The downhill race mountain

In 1956 and 1971 it was the location of the Swedish championships in downhill skiing. More than forty years later, Ryfjället mountain is still mighty impressive, and the race course just as thrilling.  The mountain gives the village of Tärnaby its beautiful easterly views – a single massif with a peak of 1414 metres above sea level enclosed by forests and water.

Writer: Gunnar Andersson
Photo: Dan Kullberg

There are no lifts up to the top, so ambitious skiers wanting to test out Ryfjället’s former championship race course need to plan for some steep uphill skiing, through the forests and finally onto the open slopes. But it’s worth it for the exhilarating 1000 metre ski drop down. The downhill course looks nearly the same now as it did when it was the proud host of the championships. In those days the course could give speeds of up to 130 kilometres an hour, but today’s skiers can take it a little easier.

A 15km drive from Tärnaby will get you to the access points for Ryfjället mountain. Allow 4 hours for a top-tour up and down, plus time for breaks.