Reviews

 Well this was the first winter trip for my partner and I, it was booked 2 weeks before travelling so very rushed and I was concerned that things may have been missed when booking, this was not a concern as everything was catered for.Day 1When we landed at the Rovaniemi Airport we were greeted by a 52 seater coach just for the 2 of us! We then were taken on the 1.5hr journey to Lousto where…
Read more we were greeted by our local Reps Graham and Karen about 19:30 in the evening, they took us to the log cabin to drop our bags off then straight to the Hotel for our tea. The spread was lovely with lots to choose from.After dining we then made our way back to the log cabin, we were still in what we thought was winter clothing and we could feel the -16!Day 2 & 3We had left these days free to find our feet. We went to the Snow Games office to collect our winter gear first thing, once we had this kit on we were as warm as toast! Exploring the local craft shops and just wandering about was very enjoyable, the snow was so dry (not like the wet stuff we get in the UK!) the air was crisp and fresh.We made a daytime walk around the local lake that was very nice (this was to be repeated later at night), took lots of photographs. We met a couple and booked a Skiing session (very reasonably priced!) first time in 25 years!Day 4Huskies day, Met up at Snow Games at 10:00 and were transported to the husky farm about an half an hour away, we were given an introductory talk then onto the sleds, this was an unforgettable experience, it was sunny and very cold, the dogs went wild when they realised they were setting off! They loved the snow as much as we did! This was finished off by a tour around the husky farm and a cup of tea! We also managed to sneak off from the group and went to see the reindeers that were just next door!Later that day we went for an evening walk around the lake, this walk is only short and the path is flat and very well cleared, at night they have the path lit up with lovely little cone shaped lights and every so often there are floodlights lighting up the snow covered trees. on the path there is a Kota, this is a little hut that the locals use for meeting outdoors (they are scattered all over the wilderness), we stopped to light a fire from the burning embers, around the back there was a large shed full of wood!Day 5As of yet we had not seen the Northern Lights as it had been snowing or cloudy every day, today it was crisp and clear. We were booked on the evening tour so we met at Snow Games at 16:00 just as it was going dark, to our surprise we were the only ones on the snowmobile tour! The others were going by bus! Our guide gave me the introductory safety talk and familiarisation with the snowmobile as this was my first time on one! We set off taking it steady, they were very easy to ride and control and it wasn’t long before we were making good progress, a lot bumpier than I had expected and it took a while before I stopped trying to keep the front skis in a straight line and let them follow their natural course this then became a lot easier. It took about 2hrs to get to the Kota and the sky was still clear. We were greeted by the lady that gave us a lovely bun and cup of tea while she talked about the Northern Lights.After finishing the talk we went outside and we saw the first glimmers of the lights on the horizon, it was still early yet and we decided to stop on the way back to see if we could see them any better! After about an hour we stopped at a clearing and there we could clearly see the lights, what a spectacular finish to the holiday! Managed to get a few photos before we set off back. When we got back the sky had clouded over so we couldn’t see anything after that!Day 6Up very early as we had a 12hr journey back to the UK (5hr wait at Helsinki)This has been an experience of a lifetime and everything was perfect!Big Thank You to everyone 
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Evening snowmobile to Northern Lights; when we got there we found out that there was only us going on the tour! The guide was excellent; great fun and very helpful when I wanted to keep stopping for photos. He was always checking we were ok and warm and nothing was too much trouble for him! Thank You

