Noeleen Horswell review 30 Mar 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the northern lights on 4 nights , the level of organisation and the comfort and meals at the Chalet as well as Peter and Lorna's support and enthusiasm
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book a trip to Luosto
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a wonderful experience being in so much snow and with an organsiation that was so well planned and organsied , seeing the "lights" was the highlight
Cathy Melly review 27 Mar 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The entire holiday was memorable and exciting - loved it all
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for the cold and takes lots of thermal clothing. Get a good camera so that you can take photos of the northern lights
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, benefited the local people, gives them jobs and money.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall, the holiday was excellent. It was wonderful, amazing and would do it again!
Colin Wills review 26 Mar 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the Northern Lights. All events started on time, the guides were friendly and knowledgeable and made everything fun. Some events were unsubstantial - In search of the N Lights, visiting an observatory during the day but most were great.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Although you are advised about the temperatures expected and advised what protection to take, we were provided with excellent all-in-one outer wear, balaclavas, mittens and snow boots - all were clean and I would not hesitate to recommend using them. The only protection missing was a warm hat - take your own! If you want to photograph the Northern Lights you need a good camera and a tripod to even stand a chance. Point and shoot cameras will not work. If you want to see the Northern Lights on dark skies perhaps go somewhere other than Luosto. Enjoy the marvellous experience!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I feel my holiday benefited local people, i.e. shopkeepers, hotel owners and restaurant owners. I do not think my holiday reduced environmental impacts very much. My holiday did support conservation allowing people like the local reindeer herders to keep their way of life alive.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would have given this holiday 5 stars but for the following: We travelled into the arctic circle to experience dark skies and to see the Northern Lights. Luosto has far too much bright artificial light and has many street lights on all night. Our hotel advertised all rooms look north, which they did, but we could not see the sky as we looked straight into a street lamp. Many of the other holidaymakers were also disappointed with this and I feel Northern Lights seekers will not holiday in Luosto because of this.
Sallie Robins review 25 Feb 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the Northern Lights - we were so lucky as they only came out in two short bursts throughout the whole week. If we had left our night time explore just half an hour later we would have missed it...obviously something was drawing us to them. One of those must see in your life time experiences. A very close second has to be the Husky safari though - what a way to travel - just brilliant, I am a cat person but absolutely fell in love with these clever, friendly and powerful dogs!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't worry too much about clothes other than your thermals and layers for under your suit, you can just chuck a long T-shirt or sweatshirt over your thermal leggings and grab a pair of flip flops for meal times and around hotel. Any time you are outside you just get geared up in your layers and suit. Oh yes do take a hat with good ear cover and something you can pull up over your nose and mouth - makes all the difference in the world to warmth. And for those who worry about their hair take a headscarf as with your hair stuffed in a woolly hat all day it looks pretty rough by dinner time - so stick a head scarf on for when you are indoors and hey presto you are done! Although the information says from ages 4 upwards those that had children this age did really struggle with keeping them warm and happy and with managing to get out late at night/early hours of the morning to look for the northern lights. I would say children from 10 upwards then allows you to really fully get into all the activities (although of course some 7/8 year olds are plucky little things too!) Just bear in mind the issue of young children and warmth and the late night Northern Lights hunting. If you do have a young child consider taking a sleeping bag as you can put them to bed in this and then just take them out bundled up in it, throw in a few hand warmers pop them on a sleigh with a few other layers and then drag them off with you whilst asleep!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people in terms of income to the area and employment for hotel staff and tour guides. Re the environment, certainly the talk by the reindeer farmer really gave much to think about in terms of EU regulations and policy affecting their livelihood - really fascinating
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing, just so well planned out with one or on one day two activities a day and the rest of the time leaving you free to do more cross country ski or sledging or just walking around and on the frozen lake, or of course in the fantastic pool and jacuzzi. Not a holiday for those who want raucous night life but for those who want some action and then plenty of time to just chill and take in the beautiful scenery, and most importantly the peace and quiet absolutely spot on.
Phillip Edwards review 23 Feb 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I had been monitoring the sun and the weather in the weeks leading up to this holiday and started to come to the realisation that I might not see the Northern Lights. Antti, our guide and photographer, knew exactly where the weather would be clear and away from too many lights. We saw the Aurora Borealis on three nights, and Antti’s tips helped me capture some spectacular images.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The temperature dropped over the four days from –17C to –29C, so take plenty of thermals and warm layers. The hotel provides an outer layer, which is like a padded boiler suit, and an excellent pair of boots. Under the suit, I wore two pairs of thermal trousers, thermal vest, t-shirt, sweatshirt, two fleeces, two pairs of gloves and three pairs of socks.
