The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
SIX MORE SNOWY BREAKS FOR FAMILIES
Tempted to treat your family, and yourself to a taste of deep midwinter? Here are half a dozen ideas that suit children as well as adults. Prices are for this winter, but are subject to change. February half-term departures are generally available unless stated otherwise.
Winter landscapes in Iceland
Give the children an unforgettable geography lesson in frozen lakes, glaciers, hot springs and lava fields on a new, fournight family itinerary, “Northern Lights, Glaciers and Waterfalls”. The Husafell Hotel in Borgafjordur (90 minutes’ drive north-east of the capital Reykjavik), with swimming pool and children’s menu, makes a good vantage point for viewing the Northern Lights and visiting Europe’s second-largest glacier for a 300m walk though Langjokull ice cave. A night in the Frost & Fire hotel in Hveragerdi is well located for the Gullfoss waterfall and geysers of Geysir and Strokkur. From £610 per person, based on two adults and two children (under 11), including five days’ car rental and flights.
Discover the World (01737 214 291; discover-the-world.co.uk).
Remote chalet in the Alps
Climb aboard a snowmobile for a 10-minute journey up a steep track through snowladen trees to reach Le Grand Joux, a tranquil and romantic wooden chalet near the tiny hamlet of Graydon, near Morzine, in Haute-Savoie, France. With five luxurious bedrooms, this fully catered lodge comes with a team of staff and basement spa with small indoor swimming pool, hot tub, steam room and treatment area. It’s best for families with children aged from around three to 13 years (snowmobile transfers for tobogganing and outdoor fun. A three-night snowshoe and spa break costs from £830 per person, including drinks and transfers to the ski area. Flights not included.
Le Grand Joux (legrandjoux.com).
Arctic wilderness in Norway
Combine a city break in Tromso with excursions into remote Norwegian regions, miles from city lights on a three-night “Norway Northern Lights” itinerary geared to families. Included in the tour is an evening excursion to catch sight of the lights accompanied by an experienced Northern Lights tracker, alongside dog or reindeer sledding and a snowmobile safari. Families can also opt to spend one night away from the city in a traditional Sami tepee-style tent (lavvu) on beds of reindeer skins around a central fire, accommodating up to 12 guests, or in a cosy log cabin sleeping up to 14.
Wilderness base in Finland
Head to a remote base in a spectacularly wintry setting at the edge of Oulanka National Park in Finnish Lapland for an eight-day “Finnish Winter Adventure”. Stay in a cluster of wooden buildings. Family rooms have a mezzanine floor sleeping up to two children, while larger families are allocated two rooms. Activities include dogsledding, snowshoeing, crosscountry skiing, an optional snowmobile safari and visit to a reindeer farm and sleigh ride. Throughout the week there’s a chance to take part in snow-based games, whether sledging, making snowmen or building snow forts. The menu includes elk and vendace (a freshwater fish), plus freshly picked lingonberries or cloud berries. From £1,599 (adult), £1,240 (child aged five to 14 years), including flights.
Exodus (020 3811 5924; exodus.co.uk).
Off the beaten track in Canada
Discover the vast, snowy wilderness and native wildlife of Quebec on an eight-day “Family Canadian Winter Adventure”. From Montreal, this Christmas itinerary takes in Parc Omega, home to red deer, wolf, bison and raccoons, before arriving in Lac Simon for a four-night stay in remote chalets. Activities include
Icehotel in Sweden
Book a three-night break to remember at Sweden’s coolest accommodation, the Icehotel Jukkasjarvi, below, built from ice from the River Thorne. Newly built every year, it melts in the spring sunshine and is redesigned the following year. Although primarily geared to older guests, families with young children can book the warm accommodation alongside and visit the icy structure during the day. On-site activities, including husky sledding, reindeer or moose safaris and snowmobiling, are suitable for children aged eight years and over. Snowshoeing, crosscountry skiing and ice driving also available. From £1,200 per person, including flights and transfers. Scott Dunn (020 3733 1664; scottdunn.com).