Scan Magazine | Special Theme | An Autumn in Sweden
Photo: Per Eriksson
Photo: Ùyvind Lund
Torsby Ski Tunnel is the ideal adventure holiday destination for anyone looking to get fit and have fun. Torsby Ski Tunnel provides 2.6 kilometres of snowy, white cross-country ski tracks – all year round.
Get fit and have fun -with snow all year round Tucked away in the heart of Värmland, Torsby, with its internationally-renowned ski tunnel, offers an insight into the future of winter sports technology as well as thrilling training sessions and powder white snow – all year round. By Bella Qvist
Adventure holidays are becoming increasingly popular worldwide and the small Swedish town of Torsby has been leading the way since 2006, when the jewel in their winter sport crown first opened.
skiers total an average incline of 25 metres per lap. With both slopes and climbs along the track, it is a fun workout and the perfect challenge for thrill-seekers and cross-country skiers at any level.
That jewel is Torsby Ski Tunnel, a 1.3kilometre-long overground indoor track covered in snow and kept at a constant temperature of -3 degrees Celsius. Part of an impressive sports centre complete with its own college, hotel and test centre, it is Sweden’s first and only cross-country ski tunnel and the highlight of this winter sport mecca that sees both Olympians and novices arrive from June to March.
“It’s gotten very popular to exercise. More and more people come here for an active holiday, fusing summer and winter in one. Last year, we had more than 34,000 visitors,” says Linda Danielsson of Torsby Ski Tunnel, explaining their success. “The skiing here is unique, but the clever thing is that you can combine it with lots of other activities,” she says, adding that the facilities include a biathlon shooting range and world-class instructors.
What is more, the tunnel follows the natural curves of the ground, which means
Cross-country and roller skiing activities can be combined with cycling, running
and Nordic walking, giving you a variety of training opportunities in gorgeous landscapes. A golf course can be found nearby, as can hotels, rental cottages and restaurants – why not try the local dish, ‘motti och fläsk’? Torsby Sportcenter is ideal for elite race preparations, but it is equally suited to family holidays and team-building weekends. In fact, you do not have to be a professional to enjoy Torsby – far from it. “We see all kinds of visitors, from professional athletes to people who have never seen snow before,” says Danielsson. “No matter their level, everyone has lots of fun.” So take your mind off the autumn rain, try something new and kickstart your fitness plan by immersing yourself in snow and ice – all before Jack Frost has even landed on Swedish soil.
For more information, please visit: www.skitunnel.se
Issue 67 | August 2014 | 33