"Christmas at Inari" a Inari Travel Page by Joanne_192

There were 19 of us, from France. We stayed at the hotel Kultahovi where we all had ensuite bathrooms. Activities outdoors every day with special overalls , boots, gloves and helmets. All organised by Club Nord in Ivalo. No sunshine at all. Daylight from 9.30 to 14.30. Some members ogf the group saw an aurora borealis. We had plentiful gourmet food, including reindeer meat, and the evening aperitif was not too dear!

We were taken in hand by Club Nord, based in Ivalo. First day, it was - 25°C! We did our initaion on snowmobniles. Very easy to drive, but quite heavy if you're not going fast. After initiation, a drive thru the forests on bumpy tracks. Most teams fell off into the powdery snow and were ' rescued ' by our experienced guides!! It was cold, so we picknicked back at the hotel. After that, it was one person per scooter, for those who wanted more. Well, we went sooo far....On arrival, by a lake we all carried wood and learnt how to make a fire.We were given hot juice.The hut may be used by travellers just one night and is free. It and many others are upkept by the state.

The Sami people are trying to make livings after much discrimination. They make jewellery and knives, and also organise reindeer trips, and husky sledges too. The huskies are so friendly! The reindeer appear a bit limited but the rides on the sleigh were very pleasant. The huskies definitely go faster and one wonders why Santa didn't use them instead!