overview
Jeris encapsulates the Lapland dream: cosy winter cottages, log fires, a beautiful lakeside setting, spa facilites, deep snow and a fantastic range of activities. It's the best place we know for combining comfort and adventure.
Imagine returning to your very own winter cottage after an active day in sub-zero temperatures. Draw the curtains, turn on the sauna, light the log fire and feel the warmth seep back into your bones. Heavenly!
Jeris enjoys an enviable position on the shore of Lake Jerisjarvi and on the very edge of the Pallas-Ounas National Park. It's jaw-droppingly beautiful out there. The only problem is that you have to leave that log fire to experience the great outdoors. It's a tough call folks!
suitable for
Anybody aged 6 years or over
our opinion
This is what a winter holiday is all about, spending the day in the wilds of Lapland before returning to a winter cottage, throwing a few logs on the fire and relaxing in a steaming hot sauna before dinner. What I like about these cottages is that they are set in the woods a short walk from the main building, so although it may sound corny, you can actually hear the silence. On one occasion, I returned to my cabin for a nap before my evening meal only to wake up 12 hours later in time for breakfast. Tranquil is the operative word.
agenda
Sunday
Flights, arrivals and introduction
You will be greeted on arrival at Kittila Airport and transferred to your accommodation. After settling into your winter cottage, it's a short walk over to the main building for dinner and an introductory meeting with your guide.
Monday
Reindeer farm and safari
We drive to the old Lapland Manor where our local reindeer herder's family has lived since the 19th Century. There will be a short film presentation describing the importance of reindeer in Lappish life before visiting the reindeer farm. At the farm you can try your hand at lassoing before setting off in a reindeer pulled sleigh for a 3km safari. Lunch is served by an open fire in a traditional Lappish kota.
We return to the accommodation after lunch where there will be time for snow activities within the grounds such as tobogganing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Tuesday
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing
The cross-country skiing trails start next to the hotel. Your guides will teach you the basics of this remarkably easy discipline before taking you on a guided skiing trip across the snowy landscape. After lunch in the hotel restaurant you strap on your snowshoes and head onto frozen Lake Jerisjarvi for a guided hike.
Wednesday
Free day or optional activities
Why not take the time to relax?, There are few more theraputic remedies than catching up on some reading in front of a wood burning fire. Alternatively, drop into the spa for a sauna or a massage or try additional activities which can be paid for at reception.
Thursday
Snowmobile and ice fishing safari
You will receive an instruction and safety briefing from your snowmobile guide before speeding off on a 30km safari. Weather permitting, your guide will build a fire and cook lunch out in the open where there will also be the opportunity to try some ice fishing.
Friday
Husky safari
A short drive brings us to the husky farm where you will learn about the life of a sled dog here in the Arctic Circle. You will also be taught how to handle a dog team before taking the reins yourself on a 17km safari lasting approximately two hours.
Saturday
Free day, optional activities or Lainio Snow Village
After a busy few days you may just want a day to relax in the spa. However, you can also book additional activities and this year we've added the possibility of staying overnight in a snow hotel at Lainio Snow Village.
Sunday
Departure, transfer and flights
accommodation
Jeris Hotel
The hotel has 27 Scandinavian style bedrooms all of which have a private shower and toilet room as well as a clothes drying cupboard, TV and telephone.
The excellent restaurant serves traditional Finnish dishes as well as international cuisine. The bar, with its open fireplace, is the perfect place to relax before dinner or you can wind down in the lakeside spa.
The spa is the ideal relaxation area after an active day outdoors. You can lie in one of the two small heated pools while enjoying views of the snow covered lake or warm up in the real Lappish wood heated smoke sauna. For the really adventurous (some would say insane!), there is an illuminated ice pool, which is kept open throughout the winter.
Jeris Winter Cottage Type A
Sleeps two to four people and consists of one spacious room with a sleeping alcove for two people and a pull out sofa bed for two more.
The cosy winter cottages are located in the woods across the road from the main hotel building.
They vary in size sleeping between two and six people. Each cottage has the following: lounge/kitchenette, sauna, shower and toilet room, fireplace, drying cupboard and TV.
Meals are served at the hotel and guests are also able to use the fabulous spa facilities.
Jeris Winter Cottage Type B
Sleeps from four to six people with one bedroom downstairs and a loft area for a further four people.
The cosy winter cottages are located in the woods across the road from the main hotel building.
They vary in size sleeping between two and six people. Each cottage has the following: lounge/kitchenette, sauna, shower and toilet room, fireplace, drying cupboard and TV.
Meals are served at the hotel and guests are also able to use the fabulous spa facilities.
Jeris Winter Cottage Type C
Sleeps from four to seven people with two bedrooms downstairs and a loft sleeping area for a further three people.
The cosy winter cottages are located in the woods across the road from the main hotel building.
They vary in size sleeping between two and six people. Each cottage has the following: lounge/kitchenette, sauna, shower and toilet room, fireplace, drying cupboard and TV.
Meals are served at the hotel and guests are also able to use the fabulous spa facilities.