost every aspect; cold climate, short winter days and expensive beer. Like Norway, Sweden has a lot of listed resorts - approximately 150. However, 80% cater just for cross country skiing, so most Swedes head down to France and Austria to ride, leaving their own resorts generally crowd free, which helps when you see the size of them.

In general, 99.9% of all resorts are small and at a low level. Terrain will suit mainly intermediate freeriders and freestylers with treeriding and excellent off piste opportunities. Fast carvers wont be too impressed and advanced boarders may find things a bit limiting, but novices will have a good time on loads of easy slopes.

Getting around the country is easy, although you may have to do some travelling to reach some of the far flung resorts. Air, bus and rail services are damn good, but all are very expensive.

Sweden has the reputation of being very expensive, especially booze. Resort facilities and services are of a high standard. Accommodation is in the form of hotels, little wooden cabins or hostels. A basic Bed and Breakfast home costs from 350kr per night while a bunk in a hostel is around 150kr or a cabin from 170Kr a night.

Over all, Sweden may not be the most adventurous country in which to ride, but its worth a road trip in June when you can still ride in T-shirts: Whats more, Swedes are cool people and the girls are gorgeous and absolutely stunning.

Useful information

Population:8.9 million
Capital City: Stockholm
Language: Swedish & Lapp
Currency: Krona
Highest Peak: Kebnekaise 2111 m
Drugs Information: Cannabis is illegal
Alcohol Drinking 18 for beer20 for spirits
Electricity Supply: 240 Volts AC 2 Pin plugs
Driving: Drive on the right hand side
Speed Limits
d Motorways-110kph (65mph) Highways-90kph (56mph) Towns-50kph (30mph)
International Phone Code: ++46
Further Information:
 Swedish Snowboard Association, Raetteli Sirpa, Idrottens Hus. S-12387 Farsta Tel - ++46 (0) 8 605 6000