Incredible Winter Breaks
The economic outlook for 2009 versus our unquenchable desire for an incredible winter break. Diametrically opposed, some might say? Well, not quite. It appears that holidays –particularly snowy ones – are one of the last pleasures we are willing to forego. This year it’s all about being a little more discerning in our choices – no longer are we content to simply hit the slopes by day; generic après ski by night. People are seeking out a new level of authenticity, packed with money can’t buy “extras” to guarantee a totally out of this world experience – whether that means spying on polar bears and fishing for salmon on the Alaska-Russia border, enjoying a hot spring bath with snow monkeys on a remote snowy mountain in Japan, or kite-surfing across the White Continent.
After much deliberation we have chosen the top 5 trips to experience ‘winter with a twist’:
Alaska snowmobile safari
Escape to the deep powder of Valdez for the ultimate in icy hibernation. Venturing out of your snugly old hunters’ lodge, you can spend your days carving virgin tracks through hundreds of miles of majestic scenery. Surrounded by a world of white broken only by the bluest skies and emerald green pines, the Final Frontier state is about as isolated as it gets. ‘What will I do?’ you ask somewhat nervously. With snow this deep, just imagine the exhilaration you’ll feel gunning across it on a revving snow-mobile. Just keep one eye out for the odd roaming moose, wolverine or caribou. You can also sled across the crushing ice with a team of mushing dogs, meet with the endangered Polar Bears of the Chukchi Population, fish for Winter King Salmon at breathtaking fjords, or for a truly wild Alaskan experience, we can even arrange a stay in an igloo for a night or two. And with any luck, come evening you’ll be treated to spectacular kaleidoscope of Northern Lights. Phenomenal.
Float down a Finnish river
A quirky alternative to drinking vodka and hunting Elk, river floating is an unusual way to spend a wintery Finnish afternoon. Fully equipped with water-tight floating suits, you’ll bob down a tree-lined river watching stunning scenery from a totally unique point of view. Don’t worry about the cold, you will be bundled up within your drysuit and the adventure will be finished off with a hot toddy and buffet lunch. Vuokatti, in Finland’s stunning area of Wild Taiga on the Finnish/Russian border is the perfect spot for a week’s winter activities. Try some husky sledding and a spot of ice fishing too before snuggling up in front a crackling fire in a cosy wooden lodge.
Snow Monkeys in Japan
Alpine views, deep powder and fabulous mountain scenery - welcome to Japan. Slice through crisp, white snow, fortify yourself with sushi and wind down with a relaxing soak in hot springs in an area still relatively undiscovered by the western market. The village of Happo One in the Hakuba Valley not only puts you ahead of the crowd, but provides the perfect base from which to try snow rafting and trekking, or even hot air ballooning. One of our favourite ‘must sees’ is the native snow monkey population. There are some lovely hot springs in Jigokudani, just a couple of hours away, but be warned: you’ll wrestle for the best viewing spot with these cheeky monkeys who also enjoy a hotspring soak.
Moonlit mountains in Chamonix
Black Tomato will help you decamp to a secret Art Deco bolt-hold in the Alpine refuge of Chamonix where the ambience is sexy but snugly, and the “scene” comes to you. But it’s not all about lux lounges and sophisticated après ski – there are some wonderfully rustic delights too. In the evenings do après-ski the Black Tomato way: nip over to Italy to skidoo up a remote snowy slope and enjoy a hearty meal at a rustic mountain restaurant. Then, to top it off, we’ll send you off on a moonlit descent, complete with return lift back at to the lodge for a cocktail by the fire. During the day, adventure comes in the form of snow shoeing across forgotten forests and glaciers, ice-climbing up frozen waterfalls, or dog-sledging with the help of an eager team of huskies.
Channel the explorers of old in Antarctica
For an ice extravaganza that is well and truly out of this world, we have one word: Antarctica. Explore the desolate beauty of this white continent by rock-climbing up unchartered mountains, abseiling down huge ice cliffs and kite-surfing across windy climes. Channel the great polar explorers of times gone by at the “Scott Camp” which is an exact replica of the pyramid tents used by the man himself.
By Black Tomato
www.blacktomato.co.uk
