Lapland Adventure & the Ice Hotel

You spend most of today learning how to make igloos.  All that’s needed is a good quantity of firm snow, a spade and some willing volunteers.  It is great fun and quite satisfying to know that you have been able to build your own shelter.  This afternoon there is time to try ice-fishing (first drilling a hole in the thick ice).  If you’re lucky, maybe you will catch something to eat for dinner!  Tonight, you have the option of sleeping in your igloo, a truly unique experience, what is especially amazing is the incredible silence produced by the snow – all sounds are completely muted.  However, if you are too cold, the lodge is only a short distance away.  Wilderness Lodge/Igloo – 1 night (BLD)

You may wish to rise early and help prepare the dogs this morning. Set off again with your confidence high from yesterday's experience. Taking a different route back there is plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and watch for wildlife such as Elk, Snow Grouse or Capercaille. You lunch by a campfire or in a cabin depending on conditions. Back at base its time to say farewell to your dog team and thank them for a great experience! (BLD)

Today, you have the option of going on an exhilarating snowmobile (also known as a skidoo) journey through Swedish Lapland’s last Wilderness.  A snowmobile is a bit like a jet-ski that runs on snow rather than water, powered by a petrol engine that drives a single caterpillar track.  Like a motorbike, it is steered by handlebars and there is a single forward gear.  The driver and a pillion passenger sit on a motorbike-style seat. Snowmobiles are simple and straightforward to drive, but it is important to take care until you are accustomed to the way they handle.  You will be given a comprehensive safety briefing before setting off, taking it in turns to drive so everyone has a chance to take the wheel (or handlebars!). The tracks go through the beautiful and untouched fell and forest area. If you choose not to go snowmobiling, you can improve your snowshoeing skills instead. NB:  In order to drive a snowmobile you must provide a valid driving license.  Anyone who fails to produce a valid driving license will not be registered to drive.

After lunch its then onto Jukkasjarvi for the highlight of this trip – a night in the legendary Icehotel!  The design of the Icehotel is never the same twice.  Carved afresh each year by a team of sculptors, this unique construction has become justifiably world-renowned.  The entire hotel, from floor to ceiling, beds to chandeliers, is manufactured from pure ice.  Arriving mid-afternoon, you will have time for a tour of the individually designed rooms, chapel and you will marvel at the amazing ice sculptures, before stopping in the Absolut ice bar for a welcome drink or two (from an ice glass of course!) before checking into the rooms which are available from 6pm.  Temperatures outside may dip down to -40 degrees Celsius but inside, the temperature maintain a ‘comfortable’ -5 degrees Celsius and you will be surprised at how warm and toasty you will be in your sleeping bag (provided) on a mattress of fur skins.  Ice Hotel – 1 night (possible multi-share) (BL)