OK, so summer's over and it seems, in the blink of an eye, winter might be just around the corner.
But who's grumbling? Bring on the snow!
Then again... we may have a winter of cold, damp, windy grey days. And where's the fun in that?
If you want to be sure of a real winter, then head for Northern Scandinavia and Lapland. In the depths of winter, this area is simply magical with deep snow, cosy cabins, hot saunas and, if you're lucky, the mysterious and mesmerising Northern Lights dancing overhead.
If you are thinking of escaping on a holiday with a difference this winter whether as a family or just for yourself, then we have a delectable range of winter activity and adventure holidays right across Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. There are also options in Eastern Europe and the Alps too, with snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing from luxurious hotels - although you'll have to forgo your search for the Northern Lights.
Access leading Tour Operators, get free impartial advice:
We deal with many of the leading UK ATOL protected tour operators offering winter activity and northern lights holidays. Holidays from companies such as Activities Abroad, Discover the World, Exodus, Explore, Families Worldwide, Taber Holidays, The Adventure Company, Wildlife & Wilderness and many more can all be booked through us. And the best part? We can help you see the wood from the trees (as you go zipping past with your huskies) - by giving you free, impartial advice to help you find the perfect holiday. We add significant value to your holiday experience through the wealth of ours. _
Winter Activities & Northern Lights
We offer a huge selection of adult and family friendly winter adventure holidays to Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. They're perfect if you are looking for an alternative to the usual ski holiday, or just a week of fun in the snow. Here is a selection of just a few:
ICELAND - Seriously Superjeeps
A trip for a family of adventurers - Iceland is a land of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, geysers waiting for you to explore, may be by optional snowmobile. Take a wild ride in a 'Superjeep' through a landscape of glacial moraine and lakes of ice. Be lucky and eat lobster under the Northern Lights the night before unwinding in the thermal waters of the blue lagoon before returning home. 4 days :: Small group :: Adult from £747 :: Child from £542 ::Min Age 6
SLOVAKIA - Snow Adventure
You arrive in Krakow, Poland and travel to your Slovakian base in a small mountain village in the Tatras - a region of spectacular scenery. From here you can ski or snowboard; eat with a Slovak family; swim in a thermal pool; have lots of fun whizzing downhill on sledges; enjoy a snowshoe expedition into the stunning Rohace Mountains and learn how to handle your own dog sled. 8 days :: Small group :: Adult from £869 :: Child from £739 :: Min Age 5
BULGARIA - Winter Experience
A week of snow fun and adventure based in the limestone gorges and peaks of the spectacular Rhodope Mountains. The village where you are based has Bulgaria's longest ski run and an impressive range of downhill and cross-country trails for you try by ski or snowboard. There is a snowshoeing excursion, lunch with a local family, wild animal tracking and a visit to thermal swimming pools. You will also have the chance for optional dog-sledding and snowmobiling. Your trip ends in Sofia with time to sightsee. 8 days :: Small group :: Adult from £889 :: Child from £799 :: Min Age 5
SWEDEN - Icehotel & Abisko
A short break with a very good chance of seeing the Northern Lights combined with a night at the amazing Icehotel. You ascend to the Abisko Mountain Station by chairlift to what is believed to be one of the best places on earth to witness the Northern Lights. Due to its topography the skies are kept clearer by the prevailing winds and the area is not affected by artificial light. The man-made Icehotel has to be experienced to be believed and is a base for many adventurous activities if you wish to try them such as dog-sledding. 3 / 4 days :: Small group :: Adult from £1093 :: Child from £1093 :: Min Age 12 ::
FINLAND - Winter Adventure
Finnish Lapland is a beautiful wilderness waiting to be discovered by you on snowshoes, cross-country skis, reindeer sleigh, husky-drawn sleds and snowmobiles. This very popular family trip will introduce you to popular Nordic activities on the edge of the Oulanka National Park and to the indigenous Sami people. Your accommodation is a superb base in a wilderness location with excellent facilities. Enjoy log fires, saunas and an outdoor hot-tub (if you dare!) 8 days :: Small group :: Adult from £1399 :: Child from £1149 :: Min Age 5
FINLAND - Snowmobiles & Sleds
Your base for this exciting adventure in remote eastern Finland, close to the Russian border, is a characterful hotel with breathtaking lake views. You will be surrounded by frozen lakes and vast forests as you experience the winter activities and learn about the folklore and traditions of this region. Cross-country ski; drive a dogsled through silent woods; explore on a snowmobile safari and have fun at a mini-Olympic games (have you ever tried snow-golf or ice dancing?). There are optional activities for you to choose in your free time including ice-fishing, ice-skating and ice-sculpting and plenty of fun to be had tobogganing and kick-sledging. 8 days :: Small group :: Adult from £1449 :: Child from £1049 :: Min Age 5
FINLAND - Winter Wonderland
Karelia in Finland is a stunning setting for a week's activities in a landscape of pristine lakes and endless forests and mountains deep in snow. You will learn how to harness and handle a dog sled through the countryside There will be snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to enjoy as well as igloo building, ice fishing and walking. Your traditional log farmhouse is tucked away up winding tracks and is the perfect place for Finnish style relaxation and adventure. 7 days :: Small group :: Adult from £1599 :: Child from £869 :: Min Age 5
FINLAND - Lapland Snow Adventure
Take your family on a trip far into the Arctic Circle and away from the crowds and tourists. On this snow adventure you combine active days in the extreme cold with warm wooden chalets and hearty food. Try new exciting activities like dog-sledding, snowmobiling, tracking reindeer and ice-fishing as well as sledging, ice-skating on a frozen lake and cross country skiing. All under the shimmering norther lights. 8 days :: Small group :: Adult from £2369 :: Child from £2269 :: Min Age 4
FINLAND - Santa's Spectacular
The ultimate Christmas adventure for children. Arriving in Lapland you will be transported to your hotel through a winter wonderland. On arrival you will be kitted out with thermal outer suits and accessories and then you are free to have fun in the snow. On Day 2 you have a reindeer sleigh ride through the woods; a husky sled ride; a traditional arctic circle ceremony and lots of snow and ice fun activities. Finally the childrens' dreams come true as your family search for Santa by snowmobile-sled and find him in his log cabin. There are optional adventures you can also enjoy such as a snowmobile safari, skiing or more husky and reindeer sledding before returning home late on Day 3. 3 days :: Group :: Adult from £659 :: Child from - POA :: Min Age n/a
ANDORRA- Winter Activity Week
Based in the Pyrenees, this family winter activity holiday gives you the chance to try both downhill and cross-country skiing. Try Snow-shoeing off the beaten track in peaceful and beautiful snow covered forest and learn how to build an igloo. Maybe you would like to take an optional snowmobile ride through the forest or go ice skating. You will have the chance to learn how to harness a team of dogs and set off with your team and dog sled on a forest trail, with the only sound being that of the runners on the sled sliding through the snow. 8 days :: Small group :: Adult from £1049 :: Child from £1049 :: Min Age 6 ::
AUSTRIA-Winter Austria
A chance to get active in the snow with your family. This holiday will introduce your family to winter activities such as skiing, snow tubing, snow shoeing (for older children), horse drawn sleigh ride, snowmobiling and tobogganing. Go on a treasure hunt in a winter wonderland and enjoy hot punch at the end of active, happy days in the mountain air. 8 days :: Small group :: Adult from £1199 :: Child from £1199 :: Min Age 5