Photo: Philip Avesand

Cross-Country Ski Trails in Umeå

Stadsliden and Mariehemsängarna 

Trail lengths: 1.5 km – 10 km
Lights: Yes
Style: Classic and skate
Perfect for: Training & recreational skiers

Right in the heart of Umeå, you’ll find a cross-country paradise for skiers of all levels. Stadsliden offers a challenging course with steep hills and has hosted some of Sweden’s largest ski competitions. Prefer a calmer ride? Continue on to Mariehemsängarna, a scenic area with gentle slopes, perfect for all skill levels. It’s easy to get here – just hop on a local bus to the "Gammlia" stop.

Bonus tip: Take the opportunity to visit the Västerbotten Museum, located right by the trails – a great way to combine skiing with a dose of culture!

More information

 
Nydala Ski Trail 

Trail lengths: 1.8 km – 10 km
Lights: Yes, manually switched on and off at 11:00 PM
Style: Classic and skate
Perfect for: Long-distance sessions on artificial snow

By Lake Nydala, you’ll find popular artificial snow trails that help extend the ski season. The tracks are kept in excellent condition and attract both recreational and elite skiers. It’s easy to get here – just hop on a local bus to the "Nydala" stop.

More information 

Grössjön – wilderness close to the city 

Trail lengths: 3.3 km and 9.5 km
Lights: No
Perfect for: Family outings & outdoor adventures

If you want to combine skiing with a true nature experience, Grössjön Nature Reserve is the perfect choice. Just minutes from central Umeå, you’ll find ancient forests, wide-open marshes, and a real sense of wilderness. Along the trails, there are several fire huts and rest areas – pack a snack and enjoy a cozy break in the winter landscape!

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Photo: Amanda Sveed

Cross-Country Ski Trails in the region

Kronberget, Vännäs 

Trail lengths: 1 km – 10 km
Lights: Yes, partially
Style: Classic and skate
Perfect for: Training & recreational skiers

In Vännäs, you’ll find scenic ski trails winding through forest and rolling terrain. Choose from shorter loops or take on the 10 km daytime trail leading up to Kronberget – a great challenge for anyone looking to get their heart rate up!

More information 

Ålidberget, Nordmaling 

Trail length: 5 km
Lights: No
Perfect for: Mountain vibes & scenic views

Looking for a mountain feel with an ocean view? That’s exactly what you’ll get at Ålidberget! This elevated ski trail offers stunning panoramas. After your loop, relax in the mountaintop cabin by the ski slope – the sunny terrace is the perfect spot to unwind.

More information 

Kläppaspåret, Vindeln 

Trail length: 1.1 km – 10 km
Lights: Yes
Style: Classic and skate
Perfect for: Varied skiing & scenic marshland

At Fritidscentrum in Vindeln, you'll find Kläppaspåret – a well-maintained trail system for both classic and skate skiing. There are several distances to choose from, whether you're after a quick loop or a longer training session. Don’t miss Rudolfsrundan, a 7.5 km easy-going loop across beautiful marshland – ideal if you prefer flatter terrain without steep climbs.

More information 

Check out the cross-country tracks in Bjurholm and Robertsfors!
 

Skiing with your dog 

In the Umeå region, there are several trails where your four-legged friend is welcome to join. Nydala’s dog trail is a favorite among dedicated skijorers, with a track that’s regularly and carefully groomed.
More information

Another tip: Try Kulla’s dog trail, located on the north side of Piparbölesjön. It’s a flat and fast course – perfect if you and your pup are aiming for speed on the snow!

For more tips, check out the Facebook group Draghundspår runt Umeå.

Races and Events 

Wearing a race bib over your ski jacket is always a great motivator to take your skiing to the next level.
In the Umeå region, there are plenty of races for both recreational and elite skiers – taking place in central Umeå as well as the surrounding municipalities. Find your next challenge here: 

Ski wax that’s changing the game  – Vallakokerskan  

The idea was born in 2014, as Almgren Stenberg was waxing her skis for the Vasaloppet.
"There must be a way to make ski wax without risking your frontal lobe – or the environment," she thought.

With roots in a ski-loving, entrepreneurial family, she decided to break new ground. After years of experimenting and test skiing, she launched Biovalla in 2023 – a biodegradable ski wax that delivers excellent glide without harmful chemicals.

From Tegsnäset to ski trails around the world – Vallakokerskan is out to change skiing, one eco-friendly wax at a time.
 

Foto: Andreas Nilsson

Vallakokerskan’s favorite trails in the Umeå Region

With a soft spot for the volunteer efforts that keep the region's ski culture alive, Erica shares two of her personal favorites:

1. Olles spår – best experienced in the dark with a headlamp or under a starry sky. The ultimate meditation, and a perfect way to wind down from a hectic day.

2. Tegsnäset offers many beautiful cross-country trails. One top tip: ski from Tegsnäset to Granö – and don’t miss the chance to recharge with some "Swedish fika" at Granö Gårdsbageri along the way.

Erica’s best advice for hitting the trails

1. Lower your expectations! Skiing should be joyful, so listen to what your body needs today. It doesn’t matter if you ski 2 km or 10 – just go with the flow.

2. Forget the perfect wax! Blue, purple, yellow… wax can seriously mess with your head. Focus on having a solid base layer. The most important thing is to just get out there. If you’ve got time to spare, go ahead and add a layer suited to the day’s conditions.

3. Skiing with kids? Bring some motivational chocolate or juice boxes. It’s the simplest way to keep spirits high!