Family winter holiday to Lapland, Finland
| country: | Finland |
| location: | Finnish Lapland |
| departures: | The activities on this trip are tailor made to each individual group's interests and requirements. The price shown is based on weekly Sunday departures during Dec 2009 - Apr 2010 |
| price: | From £775 (8 days) per adult, including flights from the UK. Price based on group of 2 adults & 2 children. Includes accomm. in en-suite hotel rooms or log cabins, tranfers and thermal clothing. Activities from £2 - £140 |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Family winter holiday to Lapland, Finland
The Luosto Cabins are the ideal place to combine a relaxing holiday with some less-strenuous winter activities. A perfect mix of "downtime" and adventure.
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.
Tailormade holidays
Our tailor made programmes allow you to design your own holiday. Simply decide when you want to travel and match your stay to the activities available below. Tailor made holidays at Luosto Cabins are based on a stay of seven nights. Also included are: flights, transfers and cold weather clothing during the activities.
Please note that Finnair have recently withdrawn tour operators’ fares which means that we have far less flexibility over durations. It also means that a seven night stay based around direct charter flights from the UK to Kittila represents far greater value than using Finnair’s services via Helsinki for shorter durations. If you wish to use Finnair’s services, we require the full flight cost at the time of booking as we are required to pay the airline immediately.
Amethyst mine adventure: Luosto's is home to the only working amethyst mine in Europe. You’ll be transferred by car to Ukko-Luosto from where an all terrain vehicle takes you to the mine at the summit of Lampivaara. The views from the top of the fell are worth the journey alone but inside the mine you’ll hear tales about the gemstones and get to dig for your very own lucky amethyst. Warm drink included. Approximately 2.5 hours.
Aurora Kota: Quite simply, Aurora Kota is a "must do". You’ll be transferred by car to the kota for a fascinating illustrated presentation about the Northern Lights. Approximately 2 hours.
Children’s mini-snowmobile school: This is the children’s chance to try driving a snowmobile, albeit a mini-version. They will get full guidance, do two laps each of the circuit and receive a Lapland Club Mini Snowmobile Driving Diploma. Approximately 1 hour.
Husky safaris: Lapland Club features a range of husky safaris. Due to the high demand in December and early January we can only offer safaris of around 60 minutes during that period. Nevertheless, this is still ample time to live the dream of taking charge of your own team of huskies.
Lappish Christmas Celebrations: The kids love this one. You head into the snowy forest to find a Christmas tree for decoration. Deep in the woods is a traditional wooden kota and rumour has it that Santa has been known to visit for a nap. After all, the preparations for the big day must take it out of him! Knock on the door and step inside...the rest is pure childhood. Approximately 2 hrs
Lappish delicacy buffet: Just as the kids are drawn to the Santa activity, the adults tend to gravitate towards this one. This buffet served in a fell restaurant is about trying and tasting Lappish specialities produced using local ingredients. Approximately 2 hours.
Reindeer park and sleigh ride: A short transfer brings you to the reindeer park where you can explore the farm and meet the reindeer. Depending on date you can then take a short reindeer-pulled sleigh or a longer ride lasting about an hour. Approximately 1 or 2 hours (depneding on date)
Rovaniemi Day: Your day includes a visit to the Arktikum Museum which provides a unique insight into the way of life, culture and history of the North and of course the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Approximately 8 hours.
Snowmobile safaris: Important information regarding Snowmobile Safaris You must be at least 15 years old and possess a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile. All snowmobile safaris include a safety briefing and instruction and are based on 2 people per snowmobile.
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. Tailormade holidays
Our tailor made programmes allow you to design your own holiday. Simply decide when you want to travel and match your stay to the activities available below. Tailor made holidays at Luosto Cabins are based on a stay of seven nights. Also included are: flights, transfers and cold weather clothing during the activities.
Please note that Finnair have recently withdrawn tour operators’ fares which means that we have far less flexibility over durations. It also means that a seven night stay based around direct charter flights from the UK to Kittila represents far greater value than using Finnair’s services via Helsinki for shorter durations. If you wish to use Finnair’s services, we require the full flight cost at the time of booking as we are required to pay the airline immediately.
activities
The hotel offers two "Lapland Club" programmes. The first operates from the begining of December and the second from 12 January 2009. We’ve put together a brief description of the activities available below but please contact us if you have any questions. Almost everybody from our office has been to Luosto and tried these safaris so please call us if you want advice from somebody who has experienced both the destination and the activities. Amethyst mine adventure: Luosto's is home to the only working amethyst mine in Europe. You’ll be transferred by car to Ukko-Luosto from where an all terrain vehicle takes you to the mine at the summit of Lampivaara. The views from the top of the fell are worth the journey alone but inside the mine you’ll hear tales about the gemstones and get to dig for your very own lucky amethyst. Warm drink included. Approximately 2.5 hours.
Aurora Kota: Quite simply, Aurora Kota is a "must do". You’ll be transferred by car to the kota for a fascinating illustrated presentation about the Northern Lights. Approximately 2 hours.
Children’s mini-snowmobile school: This is the children’s chance to try driving a snowmobile, albeit a mini-version. They will get full guidance, do two laps each of the circuit and receive a Lapland Club Mini Snowmobile Driving Diploma. Approximately 1 hour.
Husky safaris: Lapland Club features a range of husky safaris. Due to the high demand in December and early January we can only offer safaris of around 60 minutes during that period. Nevertheless, this is still ample time to live the dream of taking charge of your own team of huskies.
- Snowmobile to a husky farm - This trip starts with a snowmobile safari following the trails to the husky farm where you will meet the dogs and take the reins on a 4km (approx 20mins) safari. Total time is approximately 3 hours.
