Jeris New Year Family Adventure in a Winter Cottage
Jeris is a magical family destination and the winter cottages are a true favourite with our staff’s own families. This holiday is packed full of memorable experiences that families of all ages will enjoy so it’s a great place for a multi-generational New Year holiday. What I love especially are the extra touches included in this holiday; the baking, treasure hunt and crafts are excellent for children. The activities are unforgettable no matter what your age and this holiday includes all of the key Lappish experiences. A New Year here will create wonderful family memories.
Overview
Key facts
- Duration:7 nights
- Suitable for: Anybody aged 5 years or over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
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What's included?
- Flights: return flights from London to Kittilä (via Helsinki). Flight routes are subject to change.
- Transfers: return airport transfers
- Accommodation: 7 nights’ accommodation in Type A Winter Cottage (upgrades to larger cottages are available on request)
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- The following activities are included: husky safari, snow fun activities, cookie baking and gingerbread house, snowshoeing, visit to the Torassieppi Winter Village and reindeer sleigh ride, Aurora snow train, snowmobile safari, festive dinner (order subject to change)
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors
- Services of our local representative
This is the ultimate family New Year holiday. Spend seven nights in a cosy winter cottage in Lapland and enjoy a New Year like no other. This holiday includes all of our families’ favourite winter activities and some unforgettable experiences. You will traverse this winter wonderland by dog sled, enjoy the thrill of a snowmobile safari and take the reins for a reindeer sleigh ride. What’s more, your spectacular location also means you can keep watch for the Northern Lights together as a family.
There are plenty of traditional Lappish family pastimes included as well such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing which you are all sure to love.
At the end of every day, you and your family can return to your cosy winter cottage which is complete with private sauna and fireplace and can enjoy having your own ‘home from home’ in which to relax and spend quality time together.
The order of activities listed here is for guidance only and you will be provided with the final agenda on arrival.
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Agenda
Agenda
Show full agenda-
Day 1 Arrival and Welcome
Upon arrival at Kittilä Airport in Finnish Lapland, you will land in a snow-covered winter wonderland and be greeted for your transfer to Jeris (approximately 45 mins away).
Situated on the edge of a frozen lake and dotted in the forests, the hotel and winter cottages make for an ideal base for a family holiday.
The order of activities listed here is for guidance only and you will be provided with the final agenda on arrival.
Included Meals: Dinner -
Day 2 Husky Safari and Cookie Baking
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will go on your first adventure as you head off to meet the huskies. This is sure to be a serious highlight of any holiday in the north as a husky safari is an experience like no other.
A short transfer away, your activity will start with an introduction from your expert mushers who will give you an insight into the lives of these working dogs.
You will be given a full safety briefing before you pair up in teams of two to hit the trail with your very eager dogs. Adults will travel two people per sled (with the chance to swap drivers) and children will travel in a sled controlled by the guide. Covering 9km using purely ‘paw power’ is an unforgettable experience and you are all sure to fall in love with the dogs.
Back at Jeris, you will enjoy lunch in the restaurant before spending the afternoon baking traditional Finnish gingerbread cookies together and, of course, enjoying them afterwards!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 3 Snowshoes and Elf Kota
After breakfast in the hotel, you’ll meet up with your expert guide who will take you on a snowshoe safari of the surrounding area. The shoes allow you to walk over the thick snow, exploring nature and enjoying the peace and quiet of the winter wonderland.
Back at Jeris, you will enjoy lunch in the restaurant before heading to a nearby kota. Here you will make keepsake souvenirs and toast marshmallows over the fire.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 4 Reindeer Games, Torassieppi Winter Village and Aurora Snow Train
Today you will take the 10-minute transfer to Torassieppi Reindeer Farm and Winter Village. Your first port of call is the Lappish manor house which dates back over 100 years and houses a small museum that provides information on reindeer herding in the area. You will then be shown how to lasso a reindeer before getting up close to these furry-nosed animals during a 3km reindeer sleigh ride next to the Pallas-Ylläs National Park.
Then it’s just a short walk to the stunning winter village, a more modern addition to the farm. Here you can enjoy the sight of the snow and ice carvings before enjoying lunch in the ice restaurant (weather permitting) then heading back to the hotel.
You will have some free time this afternoon to make the most of the snow and perhaps enjoy some sledging or snowshoeing independently. Then, after dinner this evening, you’ll head out for an exciting night in search of the Northern Lights. The Aurora Snow Train is a large, heated sledge, which is pulled by a supersized snowmobile. It’s a fantastic way to explore the landscape in search of the lights and you’ll make a stop along the way to enjoy hot drinks and snacks around an open fire.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 5 Snowfun and Snowmobile Safari
This morning is dedicated to making the most of the winter wonderland surroundings. After breakfast, you’ll try out snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and tobogganing. The children can even have their own chance to get in the driving seat of a mini snowmobile.
After lunch back at the hotel, this afternoon it’s time to get on the snowmobiles! Snowmobiling is a thrilling way to explore the wilderness of Lapland and is great fun for all the family.
The activity starts with a safety briefing and driving instructions for the adults. Those aged 18 and older and who hold a full driving licence can take control of the snowmobile and will travel in pairs. The children will be tucked up warmly in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile.
Out on the trail, you will pass through snow-laden forests and whizz across frozen lakes as you cover around 30km.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 6 Gingerbread House
After breakfast, you have a free morning to spend as you please. Additional activities may be available for you to book locally.
Following lunch, you and your family will build and decorate your own gingerbread house.
