Customer Review

What can I say - you can't improve on perfection! We really enjoyed the diversity of the activities on offer but we booked an additional 60km snowmobile safari, which was awesome and there was plenty of time to relax as well. We even got to see the Northern Lights, which was obviously our prime aim, but if they hadn't made an appearance we wouldn't have been disappointed by our holiday. There was no 'least enjoyable' activity - they were all diverse and interesting. Don't change a thing! Peter and Lorna, your representatives in Luosto, were terrific and great ambassadors for your company. The activity providers were also terrific. We had all our own clothing but the suits they provided were surprisingly tasteful and no-one we spoke to had any complaints about being cold or uncomfortable. The Guides were also terrific - we had Tomas and Antcien (I know I've spelt the names wrongly but you know who they are). They had a sense of both authority (in observing the safety aspects) and peace (which gave everyone of any ability a feeling of confidence). They ensured that on more active pursuits there were adequate rest stops, so that everyone could complete the tasks without feeling they were pushing themselves beyond a comfortable limit. They were knowledgeable and very proud of their environment and had a great sense of humour. We will certainly be looking at other holiday destinations covered by the Aurora Zone - it was the best winter holiday we have ever had - but I feel it would be a mistake to return to the same resort. Finland was beautiful and the resort offered us all we needed.

Overall the holiday was excellent, the information before booking, once booked and whilst we were there was very comprehensive. The trip lived up to expectations. Generally the food was very good. The food on the day excursions was excellent. Most enjoyable: This varied - my husband the snowmobiling and for me the husky tour. Least enjoyable: Ice fishing as we didn't catch anything. The trip was full of different things to do and there were always additional options on the rare occasion free time was had. The guides could not do enough to ensure you had an enjoyable time, but it is not for anyone wanting a relaxing holiday - you had to fit in a visit to the sauna between the activities. It had a brilliant range of activities and doing some of them at night too gave a very different experience. All in all a wonderful trip, and experiences that will never be forgotten.

In February, my partner and I did the Abisko trip... it had been my lifelong dream to see the Aurora. This trip exceeded our expectations and really was a trip of a lifetime. The Swedish people really are a fantastic, friendly race of people who are welcoming, helpful and have a great humour. Abisko really is a very, very beautiful place and a perfect break from the craziness of working life in London!! Each activity was well organised with great guides who have great knowledge.  The lodge was a relaxed and homely place to stay. Silka the husky (belonging to one of the guides) melted everyone's hearts!! The ICEHOTEL is even more incredible than I thought could be possible...we chose a 'warm room' and it was a really beautiful room with a lovely view. We saw our best Aurora standing in the middle of the frozen river here...magic!  I even discovered that I was allowed to ice skate on the ice rink behind the local school - two minutes from The ICEHOTEL (which is open and free for anyone who wishes to use it), ...I'd taken my skates in the hope I'd find somewhere..absolutely brilliant! Aurora Zone had it all planned with no hitches...I can't recommend this holiday or this company enough!! Thank you!

An awe inspiring time! Beautiful scenery, exhilarating experiences and the Aurora to top it all!

Thank-you for such a brilliant holiday which was to celebrate my husband's 60th birthday. The Hotel Aurora was great with friendly staff. The food was excellent and it was great that they would save what was left in your bottle of wine for the next evening. The rooms were comfortable and warm and the sauna was lovely after the activities of the day. Our introductory briefing from Peter and Lorna was very helpful and they were on hand during the week to assist if necessary (although everything was so well organised I don't think they had too much to do!). The acitivites were great. My favourite was the reindeer sleigh ride through the forest. Magical! The thermal gear they provide is brilliant, particularly for the cold nights. (The days weren't that cold when we were there - around zero to minus 3). It's quite a faff getting into / out of the gear but much appreciated when the temperature went down to about minus 20 one night. The weather throughout the week was fantastic and we were lucky enough to see the Aurora four nights in a row. We went to the "cul-de-sac" on a couple of nights and to the frozen lake on the other evenings. It was more companiable at the lake and the fire in the hut was useful for a quick warm up now and then. The best display was as we arrived at the ice restaurant for our meal on the Friday. We had a well-balanced week of activities / relaxation and found our travelling companions very friendly. All in all a great holiday. Thank-you again.

