See the Northern Lights from your hotel on skis
IT GIVES handy hotel a whole new meaning – because it’s the hotel you can take with you. And did I mention that it’s on... skis? A new immersive Arctic adventure has just been launched, allowing guests to embark on an epic snowmobile adventure through Norway, Finland and Sweden.
But the icing on the cake is staying in an iconic glass-roof hotel on skis to hunt for the Northern Lights.
Organised by Arctic travel specialists Off The Map Travel, the new adventure staying at the Aurora Wilderness Camp is available for anyone travelling from January to April next year.
Based out of the spectacular Arctic destination of Kilpisjärvi, in northern Finland, it’s like nothing you’ve ever done before. Camping pods and caravans, eat your heart out.
After a full day’s snowmobiling adventure, guests will stay for the night in Northern Finland at the beautifully appointed glamping cabin. But first it will have been towed into a remote wilderness location deep inside the Arctic Circle.
That’s just about the perfect place from which to lie back and experience the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. The mobile hotel room, which boasts a clear aurora viewing roof, is placed in the best possible location for Northern Lights hunting in the wilderness 4 miles east of Kilpisjärvi.
Once the winter ice has thawed, the room will be relocated to a new home for the following season.
Measuring 8ft wide, 14ft long and 2m tall, the room on skis includes a comfortable 5ft super-wide bed to lie back and take in the night sky. There’s a table, dry toilet and a heater with a thermostat to ensure a warm and cozy night.
With nature’s splendour on view from your private room, who needs creature comforts such as TV and wifi? It’s a rare chance to disconnect with the hustle and bustle and have your inner awe suitably inspired.
“The adventure starts on a snowmobile,” says Jonny Cooper, Arctic travel expert and founder of Off The Map Travel. “Heading out into the Arctic wilderness, a specialist guide will lead guests across the border into Norway and Sweden through a pristine landscape, before returning to Finland and arriving at the Aurora Wilderness Camp for a night under the stars looking out for the Northern Lights.”
WHEN THEY arrive, guests will also have exclusive use of the cabin’s snowshoes and kicksleds, offering the chance to explore the surrounding area. The guide will teach guests how to make a campfire and grill local sausages for dinner. Then he’ll leave them with local snacks and hot drinks to fuel an evening of Northern Lights hunting.
Statistically, the Kilpisjärvi area has more clear night skies and records more Northern Lights activity than any other place in Finland. Experts have estimated that if the sky is clear visitors have more than a 70 per cent chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
“The wilderness surrounding Kilpisjärvi is known for its remote and uninterrupted Arctic tundra,” adds Jonny.
“Away from any man-made light pollution, it is here that the wilderness camp is placed for the winter, giving guests the best possible opportunity to experience the Northern Lights and enjoy the silence of the Arctic plains.”
The project is supported by Interreg Nord and the Visit Arctic Europe project, developing travel to the Arctic Europe region.
So how much does it cost? Will it break the bank?
Well, it’s not cheap but nor is it a budget-busting jetset jaunt.
As with any itinerary from Off The Map Travel, each adventure is tailor-made to fit the wishes and requirements of the guest. The team works with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of our planet. Specialising in “soft adventure”, they create holiday itineraries and authentic experiences not used by many larger travel companies.
As an example, a threenight, four-day itinerary costs from £1,599 per person based on two adults sharing on a full board basis. This includes private transfers to and from the airport in Tromsø, accommodation for two nights in a cosy log chalet and one in the new Aurora Wilderness Camp, with all meals included and great opportunities to see the aurora. Other activities are available on request. Flights are not included.
● For more details, planning your adventure and advice go to offthemaptravel.co.uk or call 0800 566 8901.