”What can I say? It’s called Insane for a reason.”
”This is quite a crazy challenge – both mentally and physically.”
”You can see it as a slightly longer outdoor day in truly stunning nature.”
HIGH COAST WINTER TRAIL
INSANE 50k
This course is the longest and perhaps the most challenging trail we know of in wintertime Sweden. 50 kilometers – that’s five miles – through the High Coast’s rugged terrain, fully dressed in its winter splendor. It’s absolutely insane. Seriously. But apparently, this is something some people can manage. Maybe you’re one of them?
– I think so, and I’m ready to strap on my headlamp and keep pushing forward.
REGISTRATION »
RULES »
PARTICIPANT PM »
Jog where you can, power hike when you feel like it. Just make sure to look up every now and then to soak in the breathtaking views. This might be the craziest race you can sign up for – but also the most beautiful and fun of the winter season.
NATURE
Insane 50k offers you a complete experience of the World Heritage High Coast.
THE COMMUNITY
Each year, participation in the Insane 50k has increased. Expect around a hundred other crazies.
THE HANGOUT & EXCITMENT
FFriday is for some relaxed hanging out, and if someone has completed the Insane 50k, we make sure to share some tips.
Pre-evening >>
AFTER TRAIL
When you’ve completed something absolutely crazy, you should celebrate together. And that’s exactly what we’re doing!
After-Trail >>
”I’ve run a 10K before, so this was one of the craziest things I’ve done. I’ll be back next year!”
Malin Wermelin, Sundsvall
INSANE 50k
High Coast Winter Trail – Insane 50k is truly a crazy challenge. 50 kilometers through the High Coast in winter conditions is no joke – but over the years, this distance has attracted more and more participants. In 2022, 96 people signed up for Insane 50k. Of those, 53 completed the course. Since there was heavy snow and it kept pouring down in the days leading up to the event, many participants opted for the Extreme 35k, which became even more extreme that year.
Insane 50k has five stages and requires good physical fitness. You begin just like everyone else with the ”North to South” stage, followed by the energy station at the South Entrance. Then, you embark on the Mountain loop (which is also part of the Extreme 35k). After finishing this loop, you return to the energy station at the South Entrance. Next, you take on the Costal loop, which also ends at the South Entrance energy station. Finally, you head towards the finish line with the stages ”High Coast trail” and mount ”Skuleberget.” Before tackling the ascent of Skuleberget, you can fuel up with some blueberry soup.
FIVE STAGES
High Coast Winter Trail 50k consists of five stages: the three classic ones, plus Mountain loop and Costal loop.
FIVE STAGES
High Coast Winter Trail 25k consists of five stages: the three classic ones, plus the Mountain loop and the Coastal loop.
Stage 1: North to South 10k
Extra: Mountain loop 10k
Extra: Costal loop 15k
Stage 2: High Coast trail 10k
Stage 3: Skuleberget 5k
CUT-LINES
For your safety and to ensure everyone returns to FriluftsByn on time, there are two cut-lines on the Classic 25k. These times are generously set, and we have yet to need to remove anyone from the course.
13:00: Mountain loop. The opportunity to start the Mountain loop will close at 13:00. This means you have about 5 hours to complete the first 10 kilometers.
14:00: Coastal loop. The opportunity to start the Coastal loop will close at 14:00. This means you have about 6 hours to complete the first 20 kilometers.
16:00: South Entrance. By 16:00, you must leave the National Park and be on stage 2: High Coast Trail. This means you have about 8 hours for the first 35 kilometers. After this time, you will be driven back to FriluftsByn.
18:00: Skuleberget. The opportunity to start stage 3: Skuleberget will close at 18:00, and you will be driven back to FriluftsByn. This means completing 45 kilometers within about 10 hours.
START
Most people usually check in on Friday for a more relaxed start, but you can also check in on Saturday before the buses depart for the start. The start is a ”flying start,” which means your time begins when you pass the starting gate. You will find all the times in the Participant Information.
Participant PM >>
Stage 1:
NORTH TO SOUTH: 10k
The first mile takes you through Skuleskogen National Park, from North to South. You will pass Tärnättvattnet, the dramatic Slåttdalsskrevan, and Slåttdalsberget with breathtaking views. The stage ends at the energy station at the South Entrance.
Extra:
MOUNTAIN LOOP
Insane 50k (and also Extreme 35k) then head out on the Mountain loop. This tough 10 km loop takes you up towards the snow-covered north-western part of the park and Stampberget. After that, another loop up Slåttdalsberget awaits before you return to the energy station at the South Entrance.
Extra:
COSTAL LOOP
The Coastal loop is only for Insane 50k participants, and before you head out, one of our volunteers will check that you’re feeling fresh enough, as this part is mentally tough. By now, you’ll probably be on your own, and it can start to mess with your mind. But you can do it. The first part is relatively flat, but after you turn around at Tärnättolmarna, it gets quite steep before it descends again, taking you back to the energy station at the South Entrance.
