CROSS COUNTRY SKIING IN LAPLAND

The Hotel Kieppi is in the heart of Saariselka, where locals run errands on scarlet kick sleds in the snowy streets. The hotel’s name means “The burrow of the snow grouse” and with crackling fire, wooden chandeliers hanging from the beamed roof and windows lit by fairy lights it’s as cosy as it sounds. The main reception houses the restaurant and bar (plenty of comfy chairs by the fire) and saunas. The comfortable en suitebedrooms are located in four red wooden cabins adjacent. Once a week Tuula-Maija, an elderly Sami lady, demonstrates traditional handicrafts and relates stories by the fireside.

With 220kms of pristine trails (34kms of which are illuminated) sweeping past reindeer corrals, husky farms and ghost huts of prospectors long departed, this region offers exceptionally varied skiing opportunities. To get you started, we’ve included 3 morning lessons with expert cross country ski guide, Anu Munne. She will also provide lots of suggestions for independent exploring.

A regular and complimentary ski bus runs throughout the trail network and links the local villages. Flexibility is excellent and one way trips easy to arrange. We have included a free ticket to the village spa next door if you fancy a swim. Hotel activities include guided snowshoe trips (pay locally), and toboggans are free to guests. You can also arrange dogsledding, snow mobiling or reindeer sled rides (pay locally). The downhill ski slopes are just a 5 minute ride away on the free bus.

All evening meals are taken in the romantic, candlelit dining room where à la carteLapp specialities include reindeer fillet with lingonberries, warm Lappish cheese with arctic cloudberries.