THE LAPLAND SERIES, DAY 5
SAARISELKA
Frozen karting & husky rides. Keen to put the terrible accommodation behind us, we set off to enjoy the first activity of the day at Frozen Ring, ice karting.
SEEING THOSE PAIR WHIZ PAST ME BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, WHICH FROZE BEFORE IT HIT MY CHEEK!
I have been eager to try this since I learned about it, knowing it would be fun with my competitive family.
WHERE IS SAARISELKA?
Saariselka
ICE KARTING
The Frozen Ring ice karting circuit is in Saariselka, 10 minutes from Kakslauttanen, so it’s easy to reach even without a car.
When we arrived, we saw a well-run operation with great track design, facilities, and karts already prepared. You are given all the gear you need, balaclava, overalls, gloves, boots, etc all of which we saw were in great condition, and well looked after.
We chose the Grand Prix option with practice laps, qualification, and then the race. Fortunately, we could rest for 10 minutes in the cabin between sessions, enough to remove helmets, rest, and sit by the fire.
Frozen karting & husky rides
DAILY INFO….
- HOTEL – Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort 3/10
- ATTRACTIONS – Ice Karting, Husky Sledding
- MILES COVERED -19.2 miles
- STEPS – 11,700
THE MY GRAND PRIX KARTING: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THAT ONE CORNER
I’ve done karting a number of times, but only casually and always on tarmac, so this was going to be entirely different. I didn’t expect to hear that drifting was the only way to turn the karts. And speaking of turning, there was one corner in particular I had an issue with. After doing well in practice and getting pole position, I felt all the pressure at the front. However, the second corner constantly proved to be a thorn in my side, as 8 times out of 10, I slid straight off into the snow.
This showed what happens if you don’t swing the kart before the corner; it’s often too late! Anyway, I had to settle for last place because the further the race went on, the more risks I had to take on. But all is not lost, I will get a chance to avenge myself in Ruka Peak in a week’s time.
Frozen karting & husky rides
RELATED READ: THE MOST INSANE WATERFIGHT IN THE WORLD
HUSKY SLEDDING THROUGH LAPLAND
In Lapland, husky sledding through the resort’s surrounding wilderness stood out as an incredibly unique experience. You truly appreciate the landscape only when you explore it in the open air.
The northern air is bitterly cold. I loved it, but recommend bringing many layers. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry so much about dressing for the activities, as you will get all the gear you need for this.
Frozen karting & husky rides
MEET THE HUSKY TEAM
- The front 2 are the leaders that steer and set the pace.
- The middle 2 are team dogs, those that are willing to put in the work and push.
- Back 2 are wheel dogs who must remain calm with the sled directly behind them.
Frozen karting & husky rides
SUMMED UP….
- MVP – Husky guide
- HIGHLIGHT – Husky sledding and ice karting
- LOWLIGHT – The karting was excellent but the lowlight was that same corner every lap!
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is the start of it. The first of many days full of activities! I might not have gotten off to the best of starts on the ice karting in Saariselka, but there are heaps left yet to do.
People Also Ask
What is ice karting?
Ice karting is basically go-karting’s cooler, slightly unhinged cousin. Imagine drifting around a frozen track, tyres sliding everywhere, you clinging on for dear life and pretending you have way more control than you actually do. Instead of braking and turning like a normal human, you throw the kart into the corner and hope the ice gods are on your side. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and one of the most fun things I’ve ever done even if one particular corner absolutely ruined me.
Where to do ice karting?
I did mine at Frozen Ring in Saariselka, about 10 minutes from Kakslauttanen. Proper track, great crew, gear all spotless. The whole place ran like a well-oiled machine (unlike me, who slid off into the snow more times than I care to admit). Lapland, in general, is full of spots for ice karting, but this one? Top-tier.
Can I go-karting if I can’t drive?
Absolutely! Half the fun is figuring it out as you go anyway. On ice, everyone’s sliding around like baby giraffes on roller skates, so not knowing how to drive just makes you one of the gang. They give you the basics, you sit down, you press the pedals, and off you go.
Can you eat before go-karting?
Yeah, you can. Just maybe don’t smash a three-course meal right before hopping in the kart. A snack or something light is totally fine. I’ve eaten before every karting session I’ve ever done and lived to tell the tale (even after being bounced around on the ice like I owed the track money).
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
158/229
WHAT’S NEXT ON THE LAPLAND ADVENTURE
A dip in the ice lake for the rents!!
This post was part of The Lapland Series. If you would rather read the rest of the series from the blog just click here.
To see a different side of my trip head to my social channels; YouTube, Instagram & TikTok. Links at top of the page.
Question Time
- Have you every tried karting?
- How about Ice Karting? What did you think of it?
- Fancy a race? Name the place and I’ll be there.
Let me know in the comments below . . .
