Winter Experiences
What to consider when choosing winter activities
At Arctic Retreat our winter activities are generally available from mid December through to early April. Across the winter the amount of light, the temperature and the amount of snow and ice varies considerably and each month has its own unique characteristics. From December and through most of February it is quite dark in the afternoons and we recommend a maximum of one guided activity each day. It is possible to have more than one guided activity in March and early April but don’t forget to allow time each day to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the retreat and the nature that surrounds us. Guests are also most welcome to use our snowshoes or cross country skis around the retreat if you feel you need any extra motion in nature in the afternoon or evenings. Winter activities will include fika (coffee/tea and a snack) and/or lunch and this is noted in the descriptions
Reconnect to ancient ways of travelling
Husky Tour Sitting on a sled
This is a very intimate dogsledding experience where you sit on the sled with a professional musher driving you over the frozen lakes and through the snowy forest . A small family business where the owners are the lead guides. Time to relax and get to know the huskies and learn about their life. An ideal location with endless forests and lakes. Duration: 2.5 hours with fika plus transfer time 30 min each way.
Self Drive Husky Tour
We meet the huskies, harness the teams, go through instructions on how the sled works including how to control it. We then head off into the pristine wilderness with one person driving the sled and the other sitting on the sled. Your experienced musher drives the leading dog team on. The guests will alternately mush their team and sit on their sled. Duration: 2.5 hours with fika, 3.5 hours with lunch or 6 hour day tour with lunch . Plus transfer time 30 min each way.
Forest Skiing
Forest skiing is a fantastic way to experience the nature of Swedish Lapland. After being fitted out with your winter clothing and wide, easy to use, forest skis you will enjoy a tour in the forest. Your guide will help you find wildlife tracks and explain about the local nature. We may even spot moose in the winter landscape and perhaps even a black grouse. Duration: 3 hours and includes fika. Tour tailored to clients fitness levels.
Northern Lights / Aurora
Northern Lights Photography
Our professional photographer will pick you up and take up on a northern lights photography tour. You will travel to the best locations on the night, within an hours drive, if necessary, to find and learn how to photograph this amazing phenomena. You will need to bring your own camera, with manual settings, tripod, memory cards. Refreshments, warm drinks and fika (coffee/ tea and cake).are served during the evening. Duration 2.5 hours.
Northern Lights Nature Tour with Snowshoes
The northern lights are an amazing experience and, on this tour, we will aim to catch a glimpse on an evening show shoe walk. You will be equipped with your winter clothing, snowshoes and head torches and find a clear view to the north. Even if the northern lights are elusive this is a great tour with plenty of time for star gazing and storytelling by the guide. Duration: 2 hours with fika and will be tailored to the clients fitness levels.
Reconnect to Nature
Ice fishing
Challenge the cold and thick ice. Try winter fishing relaxing on the lake with beautiful nature all around you. Your winter clothing will keep you warm as you drill a hole through the ice and set down a small lure to attract one of the local fish species. 3 hours of fun and relaxation and warm drinks and fika (coffee/tea and cake).
Moose Safari
When the snow starts to build up the moose move into the river valley seeking food in the winter forest. With a little bit of luck its easy to spot and observe these wild animals in their natural habitat. The tour is by snowmobile, driven by your guide, and a sled. You will be seated comfortably in the sled watching for moose along the snowy trails. Stop for wilderness lunch around the campfire. Duration 3 hrs including lunch.
Nature tour by Snowmobile
Snowmobiling is a fun way to explore the nature in our winter landscape. Learn to drive these powerful machines along trails through the forest and over frozen lakes. There are chances of seeing reindeer and other wildlife and your experienced guide will show you the way and tell stories about life in the frozen north. Two people per snowmobile unless single driver option requested. Small children can ride in a sled behind the snowmobile. Duration: 3.5 hours with lunch.
Culture reconnect
Visit a Sami Family
In the small villages along the Råne River valley we will visit a local Sámi family. They will help you understand the land they call Sapmi though stories. Learn first hand about the Sámi, their life historically, and well as the challenges of today. Duration 3.5 hours and includes guided transfer, lunch, visit at the reindeer coral.
Jokkmokk Sami Culture
We travel to Jokkmokk and spend a couple of magic hours in the Sami camp. Meet the reindeer and enjoy a special warm lunch prepared over the open fire in the lávvu (tent house). Listen to the joik (traditional music) and Sami stories. Duration 2.5 hours on site plus 1.25 hours guided transfer each way. Includes traditional lunch.