Five Ways to See the Northern Lights on a Ski Holiday with Ski Safari
Always dreamt of seeing the Aurora Borealis? Ski Safari shows how to combine an incredible skiing holiday with seeing the spectacular Northern Lights.
The Aurora Borealis is an incredible natural light display found in high latitude regions of the Earth. Vibrant shades of greens, pinks, purples and blues seem to dance across the sky as electrically charged sun particles enter the earth’s atmosphere. This entrancing light performance illuminates the beauty of some of the most remote areas in the world and is an unforgettable and mesmerising experience.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of many holiday wish-lists and what better way to tick it off than by pairing seeing the lights with an incredible ski holiday? Ski Safari, the tailor-made ski holiday specialist has added the new ‘Ski & Aurora Explorer’ trip in Norway to its inspirational portfolio, alongside a number of firm favourites in Iceland and North America.
Whether spotting the enchanting display during a stopover in Reykjavik after exploring Breckenridge, or being wowed by the shimmering spectacle in Yukon after testing out the new Blackcomb Gondola in Whistler, it is always a mystical and fascinating time.
NEW Ski & Aurora Explorer (Trysil & Tromsø):
Combining the enchanting delights of the spectacular Aurora Borealis light show with the largest ski area in Norway, this brand new ski safari promises to be an unforgettable trip. Perfect for couples and families looking for gentle skiing and for anyone seeking the wonders of an intriguing Arctic city.
Snow-sure Trysil, regarded as one of Norway’s best resorts, is a wonderful place to start the adventure. Home to some of the very first downhill ski racing in 1862, Trysil is steeped in heritage and offers wide, easy-going pistes complete with panoramic peak views of elk-filled forests.
After five exciting days exploring the terrain, journey to Tromsø, an oasis in the Arctic wilderness located between fjords, mountain peaks and islands above the Arctic Circle. For the best chance to see the magical array of the Northern Lights, enjoy a boat cruise on the Aurora Explorer, take the Aurora Safari Minibus or try the Tromsø Cable Car, which gives travellers uninterrupted views of the cityscape and potentially front-row seats to the spectacular light show. Spend the rest of the trip exploring this cultural hub, home to an Arctic cathedral, a husky farm and delicious, fresh, local seafood.
Andy Hemingway, Product Manager for Scandinavia, says: “This is an unforgettable trip allowing you to explore a range of world-class experiences both on and off the slopes. The highlight for many will be the chance to get a glimpse of the mystical Aurora Borealis”.
How much? An eight night Ski and Aurora Explorer Ski Safari costs from £1,259 pp (two sharing). Price includes B&B accommodation, direct flights and transfers. 4* + Radisson Blu Resort, Trysil & 4* Radisson Blu, Tromsø
For more information, or to book, call 01273 224068 or visit www.skisafari.com
Alaska Northern Lights (Alyeska):
Alaska’s Arctic is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights due to a clear, dry climate and low levels of light pollution. Discover the highlights of Alaska on this incredible adventure, where guests can request a Northern Lights wake-up call at the four-star Hotel Alyeska, so they have every opportunity of seeing the mesmerising Aurora Borealis.
Alyeska is ideal for advanced skiers: the daily heli-skiing departures allow access to chutes and bowls in the Chugach Mountains and the inbound steeps include North America’s longest double black diamond. The resort also receives more than 16 metres of snow each season and up to 14 hours of sun per day, making for long, exciting days on the slopes.
Continue the journey on the Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure tour commencing in Fairbanks. This specialist tour takes guests to Coldfoot, located directly under the Auroral Oval and one of the best locations to see the spectacle.
This trip also offers excursions to Alaska’s Brooks Mountain Range, the opportunity to go dog sledding with a local musher and an additional aurora viewing in Wiseman.
Andy Knights, North American Specialist, says: “Alaska – the greatest wilderness in North America. Incredible skiing experiences combined with a breath-taking journey into Alaska’s arctic to enjoy the Northern Lights makes this the trip of a lifetime.”
How much? An 11 night holiday in March 2019 costs from £3,325 pp. Price includes a seven night stay in the 4* Hotel Alyeska, Alyeska, followed by a four day, three night stay in Coldfoot as part of the Arctic Aurora Adventure, final night in Anchorage, including all flights and transfers.
For more information, or to book, call 01273 224060 or visit www.skisafari.com
Yukon (Northern Tales & Whistler):
Combine an expert-led trip to see the Northern Lights in Whitehorse, Yukon with an incredible ski holiday in Whistler, Canada’s largest resort.
Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, with 8,171 acres, 200 runs, plenty of backcountry and exciting heli-skiing terrain, Whistler offers skiing and snowboarding for all abilities. The brand-new 10-person Blackcomb Gondola gives even easier access to the two majestic mountains and the vibrant, traffic-free village has more than 200 shops, as well as some of the best après-ski bars in North America.
