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The idea of a winter holiday has always appealed to me, ever since I learned to ski as a teenager, I have said I must do a “proper” winter holiday.
Approaching one of those milestone birthdays, you know the ones with a zero at the end, my wife suggested we book a trip “before you get too old” to learn and experience something a little different, snowboarding was decided.
I looked for the right type of holiday for me, with the same dedication as I use when looking for holidays for my clients. I am fairly adventurous and wanted to try as much as possible so I was looking for a resort with more than just good slopes and ski/board facilities. I settled for Finland, specifically Lapland for several reasons : convenient flights,short flight time, guaranteed snow late in the season, safe snowboarding school with organised lessons, lots of activities and good quality accommodation.
We set off to Manchester to catch the three hour flight to KItilla, the heart of Finnish Lapland, just inside the Artic Circle. The flights are chartered by many of the main tour operators and carry a wide variety of experienced, not so experienced and novices like myself.
I had chosen Levi as my destination, a fifteen minute transfer from the airport, as it offered everything I was looking for and more. I stayed at the Hotel Levitunturi in the centre of the town, a short stroll to the ski school and with easy access to shops, bars and restaurants. I had pre-booked a five day learn to snowboard package and was determined that at the end of the week I would be able to stay upright and go down a slope – famous last words!
I came very quickly to the conclusion that I was never going to be an expert, however that was only a small part of the holiday. I wanted to experience other things as well on the trip, after all this was Lapland a year round destination for active holidays.
I pre-booked all my excursions. The first was a Husky super safari. The sheer thrill of “mushing” my team across a frozen lake at about 30kmh, balancing on the sled, snow flying all over the place is difficult to put into words. I think “wow”, “amazing”, “fantastic” and “wow” again was all I managed!
The reindeer safari was equally breathtaking a couple of days later. This was a more leisurely trot across the snowy landscape. As with the previous trip there was time at the end to meet the handlers and helping feed the reindeer was offered as well. This is what makes these trips special, not only the excursion but meeting the guides who are so friendly and enthusiastic about what they are doing.
The next highlight was a sixty kilometre snowmobile ride through the forests and across frozen lakes, along part of the several hundred kilometres of runs available in the area. Snowmobiles are a way of life in winter for many and I had been looking forward to this for months. With the three hour trip dissected with a break halfway we were given the chance to have some fun on the snowmobiles. We stopped by a frozen lake where we were able to have some free time, roaring up and down at full speed whilst lunch was being prepared, definitely one for the memories.
At the end of the week I felt a little sad having to leave, but taking away some fantastic memories of the weeks’ experiences. I got nowhere near being any sort of expert on a snowboard but thoroughly enjoyed it and would say to anyone thinking of trying it to do so; I think I shall stick to skis in the future. With so much to do in Levi I know I didn’t do it all. Ideal for first timers, perfect for those looking to practice and improve their skills and enough of a challenge for the experts I can honestly say Lapland has it all, and don't forget the excellent choice of excursions on offer.
As a Travel Counsellor I am fortunate enough to be able to do trips like this and be able to give personal recommendations. Memories of a fantastic holiday remain for many years and I know my experience can help you chose the right holiday for you, to let you come back with the same unforgettable memories from your holiday of a lifetime.