Probably one of the best holidays I have ever experienced. And I have been to Australia, NZ, Bali, Thailand, Egypt, Florida, Mexico, Cruising etc.The holiday from start to finish (Prior to arriving in Heathrow) was nothing short of fantastic. Not even the flu on my last 2 days could dampen the experience.Heathrow departure was good no hiccupsFlight with Finnair was good, overnight stay in Helsinki…
Read more Hilton airport - I would recommend this as it breaks up a long day and you arrive in Harriviva fresh.Arrival at Kittila airport very smooth and bus and driver already waiting, driver helped with all bags and never even held his hand out for a tip (What a great start)Excellent trip through the wilderness on snow-covered roads, driver pointing out areas of interest.Arrival at Hotel. Greeted with a very warm welcome, politness and efficiency and this continued throughout the holiday.Rooms and Cabins are basic (But you are in the Arctic Circle)Hotel was very friendly and cosy it was like walking into your own home, but remember it is an activity holiday so people are wearing anything from tracksuits and their slippers, to full-on winter suits and boots. Two internet PC`s free of charge. Small shop for essentials, but there is a supermarket and Pharmacy about 5km walk away. A lounge for relaxing with pretend fire. Suana (seperate mens and ladies). Restaurant serving a good selection of breakfast, dinner and evening meal (selection limited) but quality excellent. Bar area with open fire, beer reasonable, wine slightly more expensive, spirits expensiveAmenities - Equipment store for Cross Country skis, Snowshoes, toboggans, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Ice Karts (very expensive), Ice Fishing, Kotas (somewhere to go and have your own open fire and a couple of bevvies)Activities - Snowmobiling Safaris including different tours of varying distances/time. We did the 80km which included lunch out. Excellent tour and would recommendHuskies Safari including different tours of varying distances/time. We did the 2 day overnight which included luuch on both days, dinner int he evening, your own team of huskies and sledge which you are responsible for hitching and feeding. Excellent tour and would recommendReindeer Safari including lunch. Excellent day out and would recommendDont go on this holiday if you are chasing the northern lights, remember they are a living thing and you may or may not see them. It was one of our reasons for going, but even though we didn't see them it did not spoil our holiday one bit. In fact the further into the holiday the less important it became.Travelling home. Kittila airport is a pleasure to pass through, Helsinki is a very nice and efficient airport, Heathrow is a disgrace to international air travel. They need a serious look at their Operations processes and procedures and forget about another runway.
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Hotel was excellent, staff could not have been more helpful or friendly (nothing was too much trouble). Not your typical 5* luxury in the sun, far better. You were made to feel so welcome it was like being in your own home. Food was excellent but limited but that did not spoil anything. (Lots of Fish and Reindeer, which is very nice). Accommodation - Rooms very spacious, Cabins basic but superb…
Read more all very clean and warm. Activities - Snowmobile Safari - Brilliant fun and so much of the area covered; Husky Safari (2 day overnight) - What an experience, every minute brilliant; Reindeer Farm - Brilliant and fun; Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing - Hard work but also fantastic fun; Staff/Guides - There was not one member of the staff (Bus driver, guides, hotel, equipment) that could not do enough for you. All people should be like this the world would be a better place. I would like to thank all the staff for making the holiday so enjoyable.
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I thought the reindeer ride/experience was fantastic as this is not something that is readily available and accessible which makes the activity much more special. For me (the least enjoyable) was probably the snowshoeing and that was because it was quite hard work! The walk was brilliant and there was nothing wrong with the trip.

Husky sledging as it was a totally unique experience especially driving it yourself. Fantastic holiday; brilliant location.

The husky safari was excellent; the dogs were big and strong and the wilderness was breathtaking.

Our rep at Harriniva, Katrina, could not have been more helpful and friendly. Made sure that everything went well. Similarly the lodge couldn't have been more helpful and knowledgeable. Everyone was fantastic and made the holiday of a lifetime even more special.

Favourite activity: The huskies - our guide was amazing and dogs totally brilliant.

Nice atmosphere at Saija. Friendly and welcoming. Not a large number of other guests which meant that one met just about everybody. We were glad it was not a hotel. Catered well for vegetarians - balanced diet with protein and not just omelettes or quiche. Huskies - small group, excellent guides (Jarno and Timo). Stunning location, mixture of pace and terrain. It was nice to have mostly the same…
Read more dog team over the four days. We also did the long skidoo run. Great fun but we preferred the huskies because it was quieter. Fabulous holiday, activities and location. The lack of large numbers of holiday makers adds to the location's charm - sorry that sounds selfish!
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