The future is here: Ride a self-driving ski bus this winter

In winter 2025/26, through the unique SIKTA project, we will be the first to test an electric self-driving bus in a mountain environment and winter conditions! The bus will operate as a ski bus between Hundfjället and Tandådalen in Sälen.

First self-driving bus in a mountain environment

As part of our 2030 sustainability goal, we are exploring the needs of our guests and the new opportunities and solutions for future transportation. We want to increase accessibility and reduce car dependency at our destinations. That’s why we at SkiStar are proud to be part of the SIKTA project.

SIKTA – a collaboration for the future of public transport

SIKTA is a project that began in early 2025 and will run until 2027. SIKTA stands for Sälen Idre Collective Traffic Autonomous. It is a collaboration between several parties including municipalities, businesses, technology providers, and Dalarna University.

The aim of the project is to demonstrate that self-driving electric buses can help increase service frequency and contribute to sustainable development. Sälen and Idre will serve as test arenas for the new buses.

The bus that will operate in Sälen is gold-coloured and is unofficially called "Guldklimpen" – or "Gold Nugget" in English.

The self-driving bus e-ATAK

The SIKTA project uses an electric bus called e-ATAK, manufactured by the major bus and car producer Karsan in Turkey. 

Karsan produces a wide range of buses and also manufactures regular vehicles for other brands, such as Renault.

The bus will be tested as a ski bus in winter 2025/26

We at SkiStar are participating in the project as testers and learners. The self-driving electric bus will therefore operate in a test phase on a route between Hundfjället and Tandådalen in Sälen during the winter of 2025/26.

This test means we are the first in the world to let the bus drive in a mountain environment – in winter and snow – and you can ride along!

Image: The bus will follow the orange route.