A new multi-generation northern lights itinerary has been launched to give families the best chance to experience the Aurora dancing over the Arctic skies.
The new experience by Lights Over Lapland includes a stay for up to 12 people, spread over two traditional Swedish homes, accompanied throughout by a highly experienced Aurora guide.
The entire itinerary is tailored around the age, mobility and needs of the guests.
An expert personal Aurora hunter will not only be there to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish but is also on hand to monitor the forecast and skies, with a 4×4 on hand to whisk guests out into the wilderness to provide the best possible experience of the Aurora.
The trip, which was trialled last season, has had a 100% success rate for guests to experience the northern lights.
“Guests will be based in Abisko, widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to experience the northern lights,” noted Chad Blakely, founder of Lights Over Lapland.
“We then dedicate a guide to the group from start to finish of the trip. Having an experienced Aurora hunter on hand throughout means they can react to the space weather and meteorological forecast and needs of the group – then create a plan specific to them.”
The four-night 100% Private Aurora tour is available from October to March and includes the choice of a wide range of daytime activities from landscape photography, snowshoe hiking, exploring the Icehotel, visiting the Sami & reindeer in Jukkasjärvi, wildlife safari, dog sledding, snowmobile adventure, and Arctic ice fishing.
In the evening, the expert guide will take guests to the best spots to experience the Aurora, from wilderness camps and Sami teepees; to harbours and even on Lake Torneträsk.
Claudio Comi, one of the expert Aurora hunters who guides the trip, added; “I first came to the Arctic to experience the northern lights back in 2019. Since then, I have called Abisko my home, learning to read the skies, understand the science behind the Aurora, and how to photograph it.
“It has to be one of the best experiences of my life, and it’s a privilege to help others realise their northern lights dream – regardless of age or mobility.”
The experience is also timed during one of the most active periods for solar activity that causes the northern lights. Chad explains: “The eleven-year solar cycle is now at, what we call, the solar maximum. This means the frequency and intensity of the solar storms that interact with our atmosphere causing the Aurora are at their most intense.
“That’s resulted in truly spectacular displays that have been seen across the UK and Europe.
“Not only that, but if you extend that trend back, we could be looking at the most intense solar maximum on record, with some forecasters predicting this winter to be one of the best ever times to experience the northern lights.”
Jennifer Verdugo, who travelled with Lights Over Lapland on one of the first 100% Private Aurora Escape tours, added; “We have been fortunate to have travelled a lot in the past, but this was one of our best holiday trips ever. Our amazing guide took such great and personal care of us, it felt like family.
“He is a very experienced guide. He knew every corner of Abisko and the surroundings and took us to amazing places. Out of the four nights we saw amazing aurora displays on two nights which were stunning.”
