Winter activity holidays

Snowshoeing is all about making your own tracks through deep, soft, unbroken snow and exploring otherwise inaccessible areas, with the aid of a pair of wide-footed, lightweight snowshoes. As well as being great fun, snowshoeing is also the perfect way to explore an idyllic winter landscape, meandering through pristine pine-scented forest and climbing snowy peaks to reach unspoilt views, without needing the technical skills of an off-piste skier!

Modern snowshoes are comfortable, they fit securely over a pair of normal walking boots and take just a few minutes to get used to, there's no real skill involved - all you need do is walk with your feet slightly wider apart than normal. The clothes you wear are the same as you would use for winter walking and because the shoes distribute your weight so effectively, you don't need to worry about sinking into the snow!

For winter 2010/11 there is the option to arrange snow shoeing locally in Leutasch, Kandersteg, Goms and Davos.

Ice Skating

During your holiday you will have plenty of time to enjoy the local services such as the natural, outdoor ice skating rinks that can be found in winter resorts such as Seefeld near Leutasch, Davos and Kandersteg. These are usually open throughout the whole winter period and often accompanied by music, mulled wine and a variety of festive frolics. Equipment can be hired locally.

Dog Sledding

There are few experiences that rival the feeling of going dog sledding! Just imagine 'mushing' your own team of Alaskan husky dogs and travelling at speeds of up to 20km per hour through an idyllic winter landscape of snow-covered trees and frozen lakes.

Snowmobiling

These powerful machines certainly can churn up the powder and, if you're looking for an action-packed adventure, snowmobiles can definitely deliver that real adrenaline thrill. With the assistance of professional guides and the added bonus of some simply scintillating scenery, snowmobiling will put the seal on any alpine adventure! Saariselka and Geilo both offer snowmobile safaris.

Tobogganing

In most resorts, including Geilo, Davos, Kandersteg and Goms, you can hire traditional wooden toboggans either directly from the hotel or at the local ski shop at very little cost. There is usually a whole network of toboggan runs that run parallel to the alpine pistes and wind their way gradually down through the forest. Many of these trails are open at night and are floodlit, so you can enjoy an evening stroll before the thrill of whooshing down the mountainside through the fresh snow!

Sleigh Rides

Imagine a snowy landscape, with the cosy warmth of a reindeer skin wrapped around your body, the jingling of sleigh bells and happy smiley faces enjoying the magical charm of a sleigh ride. Have a go in Saariselka, Venabu, Geilo, Kandersteg and Goms.

Reindeer Safaris

Reindeer driving is an exciting and memorable experience. Visit a reindeer farm near Saariselka and get to know the local residents and their livestock. Listen to stories about reindeer herding and learn how to harness the reindeer to the sleigh, and set off on your safari through the forest and enjoy the wonders of the winter wilderness.

Smoke Saunas

The savusauna (smoke sauna) is a special type of sauna without a chimney, where wood is burned on a particularly large stove with heat retaining rocks. The smoke from the fire fills the room and when the sauna is hot enough, the fire is allowed to die out and smoke is ventilated from the room. The residual heat of the stove is enough to lasts for up to 8 hours. Smoke saunas have experienced great revival in recent years and are considered far superior to your regular electric sauna. They are not, however, likely to replace them because more skill, effort and time (usually many hours) are needed for the heating process. In certain areas, including Saariselka, a smoke sauna can be combined with a dip in the water of a frozen lake, now that is an experience!

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing has been practised in the northern parts of Scandinavia for hundreds of years, in particular in Finland and Norway. It's an activity that involves catching fish by lowering a fishing line and hooks manually through a small opening in the ice of a frozen body of water. Fishermen would sit on a stool on the open expanse of a frozen lake or in a heated cabin on the ice, some cabins even kitted out with bunks and amenities! You can try ice fishing (book and pay locally) on our Saariselka and Geilo holidays.

Alpine skiing

Although Headwater's winter holidays are not designed for alpine skiers, we do understand that there are occasions when your partner, a member of your family, or a friend in your group is an alpine skier and would prefer to downhill ski rather than join the rest of you in cross-country skiing. If this is the case then don't let this put you off! Just let our sales team know and we will be able to provide you with further details on transport links to the downhill slopes, ski hire, lift passes and costs. The best alpine skiing can be found close to Saariselka, Geilo, Davos, Leutasch and Goms.