We booked the Searching for the Northern Lights and stayed at the Aurora Chalet in Luosto on 24 March for one week. This was one of the most amazing holidays that my wife and I have ever been on. The hotel was everything that we expected and more. The food and service were excellent. The hotel is kept at a lovely temperature so once inside it does not matter how cold it is outside, so don't only take warm clothing. We booked a room with fireplace, but we did not need it..! Everything that was arranged was superbly done and the guides were fabulous, especially Thomas and Anti. The thermal suits and other cold weather clothing that they supplied was excellent, especially if you were out at night searching for The Lights. The trip for dinner in the snow igloo was absolutely fantatstic, but so were all the activities. The resort representatives Peter and Lorna were also very helpful, the introduction meeting was very informative so in all honesty we did not need them much for the rest of the week. To top it all, we got to see The Lights on 4 consecutive nights, the best place to view we found was the frozen lake, behind the Tunturi Hotel, which is about a 10 minute stroll from the Aurora Chalet. Thanks to all, and we will be booking via yourselves in the future.

Well, what can I say? It was an unexpectedly brilliant holiday! My husband and myself have never done a snow holiday before so had no idea what to expect. Luosto is very small so everything was easily accessible from the hotel. Make sure you venture to the ski slopes (even if you don't ski) as there is a toboggan run and there are lots of toboggans there that you can just help yourself to. It makes you feel like a big kid all over again. We really enjoyed all the activities, especially the snowmobiling (we did it again on our free day). None of the activities start particularly early and don't go on too long so you feel very relaxed even though there's at least one event planned every day (except your free day). Generally you get a hot drink and a snack ( a piece of cake or similar) on most of the events. The Aurora Chalet was really pleasant although the breakfast could have done with a little variation. However there was always plenty available. The fixed menu in the evening (included in our package) was fabulous. We ate things that we may not have chosen and thoroughly enjoyed everything we tried. The hotel is quite warm so you need to take something more relaxed and not so warm for wandering around the hotel. A lot of people wore flipflops or slippers. We forgot to take ours but missed being able to slip something relaxed on after wearing your snow boots most of the day. It was a bit warmer when we were there (-3ish) but the temperature drops at night expecially if it's clear (when you're more likely to see the Lights). Even if you think you don't need them, make sure you have several sets of thermals and fleecy jumpers to put under the snow suit you get given. You will need them. Standing out waiting or trying to take pictures of the Lights can get really cold. If you can fit it in your luggage take a flask (a warm drink would have been really welcome). We were really lucky with the Northern Lights, we saw them 3 out of 7 nights. The mobile they give you to send text alerts when there is high activity works really well although you do see them when you haven't had a text so keep looking. If you want to capture the Lights make sure you take a tripod, an SLR camera that will allow long exposures and preferably a remote switch so you don't have to press the button on the camera and wobble it at the end. We went to the 'Cul-de-sac' which was really good for getting pictures but if you want to stay warmer whilst you're waiting go to the lake as there are huts with fires. The week we went was a full moon right in the middle of the week. If we went again I'd try to go when there was a new moon so it's not too bright, I also believe that around the Equinox is a particularly good time. Lorna & Peter, our reps, were really good. They were always around if you needed them but generally they left you to your own devices. The information they gave at the Welcome Meeting was invaluable so make sure you go to that. All in all it was brilliant, 10/10. You feel like you've been on an adult holiday for big kids.  

This was for us a holiday of a lifetime, like no other holiday experienced. From first to last it was so well organised with no hitches. The hotel was warm and comfortable and the special clothing provided was ideal. We will never forget the trip to Kuusiranta, fishing on the frozen lake and then enjoying a wonderful meal around the camp fire. The guides were very knowledgeable, kind and friendly - always looking out for our safety and well-being. The high point of our trip of course has to be the sightings of the Aurora Borealis. How can one ever forget standing on the frozen lake and viewing the beautiful spectacle of the Northern Lights. A truly memorable holiday. Thank you.

Your recommendation that March would be ok for seeing the lights proved spot on - thank you very much! The activity guides were absolutely brilliant and really made our first Northern Lights experience a very positive one. Peter and Lorna were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and always available for advice. The variety of activities makes it difficult to choose one (favourite) in particular. The range of activities was brilliant and allowed us to experience things we had never done before. Obviously seeing the Northern Lights was an experience in itself. We loved the snowmobiling, the husky sledging and the snow-shoe walking in particular. We also very much appreciated the stunning ice restaurant for our Friday night meal. Nothing was not enjoyable, if pushed we would say that the visit to the amethyst mine ranked lowest of the activities, but was still worth including. We are really glad we did this holiday and our choice of Aurora Zone proved to be perfect! We were lucky to see the lights on several nights, which was a tremendous bonus. We found our companions to be friendly and interesting and they added to the whole experience.

All the activities were excellent, I enjoyed them all. It was the first time I had done any of the activities which made the experience quite special. But the huskies were especially great, back to nature and a traditional method of travel. There was nothing I didn't enjoy. All the local people, hotel staff, guides, etc were very friendly and helpful and the people who formed the group were welcoming and like-minded.

Liked the TV-like noticeboard that showed the activities of the day and their timings. Rep always available and happy to help. Enjoyed everything.... perhaps the dog sleighs and snowmobiles best just because they are so different to anything we have done before.... and of course, seeing the Northern Lights! We had been looking forward to this holiday for months and it was even better than we thought. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. The activity guides were brilliant and very knowledgeable.

Everything was fine but 30 min delay at Heathrow caused a rush at Helsinki for connecting flight however bags were transferred with ease and flight was made with about 10 mins to spare.Most enjoyable :

Thank you, we had a most enjoyable holiday and found all those who supported us during the holiday to be first class.

Our Easter in Lapland, started with an instant experience of the lights on the first night. The following evenings we may have not experienced the lights to the same level, but this was more than made up with action-packed activities in the snow. Huskies slegding and snowmobiles by day & night, cross-country skiing, snowboot tour in the night, reindeer tour, along with ice water dip for the hardy people in the group were just some of the highlights to adorn a beautiful experience. Whists the activities were strenuous, the serenely effortless and efficient care-taking of the entire group of mixed-abilities was magnificient. Nilesh Mandalia. Enjoy the photos :)

Peter the rep was brilliant. He was always easy to find and quick to check everything was okay and help with any questions. The local guides were also excellent and added to our enjoyment of the holiday through their knowledge and attitude.

We can't thank you enough for organising a trouble free, interesting, exciting holiday. From the first time we used your website to the phone calls I made, where I spoke to a person who had actually been to the hotel, down to the kind and attentive guides you provided, all was brilliant. The guides took care of us and everything ran like clockwork. We had lots of fun and some rest as well. The lights were kind and showed four nights running. The hotel was clean with friendly staff providing interesting food and venues to eat at. The lists you provided were very useful and we didn't really need our warm boots and coat as all were provided. The pool was nice with the hot tub with amethysts on the ceiling and the Finns are so gentle and kind. We loved the reindeer man and the hot drinks and snacks on the outings. Best of all was the surprise last evening venue. Cool. We made many friends around the fire in the grounds and took some briliant photos for memories.

For me this was the holiday of a life time. I think that the Snow Games team are wonderful. Not only are they extremely competent at all the out-door activities and keeping people safe, but more importantly they are warm, friendly and kind people. Absolutely loved the experience. 

It is difficult to chose (a most enjoyable) activity as they were all very enjoyable. I think that the most enjoyable events were the sighting of the Aurora Borealis on the night of Wednesday 20th March - a magical show. Perhaps the most enjoyable organised event was the Husky sled driving where we couldn't stop laughing after losing the sled and team when we tipped over whilst cornering. The "Teepee" dinner on Friday was also a special occasion we will never forget. This was a very special holiday in a magical setting. We thought the age profile of the party was good and we did not feel like the grandparents of the party and were able to keep up with all the activities. Thanks for a very well organised and memorable trip.

The activity guides were very good in the care they took to meet everyones needs. Jussi was especially good on the fells tour. All went the extra mile. The snowmobiling fells tour was brilliant. It was exhilarating and took us through wonderful terrain. The lunch at the restaurant was also very good. Jussi was an excellent guide.

Thank you so much for your organisation and for choosing such a wonderful place with great activities. We had an absolutely amazing time.....and saw the Northern Lights clearly five nights in a row!! (We enjoyed)...All of it !! We did love the dog sledding and snowmobiling....and the Northern Lights, of course. The reindeer farm and sleigh ride pulled by reindeer was a bit tame after the snowmobiling and the dog sledding but was enjoyable nevertheless.

Peter and Lorna were lovely people and very well suited to the job of overseeeing our group. Their friendliness / assisitance helped make the time in Luosto most enjoyable.  

Rarely on post holiday questionnaires do we rate everything as excellent, but for this holiday we did. The booking process and pre-travel information about what you would need to do and take, etc was excellent and very useful. Booking on the internet can make it very impersonal but being able to talk though any queries or discuss your chosen trip on the phone with Aurora Zone staff was very helpful. The Wilderness Hotel was comfortable, welcoming and so fitting for its environment which is in the wilderness. The food was plentiful, very tasty and wholesome, served buffet style at appropriate times to fit in with returning from activities. Free coffee & tea available all day long. The staff were attentive and friendly at all times. Nellim itself does not have any amenities but the hotel does have a small gift shop where we were able to buy mittens and a balaclava. Having Pete, the in-house rep, ensured everything went according to plan and your needs were met. You also felt you were not lost in with the other guests but were part of 'Aurora Zone' group. His character was just right for the variety of guests he would encounter and he was always happy to join in for a chat. The equipment provided for all the activities was excellent and in good order. The guides so friendly and informative and even though our holiday was towards the end of the season they still had plenty of enthusiasm. Often stepping out of the box to do that little bit more for you. Take plenty of clothes for layering. For the trips on the snowmobile, dog sled and to the Aurora Camp extra layers are needed especially around the face. I found mittens inside mittens the best option to stave off cold fingers. For me it was intended to be my 'holiday-of-a-lifetime' and I was not disappointed. Considering how many activities we were fitting into six days the atmosphere at all times during our stay was very calm and relaxing. We were also lucky enough to see the Northen Lights on a number of occasions during our six night stay so that was the icing on the cake.

The main reason for doing this trip was purely to see the Northern Lights. However, we had such a good time doing all the activities. Being bikers we loved the snowmobiling, although riding on the back was like being on a bucking bronco at times! The frozen lakes were lovely and smooth though, so we managed to go at a fair speed across them. We loved the huskies too - they were so cute and eager to go. The reindeer sleigh was more sedate but still very enjoyable and it was interesting to learn about the lives of the herdsmen. We even got to try our luck with a spot of lassoing (a wooden reindeer, not a live one!) which was a laugh. The only activity we weren't bothered about was the snowshoes, which we thought was a bit pointless, but at least we tried it. The hotel was great, lovely and warm, and our room was very comfortable and snug. We weren't at all cold inside, even when it was minus 18 degrees outside! And we couldn't fault the food - loads of it, hearty stuff which you need in those temperatures. The cold saps your strength so you need to keep eating. We were all given a boiler suit, mitts and gloves, and big clodhopper boots which insulated us against the cold. Our rep, Emma, was lovely; very friendly and approachable, as were all the hotel staff and guides. Everyone went out of their way to make our stay as enjoyable as possible and nothing was too much trouble. However, like I said, the main reason for going was to see the Northern Lights and we weren't disappointed. We were treated to a spectacular display which the resident photographer, Antti, managed to video. He advised how to set up our cameras and we got some great pics. We also saw a fantastic curtain display, which was a surprise on the way back to the hotel at midnight so we didn't really have time to do anything except stand there and watch in amazement. It really was a case of once seen, never forgotten. We enjoyed our trip so much that we're thinking about going back again. Thank you Aurora Zone for a fantastic trip.

We are just back from an amazing time at Muotkan Maja in Lapland. All of the activities were brilliantly organised, our guides were enthusiastic and knowledgable. We did a lot in the time we were there, but at no point did the trip feel rushed or hurried, the pace was just right! Two of our four nights were very cloudy, limiting our chances of Aurora spotting, but on our last night the clouds parted and the Northern Lights danced across the sky for us, both at the lodge and up on the fell at Kiilopaa - we stayed out on our last night until 2.30am in termperatures of -17c and it was well worth it! The accommodation was modern and comfortable, the food was tasty, plentiful and warming - just what we needed to keep us going!

Peter was an outstanding rep, excellent sense of humour, very helpful and extremely knowledgeable. He is an asset to your company. We would strongly recommend this hotel, and hope it doesn't change too much in the future. The food was delicious, with adequate choice. Snowmobile activities were exciting and exhilarating, with excellent guides, especially Matti, who made the best reindeer toastie in Finland. The least enjoyable was Aurora by car, but this would have been much better if the Aurora had been visible and the sky clear (you cannot control the weather!). I do not think there is anything you could do to improve the experience we had; it rates as one of our best holidays. All the staff and guides went out of their way to ensure guests had a great time.

Most enjoyable: Seeing the Northern Lights obviously, but also enjoyed the wide range of activities and the chance to learn about the local Sami culture.

This was a tremendous holiday. Very well organised in all aspects. Flight to Copenhagen delayed which obviously not under control of Aurora Zone, did cause a bit of stress as we did not know if we would make the connection, but flight was held for us. Unfortunately not for my suitcase, but it was delivered the next day. The hotel was very nice and staff very pleasant. The activities were all great. Husky sledging and snowmobiling were brilliant. Maybe the reindeer ride could be a little longer and more adventurous as it felt as if it was more suitable for young children, but that's only a tiny criticism in what was otherwise an informative and enjoyable trip. The flight connection times are very tight, which is not under Aurora Zones control, but I must admit I was very worried when my case with all my thermals, etc did not arrive and could not be tracked. Although it did arrive the next day I was warned it might not arrive until the day we departed. It might be an idea to suggest that one set of warm weather underclothes are taken in hand baggage - just in case. Outer clothes not a problem as the gear that is provided is perfect. Special mention must be given to Antii (no idea if that’s how you spell his name). He was brilliant: well informed, very happy to answer loads of questions, looked after us all very well (we took to calling him "Mum" when he popped out the hot juice and biccies) and on top of all that very funny. He really was the icing on the cake of a great trip...Oh and I probably should mention we did get to see the Aurora on the very first and last nights.

Husky safari was fantastic and better than we imagined. Everything was good - it was one of the best holidays I have ever had. It was a unique experience and we met some great people.

Outi was an amazing guide and the resort was beautiful as it felt like there was just a few of us in our own paradise, the lake was the best place for taking Aurora photos as there was virtually no light pollution, even though we travelled out every evening, I still got my best photos at the lake there. Most enjoyable: Snowmobiling as it was lovely to go out again at night, it was magical in the snow in the dark.Least enjoyable : Snowshoeing in the dark, it's hard enough anyway so would have been better to do it during the day!

Local reps were fantastic - always ready to help. Most enjoyable activity was the Husky safari. Exhilarating and there were puppies! The Northern Lights - though not really under your control. All activities were great. We liked the balance of activities to free time. Extra activities could always be slotted in if wanted.