First Class Upgrade

Pros and Cons of Buying a First Class Upgrade

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Pros and Cons of Buying a First Class Upgrade

If you want to fly in first class, your first thought is likely to purchase a first class ticket. This sounds like the best approach, but many travel websites offer a different form of advice. That involves not originally booking a first class ticket. Instead, buy a coach ticket and later upgrade to first class. This sounds like a good way to save money, but it also sounds risky. Is it a good idea? To determine, examine the pros and cons of using this approach to score a first-class upgrade.

Pros and Cons of Buying a First Class Upgrade

The Pros of Buying a First Class Upgrade

An upgrade is cheaper. Upgrades are offered at the last minute. They are used for a number of reasons. Commonly, airlines are selling tickets right up until the flight leaves; this is especially the case now as there are fewer flights in the air. It is easier to sell a last-minute coach seat than a first class seat. If you are upgraded to first class, your cheaper seat becomes available to sell. Airlines also encourage first-class upgrades to balance the weight of a plane.

Since airlines consider upgrades a last-ditch attempt to increase profits and improve safety, upgrades are cheaper. It is usually two or three times more expensive to purchase a first class seat than a coach seat from the start. On the other hand, you can get away with buying an upgrade for as little as $50 or $100.

You have the freedom to decide at the last minute. Since most first-class upgrades are given at the last minute, you can wait and ask. This is provided a seat is available. For example, you may be unwilling to pay for a first class ticket, until you see your flight is full of kids. There is nothing wrong with traveling with small children, but you may get a rowdy bunch. If so, your plans to relax are gone. If this causes you to worry, ask to buy an upgraded ticket. If one is available, you should get an upgrade with a cheap price tag.

The Cons of Buying a First Class Upgrade

First class upgrades are usually offered to preferred customers first. Regularly, these customers fly for business. Many are frequent flyers. Some are encouraged to use their frequent flyer miles and others are given free upgrades. Why does an airline do this? Preferred customers fly multiple times a year. They generate income for the airline. These are customers the airline wants and needs to keep happy.

They may not be available. Since most first-class upgrades are purchased at the ticket counter, there are risks involved. The flight may be booked to capacity, including first class. Then, you are stuck flying coach. If you have your heart set on flying first class, it may be worth the added cost to purchase a first class ticket from the start. Otherwise, arrive at the airport early. The first flyers to ask for upgrades are usually the ones to receive them.

You still have to pay. Although you do save money by opting for a first class upgrade, as opposed to booking a first class ticket, you still pay. This upgrade fee depends on the airline and how desperate they are to fill the seats. Make sure you are getting a good deal. As stated above, some airlines move passengers to first class because of weight and safety issues. How would you feel if you paid for a first class upgrade and later saw passengers being pulled into first class for free? Always keep this in mind.

So, is waiting until the last minute for a paid first class upgrades the best choice for you? It all depends on your personal preferences. If flying first class is a luxury and not a necessity, try it. The worst that happens is you are still flying in coach, but at least you are on the plane.

Thank you for visiting Lapland Guide website and reading this Pros and Cons of Buying a First Class Upgrade article post. I hope this was informative and helpful.

First Class

Many Ways to Get Upgraded to First Class

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Many Ways to Get Upgraded to First Class

Have you ever wanted to fly first class? Do you like the spacious seating area or the perks that first class travelers get? Most airline passengers would love the ability to sit in first class, but most cannot afford the added expense. In some cases, you can still enjoy the first class without paying the full price. How? By upgrading.

When it comes to first class upgrades, many coach passengers want to know what they can do to get one. You can continue reading on for a list of suggestions. Please note, however, that many of these suggestions are hit or miss. There is no guarantee you will get a first class upgrade. In fact, your chances are small, but since these steps are easy to implement, you have nothing to lose by trying them.

Many Ways to Get Upgraded to First Class

So, how can you score an upgrade to first class?

Volunteer to get bumped. Right now, airlines are in financial trouble. They have raised fares and cut flights. Since there are fewer planes in the air, more flights are booked to capacity. Not only that, but airlines regularly mess up and overbook flights. Flight attendants and ticket counter representatives are left scrambling to solve the problem. First, they look for bumped volunteers. If no one comes forward, they make the decision. Those bumped travelers are angry and likely to cause a scene. Airlines want to avoid this, so some are willing to bargain. Offer to be the passenger bumped, but only if you can get a free upgrade to first class on your next flight.

Volunteer if they want to move passengers to first class after boarding the plane. On occasion, planes are unbalanced in terms of weight. In smaller flights with first-class seating, some passengers are asked to move from the back to the front. If you hear a flight attendant discussing this problem or are asked, take it. You get a free, no-hassle upgrade to first class.

Dress nicely. It sounds silly, but if you look important, people usually think you are. Airlines cater to those they believe to be important. For example, if you dress the part of a businessperson, you are more likely to get a free or discounted upgrade to first class when asked. It is hard to get this step to work, so keep comfort in mind. If your upgrade request is denied, don’t be stuck four hours on a plane in an uncomfortable business suit.

Complain about the competitor. There is a lot of competition among airlines to prove they are the best. You can use this to your advantage. Was your previous connecting flight on a competing airline? State your displeasure, even if it was a good flight. You have nothing to lose by stretching the truth a little bit. Airline representatives want you as their customer. They may take the opportunity to upgrade you to first class free of charge. In some cases, it is their attempt to show you that they are better and to have you become a long-term customer.