Stage 2:
HIGH COAST TRAIL: 10k
After the Mountain loop and Coastal loop, it’s time to head ”back” towards FriluftsByn and Skuleberget. The first part follows a forest road, and after about three kilometers, you’ll turn onto a trail again, aiming for Skuleberget. Soon, it’s time for the final tough challenge. Before you cross the E4 on the High Coast trail, you can refuel with some blueberry soup.
Stage 3:
SKULEBERGET: 5k
Okay, this is seriously tough. After running 45 kilometers in the snow, you’ll need to climb the steep northern side of mount Skuleberget. You’ll likely walk most of the ascent, and cramps will probably be close. But the views will keep giving you boosts, and you’ll make it to the top. Then, you’ll descend via the High Coast trail to FriluftsByn and the finish line.
FINISH LINE
The sound of the cowbells as you descend the mountain will occasionally be drowned out by primal screams at the finish line as another crazy runner crosses it. By now, it will probably be dark, and with the light of your headlamp, you’ll make it all the way to the finish. This was absolutely insane, but you did it! A hot shower awaits, and then we’ll meet up at the after-trail to share our experiences.
MOVIE TIME!
High Coast Winter Trail Insane 50k – What can we look forward to? Let’s have a chat with Joel Backa, ambassador for Icebug.
WHAT DO PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS SAY?
High Coast Winter Trail – Insane 50k is a serious challenge in a truly tough terrain. But it’s doable, and since 2017, 197 men and 40 women have conquered the challenge. Here’s what those who’ve ventured out on the Insane 50k have to say:
MORE PARTICIPANT EXPERIENCES »
It was a privilege to run your unique and beautiful race in Skuleskogen National Park. I ended up with very sore thighs and incredibly beautiful experiences. When I reached the last mountain peak, I felt so relieved that tears came to my eyes. It was one of the most amazing sports experiences I’ve ever had. We will be back and bring friends with us!
/ Jan-Erik Richnau – 50k
Yesterday, I found myself wondering at certain moments, ”Why am I doing this?” and thinking, ”Will it never end?” Today, I’m already looking forward to next year.
/ Pee Ksson
Thanks for an awesome race! I’ve just gotten rid of all the ice from my beard. See you next year!
Martin Olsson – 50k
HIGH COAST WINTER TRAIL
INSANE 50k
High Coast Winter Classic 50k is one of the craziest races you can find in winter. Up and down the dramatic landscapes of the High Coast. But we’ll be cheering you on all the way, and you have 10 hours to complete the beautiful 50-kilometer course before we meet for the After-Trail at FriluftsByn. It’s not impossible, and if the energy runs out, you can always switch to the Extreme 35k during the race. What do you say? Worth a try?
ONE WORLD HERITAGE SITE
FIVE EXPERIENCES
The High Coast Winter Trail offers five different distances. Twin Peaks 12k and Tree Peaks 17k start directly from FriluftsByn, while Classic 25k, Extreme 35k, and Insane 50k have buses to the starting point. All races finish at FriluftsByn. Click on each distance to learn more.
TWIN PEAKS 13k »
Come and experience the breathtaking views of the World Heritage Site. You have 10 hours to make your way up both Getsvedjeberget and Skuleberget – you’ve got this!
THREE PEAKS 17k »
Experience what is often called the High Coast Three Peaks – Herrestaberget, Getsvedjeberget, and Skuleberget. A tough challenge, but you’ll have plenty of time!
CLASSIC 25k »
From North to South, the High Coast Trail and Skuleberget. Beautiful views, lots of laughs, and a great challenge. Perfect for those who usually jog 10 kilometers. You have 10 hours to complete it – it’s totally doable!
EXTREME 35k »
We start on the same route as the Classic, but we also venture onto the mighty Bergsrundan (10k), where we experience Stampberget and take another trip up Slåttdalsberget. This isn't for everyone – but maybe for you.
INSANE 50k »
One of the craziest things you can do in terms of running. You start with the same distance as the Classic, but then you take on both Bergsrundan (10k) and Kustrundan (15k). Are you really sure about this?
YOUR GUIDE TO
THE HIGH COAST WINTER TRAIL
Here we’ve gathered tips and things worth knowing before you arrive for the highlight of the winter.
PREPARATIONS »
Equipment tips, travel, and accommodation.
PARTICIPANT PM »
The details you should keep an eye on.
PRE-EVENING »
We meet for a relaxed hangout, tips, and motivation.
AFTER-TRAIL »
Together, we celebrate our achievements.
AUDIENCE »
Friends and family are in for an adventure too!
THE HIGH COAST »
Experience more of the High Coast of Sweden