HIGH COAST WINTER TRAIL

WINTER RUNNING FOR BEGINNERS

– How to conquer your first winter race!

Taking on a winter race might feel like a big challenge, but High Coast Winter Trail is designed to suit everyone – whether you’re an experienced runner or simply love being out in nature.

With the right preparation and a relaxed mindset, this will become an unforgettable adventure!

High Coast Winter Trail is Sweden’s most popular winter adventure race, attracting both seasoned runners and beginners alike.

High Coast Winter Trail is Sweden’s most popular winter adventure race. The combination of breathtaking nature and a welcoming community attracts both experienced athletes and curious beginners. On-site, you’ll find experienced guides and staff, along with representatives from Haglöfs and Icebug, ensuring you have the best conditions for an amazing experience.

How Tough Is It Really?

It’s natural to wonder how physically demanding High Coast Winter Trail might be, especially if it’s your first winter race. The beauty of this adventure is that there are options to suit most levels of ability. The generous time limits mean you can walk, take breaks, and enjoy the scenery without feeling pressured. While some see it as a competition, most first-timers approach Höga Kusten Winter Trail as an exciting challenge and a chance to immerse themselves in nature.

The terrain is incredibly varied, featuring snow and steeper sections. We prepare the trails by packing them down with snowshoes throughout the week and in the days leading up to the event, but much depends on the snow conditions that weekend. This variation is what makes the challenge so exciting and keeps participants coming back year after year.

Climbing the mountains is certainly a challenge, as the course takes you to some of Höga Kusten’s most iconic peaks. Most participants choose to hike up the inclines while enjoying the freedom to let loose on the downhills and flat sections.

Twin Peaks and Three Peaks offer a unique opportunity to experience some of High Coast’s most popular viewpoints adorned in their winter glory.

Twin Peaks and Three Peaks: Perfect for Beginners

If you’ve never run a winter race before, the Twin Peaks 12k and Three Peaks 17k distances are fantastic challenges. Both routes take you to some of Höga Kusten’s most stunning highlights, and many participants view these distances as nature experiences rather than competitions. Since each year brings unique conditions, comparing times between years is tricky, further reinforcing the idea of taking the race at your own pace.

The generous 10-hour time limits for Twin Peaks and Three Peaks allow plenty of flexibility. You can hike longer stretches, pause to enjoy the views, and capture photos of the snow-covered mountains.

This way, you get an adventure that combines movement with moments of serene enjoyment. Of course, some participants treat these distances as a ”sprint” and push themselves hard – it’s entirely up to you.

If you’ve prepared your body and are eager for a real challenge, the Classic 25k might be just the thing for you.

Classic 25k: A Challenge, but Fully Achievable!

If you’ve done some running before but perhaps not in winter conditions, the Classic 25k is still a manageable distance. Unlike Twin Peaks and Three Peaks, which start directly from FriluftsByn, Classic 25k begins with a bus ride to the starting point. From there, the route takes you through the highlights of Skuleskogen National Park before heading towards Skuleberget and finishing back at FriluftsByn.

Even for Classic 25k, the time limit is generous – participants have 10 hours to complete the course. For example, you have 5 hours to cover the first 10 kilometers, where the initial cut-off point is located. No one has ever failed to finish due to time constraints. Those who have had to withdraw did so because of pre-existing injuries or insufficient preparation for the distance.

Curious About the Classic 25k? Let’s Break Down the Challenge.

How Do You Handle the Cold?

A common question for those who haven’t ventured out in winter conditions like this is how to dress—and some may even worry about getting too cold. The answer largely depends on the weather on the day of Höga Kusten Winter Trail, which has ranged from around 0°C to as low as -15°C. However, the main goal is to keep your body comfortably warm, avoiding both excessive sweating and chilling. Here are some tips:

• Layer Up: Wear functional clothing that breathes, insulates, and protects against wind.
• Protect Hands and Feet: Choose warm gloves and wool socks to keep extremities comfortable.
• Keep Moving: Once you get going, you’ll quickly notice that your body warms up naturally.

You can regulate your body temperature by unzipping collars and removing your hat if you start to feel too warm and sweaty. If you begin to feel cold, put on the extra layer you’re required to carry in your backpack as part of the mandatory equipment.

Remember, there are marshals and aid stations along the course to assist if anything feels difficult. And if it turns out that this isn’t your day, no problem—you can catch a ride back to FriluftsByn, enjoy a warm shower, and settle into the Winter Café with a big Swedish semla before getting ready for the After-Trail festivities.

Marshals and aid stations along the course are there to ensure you have a challenging and enjoyable adventure.

It’s Easy to Find Your Way

Some participants wonder how easy it is to navigate the course. The trails are well-marked and carefully checked, so there’s no need to worry about getting off track. Additionally, marshals are stationed along the course to ensure everything runs smoothly and that you feel safe throughout the race.

You’ll be heading out with hundreds of others, and while the group will spread out quickly, you’ll still encounter marshals from time to time. If you find yourself at the back of your distance, you’ll be accompanied by our super-friendly sweep runners, who keep the energy high and make sure you reach the finish line at FriluftsByn with a smile.

Prepare for the Adventure!

As organizers, we do everything we can to ensure you have an amazing experience. But you also have some responsibility to make your adventure safe and enjoyable. Here are a few tips:

• Train with your gear: Practice running with the backpack and shoes you plan to use.
• Take it easy: This isn’t a race – it’s your adventure. Walk if you need to, and take breaks to enjoy the views.
• Bring the mandatory gear: The required equipment is there to ensure you have a comfortable and safe experience.
  Rules & Mandatory Gear »

Bring your friends or come on your own and be part of the community that comes alive throughout the day.

Nature and Community

High Coast Winter Trail is about more than just getting from start to finish. It’s an opportunity to experience one of Sweden’s most stunning natural areas dressed in its winter glory, connect with other participants, and feel the sense of community that only a race in nature can offer.

So take the leap! With the right mindset and preparation, this will become a memory of a lifetime. And you’ll be incredibly proud of yourself – you’ve got this!

During Friday’s pre-event evening, we’ll go through everything you need to know for the races. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions during check-in and, of course, at the briefing for each race.

Twin Peaks 13k and Three Peaks 17k are two incredibly scenic routes that take you through some of the World Heritage Site’s most dramatic viewpoints. The generous time limits give you plenty of flexibility to walk when needed and, of course, capture stunning photos.

The majority of participants have never done a winter race before – if this is your first time, you’re in great company. Welcome to Sweden’s most beautiful winter running experience!