Swap post-Christmas gloom for Finnish Lapland’s Blue Time with The Aurora Zone

Jan. 2, 2014 - PRLog -- We may complain in winter that the days are too short, but Lapland’s currently experiencing Polar nights – a time when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. But, rather than 24 hours of darkness, ‘Blue Time’ begins.

Blue Time (or kaamos) – a bizarre natural phenomenon – lights up Lapland in a spectacular blue-grey tint which – neither night nor day – provides sufficient light (up to four hours in the depths of winter) to be out and about, despite the fact the sun hasn’t risen.  Additionally, the thick covering of snow that blankets everything – from forests to frozen lakes – reflects every bit of available light be it kaamos or moonlight. This answers a question that The Aurora Zone frequently hears, “Will it be dark all the time?” with a resounding “No!”

So, if Christmas has knocked the stuffing out of you, and the thought of dreary days and drizzle fill you with dread, head to Finnish Lapland where they know how to do winter properly. Here are three trips to Finnish Lapland which combine Northern Lights hunting with daytime activities during Blue Time:

Lapp up the Arctic winter

Explore the Arctic wilderness at a gentle pace, on this Aurora-hunting trip to Jeris. 20km from the nearest village, this lakeside hotel has a remarkable position, with vast open skies and no light pollution. By day, don snowshoes and wander through picture-perfect forests, test your lassoing skills at a reindeer farm and learn to drive a team of huskies across the frozen landscape. By night, head out in search of the Lights – on foot and by minibus. Departing January and March, Jeris Lakeside Auroras costs from £1,795 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), transfers, six nights’ full-board accommodation, warm clothing and activities.

Jet off for a proper winter

British winters can be more than a little unsatisfactory – more drizzle and draughts than winter wonderland, especially in the post-Christmas lull of January. Leave all that behind, and head to snowy Harriniva, deep in the wilds of Finland. The trip includes plenty of snow-doused activities, including an exhilarating snowmobile safari, a visit to a reindeer farm, and a husky-sledding expedition. There are also plenty of opportunities to spot the spell-binding Aurora. Departing January-March, the Harriniva Northern Lights Quest costs from £1,575 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), transfers, four nights’ full-board accommodation, warm clothing and activities.

Tick the Northern Lights off the bucket list in January

Instead of detoxes and dry January days, why not kick off 2014 by experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime sight of the Aurora Borealis? Luosto, a tiny Finnish ski resort, is an ideal base for hunting the Northern Lights. The Sodanklya Geophysical Observatory is based nearby, monitoring the Arctic Sky, and alerting the village if conditions suggest an Aurora show is imminent. The trip includes two Aurora expeditions, and the hotel also has an Aurora Alarm to wake guests if there is any action overhead during the night. By day, there are other great winter activities, including husky-sledding and a reindeer safari. Departing January-March, Luosto - Searching for the Aurora Borealis costs from £1,875 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), transfers, four nights’ full-board accommodation, warm clothing and activities.

Contact The Aurora Zone on 01670 785 012 (http://www.theaurorazone.com).

ENDS – 2 January 2014

Note to editors: The Activity Travel Company has been operating for eleven years and consists of three brands: Activities Abroad, The Aurora Zone and The White Circle. Activities Abroad specialises in family holidays in both winter and summer, while The Aurora Zone was created to highlight the innovative concept of Aurora-hunting (actively going out to seek the lights rather than remaining in one location). The White Circle is the latest addition to the portfolio, and offers adult-only winter experiences for adults in Lapland.

Press trips available. For press enquiries, to discuss press trip commissions or for photography: please contact Helena Hamlyn at Travel PR, tel: 020 8891 4440, email: h.hamlyn@travelpr.co.uk.