If you want to experience more freedom out there, try venturing into lesser-explored territory. Together with our Outsider friends, we’ve mapped out some of the least visited yet most astonishing trails. They each offer a challenge, but we know you wouldn’t want it any other way. Join us and discover why less is more.
The trails less traveled
Some of the most exciting nature trails can be found in the coldest spots on the map.
If you look at a heat map it’s hard to miss the fact that some trails are more popular than others. But sometimes venturing beyond the crowds and familiar tracks is just the adventure you need.
With local insights from our ambassadors, we’ve mapped out a series of Outsider-approved Cold Trails across Europe. Whether you’re a hiker or a trail runner, these routes are definitely worth going out of your way for. Keep scrolling to learn more about these hidden gems, discover a trail near you, and download the GPX file you’ll need to find it.
COLD TRAIL 1
Skäckerfjällen, Sweden
COLD TRAIL 2
Hochkarfelderkopf, Austria
COLD TRAIL 3
Leknes, Norway
COLD TRAIL 4
Mont Buet, France
N 63° 50’ 23.9” E 12° 43’ 2.3”
Skäckerfjällen, Sweden
Untouched, raw, and demanding—this trail spotted by Tom-Oliver Hedvall requires hard work but promises a closer encounter with nature and an awesome sense of freedom.
Located far from the main ski resort in Åre, Tom-Oliver first encountered this trail during the winter in a wilder part of the backcountry he loves. When the snow melted, he and his friend Jesper decided to go back and connect the dots.
“This trail is far from civilization so it gives you a feeling of being very close to nature. It was way more demanding than we first thought, so we really had to push ourselves to run the whole distance, but that’s what I love—to push my limits!”
Gear for the trail
L.I.M INTENSE Trail VEST
“Great when spending a whole day running in the mountains with unpredictable weather.”
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N 47° 29’ 55” E 13° 22’ 28”
Hochkarfelderkopf, Austria
A well-kept secret among locals like Susanne Kraft, this exposed and grassy trail brings you face-to-face with the mountain in a tough but satisfying up-and-down loop.
Susanne has been exploring this mountain trail since she was a kid. It’s located just above the valley where she grew up and is full of happy memories. For her, ascending the first 1,300 vertical meters and taking in the view below continues to be a special highlight of the experience.
“Hiking there always feels like coming home. I know every turn every uphill climb. On top, I just love sitting in the grass next to the cross looking down at the house where my parents still live. After finishing the loop, I normally visit my grandparents—and there is always cake and coffee waiting.”
Do you want to explore the trail yourself?
N 68° 7’ 49” E 13° 50’ 14”
Leknes, Norway
This trail offers everything from steep sections to mellow interludes and stunning views—and never lets the mountains out of sight. Robert Robertson shows the way.
Robert grew up surrounded by Lofoten Islands’ mountains, and this particular trail journeys around his entire hometown of Stamsund. Located away from the main tourist areas, it offers views overlooking the local fishing industry. Robert says it’s beautiful, but not for the light-hearted.
“The trail is amazing, it’s got everything: steep sections, mellow sections, good views, and a decent trail. On our latest run/hike, we scored big on the weather with the clouds rolling in over the mountains around it. It felt like we were on top of the world.”
Gear for the trail
L.I.M INTENSE TRAIL 2-IN-1 SHORTS
“I love these new running shorts from the L.I.M Series. They are perfectly suited to me. I love the yellow color as well.
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N 46° 4’ 7” E 6° 56’ 14.5”
Mont Buet, France
Wild and technical, this ridge trail is a true hands-on-rock experience. François Montuori ran ahead to fill in some exciting parts that, up until now, were not visible on any map.
Francois doesn’t like simple trails. He prefers the rush of heights and the feel of storied rocks beneath his hands. This remote trail just beyond Chamonix fits his criteria for a true mountain adventure. Although he was already familiar with the area, this was François’ first time piecing together this largely unmarked route.
“Discovering this trail was quite an adventure. I wasn’t sure the traverse would be possible, so I waited for the perfect conditions and went for it. The original route I had in mind was longer, but it ended up being impassable— I had to escape and fly around a ridge in my glider. The final route is much safer and more doable. I hope other Outsiders will enjoy it as much as I did!”
Gear for the trail
L.I.M INTENSE TRAIL LOW SHOES
"I love the low weight and the very good grip on the rocks.”
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The L.I.M Series was born out of the ambition to push the boundaries of lightweight performance, stripping away unnecessary details while maximizing breathability and functionality. The result is super light yet durable gear for Outsiders who want to experience more.
INTRODUCING
L.I.M Intense Trail
The latest addition to the L.I.M series, L.I.M Intense Trail is designed especially for high-intensity mountain running and hiking. A capsule collection that shaves off grams so Outsiders can feel free to focus on maximizing their experience outdoors.
L.I.M INTENSE TRAIL RUNNING VEST
Unisex 111 g
A minimal vest for maximum speed, designed for high-intensity trail running. Serving as a super lightweight and breathable running gilet, it keeps your essentials secure while you tackle long distances. The body mapped construction works seamlessly with the rest of our trail running range. It’s highly adjustable so you can personalize the fit and function. Abundant with storage options, it offers a total of five pockets plus two spots for your hydration flasks.
L.I.M INTENSE TRAIL LOW
Men’s size 422/3 230 g Women’s size 38 180 g
Ultralight shoes for fleet-footed trail sessions. They are part of our capsule collection designed for high-intensity mountain running. We built them for speed at shorter distances—and at 230 grams, they are our lightest and most breathable shoes yet. A super thin, laminated material construction keeps gravel out while making the shoes highly flexible, breathable, and fast-drying. The FF blast midsole cushioning and internal propulsion plates give you stability on uneven surfaces and allow a more responsive ride.
L.I.M INTENSE TRAIL 2-IN-1 SHORTS
Men’s size L 155 g Women’s size M 133 g
Swift 2-in-1 shorts for high-speed pursuits. They are part of our capsule collection designed for high-intensity mountain running. The inner compression shorts grip in place and offer great support, while the featherweight shorts on top supply coverage without restricting movement or catching between your legs. Constructed for maximum carrying capacity, the adjustable waistband and hook system ensure the shorts won’t bounce— even when the pockets are full.
Tread lighter to explore more.
L.I.M Intense Trail is primed for adventure.
L.I.M MIMIC HOOD
Men’s size L 370 g Women’s size M 314 g
We’ve brought our Mimic material technology – renowned for high performance and superb insulation in all conditions – into the L.I.M range, creating a super-lightweight and highly protective hooded jacket that’s enhanced with a graphene-powered nano baffle. Weighs next to nothing and is extremely packable, but still offers essential protection in variable weather conditions.
L.I.M AIRAK 38
Storage Volume 38 l 990 g
When you want to go farther faster, take the minimalist route. At least when it comes to your backpack. This compact model allows you to keep up the pace while staying safe, dry, and comfortable. It features lightweight and durable materials and a body-hugging vest construction to keep your load evenly distributed. To prevent overheating on the trail, you’ll find a well-ventilated back panel and a HydrapakTM soft flask with a bite valve for hydration on the go.
L.I.M GTX II JACKET
Men’s size L 270 g
L.I.M GTX II JACKET
Women’s size M 230 g