There are lots of photography tips: know how to change your camera settings in the dark; learn how to set focus at infinity; take some wide angle lenses; take a sturdy tripod and remote release.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Without Antti’s local knowledge, this trip would probably have been far less successful.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
There were plenty of activities to do during the day, like dog sledding and riding a snowmobile that would have made this holiday acceptable, if a tad expensive. However, the added bonus of actually seeing the Northern Lights, and the time and effort needed, made it a great trip. As with any good show, it left me wanting more.
Chloe Cox review 23 Jan 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The husky drive and the snow mobiling. But there were lots of other really good things, all the activities were well planned and well run and added enough focus to the day. Optional extras were easy to sort out.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take good books to read if you go in January as the days are short
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure that environmental impact could possibly be reduced, traveling that far, having our own sauna, keeping warm but clearly the locals were really pleased we were there and keen to keep their lifestyle going
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I'd give it 5 stars but I hate the wording below. This definitely ranks right up there with other brilliant experiences. I'd give it 5 stars because everything worked, it was well thought out, the company who provide the activities were professional, their kit was good quality and they were nice to be with. The hotel and the food were good, the options for eating in other places was adequate. Unfortunately we didn't see the Aurora as much as we would have liked but that's the risk and all the other activities made it a good holiday anyway.
Susan Battersby review 29 Mar 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The snow mobile training and later the snow mobile safari that we booked on our free day.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do not rely on the local operator to help you find the Northern Lights. Despite this holiday being called "Searching for the Aurora" they do not do anything in the evening to help - you are on your own! In Luosto the light pollution is really bad in the locations where they recommend you view the lights at night and there are no seats, shelter or advice given.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Helped local employment as we used one company for all activities during the week.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We enjoyed the daytime events even though we are not active people and we were concerned about this part of the holiday. Very poor for the main reason why we went, to see the Northern Lights. We did see them, but no thanks to the company. Too late providing information, not enough daily updates and bad location (half kilometre walk from hotel to a viewing location then no seats or shelter while you stand for 2/3 hours hoping that the aurora appears).
Vicky Sowerby review 31 Dec 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Riding in a reindeer sleigh on Christmas eve
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't pack cotton clothes, pick man-made or wool instead. Aim for loose layers, especially on feet to keep the warmth in. If you have a very thin pair of gloves these can be worn under the hired mittens, ours were too thick to wear underneath - that said we weren't cold very often.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, many locals work in tourism
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic, I'd recommend it to anyone!
Ewan Tant review 7 Mar 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's difficult to pin down one particularly memorable part, as it was all absolutely fantastic. The snowmobiling was exhilarating, the husky-sledding a joy and the snowshoeing and cross-country skiing a great workout! I'd have to say that getting to see the Northern Lights just edged it: an out-of-this-world experience.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure to bring several thermal layers, be prepared for a bit of physical activity and bring along a sense of adventure. Also, make sure you take a dip in the ice-pool after a sauna, it's genuinely invigorating!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It did feel that local businesses were provided for by the activities we performed. Obviously aside from the inevitable carbon-footprint that goes with travelling, it did feel that some effort was made to reduce the impact on the environment, particularly by the guides, who are clearly conscious of not damaging the area which they are working in and love.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was an incredible experience and I would recommend it to anyone who showed an interest. I could have spent another month (or twelve!) out there. Wonderful.
Peter Arnold review 2 Apr 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Dog sledding through the forest
Watching the Aurora Borealis
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Plenty of warm clothing
Don't wait for the Aurora alarm - if the night sky is clear, get out there and
wait
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people such as the reindeer farmers and hotel staff and guides
Some impacts on environment from snowmobiles and general tourist needs, although generally well managed
Luosto is a very clean and tidy resort
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great fun and adventure and quite educational
Andrew Thompson review 28 Feb 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the Northern Lights three nights out of four. Husky sledding.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The package price is very high, but seems good value when compared with paying for all the activities individually once there.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, I think all the trips and activities seemed to benefit local people. Lots of minibus travel involved, though.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Trip of a lifetime.
Nisha Patel review 18 Jan 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We got engaged! My fiance proposed to me on the (frozen-over) Lake Inari under the Northern Lights. Obviously that was the highlight for me but the other really memorable trip was to see the husky farm. Beautiful animals, stunning landscapes and lovely, friendly hosts.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Most activities are complete by early afternoon so there's a lot of time till dinner. We anticipated this and stayed in a room with a sauna, bought loads of magazines/books and had the most indulgent and relaxing afternoons - however, if you've kids, you may want to plan something else to do in the afternoons.
