An aerial view of a line of ten people cross-country skiing through a snowy landscape with snow-covered trees on the top side of the image, creating long shadows.

SKIFT

The word skift is a combination of the two words SKI and KIHVT (cool in Estonian). From this you can read that we like to ski. Yes, that's right - SKIFT is a ski hiking club that brings together hiking guides and hikers who love winter, snow and skiing and want to share this magic with everyone else.

A person in winter gear cross-country skiing on snow-covered ground near a small wooden cabin, with tall evergreen trees in the background and snow on the roof of the cabin.

What we offer?

  • Our hiking selection includes both single and multi-day ski trips in various Estonian landscapes.

  • We offer skiing lessons (cross country and alpine skiing) for beginners.

  • Every season we also go on ski trips to our northern neighbors and/or hold a winter sports camp. We end the season with April skiing in the spring of Lapland.

  • Children are also important to us, so we have camps and hikes for them too.

Group of people skiing or snowboarding on a snowy hill against a blue sky with clouds, some dressed in colorful winter clothes.

Our values

  • We value the environment where we live, the local people and their living conditions.
  • We value outdoor activities and healthy lifestyles. 
  • Our hiking groups tend to be small. This way we can be more personal and available to everyone.
  • We also value children and their outdoor activities. We believe that children also deserve to be taken outside in the winter and given the opportunity to ski. 
  • We try to make our hikes with as little impact on the environment as possible. We share transportation to get there, and use public transport whenever possible. 
  • We store and maintain our equipment so that it can be used for as long as possible.
Snow-covered outdoor patio with several pairs of skis and ski poles leaning against a wooden house with a snow-covered roof.

EQUIPMENT

  • We can provide you with ski touring equipment (skis, boots, poles). We have nordic backcountry skis and boots that are great for moving around in the forest, bog, hills, and flatlands. If you want to rent or buy equipment, feel free to ask – we can rent our own equipment or we will be happy to advise you on purchasing new equipment. 

We use backcountry skis with special BC bindings and BC boots designed for ski touring. The skis are wider and more stable than trail skis. At the same time, they are narrow enough to provide riding pleasure. The ski has a herringbone pattern and/or skins under the ski to prevent it from slipping back. The boot is warm and light and keeps the ankle securely in place. 

You can find rental equipment here!

Our hiking guides

  • Person in winter gear using a small portable stove on snowy mountain terrain with yellow trail markers in the background.

    Anu Hark

    A ski and climbing instructor as well as a hiking guide who always offers you real coffee on the trail — even on the summit!

    Qualifications:
    Climbing Coach (EKR Level 3),
    Water Guide (EKR Level 4),
    ESSIA Alpine Ski Instructor Level 1,
    British Cycling Level 2 MTB Leader,
    Luua Forestry School – Hiking Guide specialization

    Training: Skitouring Progression (2024) Aquatic First Aid (2023)

  • Liisi Kasuk

    Liisi Kasuk

    An alpine ski instructor and hiking guide who dreams of snow — even in summer.

    Qualifications: ESSIA Alpine Ski Instructor Level 1, Water Guide (EKR Level 4), Mountain Hiking Coach (EKR Level 3), Luua Forestry School - Hiking Guide specialization

    Training: Skitouring Progression (2024) First Aid for guides (2024)

  • A woman in blue outdoor clothing with ski poles and skis in the snow, mountain scenery in the background, wearing sunglasses and a yellow headband, on a sunny winter day.

    Eveli Habakuk

    Eveli has taught skiing both in the mountains of France and on the rolling hills of Estonia, mentoring many people who are now active hiking guides themselves. She was among the first in Estonia to start organizing backcountry ski tours.

    Qualifications:
    ESSIA Alpine Ski Instructor Level 1,
    Water Trekking Guide (EKR Level 4)

    Eveli has extensive experience hiking and leading trips in the mountains as well as in diverse outdoor environments.

  • Group of people, dressed in winter clothing, participating in snowshoeing in a snowy forest, with trees covered in snow in the background.

    Mariell Jüssi

    A ski instructor and Estonia’s kayaking queen, who also takes care of those hikers who aren’t able to join the trip this time!

    Qualifications:
    ESSIA Alpine Ski Instructor Level 1,
    ESSIA Cross-Country Ski Instructor Level 1,
    British Canoeing Advanced Sea Kayak Leader,
    British Canoeing Canoe Leader,
    British Cycling Level 2 MTB Leader,
    Luua Forestry School – Hiking Guide specialization

    Training: Aquatic First Aid

  • A group of people hiking through snowy woods, with a woman wearing a bright green jacket and orange hat leading the way, using trekking poles.

    Diana Tamm

    Diana is one of the trailblazers among Estonia’s travel and hiking guides. For ten years, she has been leading people into the mountains and to some of the remote areas in the world.

    Qualifications: ESSIA Cross-Country Ski Instructor Level 1, Luua Forestry School – Hiking Guide specialization, Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences - Emergency Medical Technician

    Training: Remote Medical Responder

  • Man in black winter gear with sunglasses and a backpack hiking in snow with trekking poles on a sunny day, trees in the background.

    Tõnis Taul

    A hiking guide whose calm and steady presence makes even the most demanding ski tours a genuinely enjoyable experience.

    Qualifications:
    Hiking Guide and Outdoor Activities Instructor (EKR Level 4),
    Climbing Instructor and Route Setter at Ronimis Tehas.

We are members of the following associations