Weather outdoor pursuits at Finnish resort
Snow and ice star in top activities such as reindeer safaris and snowmobiling
Visitors to Kakslauttanen resort can sign up for a range of activities. Here are five favourites.
Ice fishing:
Ever fancy trying your hand at ice fishing? A Sami guide will teach you the basics before you’ll help him empty the fishing nets (known as juomusin the regional dialect). Afterward, you’ll jump on a snowmobile for a quick look around the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church, which Samis built in 1760.
Cross-country skiing:
The area around the resort is regarded as one of the world’s best crosscountry skiing destinations, and it’s criss-crossed with 200 kilometres of trails. Visitors can hire equipment and set out on their own, or sign up for lessons with a professional. The ski season here is long, and it’s usually possible to cross-country ski from October until May.
Snowmobiling:
Visitors with a need for speed will love the loud, fast and fun snowmo- bile excursions. Choose from a twohour excursion or a four-hour excursion with lunch. Still not satisfied? Opt for an overnight adventure, which includes a night spent under the stars. This a great way to discover some of Northern Finland’s most spectacular scenery, under the guidance of a local expert.
Icebreaker excursion:
One of the longer excursions available is a day on an icebreaker ship, departing from nearby Kemi. The best bit? You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the icy waters of the Bay of Bothnia — in a dry suit, of course. The icebreaker excursions are available from December until the end of April.
Reindeer safaris:
Fancy meeting Rudolph? During the four-hour reindeer safari a team of reindeer will pull you — and your dog sledge — deep into the Lapland forest, where you’ll enjoy a warming cup of tea or coffee by a roaring fire. You’ll also learn about the Sami way of life before returning to a traditional Sami house for dinner, prepared over a fire and served with a hot drink made from local berries.