Jack and the recruits experience extreme Finnish Lapland with Emagine UK Ltd.

As well as arranging holidays to Finnish Lapland to meet Santa, Lapland winter activity holidays and general travel to Scandinavia here at Emagine we are sometime approached to put our Arctic expertise to other uses. When Ginger TV, part of the Scottish Media Group, were looking for a cold location to challenge Jack Osbourne as part of the Adrenaline Junky 3 series they came to us.

We knew just the place and set about putting together a journey through one of Europe’s last true wildernesses, in north western Finnish Lapland. The journey was to use husky teams and would cover over 100km, setting up camp on fells and frozen lakes along the way.

Filming took place in late April 2007 to make the most of the already long Lapland Arctic days, when it stays light until after 10pm, when there is hopefully lots of sun and the area is still covered in several metres of snow.

The program, currently being aired on ITV2, shows Jack and the recruits experiencing some extreme conditions and taking in some breathtaking sights during the journey.  Prior to arriving in Finnish Lapland they had already been filming in New Zealand and the steaming jungles of Sarawak so the Arctic conditions seemed even more extreme.

After kitting them out with essential cold weather clothing, suits, boots, mitts and hats they were ready to face the Arctic.

The journey started in Kilpisjarvi (Finnish Lapland), over 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. The region they travelled through is above the tree line so the only vegetation poking through the snow is shrub but certainly not trees therefore allowing vast breathtaking uninterrupted snowy vistas.

This really is the middle of nowhere so all equipment and supplies have to be taken in with you.

Jack and his recruits were put through their paces at Harriniva, one of Europes largest Husky farms. Experts gave them advice on handling their husky sleds and tips on motivating their team of huskies which would be essential once in the wilderness.

After a day of training in calm weather conditions they harnessed up their husky teams, loaded their sleds and set off towards the fells. It wasn’t long before they found themselves in the middle of a blizzard with strong winds swirling snow, limiting visibility and making going tough. The only option was to set up an emergency camp making the most of the limited shelter in this open terrain.

The team fought to put up their tents in gusting conditions. Once this was achieved all they could do was crawl into their sleeping bags, exhausted, and hope that mother nature would be kinder to them the following morning.

The following morning brought a spectacular cold bright Arctic day. Crystal clear blue skies, perfect visibility, a warming sun and never ending pure white snow.

For the rest of the adventure you will have to tune in to ITV2 next week to see how Jack and his recruits coped in the Arctic.

If you want a taste of what Jack and the recruits experienced, in possibly less extreme conditions why not join one of our husky safaris this coming winter.   Click here for details.

What would you rather be doing this New Year?   Is it a tough choice?

Our New Year holiday at Harriniva is designed with adults and teens in mind as we wanted to offer safaris that will take your breath away. These safaris are not tasters, they are the real thing.

Maybe the following will help you to decide where you want to be this New Year!

Would you rather be.......

staying at home

Queuing for the winter sales!

in Lapland

Taking an exhilarating drive on a snowmobile through what is Europe’s last true wilderness.  Stopping for lunch in an isolated wilderness cabin while taking in the views across the frozen lake.

Would you rather be.......

Under duress, take the dog for a walk in the drizzle.

in Lapland

allowing an energetic team of huskies to take you for a ride of a life time, a truly breathtaking adventure.

 Following a tour of one of Europes largest husky farms and training by the experts you will be off along trials through beautiful snow covered forests only stopping for a fireside lunch along the way.

Would you rather be.......

Having yet another evening lolling on the sofa watching repeats on TV and picking through the remains of the Christmas chocolates.

in Lapland

Taking an evening walk along the banks of the frozen Muonio river or soaking in one of the riverside hot tubs while, if lucky, enjoy one of the most amazing light shows provided by nature; Aurora Borealis or the northern lights. If you are going to experience them anywhere in the world it will be here. Every time they appear they are unique in their combination of colour and fluidity.

Would you rather be.......

Going to bed in your pajamas and socks and leaving the heating on

in Lapland

Curling up in your sleeping bag wearing your woolly hat in a chamber in the ice igloo! After a bedtime hot chocolate, the days activities and the fresh air will soon see you fast asleep.

Would you rather be.......

Spending New Year with the same old faces, queuing for taxis and waiting for Big Ben to chime.

in Lapland

Enjoying dinner in the fireside restaurant then out on to the ice twice to see in the Finnish and an hour later Swedish New Years with drinks and fireworks. The party continues until the early hours.

We could go on for ever, we haven’t even mentioned the visit to the reindeer farm, tobogganing down the fell, dinner in the Lapp kota, ice fishing………..for the full itinerary click here.

Whether it is for an hour or for a week Finnish Lapland is the place to go.

Husky safaris, dog sledding, mushing are names used for the same amazing experience, being in charge of a very fit team of well trained dogs that are pulling a sled across a snow covered landscape. It is the most exhilarating way to travel that also allows you to get close to nature and experience the silence of some of the last unspoilt regions of Europe.

Traditionally mushing would have been with pure Siberian huskies or the larger Alaskan huskies / Malamutes but over the years the people sledding at a competitive level have cross bred their huskies with other breeds for greater speed or endurance. This was very effective but the dogs just don’t have the beauty of the pure huskies. Throughout Lapland you will find quite a combination of dogs although they tend to be going back to using purer Siberian pedigrees.

A visit to Finnish Lapland during winter will give you an opportunity to try a husky safari for your self whether that is for an hour or for a week.  Once you are kitted out with the appropriate outer safari thermal clothing you are ready for the training. A husky guide will explain how to handle the sled, control the break, set the anchor and for longer safaris how to motivate and care for your dogs.

It may be one or two people per sled, one standing and controlling it and the other seated. Which ever you choose it is a ride of a life time. Initially as you approach the teams they are all barking and jumping which is quite intimidating but you soon realise that is only because they are so desperate to get underway. Once you take your foot off the break and they set off and there is total silence which is an absolute contrast to the mayhem of just seconds before.

There is nothing sweeter than crossing a frozen lake or open fell pulled by a husky team at full stretch. Put your foot on the break at this point and you will be repaid with dirty looks from your dog team that will leave you in no doubt as to what they think of your actions! However that is not always the case, if the snow is very deep or the hill steep you have to be prepared to hop off the runners at the back, not letting go of the sled or you can wave goodbye to you team and cargo, and push like a team player.

We have husky safaris throughout Lapland to meet everyone’s needs and time scale. Many start with just an hours drive but always end up wanting more. Many of our clients joining the husky activity weeks are returning to Finnish Lapland for the second or third time having caught the mushing bug!

Short but sweet Husky safaris in Finnish Lapland and Northern Finland.

Husky Safaris lasting from an hour to a day.

Saariselka

Iso Syote

Loma Vietonen

Harriniva

Jeris

Yllas in December

Yllas January – March

Kakslauttanen in December

Kakslauttenen January - March

Luosto

Rovaniemi

Ruka in December

Longer Husky Safaris in Finnish Lapland and Northern Finland for winter 2007 / 2008.

Harriniva husky weekend

Harriniva husky week

Harriniva activity week incl 2 day husky

Finn Jann Multi Activity week incl 3 days husky  

December getaways to Lapland with direct flights from Gatwick and Manchester.

For those who want to get away for a short break in December and benefit from beautiful locations, romantic accommodation, great activities, direct flights but do not want to be part of a group or to visit Santa, Emagine is offering four Exclusive Arctic breaks locations. They will appeal to couples wanting to get away from the crowds or families that may have visited Lapland before and this time wants to do things at a more leisurely pace. Departures available pre Christmas, over Christmas and for the New Year!

Hotel YllasHumina in Akaslompolo / Yllas, western Finnish Lapland, is a small family run hotel with cosy cabin room accommodation for one to four people. It allows easy the excellent ski slopes or you can choose from a wide range of optional activities. You set the pace.

Direct flights from: London Gatwick with holidays from 4 to 6 days.   

Departures: 07 Dec, 10 Dec, 14 Dec, 17 Dec, 21 Dec, 23 Dec, 27 Dec.

Activities available in the resort: Skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, reindeer safaris, husky safaris.

