Call of the wild
Iditarod Sled Race, Alaska, US
WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race covers 1,688km of the roughest, toughest country in North America. Mushers (sled-drivers) and their dog teams race across Alaska from Anchorage to Nome.
WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE?
The race coincides with the Fur Rendezvous Winter Carnival and is one of Alaska’s biggest events. Your team can join the Iditarod Mushers Banquet and talk to these hardened race veterans on the eve of the race. After watching the start of the competition in downtown Anchorage, your team will head off to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race headquarters and museum before continuing to Iditarod veteran Vern Halter’s kennel for a customised group tour. The presentation includes a demonstration of outdoor survival gear, explanations of dog care techniques and a sled dog ride of your very own.
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Icelandic saga
Snowmobile tour,
Langjökull Glacier
WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Iceland is one of Europe’s most rugged landscapes. The volcanic activity of past millennia has sculpted a truly amazing terrain on this landmass just south of the Arctic Circle. Add to this, a cultural legacy that stretches from the Vikings to cult contemporary musical icons such as Björk and Sigur Rós and you have a fascinating destination.
WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE?
Says Icelandic Incentives Inc director Matthias Kjartansson: “We will pick you up from your accommodation with our super-sized snow-mobile trailer and drive to the best place at the time of the trip. Since this is a winter trip (and the Icelandic winter weather is not to be messed with), we will customise each trip according to the conditions. That is to say we will take you where the snow is the deepest, the sun shines the brightest (or at least where the winter storm is less powerful!) and the views are the greatest. When conditions are favourable, we will try to blaze between the mountains and reach the Langjökull Glacier. In any case, a full-day snow-mobile expedition in the Icelandic highlands in winter is guaranteed to be the adventure of a lifetime.”
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Lapp chance
Polar Meetings, Finland
WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Finnish Lapland is home to a North European indigenous people, the traditionally nomadic Sámi. This reindeer-herding folk has been able to keep its languages and thousands of years old traditions alive amidst all the changes in society. Nowadays, tourism and the traditional lifestyle walk hand in hand, and visitors to this beautiful region get a chance to experience firsthand what life of a reindeer herder is about.
WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE?
Says Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink, marketing manager of Polar Meetings: “In Levi, Lapland, you will be stunned by the breathtaking arctic beauty of snow-coated nature, and the aurora borealis lighting the night sky. The surroundings stage a perfect setting for unforgettable Lappish theme evenings.
“Fire places and Lappish torches create a mystical atmosphere and traditional Joiku-singing takes you back for centuries to the times of Shaman magic. Traditional Lappish delicacies cooked on an open fire and served on wooden planks are a culinary experience that cannot be experienced anywhere else.
“During the evening, the guests get to try reindeer and husky rides, prove their skills in Sámi lasso throwing and ice-fishing or even dip in the frozen lake after roasting themselves in a Finnish sauna.
“Accommodation in the region is of very high quality and the options range anywhere from traditional log houses, stunning design-rooms in a snow hotel to luxury apartments and hotels. This area also offers groups an endless variety of winter sport activities from snow scootering, ice fishing and skiing, to more extreme ice diving and hot air ballooning,” Raekallio-Wunderink says.
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Manchurian candidate
Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin China
WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
The Harbin Ice Festival, first held in the 1960s and then re-established in 1985, is held annually from January 5 and lasts for around six weeks. This is China’s greatest ice artwork festival and attracts hundreds of thousands of local and overseas visitors. More than 2,000 ice sculptures are on display at the annual event.
WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE?
Harbin is unique among Chinese cities because of its strong Russian heritage, dating back to the times of the tsars. This is reflected in Russian architecture and old Orthodox churches. Harbin is in what historically was called Manchuria, the original homeland of the latter dynasties of the Chinese empire. So there are plenty of historic sites to visit. However, why not take advantage of the spectacular ice sculptured buildings, ranging from cathedrals to pagodas and castles. You could hold a meeting, a cocktail reception or even a themed banquet in the buildings made from solid ice.The hardier among your group might even consider swimming in the icy rivers, which locals maintain is great for your health. Harbin is also home to a number of five-star hotels including the Sofitel Wanda Harbin and the Shangri-La Harbin, offering a comfy and cosy alternative to your sub-zero activities.
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Cool venues
Ice Village, Alpha Resort Tomamu, Hokkaido, Japan
WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
One of the largest year-round mountain resorts in Japan, the Alpha Resort Tomamu creates a unique ice village each winter as temperatures drop to around -20ºC between late December and March. The ready availability of pure ice and clean water allows the resort to fashion out a number of spaces such as an Ice Dome, a small ice hotel, an ice chapel and an ice workshop.
WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE?
Your group can be set to work creating their own ice glasses in the workshop by chiselling their container out of an ice block and then afterward enjoying their favourite chilled cocktail or beer in their very own creation. Meetings can be held in the ice dome, and a few hardy souls can even sleep overnight in the ice hotel. Groups can take part in a wide range of wintersports activities such as jetskiing or snowboarding as well as take a spectacular late-night balloon ride.
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Antarctic expeditions
Silversea’S Prince Albert II
WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
One of the last true wildernesses on the planet, Antarctica’s rawness is its true attraction. The barren beauty of this South Polar destination is breathtaking and what better way to appreciate it than by a luxury cruise.
WHAT CAN I DO THERE?
Silversea cruises Antarctica aboard the Prince Albert II, a luxurious ship that can hold up to 132 passengers. The Prince Albert II has a specially strengthened hull, offering special protection against the ice floes that proved a deadly challenge to previous generations of explorers. With the safety of your group guaranteed, the Prince Albert II focuses on comfort, offering a range of features and services including 24-hour room service with a gourmet menu. All suites have ocean views and there is a range of guest facilities, including a fitness centre, boutique shopping, a library and even internet access. Silversea Cruises can also provide a range of lectures and events to inform your participants and stretch their minds. There will also be the opportunity for escorted expeditions onshore, giving your team the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most secluded outposts.
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