After making the most of Whistler, travel to downtown Whitehorse, situated next to Yukon River, the base for the Northern Lights sightseeing tour and meet the Northern Tales team. With the specialists, head out on small, guided tours into the wilds every evening, where there is the chance to witness the glow of the lights from the shelter of a cabin or wall tent, complete with hot drinks and snacks.
When the sun comes up, there is also the opportunity to explore the city’s attractions, which include the innovative Log Skyscraper, reflective Schwatka Lake and the quaint Log Church. Or spend the days ice fishing, snowmobile driving or just relaxing.
How much? A 10 night holiday in January 2019 costs from £1,895 pp. Price includes a seven night stay in a 4* hotel in Whistler followed by a three night Aurora Borealis package (introduction, city tour and aurora viewing with hot drinks and snacks), all flights and transfers.
For more information, or to book, call 01273 224060 or visit www.skisafari.com
Reykjavik, Iceland (Colorado resort):
A free stopover in Reykjavik en-route to Denver with Icelandair makes it a fitting addition to a ski holiday to Colorado, and it is worth spending two nights here for a fantastic chance to see the Northern Lights.
Enjoy 10 days skiing and exploring the charming resort of Breckenridge, one of the UK’s favourite US ski destinations. Pause in Reykjavik on the way home and spend two days visiting Iceland’s geothermic wonders during the day and incredible Northern Lights Mystery Tour at night.
Breckenridge is a former gold mining town comprising ski terrain for all abilities at high altitude. The mountain is made up of five linked ‘Peaks’, making the range of pistes almost endless. Thrill-seekers should hop onto the Express Superchair, the highest chairlift in North America, which begins at 11,901 feet and ends at 12,840.
Following Breckenridge, Reykjavik is a fitting addition for those wanting to continue their adventures and see the spectacular Northern Lights. Join the Golden Circle Tour to see explosive geysers, thundering waterfalls and sparkling glaciers, and be sure to visit the famous, steaming Blue Lagoon. In the evening, depart on the Northern Lights Mystery Tour in the hope of seeing the most incredible blues, pinks and greens the sky has to offer.
Andrea Selig, Product Manager, says: “A free stopover option for Colorado ski holidays, Iceland is a no-brainer if you are flying into Denver”.
How much? A 10 night stay in Breckenridge with a two night Reykjavik add-on costs from £2,120 pp (two sharing). Price includes a standard room at the 3* Hotel Fron in Reykjavik, a Studio at 4* Main Street Station in Breckenridge, return flights, a three-hour Northern Lights Tour and local transfers in Iceland and Colorado.
For more information, or to book, call 01273 224060 or visit www.skisafari.com
Lapland & the Aurora Sky Station (Riksgransen/Björkliden)
Ski Åre, Scandinavia’s largest resort, then head north to the Arctic where guests can explore the wilderness, go heli-skiing, have the chance to see the Northern Lights and stay at the original ICEHOTEL® all on this bucket-list tour.
Home to the World Ski Championships, Åre is perfect for families and intermediate skiers as they can practise on more than 1,000 acres of crowd-free ski terrain. The slopes are floodlit until 8 pm each evening, providing visitors with even more time to perfect their technique. Aside from skiing, the historic lakeside town has zip wires, a chocolate factory, a distillery and live bands at the weekends, so there is never a dull moment.
Spend six days in Åre before jumping on a sleeper train and waking up in Riksgränsen, the world’s most northerly ski resort. With varied off-piste and easy access to heli-skiing, Riksgränsen is ideal for keen skiers after an enthralling experience. Björkliden has many slopes for all abilities and thrilling activities including dogsledding and snowmobile tours too. From Björkliden, travellers can easily reach the Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park, where the Northern Lights regularly illuminate the night skies. Watch the hypnotic show from the outdoor viewing deck before warming up in the cosy restaurant, complete with a log fire and panoramic windows overlooking Torneträsk frozen lake. End the adventure in style and stay at the original ICEHOTEL®, sleep in an ice-sculped room cocooned in warm blankets and watch for the Aurora Borealis.
Andy Hemingway, Product Manager in Scandinavia, says: “This is a phenomenal trip. It combines the best skiing Northern Europe has to offer with astounding scenery, a stay in the ICEHOTEL® and one of the best opportunities in the world to see the Northern Lights”.
How much? An <arel=”nofollow” href=”https://www.skisafari.com/ski-safaris/sweden/are-and-the-arctic” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>11 night Åre and the Arctic Ski Safari costs from £1,699 pp. Price includes a standard room at the 4* Tott Hotel in Are, a night on the sleeper train, a standard room at the 3*+ Riksgränsen Hotel in Riksgränsen, flights and transfers.
For more information, or to book, call 01273 224068 or visit www.skisafari.com
