Date: 13/09/2018
The latest winter adventures and stays in Scandinavia and Canada
The return of the Aurora Borealis in September signals the beginning of autumn in the Arctic but more importantly it means that the Scandinavian and Canadian winter season is fast approaching. Winter in the frozen North is undoubtedly the most intense and arguably the most stunning season. Arctic skies begin to reveal a dramatic variety of colours ranging from rosy pastels to shimmering greens, temperatures drop down to up to -40 and landscapes feature magically monochrome shades of white. Each year the cold returns, each year some forward-thinking minds come up with new ways of preserving and experiencing the harsh beauty of the land located underneath the Aurora Belt.
The 2018/19 winter season is no different. Find out where you can raise adrenaline and/or relaxation levels.
E-snowmobiling in Rovaniemi
Usually the advent of Lapland’s winter season is marked by the roaring sound of snowmobiles pacing through the snow-covered forests. This winter a more subtle, buzzing tune hails the start of a more sustainable peak season. The sound belongs to the world’s first, zero emission e-snowmobile exploring the wintry surroundings of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. On the almost silent snowmobile, travellers can experience the magic of Arctic nature in a much more immersive way. The e-snowmobile is part of a larger trend towards more sustainable initiatives in the Arctic including e-cars, e-planes and e-cruise ships some of which are set to launch in 2019.
Prices starting from: £150pp based on two sharing a sled
Glass chalets come to the Yukon
Arctic stargazing from the comfort of a queen-size bed is possibly the most hygge way to seek the Northern Lights. Snuggled up in floor-to-ceiling glass chalets, guests can now enjoy amazing skyviews at the Northern Lights Resort and Spa in the Yukon. Only a short drive away from wilderness capital Whitehorse, the boutique resort beckons with an outdoor hot tub, local gourmet food and two saunas. The chalet comes with a small kitchenette, a fireplace, floor heating and an ensuite bathroom. Guests can stay in the chalet from 1.12.2018 for a minimum of three nights.
Prices starting from: From £895 pp (based on two guests travelling) excluding flights
Finnish Lapland’s sauna bus tour
Finland's famous sauna routine is now available on the go! The sauna bus which departs from Rukka in Finnish Lapland, turns the commute to a variety of regional saunas into a relaxing spa experience-a little warm up so to speak. In the back of the bus groups of 6-17 people can join Finland's most popular spa ritual in a small wooden sauna. The bus first halts at the ice sauna-a gentle, steaming sauna, built from ice blocks. A roll or two atop of the frozen lake nearby complete the sauna stopover. The bus then heads towards a traditional smoke sauna, where travellers can opt for some downtime in the outdoor hot tub. After 4-5 hours the bus returns to its original destination located close to the popular Rukatunturi skiing resort. A perfect introduction to the Finnish way of life when travelling with a group of friends or your family.
4. Two teams of British artist design rooms of Sweden’s iconic ICEHOTEL
The ICEHOTEL in North Sweden has released the artists’ sketches for its 29th winter season. This year the hotel ’ welcomes three UK artists to design two out of the 19 suites. Jonathan Paul Green and his daughter Marnie Green will design “The Living Ocean Suite”. “Flock” will be designed by Lisa Lindqvist & Ulrika Tallving a team from UK & Sweden. Oceans have emerged as a theme amongst the global community of ice artists and the ‘The Living Ocean Suite’ aims to raise awareness of the challenges that overfishing and climate change present to life in the ocean.
Prices starting from: £495 pp for 3-nights, excluding flights, based on departures 1-13 December 2018
5. New activity: Arctic Truck Driving in Tromso, Northern Norway
Launching 1.12.18 Exploring the backcountry of the frozen North on four wheels is no longer an adventure reserved to Iceland only. Explore the snow-covered surroundings of Norway's Arctic capital in the driver's seat of a 4x4 Arctic Truck. The vehicle designed to negotiate deep snow and Arctic off-road conditions requires no specific experience just a sense of adventure. Drivers will tackle challenging mountain terrain, icy plains, and remote mountain roads, spending most time off-road. After nearly five hours of driving, a wilderness dinner is served in a traditional lavvo tent. For an added layer of excitement, drivers can opt to hit the slopes at night and perhaps catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Tour prices starting from: £230pp for 4.5h
Image credits: Header & image 1-3: Aurora eMotion, 3-4 Wolfgang Bublitz, 7 ICEHOTEL: Art Suite-“The-Living-Ocean-Suite” Jonathan Paul Green, Marnie-Green