Also, pack glove liners and good, thick socks.
Coming from the UK, we knew it would be expensive but I think even we were a little taken aback by the cost of additional food/drink. Not necessarily much you can do about this but just be aware of your budget/spend.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely. The sami in particular are very welcoming and keen to educate you about their way of life and culture. You get to learn and appreciate their way of life and they get financial benefits by arranging excursions and selling traditional wares.
In addition, all essential travel is by minibus so rather than polluting this pristine landscape with several cars, there's only one.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely fantastic. We will be going back.
Isobel Knight review 3 Jan 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part was riding the snowmobiles which was really exciting and taking out our own team of huskies, we were a bit nervous at first but the dogs were very good and well trained. My husband took them uphill which was quite hard work as you had to help the dogs push the sleigh up the hill and I took them downhill and had to control the break to stop them going so fast. The guide at Snow Games was really knowledgeable and was very experienced.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Although it is a Northern Lights holiday don't expect to see them as the conditions have to be right, if there is too much cloud you have no chance and even when it is clear you are not guaranteed to see them either. Don't take too many clothes as they suits and gear we were given were really warm.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes definately, all the activities were visiting local farms and small companies.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was wonderful and I would recommend it to all. The hotel was a small intimate cosy environment and the rooms were comfortable and the staff very friendly and lovely meals provided. The official guides for activities abroad were new and so not as knowledgeable about the area as our guide who was excellent and helpful. We had an amazing time and would go again.
Richard Watts review 1 Apr 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the Northern Lights and Husky sleigh driving.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We chose this holiday with the main objective of seeing the Northern lights but to include some day time activities in the snow. The holiday met both objectives. We saw the lights on one night for about 30 minutes. Magical! If one is going to Finland with the sole objective of seeing the lights, we wouldn't recommend Lusto or the Aurora Chalet Hotel. Lusto has far too much unnecessary street lighting left on all night which means one needs to walk quite away out off town to get a dark sky. The Aurora chalet is not a 'chalet style' hotel but a modern concrete hotel on three floors. The aurora alarms we found worthless. On each occasion it alerted we got dressed and went out to see nothing and the night we did see the lights it never went off! The truth is that the lights are completely unpredictable, the only way is to wait for a clear night when the stars are visible, and then go out and wait and wait. The Hotel has excellent staff is comfortable and very good meals. The day time activities we much more exciting than we had expected and really enjoyable. Snowmobile driving and Husky sledging being our highlights.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It certainly brings employment for the local people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A fun holiday in the snow, staying at a well run hotel in a beautiful snow covered forest, with the chance of seeing the Northern lights if you are lucky and make the effort to stay out long enough. Miles of long ski cross country routes but very tame alpine skiing.
Kathy Klaka review 18 Apr 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Very difficult to say! For me, it was probably being driven through the wilderness by my own team of very happy huskies. The only sound was the sleigh and the dogs running (and panting) through the snow. To watch the pine forest go gently by was just brilliant!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Think about what time of year you'd like to go. Winter is very cold and dark, but there is lots of snow and you may see the northern lights. Spring, when I went, was also brilliant - not so cold (glorious sunshine for us) but not so snowy either. Not much chance of catching the aurora, but the landscape changes so fast it feels like a new place at the beginning and end of the week. Seeing the river begin to break and melt was great. I'd like to go back and see it all in winter too. Also, it's worth taking a good book, as there is plenty of time to relax after activities finish before dinner (it's dark so early in the winter).
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
So many people rely on tourism there, they need the trade, so yes, it was positive. The impact is tricky to judge. Most people there (visitors and locals) love the environment and want o keep it the way it is. It also has the advantage that there is so much of this lovely environment and not so many people - which means any damage is easier to repair. Trees grow back as fast as they are used, for example, without the need for re-planting schemes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
MAGIC! It was a great way to experience a little of many of the things Lapland has to offer. I was also lucky to be in a group of friendly, like minded people. The guides were all fantastic. Hotel was cosy, but the activities eclipsed it. So good, I'm already considering how to go back and see it at a different time of year too!
June Vandamme review 7 Feb 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the northern lights was the most memorable although all of the activities were fantastic.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go outside immediately you get the northern lights mobile alert - they may only be in the sky for a few minutes!
