Events: The Vikingaraennet, which can be done in 50-mile or 30-mile runs, is to be held on Feb. 10, 2002. It begins in Uppsala and organizers arrange transportation from Stockholm for participants. Mora, a four-hour train ride from Stockholm, offers a full week of skating events, including the Siljanskrinnet, beginning Feb. 3.
Other skating opportunities: Many communities plow tracks on their frozen lakes. In Stockholm, the Hellasgaarden park in the southern suburbs has an especially scenic track, along with a sauna and a restaurant. Brunnsviken, on the northern edge of downtown, usually freezes smoothly and skating along takes one past an imposing royal park and high cliffs.
Regional outdoor societies (Friluftsfraemjandet) organize weekend group skates for all skill levels.
Equipment: Rentals are available at Hellasgaarden and at the Stockholm sports store Cykelstaellet. Rental opportunities elsewhere may be thin.
Along with the conventional boot-and-skate outfit, blades that fit Salomon-binding cross-country boots and hiking boots can be purchased. The latter are convenient, but such boots often don't provide sufficient ankle support for satisfactory skating.
On the Web:
Vikingaraennet site: www.vikingarannet.com
Krogrannet: www.krogrannet.nu
Siljanskrinnet and other events in Mora: www.vasaloppet.se/skridskoveckan.