Riksgransen, Sweden
Introduction
In the far north of Sweden and close to the Norwegian border lies the remote resort of Riksgansen. A place with one of the most unusual seasons in Europe and one that has become a snowboarder's favourite for summer road trips. In late May film crews and an abundance of pros flock here.
Riksgransen is located just 125 miles from the Arctic circle which would suggest that this is a cold place, but because of its proximity to the Gulf Stream and the Atlantic Ocean, riding in a T-shirt is quite normal in the latter months of the season. Un-like most resorts in Europe, Riksgransen doesn't open until mid February and stays open until late June, or as long as the snow allows the lifts to be used.
You can ride all day in a T-shirt, and strangely enough you can still snowboard right up until midnight when there is still bright natural day light and the lift are somtimes still open. Although no one tends to hang out here for more than a week to ten days, you won't be too disappointed if you're a no-nonsense freerider, or a full on freestyler.
Resort Statistics
Resort Type:
Alpine
Winter: Feb to June
Summer: None
Lifts
Total Lifts: 6
Chair lifts: 2
Drag lifts: 4
Max people per hour: 7,500
Board Leashes required: No
Mountain
Total pistes/trails: 16
Total ride area: 15miles (24km)
Longest run: 1mile (1.6km)
Top lift: 900m
Vertical drop: 400m
First lift: 500m
Piste suitability
Green runs: 44%
Red runs: 50%
Black runs: 10%
Lift Passes
Lift Passes:
Afternoon 30 euros
1 Day pass - 32.5 euros
5 Day pass - 131 euros
Lift times:9.30am to 11.59pm
Snowfall
Average annual snowfall: 5m
Artificial snowmaking coverage: 0%
Facilities
Night Riding: :
occassionally the lifts don't close until midnight - no floodlights needed!
Snowboard Hire:
Board & Boots 35 euros per day, 109 for 5 days.
A Transceiver will cost 55 euros for 5 days
Heliboarding: :
Yes
Snowmobiles:
Not available
Further information
Quick Pick:
Please install Flash and turn on Javascript.
Riksgransen
Midnight freeriding in the artic circle, beat that
ON THE SLOPES Still riding into June
OFF THE SLOPES Remote and pricey
MONEY WISE Drinking very expensive
Terrain & parks
Halfpipe:
No -
Terrain park:
Yes - 1
Backcountry/off-piste:Yes
Tree runs:No
Please install Flash and turn on Javascript.
Image Gallery
Piste Map
Click to expand | PDF
