Cross country skiing in Lapland

• Real Arctic experience: igloo villages, reindeer corrals, Sami people and genuine smoke saunas!
• One of Finland's most extensive ski networks: over 220kms of trails, free ski bus to explore at leisure
• Good chance of seeing the world-famous Northern Lights
• Cross country ski lessons with expert instructor included; option to try snowshoeing, dog/reindeer sledding and winter walking too

The picturesque village of Saariselka is your base for the week. Low timber buildings huddle below the snowy fells and more than 220kms of groomed trails (34km of which are illuminated) radiate in all directions, including into one of Finland's loveliest National Parks - Urho Kekkonen. Snow-thick pine forests are home to reindeer and moose, while Arctic hare and willow grouse flit between pines in snowy winter camouflage.

The Hotel Riekonlinna (meaning 'Castle of the Snow Grouse!') is in the heart of the village of Saariselka, where locals run errands on scarlet kick sleds in the snowy streets. The main reception houses the bar and restaurant as well as saunas, massage and fitness rooms. All Headwater guest rooms have a private balcony (good for spotting Northern Lights!) and there is an option to upgrade to a room with private sauna.

Once you've found your ski legs, you'll soon be sweeping past reindeer corrals, husky farms and ghost huts of prospectors long departed. To get you started, we've included 3 lessons with an expert cross country ski guide who will also provide lots of suggestions for independent exploring. A regular and complimentary ski bus departs from outside the hotel and covers the entire trail network and links the local villages. Flexibility is excellent and one way trips easy to arrange.

Other activities, which you book and pay for locally, include: snowshoeing, dog/reindeer sledding and downhill skiing - the alpine slopes are just five minutes away by bus.