In Sweden, moose are called “älg” which is pronounced like “elg” and translates to “elk” in English. Bit confusing but in essence, in Sweden, elk refers to what we call a moose stateside.
Sweden has one of the densest moose populations in the world, with approximately 250,000 moose as of 2023. In Sweden they are known as the “King of the Forest” as they are the Scandinavian country’s largest animals and their antlers resemble a crown.
Swedish moose can be found throughout the country, with the highest densities in central Sweden which just so happens to home to several ski resorts. Given their numbers and proximity to ski resorts, moose encounters on the slopes can and do happen like this one from December, 30th, 2024 where chairlift rider pulled out their phone in time to capture a moose and two calf trotting across a trail.
Thankfully the skiers were alert to their presence and diverted course to avoid a close encounter. Not the first time we have seen moose encounters at Swedish ski resorts. Check out this alert skier in Romme, Sweden who avoided a collision with a moose that ran across a ski trail:
And who can forget this moose who tore through a chairlift line at Åre Ski Resort narrowly missing several guests in a moment of sheer chaos: