February Half Term Snow

February Half Term snowy fun in Sweden, Norway and Finland

Activities Abroad recommends six sparkling trips

for the family in February

Plan an experience-led half-term holiday with family travel specialists, Activities Abroad. Choose from a range of expertly-crafted experiences for all the family to engage together, where learning and fun come in equal dollops, and where, in some instances, wi-fi is non-existent, so screen-time can be swapped for family time.

The all-inclusive package prices make the trips even more tempting – no hidden extras, no surprise costs, just one price for flights, transfers, activities, full board accommodation and more.

Here are six trips suitable for different ages:

AGE FIVE YEARS AND ABOVE

Reconnect with the family in Finnish Lapland (six nights) – disconnect from the digital world and instead engage as a family in a plethora of snowy activities in an idyllic lakeside setting in Jeris. There is no wi-fi in your private Lappish cottage and, even if there was, the kids wouldn’t be able to resist what’s on offer outdoors. Activities include a visit to a reindeer farm and sleigh ride, time in Torassieppi Winter Village (filled with snow and ice structures), a snowmobile safari, ice-fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, Northern Lights hike and a husky safari.

Costs from £1,720 per adult, from £1,270 per child (four sharing)* – departs 14 February.

Ranua Arctic Animal Encounters (three nights) – located in Finland, Ranua Wildlife Park is a haven of natural habitats for nearly 50 species of beautiful animals and birds. Meet reindeer, wolverines, snowy eagles and grey owls, and most special of all, be treated to a private encounter with the polar bears before the park opens one morning. What’s more, enjoy an exhilarating 10km husky safari, a horse-drawn sleigh ride and have a go at cross-country skiing.

Costs from £1,300 per adult, from £870 per child (four sharing)* – departs 18 February.

AGE SIX YEARS AND ABOVE

A space centre, whales and the Aurora Borealis (four nights) – visit Sortland in Northern Norway, a coastal gem offering great whale watching opportunities, brilliant Aurora-watching potential, and the Andøya Space Centre. Here, go on a virtual mission into space and learn all about the Northern Lights from permanently-based scientists. In addition, visit a reindeer homestead and go whale-watching in a RIB. Plus seek out the Northern Lights by minibus, on snowshoes and, on one night, set up a beach camp to watch for the Aurora.

Costs from £1,575 per adult, from £1,345 per child (four sharing)* – departs 17 February and 30 March.

AGE EIGHT YEARS AND ABOVE

Two-night husky safari in Sweden – this trip of a lifetime includes two and a half days on a husky safari crossing the frozen landscapes of Swedish Lapland. Covering 15-30km a day, establish a bond with your team of dogs and savour the pristine surroundings, stopping at wilderness cabins on both nights. Finish the trip with a visit to the world-famous ICEHOTEL and an afternoon of fun for the children as they take charge of their own mini snowmobile. Departures in January, February and March.

Costs from £1,815 per adult, from £1,175 per child (four sharing)* – departures in January, February and March.

Snowy adventures in Sörbyn, Sweden (seven nights) – this trip incorporates plenty of activities and down-time for the family. Learn ice-fishing techniques, search for the majestic moose, go snowshoeing with a wilderness guide and spot different animal tracks, meet a Sami reindeer herder, experience a husky safari, and hunt for the Northern Lights on a snowmobile-pulled sledge. Take time out and relax in front of the fire at Sörbyn Lodge, your family-run and cosy hotel known for great local food, or enjoy the kick sleds or toboggans and create your own freestyle fun.

Costs from £1,995 per adult, from £1,375 per child (two sharing)* – departs 14 February.

AGE TEN YEARS AND ABOVE

Build an igloo and go ice-fishing – for a complete escape, Nellim, not far from the Russian border, ticks all boxes. Spend a day in the wilderness and learn to make a fire to cook lunch, construct an igloo, and try ice-fishing and snowshoeing. In addition, go snowmobiling, experience a husky sled ride, learn how to cross-country ski and visit a reindeer farm.  Plus, hone your photography skills at an Aurora workshop before setting out to hunt for the Northern Lights.

Costs from £1,575 per adult, from £1,205 per child (three sharing)* – departs 13 February.

*All prices include return flights (London and regional departures), transfers, full board accommodation,  all activities, cold weather clothing and guides.

To speak to an expert for more information or to book, contact Activities Abroad on 01670 789 991 (www.activitiesabroad.com).