Winter Delights in Alta

Day 1 Arrival: Welcome to Alta and Northern Lights Safari

On arrival into Alta transfer to Thon Alta Hotel or similar and check in. Time at leisure then this evening start your adventures with a hunt for the fabled Northern Lights by bus. Your local guide will take you to the best viewpoints far away from any sources of light pollution, give you plenty of tips for capturing the best photos possible, and tell you all about the myths and legends of this extraordinary natural phenomena.

Day 2 Snowshoeing, Ice Fishing & Fatbike Aurora Ride

This morning strap on the snowshoes and head out into the forest, with your guide and a happy husky who will be pulling a "pulka" or small sled with the fishing gear. Look for animal tracks and enjoy the crisp forest air, as you experience this very traditional and ancient method of getting around. When you reach the secret ice fishing spot, drill into the ice and see what you can catch. Lunch in a lavvo around the open fire (maybe feasting on the fish you have just caught!) before snowshoeing back. This evening it's time for some fun on a guided Fatbike safari. These mountain bikes have special oversized wheels for riding on the snow. You will be amazed by the winter quiet as you ride along the many scenic dog sledding and snowmobile trails in the Alta Valley - plus there's a chance you may spot the majestic Northern Lights dancing in the sky above.

Day 3 Reindeer Sledding & Sami Culture at Sorrisniva, Overnight in a Tipi Bungalow

Late morning transfer from downtown Alta to Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel and experience the unique indigenous Sami culture of Lapland. Enjoy a leisurely ride through the surrounding forest, in a traditional reindeer sled. The sled ride is approximately 3km long, at a slow pace, so you can enjoy the stillness and peace of the delightful natural surroundings. Then warm up with hot drinks and a snack inside a traditional Sami Lavvo or tent, with its open campfire. Your hosts will tell you all about their experience as reindeer herders and about the special Sami way of life. Return transfer downtown.

Late afternoon transfer from downtown Alta to Holmen Husky Lodge and time at leisure, perhaps relax in the sauna or outdoor Jacuzzi. Overnight in a private Tipi Bungalow - a cosy room with a double bed, fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can look out at the night sky and hopefully see the Aurora dancing!

Day 4 Dogsledding and Aurora Snowmobiling

Morning husky safari from Holmen Husky Lodge. Drive your own dogsled or relax and enjoy the scenery as a passenger. Journey through the pine forest following the banks of the Alta River, or up through the Alta Valley to the Finnmarksvidda mountain plain. Stop for hot drinks and snacks in a lavvo or outdoors around an open fire. Afternoon transfer to downtown Alta and check in to Thon Alta Hotel or similar. Evening guided Snowmobile Safari from the outskirts of Alta into the wilderness (2 persons share snowmobile). Break for hot drinks and snacks in a lavvo along the way. Keep an eye out for the Northern Lights!

Day 5 Alta: Departure

Check out, transfer to the airport and end of arrangements.

2020-2021 departures: daily from December - March

Notes:

All snowmobile drivers must have a valid, unrestricted driver's licence.