โรงแรมใกล้กับ Luosto Ice Skating Park, โซดันกือลา

We didn't realise that when we booked 3 nights from 5 April, that we would be getting there a week or so before the spring close for a few months. But this probably made what was a fantastic break. Now I realise that for families, the December/January is a must for the whole Santa/Christmas/New Year experience. Combined with very cold temperatures, and snow covering everything. But when I heard that the resort caters for up to 800 guests, I can only imagine how mad busy it is, with people everywhere. For my family of four (daughters in their 20's) we were amongst only 40 other guests staying at the time. It was brilliant. There was still loads of snow on the ground but just the trees had shed theirs and were green. But there was no one in the other keto igloos around us and when we walked out most times there was no-one in sight and you could look far in the distance and just see snow, trees....and no humans. a true wilderness experience. We caught a slight glimpse of the Northern Lights on our first night but not really in full glory, but I think that's a chance you take at any time of the year. We did the snowmobile - Quite fun but the risk of paying up to 1200 euros for any damage caused (as told sternly by the guide) made us keep to the speed limits! The Reindeer Aurora Hunt in the evening was OK but if you don't get to see the lights can be a bit boring and hard work on the bum sitting in the sleigh. I can imagine that it could be even harder work in colder temperatures. The Husky ride was the best by far - Great stuff. I think two hours of each activity is enough. Breakfast options were a little limited, with yukky reindeer sausages. Would have been great to have a bacon option. The evening meals were lovely - Again, I believe that it's buffet style in peak season and I have read a lot of criticism. During this quieter time we were given menu options and enjoyed it every night. Definitely pack snacks with you if you can as they are very expensive at the resort. We spent a fair amount on cocktails for the girls and beer for me - Expensive but had good choices. No need to buy bottled water as the water coming from the tap was almost ”mountain spring” - And I should know as drinking water is my profession! I took a tip from another reviewer and had a small container that I asked reception to fill with milk which I took back to make our cuppa's- They don't sell milk, just provide those small sachets. We got the private taxi there and back - Good that it takes, and picks up from your accommodation. I could image it can be quite a trek getting luggage to and from some of the accommodation as they can be far away from reception. Staff were friendly but again, they were not under pressure and were all going home for a few months a week or so after our stay. So, in summary a great stay and if you don't need the Santa experience, but want a great service experience, then March / April would be better.

The place is lovely, in a reconstructed gold village with a gold museum, in the National park of Tankavaara. The rooms, apart from wooden cottages in the wood, are in two ugly buildings that indeed disagree with the general idea. My room was small and very basic, beds very uncomfortable, kind of soft sofas with a very thin mattress; the bathroom new and comfortable. Breakfast is quite poor. Lunch and dinner are average. The nicest one was the fire dinner in a small hut with Sami music and a very nice girl of the staff. The activities are well organized. I did snowshoeing in the park with the same nice girl and reindeer sledding by night (no aurora unluckily). The staff is kind and helpful. Wi-Fi works very well also in rooms.