Family Winter Activity Holidays

Luosto 

Nestling in the fells of Central Lapland is the unspoilt village of Luosto. Located 90 minutes north of the Arctic Circle this small ski resort offers an intimate encounter with the wilderness of Lapland but from a family perspective.

First class activities and accommodation are coupled with a stunning natural environment – a perfect family destination. The local ski slopes are great for beginners and will also provide good entertainment for more experienced skiers.

The Luosto Tunturi Hotel and the Luosto Log Cabins are the ideal places to combine a relaxing holiday with some less-strenuous winter activities. A perfect mix of "downtime" and adventure.

Jeris

Jeris encapsulates the Lapland dream: cosy winter cottages, log fires, a beautiful lakeside setting, spa facilities, deep snow and a fantastic range of activities. It's the best place we know for combining comfort and adventure.

Imagine returning to your very own winter cottage after an active day in sub-zero temperatures. Draw the curtains, turn on the sauna, light the log fire and feel the warmth seep back into your bones. Heavenly!

Jeris enjoys an enviable position on the shore of Lake Jerisjarvi and on the very edge of the Pallas-Ounas National Park. It's jaw-droppingly beautiful out there. The only problem is that you have to leave that log fire to experience the great outdoors. It's a tough call folks!

Salla

Salla lies within the Arctic Circle close to the Russian border. This incredible location creates a truly special holiday destination for families and adults alike.

Salla offers a huge variety of accommodation ranging from a delightful spa hotel to apartments in winter cottages and cosy log cabins.

There is an excellent range of activities available in Salla as well as 10 ski slopes which provide additional entertainment for downhill skiers.

Nightlife isn't exactly top of the agenda here but there is a restaurant and bar at the hotel and another next to the log cabins. The pub above the ski centre is also worth visiting… the moose burgers are gigantic!

There are so many ways to explore the stunning wilderness that we have designed both a family holiday and a more demanding adult itinerary to ensure that you make the most of your time! It truly is a special place for a winter holiday.

Kuusamo

Kuusamo town is situated in the north-eastern part of Finland, the province of Oulu about 800 kilometres from Helsinki.

Known for its natural beauty, Kuusamo Lapland is characterised by fells, forests, lakes and rivers. From the top of the fells, the white wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see. Most importantly the snow generally starts falling as early as October and lies until early May.

The Kuusamon Tropikki Hotel is probably the most family friendly we've come across in Finland. With pool and spa facilities inside and a seemingly endless winter playground outside, there is little danger of boredom setting in.

Kittila

Kittila is situated 200kms north of the Arctic Circle and surrounded by seemingly limitless winter wilderness. We defy even the most seasoned traveller not to feel a twinge of excitement and anticipation as the plane descends into Kittila Airport.

Add in a snowcastle, cross-country skiing, husky, reindeer and snowmobile safaris and you have all the ingredients for a fabulous winter holiday here in the heart of Lapland.

A winter adventure in Kittila has become a firm favourite, so much so that one visitor even suggested "it should be made compulsory".

Nellim

The words 'genuine' and 'unspoilt' are used all too freely to describe travel destinations. In Nellim's case they are wholly appropriate.

You will this tiny "one street" town in the far North-East corner of Finnish Lapland on the shores of Lake Inari and just a short distance from the Russian Border. The terrain here is hillier and more rugged than in other parts of Finland and the spectacular winter scenery is all the more dramatic for that.

And, to add to the magic, this far north there is an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

There's so much here that is different. For example, if you walk close to the Finland/Russian border fence then motion-sensitive cameras follow your movements. It's spooky and exciting at the same time!

Mel's Lappish Gem - Luosto 

Having arranged winter holidays for many of our clients to various resorts across Lapland; I was invited on an adventure to experience the adrenaline rush of a husky safari for myself (along with many other activities!) and where better to visit than Luosto, which represents the very best of Finnish Lapland. Situated 100km north of the Arctic Circle, this tiny ski village offers an intimate encounter with the wilderness of Lapland, combined with quality hotel accommodation, Spa facilities, cosy log cabins for romantics and countless activity services.

Our descent into Kittila Airport felt like we were landing in Narnia – hills and snow-covered trees were all that could be seen for miles. Stepping off of the plane out into the February chill of -25 degrees sure was an experience, and I understood immediately why I had been advised that thick jeans and winter boots simply would not suffice! Fortunately, we were kitted out with all the thermal clothing and the hardiest of snow boots one could possibly dream of in such conditions, which were ours to keep for the week.

I mastered the art of the popular Arctic hobby, Ice Fishing, on my first morning in Lapland. After an hour out on the frozen river, with a successful catch of three tiny Arctic char, we snuggled up around a camp fire to enjoy a hot drink.

We took to our Snowmobiles and ventured to the top of Lampivaara Fell, to visit the only operative amethyst mine in Europe. After capturing our breath back from the awesome view across Finnish Lapland, we trekked down into the mine to dig for our treasure.

Cross-country skiing through the trails of Luosto was harder work than it looked. We were matched to our skis by our height (as a result of which I believe I had a child’s set!) and spent an enjoyable morning swishing around the trails, which were mapped out for guests wishing to explore independently.

Reindeer have been a vital part of Lappish life for centuries, so we also visited a nearby reindeer park for a sleigh-drawn ride through snowy forests. This proved extremely comical when my reindeer attempted to eat my bobble hat as we were travelling along!

Not a lot can compare, however, to the sheer thrill of gliding through Lapland on a sled as your very own team of husky dogs race along in front of you, delighted to be running together and pulling you behind. Amazing.

To top off a perfect day, we headed to the highest summit in the Luosto area on our snowshoes (much like giant tennis rackets which allow you to walk on the off-piste snow without sinking in) to marvel at the stunning views.

The highlight of my experience, however, has got to be witnessing a spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis dancing in the night sky. After a leisurely evening tobogganing at the nearby slopes, we noticed a green glowing arc had formed in the black above us, and was beginning to move! We stopped and stared in awe, before racing to the frozen lake where we sat for an hour to watch the unforgettable performance of the Northern Lights. A memory that will remain etched in my mind forever.

Luosto introduced me perfectly into winter adventure holidays, as none of the activities are particularly long, so this holiday is suitable for just about anyone, regardless of age and fitness. Now I’ve had a taste of this beautiful part of our world, I cannot wait to return! If you fancy a similar experience, please contact me and I will be delighted to discuss your wishes.