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 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 giving all the gear you need, balaclava, overalls, gloves, boots etc – all of what we seen was in great condition 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 KARTING
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 1 corner in particular I had 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 in a weeks time (Click to read).
Frozen karting & husky rides
RELATED READ: THE MOST INSANE WATERFIGHT IN THE WORLD
HUSKY SLEDDING
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
HUSKEY SLEDDING
- 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 karting but there are heaps left yet to do.
NEXT UP
A dip in the ice lake for the rents!! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
158/229
This post was part of The Lapland Series. To view my Instagram highlights click here.
If you would rather read the rest of the series from the blog just click here.
