Savalen - Christmas at Savalen

Gaynor Newman - Jan 11

I will post a full review on TripAdvisor but for anyone that wants a quick, brief review, I hope this helps.

First time with Activities Abroad, first winter snow holiday, travelling as a single parent with a 6 year old. 

I can't fault the service of Activities Abroad, it's good old fashioned customer service, real people who know exactly what they're talking about.  I phoned with questions before booking and found them to be friendly, knowledgeable, genuine and with a "customer always come first" attitude.  They can't do enough to help you.

Don't let the transfer time put you off. It added to the fun, the scenery was magical and the elf that met us and accompanied us was fantastic, he kept the kids amused telling stories of naughty Santa's and elves and we watched bang up to date family films en route.  The coach was modern and with toilet facilities.  Snacks and drinks were provided free of charge.

The holiday itself was uncommercial - as was the beautiful resort of Savalen.  The hotel rooms were a lot better than I'd expected, very modern and quite contempory - and very, very warm!  We had a room with balcony over looking the frozen lake.

I was worried that Santa wouldn't look like Santa (the one in the brochure doesn't!), however, the Santa we saw actually made me believe he was real!  My daughter was speechless and that's saying something.  Words can't describe how magical both Santa, his office and his house are.  You can also visit between 2-5 any day, and when we went back he was in his shop and remembered us - and let us have more photos taken.

The activities are well organised, professional, and for just the right amount of time at just the right times.  I couldn't fault the itinery.  For me the highlight was the husky safari - unlike most commercial Santa type holidays, we actually got to harness the dogs - believe me it wasn't easy but it was a wonderful experience.  Ice fishing was fun too and my daugher, to her squeals of delight, actually caught a tiddler - so there are fish there!

We went sledging - and got there by sleigh, in which sat Santa!  Again, it was wonderful, and Santa actually went sledging too.

I'm not sure who enjoyed the holiday the most, myself or my 6 year old!

I wouldn't hesitate in recommending either this particular holiday or this particular company.  They're way above the regular high street providers in every which way.