- Dog quicker than snowmobile - Snowmobiles take you through the snowy forest landscapes to the husky farm where you will meet the dogs and take the reins on a 12km (approx 1 hour) safari. Total time is approximately 3 hours.
- Husky sledding in the wilds - You will be transferred by car to the husky farm and after tuition and a safety briefing you take your team out into the snowy Luosto countryside on a safari adventure lasting approximately 60 minutes. Total activity time is approximately 2 hours.
- Husky adventure - This is the longest of the husky safaris offered by the Lapland Club. You’ll be shown around the husky farm as well as heading out into the winter landscapes on a safari lasting around 3 hours. Total activity time is approximately 4 hours.
Lappish Christmas Celebrations: The kids love this one. You head into the snowy forest to find a Christmas tree for decoration. Deep in the woods is a traditional wooden kota and rumour has it that Santa has been known to visit for a nap. After all, the preparations for the big day must take it out of him! Knock on the door and step inside...the rest is pure childhood. Approximately 2 hrs
Lappish delicacy buffet: Just as the kids are drawn to the Santa activity, the adults tend to gravitate towards this one. This buffet served in a fell restaurant is about trying and tasting Lappish specialities produced using local ingredients. Approximately 2 hours.
Reindeer park and sleigh ride: A short transfer brings you to the reindeer park where you can explore the farm and meet the reindeer. Depending on date you can then take a short reindeer-pulled sleigh or a longer ride lasting about an hour. Approximately 1 or 2 hours (depneding on date)
Rovaniemi Day: Your day includes a visit to the Arktikum Museum which provides a unique insight into the way of life, culture and history of the North and of course the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Approximately 8 hours.
Snowmobile safaris: Important information regarding Snowmobile Safaris You must be at least 15 years old and possess a full driving licence to drive a snowmobile. All snowmobile safaris include a safety briefing and instruction and are based on 2 people per snowmobile.
- Snowmobile evening safari - Entering a dark and snowy forest with your headlights on is a completely different experience to day time snowmobiling. The trees light up like phantoms and ghosts. It’s thrilling stuff and a big favourite with us. Approximately 2 hours.
- Snowmobile aurora safari - This evening’s snowmobile safari is a true highlight of any holiday in Luosto. Your route follows winding trails through the snowy forest to Pohjan Kruunu (Northern Crown). Warm inside a teepee you’ll be shown film about the Northern Lights and learn some of their many secrets and myths that have grown up around this remarkable celestial phenomenon. With any luck, a full blown aurora will light your trail back to Luosto.
- Snowmobile "rush to the summit" safari - If you want the best views then you have to get to the summit of Luosto’s fells. Snowmobiling is the best way to do just that. You’ll ascend to the top of Keski-Luosto from where the winter vistas are simply breathtaking. Approximately 3 hours.
- Snowmobile to a reindeer farm - A great activity combining two of the absolute favourites. You’ll speed across the spectacular scenery of Fell Lapland to the reindeer park where you’ll take a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride before refreshments in a Lappish teepee. 4 or 5 hours depending on date.
- Snowmobile to the Museum Village of Suvanto - You’ll follow a frozen river to Suvanto Village, a unique heritage protected site which was chosen as Lapland’s most beautiful village in 1987. Lunch is included at the village and by the time you return to Luosto you will have driven in the region of 65km. Total activity time is approximately 4.5 hours.
how this holiday makes a difference
 Tourism in Finnish Lapland has become the main source of employment and income, replacing traditional industries such as forestry. Working within this growth industry in rural and remote areas means that we must take a great deal of responsibility; socially, environmentally and economically. We fully appreciate the impact of tourist visits on local communities and their residents and strive to ensure that we are having a positive effect. We always encourage all of our clients to respect and embrace the lives and culture of local inhabitants by learning a few important words: hello, goodbye, please, thank you etc. We have also included activities with a cultural base in our holiday. In addition, we always encourage our clients to get involved in local events and activities which help to sustain traditional values and customs. In all of our destinations we ensure that we use local suppliers, enabling locally owned businesses and the economies in which they work to benefit directly. Our suppliers in Luosto provide a vital source of employment throughout the whole region. Their restaurant serves as much local produce as possible. Many of our safaris in Luosto also utilise other local enterprises such as the amethyst mine and the remote smoke sauna and restaurant we use in one of our activities is the primary income for a local couple. Through the tourism multiplier effect, this all helps to generate incomes and employment where the drift might otherwise be towards larger employment areas such as towns and cities. In a small and remote village such as Luosto the effects of such a drift could be devastating. The use of small businesses means that the tourism income, generated by our presence, stays where it should, in the local economy. We firmly believe in paying a fair price for all the services provided by our suppliers regardless of where they are in the world. Our holidays rely on visiting beautiful and un-spoilt areas, and they don’t come more un-spoilt than Luosto. Naturally we wish to maintain the natural settings in which we work, not just for the future of our company, but also for future generations. We always insist that our local providers are equally conscious of this need. The wooden chalets that we use as accommodation are built using sustainable timbers and are all extremely well insulated to ensure maximum efficiency. We do appreciate that some may feel that snowmobiles should not be included in such itineraries however in areas such as Luosto they are a way of life. They are the only means of keeping in contact with remote reindeer herders and communities as the road infrastructure is not extensive. All trails are well managed. The alternatives to snowmobiles would in most cases be large, gas-guzzling off road vehicles. All snowmobiles are regularly serviced and kept as fuel efficient as possible. Our suppliers also utilise new 4-stroke engines that are less polluting. The snowmobile service industry is also another vital source of employment in these remote areas. We always ensure that all litter is removed from any of our activity sites, we strongly encourage group transfers to reduce traffic volumes and we make our clients aware of their obligation to the environment. We always offset our air travel emissions and would encourage you to do the same. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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