Tourism in Finnish Lapland has become the main source of employment and income, replacing traditional industries such as forestry. Working within this growth industry in rural and remote areas means that we must take a great deal of responsibility; socially, environmentally and economically. We fully appreciate the impact of tourist visits on local communities and their residents and strive to ensure that we are having a positive effect.

The wilderness hotel in Nellim is owned and run by the Lappalainen family, whose Sámi routes have been in this area for centuries. They have a strong sense of tradition and we encourage all of our clients to respect and embrace the lives and culture of all Nellim’s local inhabitants by learning a few important words: hello, goodbye, please, thank you etc. We have also included activities with a cultural base. In addition, we always encourage our clients to get involved in local events and activities which help to sustain traditional values and customs.

In all of our destinations we ensure that we use local accommodation, transport and activity providers, enabling locally owned businesses and the economies in which they work to benefit directly. The hotel in Nellim also serves as much local produce as possible and stocks locally made souvenirs. Through the tourism multiplier effect, this all helps to generate incomes and employment where the drift might otherwise be towards larger employment areas such as towns and cities. In a small and remote village such as Nellim the effects of such a drift could be devastating.

The use of small family run hotels and businesses means that the tourism income, generated by our presence stays where it should, in the local economy. We firmly believe in paying a fair price for all the services provided by our suppliers regardless of where they are in the world.

Our holidays rely on visiting beautiful and un-spoilt areas, and they don’t come more un-spoilt than Nellim. Naturally we wish to maintain the natural settings in which we work, not just for the future of our company, but also for future generations. We will always insist that our local providers are equally conscious of this need.

We do appreciate that some may feel that snowmobiles should not be included in such itineraries however in areas such as Nellim they are a way of life. They are the only means of keeping in contact with remote reindeer herders and communities as the road infrastructure is not extensive. All trails are well managed. The alternatives to snowmobiles would in most cases be large, gas-guzzling off road vehicles. All snowmobiles are regularly serviced and kept as fuel efficient as possible. The snowmobile service industry is also another vital source of employment in these remote areas.

We always ensure that all litter is removed from any of our activity sites, we strongly encourage group transfers to reduce traffic volumes and we make our clients aware of their obligation to the environment. We always offset our air travel emissions and would encourage you to do the same.

Day 1: Flights, arrival and introduction

Your holiday begins at Ivalo Airport from where our transfer takes you through some stunning scenery to Nellim. A welcome drink and meal await you at your cosy new home.

Day 2: Snow games!

We’ve laid on a range of activities today to get you in the Lappish frame of mind. Expect any of the following: ice fishing, fire building, ice sculpting, snowshoe racing, tobogganing and lassoing. The adults will also receive a short snowmobile driving lesson.

Day 3: Nellim Village, Sami culture and activities

The Sami and their reindeer herds have lived in Lapland for centuries and survival in such an environment is testimony to the hardiness of a remarkable people. We meet some of the locals and hear their fascinating stories about Sami life, past and present. We also try two favourite Lappish activities, snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Day 4: Reindeer farm

You can’t travel all the way to Lapland without meeting a few reindeer. You jump on snowmobiles for the trip to a reindeer farm where you’ll learn something about the lives of the local herders and the importance of reindeer to the area. You then take a short reindeer-pulled sleigh ride before heading back to the hotel.

Day 5: Snowmobiles and toboggans 

Back on the snowmobiles this morning for another exciting adventure in the wilds of Lapland. Weather permitting, lunch will be cooked over a fire out in the open. We return to the hotel in time for an early afternoon tobogganing competition.

Day 6: Husky safari

Now you have to get your head around this because Nellim’s huskies are French. So, rather than “mush!” it’s “allez les chiens!” Regardless, the effect is just the same....whoosh and they’re off and these dogs live to run. There’s nothing to match the thrill of driving a husky sled across the winter terrain. A holiday highlight every time.

If you are travelling on our 19th December departure then some extra special festivities and perhaps the odd surprise guest have been arranged for today and tomorrow along with a delicious Christmas Dinner. If you are travelling on the 26th December departure then tonight there will be celebrations to welcome in 2011.

Day 7: Departure, transfer and flights

The words 'genuine' and 'unspoilt' are used all too freely to describe travel destinations. In Nellim's case they are wholly appropriate.

You will this tiny "one street" town in the far North-East corner of Finnish Lapland on the shores of Lake Inari and just a short distance from the Russian Border. The terrain here is hillier and more rugged than in other parts of Finland and the spectacular winter scenery is all the more dramatic for that.

And, to add to the magic, this far north there is an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Indeed, three of us here at Activities Abroad saw the Aurora for the first time while visiting Nellim so it holds a special place in our hearts.

There's so much here that is different. For example, if you walk close to the Finland/Russian border fence then motion-sensitive cameras follow your movements. It's spooky and exciting at the same time!

Depsite Nellim's remote wilderness location you are assured of a warm and genuine Lappish family welcome from your hosts Jouko and Mari. In our opinion, Jouko is probably the hardest working man in the world. Among his many projects last year has been the construction of some fabulous new apartments across the courtyard from the main building.

If you haven't had enough exercise then grab a sledge and race down the slope to the lake.  Take a reindeer skin with you and you can lie back, insulated against the frozen ice, and gaze skywards at probably the best free entertainment anywhere in the world.

Suitable for anybody aged 5 years or over.