Fly from the UK to Sweden's capital city Stockholm and then catch another internal flight north to Ostersund. On arrival you will be met by a member of Intrepid Expeditions' staff who will have organised transport to drive you to the remote location that Intrepid Expeditions use for the winter. The cabin is very basic with no electricity or indoor bathroom, TV, phones or computers - fantastic ! With the warm, comfortable glow of the cabin and the smell of a warm meal awaiting you - life's troubles should soon be forgotten!
In the morning the first thing that is apparent is the fantastic view of the lake, and the snow laden trees that happen to be right in front of the cabin . After a well deserved breakfast this day is all about resting and recuperating from the previous day's travelling. You have the option to just laze around or go and explore the stunning wilderness on your doorstep.
After breakfast we head off to the lake where we will meet the husky dogs. The peace and tranquillity soon disappears as you hear the dogs arrive who are excited, noisy and ready to go. The moment they start to pull you away you are thrusted back into total silence once more.... Oh, by the way you are driving!
The journey takes you around the lake and over to an island where a hot lunch is cooked over an open campfire. It will then be time for a spot of ice fishing whilst sipping good hot, strong coffee. It is all extremely relaxing and enjoyable. Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end, so we travel back to the cabin. In the evening you can either chill out and relax, or you can go for a play or walk with snow shoes on at night with the instructors.
After breakfast we take an hour's drive by minibus to the mountains where you will be issued with a snowmobile. After a safety briefing we set off on an 80km trek through the stunning forests and over the mountains. Snowmobiling is exhilarating and extremely enjoyable. A hot lunch is then provided either in a mountain lodge or a typical Swedish open hut.
After lunch we head off again for several hours driving through some of the most spectacular scenery Sweden has to offer. Sadly, this experience has to come to an end at some point, in this case it is when you hand the keys to your snowmobile back. We will then travel back to the cabin to relax and absorb the experience and the atmosphere.
Day five is based around the cabin with a spot of ice fishing, cross country skiing or snow shoeing - it is entirely up to you. Perhaps you could just opt for the hot tub and sauna by the lake?
After this wonderful relaxing and unique experience its time to head back to the UK, and the real world!!
Boring but serious stuff
You must ensure that your personal travel insurance covers you for this activity, and make sure that it covers you for damage as well as medical injury.
There is a maximum excess limit of £700 if you damage a snowmobile as they cost in the region of £6000 pounds and are no older than a couple of years. This money should be recouped from your insurance provider. You must hold a full UK driving licence or a full motorcycle licence.
Kit List:
Hat
Gloves/Mittens
Sun glasses/ski goggles
Warm jacket
Warm trousers
Warm boots
Set of thermals
Enough underwear and socks for the duration
T-shirts
Fleece/jumper
Head torch and spare batteries
Small first aid kit
Toiletries bag and towel
Camera
Sleeping bag
Large bag to put all your kit in.
Passport, Visa and Vaccinations
All that is required is a current, valid 10 year passport plus a current European health insurance card.
Weather
Temperatures can vary in January-April between 0oc to -30oc. Although the temperature is extremely cold, the atmosphere is crisp and exhilarating, and not like cold days in the UK.
What is included?
Flights
Transport within Sweden
Husky dogs
Snowmobiles
Crash helmet/warm clothes
Use of skis
Ice fishing equipment
Cabin
Food
Hot tub
Sauna
Insurance
What is not included?
Personal expenditure
Travel insurance
Transport in the UK
Chef
Cleaner