A festive dinner to celebrate New Year’s Eve will be served tonight in the restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 7 Free Day to Tailor Your Time
The end of the holiday has been left free in order for you to spend your final day as you choose. You may like to relax in your cottage and spend precious family time together or perhaps you may want to add on some additional activities (payable locally) such as the wonderful Arctic Elements Lakeside Spa. Many families like to try their favourite activities again or perhaps hire some cross-country skis or snowshoes to explore the snow independently.
The choice is entirely yours.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 8 Departure
Today you will be transferred back to Kittilä and travel home with a head filled with wonderful memories of a New Year spent in Lapland.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Families will be allocated the most appropriate cabin available for their family size. Supplements do apply for B and C Type Cabins.
Included in price
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Hotel Jeris Winter Cottages
Nights: 1-7
Hotel Jeris and its winter cottages are on the shores of Lake Jerisjarvi around 20km from the nearest town. They offer families an idyllic location for a holiday in the wilds of Finnish Lapland.
The hotel consists of a main building which is home to the hotel rooms, gift shop and restaurant. The 32 winter cottages are dotted in the surrounding forests.
Read more about this accommodation Read less about this accommodationHotel facilities
- All meals are served in the main hotel restaurant. There is always a selection of options which often includes local dishes as well as more international cuisine.
- The buffet breakfast offers a wide selection of cooked and continental options; whilst lunch and dinner are usually a selection of salads, then a choice between a meat/fish main course and a vegetarian option, followed by a set dessert. During December, a special buffet menu and certain soft drinks are also provided for children.
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge throughout the day in the hotel restaurant/bar area.
- There is a small lounge area in the main building where guests can use the free Wi-Fi connection and there is a small shop selling souvenirs and snacks.
- Jeris is home to the lovely Arctic Elements Lakeside Spa just a short walk from the hotel. Renovated for winter 2019/20, the spa has strong eco-credentials thanks to its use of entirely renewable electricity and geothermal heating generated from the Jerisjärvi lake. Here there are four saunas each inspired by the four elements; earth, fire, water and air and named after Finnish gods and goddesses. You can also upgrade to the special Northern Lights sauna for a relaxing way to search the skies! If you are feeling brave (and are in good health) try an adventurous dip in the ice pool.
Winter Cottage Type A
Type A winter cottages (30 square metres) are, on the whole, the closest to the hotel and are ideal for families with small children.
The cabins can vary in size but all sleep from two to four people in one spacious room with a sleeping alcove for two people (generally with a double bed) and a pull-out sofa bed for two more. They are all privately-owned and so the décor and style can vary, but each has a cosy wood-burning stove, clothes drying cupboard, kitchenette, television, shower room, toilet and a private sauna.
All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.
Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.
Please note: a limited number of hairdryers are available from reception.
Winter Cottage Type B
Type B winter cottages (63 square metres) sleep from four to six people and are ideal for families of four or more. There is a living room area with a kitchenette and wood-burning stove, one bedroom for two people and a mezzanine loft area (please note that this is accessed by a steep ladder so is not suitable for small children) which can sleep up to four more.
The cottages are all privately owned and so some contents and décor may vary, but all are equipped with clothes drying cupboard, sauna, TV, shower and toilet room.
The cosy winter cottages are located in the forests which surround Jeris; the furthest being across the quiet road and tucked in the trees around a 15-minute walk from the main building. Your luggage will be transferred for you on arrival.
Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.
All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.
Please note: A limited number of hairdryers are available from reception.
Winter Cottage Type C
Type C winter cottages (70 square metres) are the largest available and sleep from four to seven people. There are two bedrooms (each for two people) downstairs and a loft sleeping area for a further two (or three if you don’t mind being very cosy!) people accessed via a steep staircase (not suitable for small children).
As with all the cottages, there is a log-burning stove, clothes drying cupboard, kitchenette, sauna, TV, shower and toilet room. They can vary in layout a little and as they are privately owned, the décor is determined by the owner’s personal choice.
They are located in the forests which surround Jeris; the furthest being across the quiet road and tucked in the trees between a 10 and a 20-minute walk from the main building. Your luggage will be transferred for you on arrival. All meals are served in the hotel restaurant.
Cabin guests will receive a small ‘starter pack’ of firewood. Further wood supplies can be purchased locally for approximately 10 euros.
Please note: A limited number of hairdryers are available from reception.
Dates & Prices
We include more, no hidden costs
Cabin occupancy: prices below are based on the minimum accommodation occupancy requirements being met (see 'Terms' tab below for details).
Dates
Next season’s dates and prices
Our dates and prices for 2023/24 are now available to book, so get in early and secure your places now. Our Family Travel Experts will happily provide you with a full quotation including any additional activities or accommodation upgrades.
| Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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Sat 30 Dec 2023
to Sat 06 Jan 2024 |
Adult price (per person): £3615.00 | Child (age 5 -12): £2505.00 | Enquire |
Please note: our holiday prices are based on the lowest available airline fares. These fares can sell out quickly and, as a result, prices may increase and supplements may be applicable. We recommend booking at the earliest opportunity in order to secure the best possible fares and flight times. This only applies to holidays that include flights.
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
This holiday requires a minimum of 2 people to run, however, on some dates we require a minimum of 8 people for our flight allocation. Maximum 22 people (approximately). Please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.
Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Booking activities locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms - Jeris cabin minimum number requirements
Minimum accommodation occupancy:
Cabin A: price is based on 2 adults sharing a cabin with one or more children (minimum occupancy for a cabin A is 2 adults)
Cabin B: price is based on 2 adults sharing with 2 children (minimum occupancy for a cabin B is 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults)
Cabin C: price is based on 3 adults sharing with 2 children (minimum occupancy for a cabin C is 3 adults and 2 children or 4 adults)
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions
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