by Mara Sandoval

The exploratory Kungsleden snowshoeing trip in the Swedish Lapplands exceeded my every expectation. It was more beautiful than I had ever imagined! The views were stunning and we lucked out on perfect weather most of the time. It was cold but bearable. (It’s -22C? Who knew?!?) The trails were well marked and we were able to pass easily through the expansive valleys and inbetween snow-covered mountains.

Most of the time it was just us, nature, and the occasional animal prints in the snow. The cabins we stayed at were in excellent condition with a guard coming to welcome us everytime we arrived. (In two of the locations there was even a sauna… What luxury!)

We quickly fell into the rhythm of walking at a reasonable pace during the day, stopping every once in a while for hot tea and food breaks, arriving to the cabins in the early evening, fetching water, chopping wood, lighting the wood-burning stove, buying ingredients for dinner, preparing dinner, cleaning up, and exchanging stories and impressions.

The group dynamic was pleasant and friendly (lot’s of laughter) and at some point after dinner or after breakfast, Jorge, our guide, would brief us on the day to follow. We were able to ask questions, voice concerns, or simply give feedback. We always felt safe and well informed– a sign of an excellent guide at work.

We met interesting fellow adventurers along the way, all of them impressed that we were snowshoeing and not skiing! No one recalled ever having seen people in snowshoes along the Kungsleden. Yokmok broke new ground! Viva Yokmok!