MAGICAL EXPERIENCES IN NORWAY & SWEDEN
- PRE-BOOK YOUR WINTER ACTIVITIES NOW!
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SCANDINAVIA - THE PERFECT CHOICE
Holidays are special for many reasons. Each one brings lasting memories of those unique
moments you have while you are away. And it’s the thrill of new experiences that really make the difference; take a closer look at what Norway & Sweden have to offer, and make your next winter holiday the most magical yet.
 
Your spare time is precious, so when choosing your destination you want to be sure of good snow-cover, quality accommodation, comfortable flights, a quick and easy journey to resort (especially if you are travelling with children), fine food and plenty of new experiences. Our carefully selected ski resorts in Norway & Sweden offer all these and a whole lot more…
 
10 REASONS TO VISIT 
  1. Snowsure resorts for long seasons, due to the resorts’ northerly latitude there’s great snow right through to Easter and beyond.
  2. Space on the mountain – these resorts are far less crowded even on peak dates compared to main European destinations
  3. Friendly and efficient service – the locals love the English and are genuinely happy to welcome them in their resorts
  4. Superb ski schools – we receive excellent feedback year after year from our guests that have taken tuition in all our Norwegian and Swedish resorts. Beginners are well catered for too with small group sizes and easily accessible learner slopes.
  5. Something special – try somewhere different, off the well beaten track
  6. Saunas – there are many opportunities to stay in a hotel or cabin that offers a sauna for a real taste of Scandinavia
  7. Style – there’s no disputing that the Scandinavians have a natural flair for interior design
  8. Log cabins – you don’t get them in many other places outside Norway & Sweden. People love them with all the wood finishing and cosy interiors...
  9. Neilson Chalets which offer a private sauna and / or out door hot tub (check out our 4 Geilo chalets in Norway, 2 in Sweden)
  10. Pre-bookable Activities – there are so many things to do when you are not skiing – just take a look at the ideas below:

ACTIVITIES GALORE!
We are well aware that your budget is unlikely to be unlimited, so we’ve put together a selection of our most popular activities in Norway & Sweden to pre-book. Pre-booking enables you to budget more easily for your time away and ensures that your place is reserved, so you won’t miss out on any of the fantastic activities available. There will also be a number of options to book through your Neilson Rep when you arrive in resort - from Ice Fishing to Frozen Waterfall Visits. In the meantime, here’s a selection of what’s available to pre-book with Neilson now:

    GEILO - NORWAY
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    HUSKY DOG SAFARI
    WEDNESDAY – 2pm, approx. 2 hours
    This is a very popular excursion – it’s more of a mini adventure giving you a feel for this great mode of winter transport used for many years across the snowy landscapes of Norway. Visit the husky centre where you will meet the dogs and be given simple instructions about how to drive or ‘mush’ a husky team. Then you’ll take a 5km sleigh ride out over the frozen lake or through the surrounding forests. You’ll be amazed by the excitement of the huskies as they run through the snow – a real treat for adults and children alike.
    £60 per adult (16yrs+)
    £49 per child (4-15yrs)
     
    TREE TOP WALK
    FRIDAY  - 11am, approx 1 hour
    This is an exciting way to view the resort – from up on high in a tree! You will climb to the treetops and follow a route that takes you from tree to tree along various wooden walkways and lines. There are 29 challenges of varying difficulty to conquer along the way. Your final descent includes a zip line, which is almost 150 meters long! There is also a ‘tiny park’ with smaller sized items for the youngest in the family to try!
    £31 per adult (16yrs+)
    £20 per child (4-15yrs) min height 140cm

    SEARCH FOR SANTA
    25 DECEMBER / 01 JANUARY - 4pm, approx 2 hours
    Set off for a quiet ride on a traditional Geilo ‘kicksledge’ to the secret place where Santa spends his time inbetween delivering presents. Let the children enjoy the magical moment of meeting Santa sitting by the fire in his special old house – the ‘Slettostugu’. Inside you’ll meet the legend himself, hear stories about how he and his elves struggle to make all the Christmas presents in time. Then you’ll be offered a hot Christmas drink and a very special bakery product, always served at Santa’s place. The atmosphere is warm and magical - both adults and children are sure to enjoy a visit.
    £43 per adult (16yrs+)
    £22 per child (4-15yrs)

    LANGEDRAG NATURE PARK & MOUNTAIN

    FRIDAY - 11am, approx. 4 hours
    This visit is a must see for all nature lovers. Lying in-between the mountains and lakes of Hallingdal and Numedal is this special nature farm set up with the aim of preserving species of Arctic fox, lynx, wolves, yak, reindeer, cattle goats and wildfowl. There are 20 different species on the farm with around 350 animals in all. It’s a great day out – wrap up warm for the walk along the farm trail to spot the various animals in their natural habitats. Small children will love the petting barns and you may also wish to learn about the production of the characteristic brown and white goat cheese which they produce from their herd of 50 goats and sell in the farm shop.
    £38 per adult (16yrs+)
    £22 per child (4-15yrs)
    BEITOSTØLEN - NORWAY
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    HUSKY DOG MINI SAFARI