Hotel Kakslauttanen near Saariselka, Finnish Lapland. This is a popular location for those looking for a quiet romantic break. Accommodation is in pretty cabins set among the forest all with private sauna and fireplace. Meals are take in the log cabin restaurant in front of roaring fires. Explore the area on cross country skis or joining one of the exhilarating safaris. A highlight of staying at Kakslauttanen is the opportunity to overnight in their unique glass igloos while watching out for the Northern Lights!

Direct flights from: London Gatwick with holidays from 4 to 6 days.   

Departures: 07 Dec, 10 Dec, 14 Dec, 17 Dec, 21 Dec

Activities available from the hotel:  cross country skiing, snowmobiling, reindeer safaris, husky safaris.

Hotel Jeris – Adult Activity break 10-14 Dec 2007.

A chance to experience amazing activities and stay in a wonderful, quiet setting deep in the forest either in a hotel or in a lakeside wooden cabin. Jeris is located in western Finnish Lapland.

We are aware that some adults are looking for longer activities that are just not possible when there  are children in tow they have designed this trip with longer safaris and just for adults.  

Direct flights from: London Gatwick for a 5 day holiday..   

Departures: 10-14 Dec.

Activities included in your holiday: 50km snowmobile safari & 5 hour husky safari.

Other activities available from the hotel:  cross country skiing, reindeer safaris, ice hole swimming, snow shoeing.

Hotel Rukahovi in the wonderful resort of Ruka in Northern Finland.

18-22 Dec 2007.

This is a great location for anyone wishing to ski or snowboard. The slopes and lifts are just a few steps from your hotel door. If that doesn’t appeal join a great range of safaris, the activity company is next to the hotel. Ruka always has a great buzz about it, with a great range of cosy bars and diverse restaurants to relax in after an energetic day. The dates make this the ideal trip to start your holiday break allowing you to get some pure fresh air and exercise before the Christmas gluttony!

Direct flights from: Manchester for a 5 day break   

Departures: 22 Dec 2007

Activities available from the hotel:  Down hill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, reindeer safaris, husky safaris.

For further details of the holidays click on the headings above of click here.

Visitors to Harriniva this December will be able to meet the Husky litter.

Avalon, Aragon and Aurin and their sisters Akita and Aura are keeping their mother busy and are growing fast. Any time now they will be transfering to the kindergarten where they will have more space and greater independence.

Harriniva already has a decent covering of snow, more is forecast for the coming week and temperatures are constantly dipping below -10. This means that the puppies are looking on with interest as the older dogs at the husky farm are setting off on training runs as the first husky safaris will start by the end of the month.

If you are visiting Harriniva this December you will be able to meet the huskies in person. Please send us your favourite photos of them.

For further details on visiting Harriniva in December click here and for the remainder of the winter click here. 

Life in the nursery in Lapland.

A few photos to show how Harriniva's latest puppies are progressing. They are growing so fast.

There is already snow on the ground in places in Lapland and at night time they are experiencing temperatures as low as -10.
That of course will be nothing to the puppies, as the winter progresses they must be prepared to function in tempratures as low as -40.
As a rule it is the warmer weather the dogs dislike, even temperatures of -5 are not pleasant when the dogs are working, whisking their sleds through the forzen forests. They are happiest and -10 and below! 

If you want experience husky sleding in Lapland click here.

Meet the latest arrivals at the Harriniva Husky farm in Finnish Lapland.

It is a wonderful life at the Harriniva husky farm. These youngsters are the newest members to the 350 strong husky family! The boys above are Avalon, Aragon and Aurin.
Below are a couple of their sisters, Akita and Aura.

The puppies are currently living in the nursery with their mother where they are given lots of love and attention. In a few weeks time they will move onto the kindergarten. It is then that the husky farm staff start to watch them playing, with their expertise they will be picking out which will be the husky team leaders of the future and which will be the muscle.  As they get older they will gradually be introduced to an experienced husky team, working alongside them. Once fully grown they will have lots of opportunities to do what they love most….to run. They will be whisking guests through the forest on sleds for hours or days on end.

Watch this space for more pictures of the Harriniva puppies as they grow-up.

For further details on visiting Harriniva and seeing the puppies in person this December click here.