GLACIER GLAMPING
By Jason Jourdan
For 5,000 years, the Inuit, Yupik, and Inupiat peoples weathered unrelenting conditions in the world’s coldest regions in domed shelters of packed snow and ice. What was once a matter of survival for these ancient settlers has evolved into Glacier Glamping (glamorous camping), and modern travel tribes are all about the fun of it!
Glacier Glamping offers modern travel tribes accommodations filled with the fantasy and comfort of a wintery wonderland. Hearkening back to the traditions of OG sustainable living, guests experience heated eco-pods, 360° glass igloos, sculpted ice hotels with beds adorned in furs, reindeer sled rides, exquisite cuisine, and a host of luxury amenities. Each location provides unique experiences as igloo hotels are recreated annually from mounds of snow and ice amid the calving glaciers. Hence, guests never enjoy the same stay twice!
Some of the most notable Glacier Glamping destinations include Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is home to the world’s first ice hotel. Since 1989, the Icehotel has been hand-sculpted from massive ice blocks harvested from the Torne River. In addition to his must-see Swedish landmark, The Points Guy published his list of igloo hotels and villages for cold weather luxury enthusiasts:
– Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Saariselka, Finland
– Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Norway
– Lapland Snowvillage in Kittila, Finland
– Alpeniglu Igloo Village in Thale, Austria
– Hotel de Glace in Quebec City
– Snowhotel Kirkenes in Kirkenes, Norway
– Lucky Ranch Saloon Snow Igloo in Pelkosenniemi, Finland
Adventurers can now book the Snow Igloo in Pelkosenniemi, Finland, on Airbnb for $122 a night. Visitors enjoy real beds, toilets, showers, a living room, a small kitchen, and a self-service breakfast provided as is a chance to bask in the glow of the northern lights.
Moving on to the Western part of Finnish Lapland is the Lapland Hotels SnowVillage. Located near the Ylläs and Levi ski-resorts, The SnowVillage is also close to the airport of Kittilä for easy travel. To the amazement of its visitors, The SnowVillage changes size, shape, and design each year, featuring ice sculptures, snow suites, an ice restaurant, and an ice bar. Booking.com has all the details and travel deals for a stay in this wintery wonderland.
How about an artic treehouse? Luxury travelers will enjoy the comfort of The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in the heart of the Arctic Circle. Located in Rovaniemi, guests experience Lappish traditions, modern Scandinavian design, stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forest, and the spectacle of the Northern lights and Midnight Sun. The restaurant features locally sourced cuisine and a fantastic atmosphere.
Rovaniemi is also home to the Arctic SnowHotel and more than 39 glass igloos for soaking up the extraordinary beauty of Lapland’s nature. The renowned Aurora Borealis is the main attraction as travelers bask in 360° glass roofs for the ultimate view of the magical skies. The glass igloos utilize electrically heated glass to maintain even temperatures comparable to traditional hotel rooms. Each igloo comes equipped with underfloor heating for extra comfiness and motorized beds for optimal sleeping and nature watching.
Sleeping inside a fortress built entirely of snow and ice is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, a common concern held by Glacier Glampers is the temperature of the rental. Typical igloo temperatures range from 20 – 30 degrees Fahrenheit (glass igloos are warmer), and most hosts encourage guests to sleep with coats, hats, and gloves. The folks over at Lonely Planet shared their overnight igloo experience and what to pack:
– A heavy insulated sleeping bag
– Down coat
– Double up on socks
– Snow pants
– Gloves
– Hat
Remember, too many layers can result in sweat, which is water, and water freezes! A large meal filled with warm food and drink is strongly encouraged to regulate body temperature. Ernest igloo guests should research proper attire and practices before planning their icy sleepover.
Determined not to be outdone by Sweden, our friends in Iceland have an exciting proposition for those suffering from the effects of the last two years of lockdowns and economic turmoil. Iceland thinks the stress-addled of the world will benefit significantly from an ideal place to release their frustration. The nation’s tourism group, Inspire Iceland, launched the website It looks like you need Iceland as a means for guests to record screams as an ultimate act of ‘letting it out.’ Inspire Iceland promises to release those cries as a placeholder until visitors can holler into the majesty of Iceland’s natural beauty themselves!
Finding a flight to these igloo hotels can be the most challenging part of the journey as many are in remote areas of their respective countries. Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 restrictions, and depending on the point of departure, it may not be possible to visit some of these wintry wonders this season. Most destinations provide the essential supplies needed to enjoy a cozy night in a frozen environment. Pack those winter gloves and scarves, and don’t leave home without a travel insurance policy from the coverage experts at Point Comfort Travel.
International travel carries risks; be prepared with coverage that includes:
· COVID-19 Medical Expense Coverage up to the Policy Maximum
· Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
· Emergency Medical Reunion
· Return of Minor Child
· Emergency Traveler Assistance
Glacier Glamp your way through a winter wonderland with Point Comfort!
CLICK HERE for your FREE quote.
