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!
This has been something I have been dying to try out ever since I found out about it and being in a super competitive family I knew it was going to be a lot of fun.
WHERE IS SAARISELKA?
Saariselka
ICE KARTING
The Frozen Ring circuit is in Saariselka, just 10 minutes drive from Kakslauttanen so if you don’t have a car it isn’t that difficult to get to.
When we arrived we could see it was a run like a proper operation, great track design, great facilities and the karts already being prepared and setup. 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 decided on the Grand Prix option, where we take a few practice laps before qualification and then finally the race. Fortunately between each of these we could take 10 minutes rest in the cabin. Just enough time to take the helmets off, rest the arms and sit by the fire they have.
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 be told that you had to drift the corners as it was the only way to get the karts to turn. And speaking of turning, there was 1 corner in particular I had issue with. After doing well in practice and getting pole during quali, I had 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 was a perfect example of what happens if you aren’t swinging the kart before the corner it is often to 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
When I was researching on which activities to do here in Lapland it was clear that there are only incredibly unique experiences to be had and a popular option was the husky sledding through the surrounding wilderness of the resort. You don’t get to really appreciate the landscape until you get out into the thick of it and explore it in the open air.
Speaking of the open air, it is bitterly cold up in the north. I loved it as I have never felt the cold like it but I can only recommend that you bring as many layers as possible. 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.