    TUESDAY – 2pm, approx. 1 hour
    A trip to the husky centre where you will learn about the sport of dog sledding. You’ll then be taken out in the sledge for a 3km drive on the frozen Øyangen lake or through the nearby surrounding forests. This is a mini adventure, giving you a feel for a great mode of transport used many years ago in Norway. You’ll be amazed by the excitement of the huskies as they run through the snow – a real treat for adults and children alike. 6km and 16km half day husky trips available in resort.
    £38 per adult (15yrs+)
    £27 per child (5-14yrs)
     
    SNOWMOBILE COURSE
    THURSDAY – 3pm, approx. 2 hours
    This is a great way to try out this amazing sport, which is a part of daily life up in the snowy mountains. Take the 700m course challenge - with varied terrain and some tricky turn. Feel the rush of wind on your face as you fly through the snowy landscape – it really gets the adrenaline flowing! You’ll need warm ski outerwear & gloves. You’ll be given a short introduction to the controls and how to drive a snowmobile & use of a safety helmet.
    £65 per adult (18yrs+ only)
    Full driving licence required
     
    FUN WITH SANTA
    FRIDAY - approx. 1 hour
    Set off to find the secret place where Santa spends his time in-between delivering presents. Let the children enjoy the magical moment of meeting Santa sitting by the fire in his special house. For December arrivals there will be the opportunity to join Santa in his workshop. For the rest of the season, you can take a trip to the ‘Guild Hall’ in the main village. This shows many winter scenes with Santa’s helpers’ at work – a must see for all small children.
    £38 per adult (13yrs+)
    £27 per child (5-12yrs)

    SNOWRAFTING

    WEDNESDAY - 3pm, approx. 2 hours
    Ever seen a boat gliding down a mountain? Here’s you chance – it’s great fun for all ages and you have to see it to believe it! Go on, have a hoot with your friends as you fly down a carefully prepared gully on the mountainside in an inflatable raft. It’s a very different way to finish off the day with 4 or 5 runs on a snowraft.
    £42 per adult (15yrs+)
    £33 per child (5-14yrs)


    ÅRE – SWEDEN
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    SNOWMOBILE SAFARI

    WEDNESDAY – approx. 2.5 hours
    A daytime or nightime safari is a great way to try out this amazing sport, which is a part of daily life up in the snowy mountains. Take to the forest trails and explore the outer reaches of the resort and the wilderness beyond either on your own or on a shared snowmobile. Feel the rush of wind on your face as you fly through the snowy landscape – it really gets the adrenaline flowing! And there’s a good chance that you will see elk roaming in their winter pastures as you drive along the 25km route. Hot drinks and snacks are provided along the way, with a few local tales! You’ll need warm ski outerwear & gloves. You’ll be given a short introduction to the controls and how to drive a snowmobile & use of a safety helmet.
    £77 per adult (12yrs+). Full driving licence required (driver)
    £45 per child (5-11yrs)
     
    HUSKY DOG SAFARI
    TUESDAY – approx. 2 hours
    A trip to the husky centre where you will be shown how to drive or ‘mush’ a team of huskies. You’ll then you’ll take a 5km sleigh ride out on the frozen lake and nearby surrounding forests. This is a mini adventure, giving you a feel for a great mode of transport used many years ago in Sweden and Lapland. You’ll be amazed by the excitement of the huskies as they run through the snow – a real treat for adults and children alike.
    £91 per adult (12yrs+)
    £54 per child (5-11yrs)
     
    VISIT SANTA IN THE FOREST
    DECEMBER 20, 21, 22, 23 & 29 – approx. 1.5 hours
    Bring the whole family to the shore of Lake Åre and you will be taken by snowmobile and sleds to Santa’s place. After a short ride on the frozen lake you will arrive at a hidden area where Santa rests in between delivering Christmas presents. Let the children enjoy the magical moment of meeting Santa and sitting by his fire in the “kåta” (tipi). You’ll be offered “Glögg”, a Swedish Christmas beverage, and a “Lusse bulle”, a very special saffron bun always served at Santa’s. He’ll tell stories about how he and his elves struggle to deliver all the Christmas presents in time.
    £52 per adult (12yrs+)
    £52 per child (7-11yrs)

