november-2011

WINTER FUN
cottage that oozes Scandinavian charm,
with an open fireplace and communal sauna.
Best eats: Set at Vemdalen’s main ski
area, the cosy, informal Hildings Krog
(40 Österlängatan, +46 68 43 13 30)
serves delicious cordon bleu venison.
Best souvenir: Pick up some smoked,
vacuum-packed reindeer (or moose) at
any of the provisions shops in town.
Åre, Sweden
Where: High in the mountains near the
Swedish-Norwegian border.
Nearest Thomas Cook airport:
Åre-Östersund.
Best for: With 30 lifts, 53 slopes and
100+ miles of marked paths, this is the
best carving north of the Alps. Åre was
named the world’s best ski resort by
Condé Nast Traveller in 2008.
Who goes: Downhill experts,
snowboarders, winter-loving families
and anyone wanting a break from
French and Italian resorts.
100 Thomas Cook Travel
WHILE YOU’RE
THERE, DON’T MISS
THE CHANCE TO:
SEE THE
NORTHERN LIGHTS
Witness one of the planet’s
greatest natural shows.
Come winter, the heavens
in this beautiful part of
the world glow with the
Aurora Borealis (Northern
Lights, pictured) – bright,
fiery tapestries of amber
and hazel light. For a
truly unforgettable travel
experience, the Northern
Lights are best viewed
between the months of
September and April. Take
a Northern Lights Voyage
with Neilson Adventures,
flights included. Visit
neilsonadventures.co.uk
Don’t miss: The thrilling zipline course,
dog sledding, ice climbing, snowmobile
safaris and a visit to the Tännforsen
frozen waterfall (prebook through
neilson.co.uk).
Best digs: The swanky Tott Hotel
(neilson.co.uk) features a full-service spa
and pool, plus lake view.
Best eats: Åre’s most unique dining
experience can be found at Karolinen
(Åre, +46 647 32090, karolinen.se),
where the three-course menu includes
local reindeer and moose, all served on
hot stones. You can even arrange to be
collected by dogsled or snowmobile from
Åre or Åre Björnen.
Best souvenir: A bottle of oak
barrel schnapps, distilled in
Buustamons Fjällgård’s basement,
will help bring those Scandinavian
memories flooding back. TC
For winter breaks in Finland, go to
thomascook.com. For the best ski deals in Norway
and Sweden, get the latest Neilson brochure or
visit neilson.co.uk for more information