Once again that much-dreamt-of white Christmas has eluded the UK, but there’s still time to abandon the UK’s soggy season in favour of sparkling snowscapes, frost-clad forests and glorious frozen scenery.

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - February 5th, 2015 - Activities Abroad offers an exceptional range of top-quality family winter holidays – departing January to April – to Swedish and Finnish Lapland, where adults and children can enjoy a wide range of snow-centric escapades together. There is a great variety of itineraries on offer, ranging from action-packed arctic adventures to chilled-out holidays – including the exciting prospect of designing your own trip.

Here are four wonderful winter trips for February and beyond:

Half Term Taster

Give February half term a high-octane twist with this short but energetic getaway to the Luleå Archipelago in Swedish Lapland. Here, during the chilly winter months, the seas solidify into a frozen desert of pack ice, extending for miles and encasing the thousands of tiny islands and skerries. Begin with a Nordic winter skills workshop, where you will learn the secrets of survival in an Arctic environment. The next day, you will take to the ice on a thrilling snowmobile adventure, before spending the rest of the day gambolling in the abundant snow. The final day will be spent zooming through remote forest trails on a husky safari, followed by a hunt for the Northern Lights by snowshoe.

Departing 14 & 18 February, the four-night trip costs from £1,445 per adult and £775 per child aged 8-14 (based on a family of four sharing) including flights (London), transfers, four nights’ accommodation in a winter cabin, full board, activities, cold-weather clothing and guides.

Lapland Family Winter Adventure

Experience the warm welcome of a traditional Lappish community with a stay in Kittila, tucked away in the north-west corner of Finland. This is prime Aurora viewing territory and, with any luck, visitors will spot the mysterious wisps of The Lights as they swoop and swirl across the sky. The vast and frosted landscape of the area lends itself perfectly to outdoorsy pursuits, and families on this trip will try their hands at ice fishing, snowmobiling, husky sledding and cross-country skiing. A particular highlight is a snowshoe hike to the top of Levi: a fell located in the Pall Ylläs National Park, where the views over the bright white landscapes are astonishing.

Departing January to April, the six-night trip costs from £1,495 per adult and £1,125 per child aged 8-14 (based on a family of three sharing) including flights (London), transfers, six nights’ full-board hotel accommodation, activities, cold-weather clothing and guides.

Luosto – Design Your Own

Those seeking full flexibility for their snow-sprinkled holiday can pick and choose the elements they most desire with a ‘Design Your Own’ option. Luosto in Finnish Lapland is a popular location for these trips, due to the wonderfully hospitable accommodation, the diverse range of activities on offer and, of course, the backdrop of impeccably picturesque wilderness. As many or as few extras can be added, according to how hectic each party would like their schedule to be. There is a whole host of exciting things to try, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, a call to a reindeer farm, Aurora hunting by snowmobile and a visit to Europe’s only remaining amethyst mine.

Departing January to March, a three-night trip costs from £1,045 per adult and £625 per child aged 5-12 (based on a family of three sharing) including flights (London), transfers, three nights’ hotel accommodation, half board and cold-weather clothing. Activities extra. See here for pricing information.     

Harriniva – Design Your Own

For another ‘Design Your Own’ option, head to Harriniva in Finnish Lapland, which offers an abundance of exhilarating experiences and is particularly recommended for families with older children. Dog-lovers are in for a treat – there’s an on-site dog-sled centre, and the husky safaris here are truly top quality. Ultra-adventurous visitors can even opt for an overnight husky journey, spending the night kipping in a remote cabin. Other options on offer include a Northern Lights hunt in a reindeer-pulled sled, a snowshoe hike, a wilderness cookery lesson and an ice-fishing experience, plus many more.  

Departing January to April, a three-night trip costs from £915 per adult and £785 per child aged 5-12 (based on a family of three sharing) including flights (London), transfers, three nights’ hotel accommodation, half board and cold-weather clothing. Activities extra. See here for pricing information.     

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

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For press enquiries, to discuss press trip commissions or for photography, please contact Laura Manning, Paul Bondsfield or Matilda Long at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email l.manning@travelpr.co.uk, p.bondsfield@travelpr.co.uk or m.long@travelpr.co.uk.

Notes to editors: Activities Abroad is part of The Artisan Travel Company, which provides unique, hand-crafted holidays which marry expertise and local knowledge to provide unforgettable experiences from an independent and trusted operator.

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