Enjoy every minute!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Very much so. The reindeer ride for example, meant that the very training of reindeer to pull a sledge is continued for future generations. The use of family run businesses means that local people have employment. The sourcing of local food added to very enjoyable menus and minimized impact on the environment by lessening imported foods.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing - one of the best we have ever had. The different activities each day and information given on culture and history were fantastic. It was lovely to be somewhere so spoilt and quiet. We enjoyed every moment... activities... hotel rooms with saunas!... meals... staff... guides... all of it!
Joyce Stanford review 8 Apr 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We are in our 70's. We have never been on skis or a snow mobile, or a reindeer sleigh or snow shoes before, nor have we seen the Northern Lights before but twice we stood on a frozen lake at eleven o'clock at night in a temperature of -31 degrees and saw them and it was all wonderful.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just to follow the advice given in the brochure regarding clothes to take. We found the clothes supplied were excellent.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes I do. It was not at all commercialised. (i.e. no photographers waiting round every corner trying to take and sell photos of everything you do.)
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.
Jan MacGregor review 9 Feb 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
That's hard, so much of it was fantastic. The husky sledging, reindeer safari, cross country skiing, evening meal in a tepee....and we were lucky enough to see the Northern lights as well
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take your own boots especially if like me you have narrow feet. The boots provided were wonderfully cosy for all the activities but as we also spent our spare time walking I was really glad I had my own and they were warm enough for walking even at -22.
Go straight out if the phone alerts you to the lights, they may not last long.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes and it was good to have feedback from the reindeer herder about how tourism is helping them maintain cultural traditions. I suppose snowmobiling might seem the least environmentally friendly part - but then there was very little road traffic.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, I've already recommended it to friends and one or two are thinking about it. The activity guides couldn't have been bettered - the hotel was excellent and the staff very helpful and friendly.
Rosalyn Mayho review 23 Mar 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Witnessing the Northern Lights, the Huskie Sled Driving. The efficiency, patience and generosity of spirit of the staff.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I think the itinerary needs to have the trips into the darker parts of Luosto earlier in the week - so people know the best spots to venture out to themselves during the night time. It’s a little late if it comes at the end of the week. Also, by March it does not get dark until 8.30 - 9 ish so any trip at 7.00 won't capture Northern Lights, perhaps later in the season these trip could be arranged for later in the evening (although this would impact on dinner time for the hotel).
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, I did.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Luosto, though, because of the light pollution resulted in the Northern Lights not displayed in their full glory - (the greens came out on camera but not to the naked eye) that disappointed me - but not my travelling companions. The day time activities more than compensated - and we certainly got value for money - local prices due no doubt to our miserable exchange rate, are steep.
Bronwen McDonald review 14 Mar 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Just being in such a cold climate in stunning surrounds - and managing that.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely go with a friend or a partner as nearly all the activities are based around doing things in pairs.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes to this first part of the question in that it generated economic activity in an area where there wasn't a lot of income generating activity going on but I am unsure about the second. I guess the impact on the environment was a lot less than other holidays I have been on but there was still a plane flight to think about - and using snowmobiles for pleasure?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. I found it physically and mentally challenging - and stunningly beautiful.
Emily Doyle review 1 Mar 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Probably the fact that every day was different and that we got opportunities to do totally new things every day. Driving the husky sleigh and seeing the northern lights, no matter briefly, were certainly top of the list though.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
A few people in our group hadn't appreciated the level of activities we were booked on to, so just make sure you are comfortable to try new things and be fairly active. Also pack lots of thermals as Finland's winter gets pretty cold!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Certainly our guides were local and food was sourced locally. I suppose there are always questions about tourists travelling by plane, and the use of snowmobiles was fairly intensive, so no use pretending that it was all good for the environment. However, it was very interesting to hear of their experiences with more extreme winters (more snow and more cold temperatures), as well as reassuring to know that there are still societies that respect their local environment. They only hunt to eat and use all parts of the animals.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. Felt like we had been away for a lot longer than a week and had an amazing time. The activities were nicely balanced with time to chill out and relax. Really good guides and lovely friendly people.
Lynn Kelly review 9 Feb 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all great. Most memorable part was the husky safari and the most exciting part was the snowmobile safari.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't under estimate the weather. Wear loads of layers so they can be easily removed if you need to. Take a thick balaclava which will cover your face - the ones provided are ok but not great.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was great. The hotel was warm and comfortable and the food was very good. The excursion were well organised and fun with everything properly explained.
