The bewildering resort of Riksgransen is situated around 250kms north of the Arctic Circle in Lapland - the enchanting and stunningly beautiful land of the midnight sun. This is the world's northernmost ski resort, offering 24 hours of skiing during the spring months in an incredible setting and atmosphere. Spectacular climatic conditions help to shape the terrain around the resort, creating some superb and varied ski areas.
Riksgransen is a century-old historic ski centre with a melting pot of ski, board and snow enthusiasts weaving over the sprawling slopes and rolling hills. Its odd extended season, which starts in December and continues through till June, means endless sunny days. However, the resort is small in comparison to its awesome setting and offers a very subdued and laid-back atmosphere.
Due to its size, the resort only caters to 500 visitors at a time, and there is only one hotel offering accommodation. This hotel also acts as the hub of the resort's day and night life, with an excellent restaurant situated within the same building offering great cuisine and an even better wine selection.
There is another restaurant at the resort, but the bar life again is to be found at the hotel. For something a little different, take a guided ski trip, snowmobile trip or fjord cruise. Additionally, try helicopter skiing, ice-fishing, mountaineering, dog-sledging and backpack country skiing.
Twenty-one kilometres of slopes are available at this resort, spread over 20 different pistes. Beginners can enjoy 21 per cent of the slopes; intermediates get 74 per cent; while experts get less, with five per cent. There are, however, an additional 30kms of cross-country tracks, plus excellent off-piste terrain perfect for boarders and expert skiers looking for something a little more thrilling. The resort offers six lifts with a capacity for 7,400 skiers per hour. The highest lift reaches 910m while the lowest descends to 500m, with a vertical drop of 410m.
The resort of Riksgransen is near the Norwegian border and so makes a great place from where to visit the neighbouring country. However, the resort itself is very isolated, with the nearest town being 130kms away in Kiruna.
The season here runs from December to late June, with best conditions later in the season due to a warmer climate. The resort is located 1,500kms from Stockholm and 130kms from Kiruna's domestic airport. Flights are available from the UK to Kiruna via Stockholm, with air bus or air taxi transfers available from there.
