Winter Sports
Why put sports and recreation on hold during the winter? That's right, there's no reason. There's plenty to do when the weather get's cold and more than enough hot chocolate to go around. In other words, there's no need to sit in your hotel room and order room service when the weather get's icy. Get out there and enjoy the fun!
Caution: Snowball fights are extremely fun and often obligatory to any outdoor winter sport. Not joining in could cause serious damage to your health.
Cross Country Skiing
Lida Friluftsgård (Swedish link), located in Botkyrka with short and long trails with electric lighting fit for downhill skiing, sledding, and skating on the lake Getaren. Equipment is available for those wanting to rent. Call +46 8-778 43 80 for more information
Rudan can be found in Haninge. There are many cross country trails and even a kids area where they can practice their moves. Phone: +46 8-606 89 75
Hellasgården(Swedish link) is in Nacka, close to the south side of the city with lighted trails and nice plowed tracks. When the cold's set in you can pop into the sauna as well. Phone: +46 8-716 39 61
Alby friluftsgård (Swedish link) located in Tyresö. They've got a 4 kilometer long track with electric lighting, a skating track and a sauna for those wanting to warm up. Call +46 8-770 14 45 for more information.
Ursvik can be found in Sundbyberg. They have a shorter trail with electric lighting, and a longer one without. The longer one offers spots for campfires where toasting some marshmallows and relaxing a bit is pretty sweet. Call +46 8-770 14 45 for more information.
Skiing and snowboarding
Flottsbroin Huddinge is the biggest place to ski in Stockholm. It ain't no Everest but for a city ride it's pretty cool. Four ski trails and a 100 meter drop and plenty of practice space. Like a little mini ski resort. If you didn't pack skis then no worries, they're available to rent.
Väsjobacken (Swedish link) in Sollentuna is a practice haven for snowboarders with it's infamous Big Jump. Many ski-schools also practice here. Call +46 8-35 31 85 for more information or check out the website.
Photo: SIS
Skating and long distance skating
Kungsträdgården has a small skating rink and it's right smack in the middle of the city. There you can rent skates and listen to the obligatory slightly cheesy music. Classic! Phone: +46 8-555 100 90.
Stäket in Järfälla is a plowed skating rink on a lake with a track that you're meant to go around and around. Pretty fun! You can rent long distance skates but if you want to go the "regular boot" way then you have to bring your own. Call +46 8-583 514 03 for more information.
Domaruddens Friluftsgård (Swedish link) is for long distance skating. They've also got a hole in the icy lake for swimming for the strange Swedes who like that sort of thing and a sauna for the mortals that actually need to warm up afterwards. Phone: +46 8-540 815 10
Winter Swimming
Tradition for some, lunacy for others, but winter dips can be taken at these two places mentioned above, Domaruddens Friluftgårdand Hellasgården.