    ICE IGLOO IN THE FROZEN WATERFALL

    MONDAY - approx. 3 hours / TUESDAY - approx. 4 hours (dinner included)
    Tännforsen - Sweden’s mightiest waterfall has battled hard to earn its protected status; it has been a nature reserve since 1971. During the winter the waterfall freezes, and the ice magically creates formations & caves, which are lit up at night. By Christmas time the magnificent Ice Igloo is ready - sculpted from the frozen water, inside the Igloo there are many rooms, a great auditorium with 100 seats & a beautiful bar made from ice. By the end of April the Igloo disappears into Tännforsen's rapid-flowing waters. On the 3hr trip you will stop for a traditional Swedish Fika – a coffee with Waffles. The 4hr trip includes a welcome drink inside the Igloo Bar and dinner at the on-site restaurant.
    Tännforsen Frozen Waterfall + Igloo visit: £45 per adult (12yrs+) or child (5-11yrs)
    Tännforsen Frozen Waterfall + Igloo visit + Dinner: £85 per adult (12yrs+) £50 per child (5-11yrs)
    VEMDALEN - SWEDEN
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    SNOWMOBILE SAFARI

    TUESDAY – approx. 1.5 hours
    A daytime safari is a great way to try out snowmobiling, which is a part of daily life up in the snowy mountains. Take to the forest trails and explore the outer reaches of the resort and the wilderness beyond either on your own or on a shared snowmobile. Feel the rush of wind on your face as you fly through the snowy landscape – it really gets the adrenaline flowing! Hot drinks and snacks are provided at a cabin in the mountains, with a few local tales! You’ll need warm ski outerwear & gloves. You’ll be given a short introduction to the controls and how to drive a snowmobile & use of a safety helmet.
    £82 per snowmobile / £41 per person (based on 2 sharing)
    Drive must be 18yrs+, passenger must be 6yrs+
    Full driving licence required (driver)
     
    MINI HUSKY DOG SAFARI
    WEDNESDAY - approx. 2.5km
    Take a trip from the centre of the village where you will be given instructions on how to drive or ‘mush’ a team of huskies. You’ll then you’ll take a 2.5km sleigh ride out in the wilderness. This is a mini adventure, giving you a feel for a great mode of transport used many years ago in Sweden. You’ll be amazed by the excitement of the huskies as they run through the snow – a real treat for adults and children alike.
    £41 per adult (12yrs+)
    £27 per child (2-11yrs)
     
    SEARCH FOR SANTA
    THURSDAY – approx. 45 minutes
    Bring the whole family and you will be taken by horse-drawn sleigh to a secret place where Santa rests in between delivering presents. Let the children enjoy the magical moment of meeting Santa and his elves. You’ll be able to write down your Christmas wishes and make some gifts, whilst Santa tells stories about how he and his elves struggle to deliver all the Christmas presents in time. A magical Christmas experience for the whole family, with a small gift to take away. Available all season.
    £23 per person (2yrs+)

    HORSE-DRAWN SLEIGH RIDE
    FRIDAY - APPROX. 45 MINUTES
    Snuggle into a warm fur blanket and enjoy peaceful surroundings and the jingle of sleigh-bells. A delightful tour with a warm drink provided en-route. In the evening the route is often embellished with torches.
    £23 per adult (12yrs+)
    £16 per child (5-11yrs)
     
RELAX
Great Value Chalets, Modern Hotels & Cosy Cabins
Norway & Sweden offer a great choice of high quality hotels, Neilson run chalets and cosy well-equipped modern log cabins and apartments for the truly idyllic winter wonderland experience of your dreams. Chalets offer excellent value for money with daily breakfast and a freshly prepared three course evening meal, served with complimentary wine. Alternatively, choose from a romantic log cabin nestled in the pine trees, there are several sizes to choose from and many have their own private sauna. Our range of hotels covers every option; from small, family-run hotels through to four-star luxury with spa facilities – each charmingly finished using typical Scandinavian design. 

Dispel a few myths...
The daylight hours and temperatures in both Norway & Sweden allow for as much time on the slopes as you wish and are longer than you might think. The important thing is to make sure that you have the correct clothing - it’s a much crisper and dryer type of cold than you find back home. Thermal suits are not necessary in Norway or Sweden as the average temperatures are not as low as Finland for example. As with any ski holiday, you will be most comfortable when wearing good protective clothing, which should include the following:
    • Warm suit made with thermal materials & waterproof exterior
    • Several layers of undergarments
    • Long thermal underwear & warm socks
    • Warm boots with a good grip on the base
    • Hats, gloves & scarves
    • Ski goggles or sunglasses.

WHAT NOW?
Pick your resort & accommodation then add the additional activities to complete the experience. And remember - Neilson Reps are on hand in resort to ensure the smooth running of your holiday and help with anything you might need.