Join a frequent flyer program. If you fly on occasion, even once or twice a year, join an airline’s frequent flyer program. If upgrades are available for free or for a discount, they usually go to preferred customers first. These are frequent flyers. Since these programs are free to join, you have nothing to lose. When asking for an upgrade, don’t be afraid to toss around your frequent flyer status. Remember, these preferred customers the airline wants to keep happy.

Finally, the best option is to pay for an upgrade. Yes, a free upgrade to first class is nice, but they are usually rare. It is cheaper to upgrade to a first class seat than to buy one right from the start. When upgrading, wait until you arrive at the airport. Upgrades are cheaper at the last minute. If you have frequent flyer miles, apply them towards the upgrade fee. It reduces costs.

How to Save Money on Airfare

How to Save Money on Airfare When Flying with Kids

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How to Save Money on Airfare When Flying with Kids

Are you a parent who needs to fly with your young children? If so, you need to look for ways to save money. Unfortunately, parents often pay full-price, if not more for their children to fly. Realistically speaking, it should be the other way around. So, how do you, as a parent, find cheap airfare when traveling with children?

Do not get a seat for a child under the age of two. Most airlines allow children under the age of two to fly on the lap of a parent. If you have a child under two, don’t pay full price for a ticket. Depending on where and when you are traveling, this seat could cost $400 or more! Some airlines do charge a fuel charge for lap infants, but it is still cheaper than a single seat.

Right about now, you may be thinking it is too uncomfortable to fly with a child on your lap. It is best if you are traveling with your spouse or another adult. You can alternate between holding your child. This is ideal for long-distance flights, ensuring both parents get to relax on the flight at some point.

Do not let an airline charge you extra for a car seat. If an infant under the age of two gets their own seat, most airlines require you to have a car seat. This car seat is for safety purposes. Although some airlines require infant car seats, they have no problem charging you extra. Don’t let this happen. If you must have a separate seat for your infant, contact the airline directly and bargain. Let them know that if they do not waive the fee for the infant care items, you will opt for a lap arrangement instead. Once again, this can lose the airline up to $400 or more!

Ask for a discount. If you have a small child who is over the age of two, you must buy a seat. As previously stated, that seat could cost $400 or more. What you need to remember is that your child weighs less than an adult, they have less luggage, and most have few travel needs. They aren’t calling the attention of a flight attendant every ten minutes. Technically, it costs less for your child to fly, so try to pay less.

When seeking a child airfare discount, these discounts are rarely offered online. In fact, they are rarely offered at all. Parents need to seek them. Before making your airline reservations, contact the customer service department of your preferred airline. Outright ask about a discount. Mention the fact that your child does weigh less and will not have as much luggage. Be very polite, but clearly state your point. You should get a discount.

The best way to reduce the cost of flying with kids is to focus on airfare. However, don’t discount other money saving areas. It is cheaper to fly with layovers than take a direct flight. Unfortunately, that leaves you and your kids hanging out at the airport. We all know how expensive airport meals, snacks, and drinks are. Eliminate this added expense. Give your kids a full meal before leaving, pack lots of dry snacks, and share drinks bought at airport stores.

If you are traveling with one or two children, they may want their own suitcases. As cute as they may look dragging this suitcase along, it may cost you at least $30 extra. Now, many airlines charge for not only second suitcases but the first one too. Save money by condensing luggage with your family. Will your daughter’s clothes fit into your suitcase and your son’s clothes fit into your husband’s suitcase? If your airline charges you $15 each way for a checked bag, you save $60 total!

As you can see, there are many ways that you can save money when flying with kids. Whether you have one child or three, don’t let the cost of flying ruin your finances.

Protect Your Home

Protect Your Home When You’re Not There

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Protect Your Home When You’re Not There

Protect your home when you’re not there at home has become possible and affordable with the digital technologies that continue to improve in quality and value for money.

You can’t be home all the time, yet you want to ensure that your home remains secure. Especially if you have small children at home, you want to make sure they are safe at all times. Well, you can finally protect your home, even when you’re not there, by installing an ADT home security system. All you have to do is call one of ADT’s professional representatives, who will then come out to survey your home. The rep will go over all the products ADT offers, as well as pricing, and then you can decide which product is best for you and your needs. Whether you live in an apartment or a three bedroom home, there is an ADT home security system that’s perfect for you.

Protect Your Home When You’re Not There

Leaving The Kids Home

Some parents leave their kids home while they go out and play. They either leave them with a babysitter, or they leave them by themselves if they’re old enough. What happens, then, if someone tries to break in while the parents are away? If the house has an ADT home security system, an alarm will go off as soon as the house is broken into. The parents will also get a call on their cell phone from ADT telling them the alarm has been tripped. ADT will also alert the police so that the home, and the children, can be secured as soon as possible.

False Alarms

When you leave your house, and arm your ADT home security system, it is then armed. When it’s armed, anyone who comes into your home will trip the alarm, and ADT and the police will be alerted. If you accidentally set off the alarm, however, and there is no emergency, what do you do then? ADT will contact you if there is a false alarm and will ask you for a password. This is all done before the police are alerted. If the police do come out for a false alarm, the person who owns the home could be charged. That means that you have to be very careful not to trip the alarm if there’s not an emergency. But at least this shows you that ADT will be there no matter what, to see if everything’s ok, and to make sure you and your family are completely safe.

Protect Your Home When You’re Not There
Click image.

If you’re interested in an ADT home security system, call ADT today and have a representative come out to survey your home. It’s the ultimate in security measures and it will give you the peace of mind you’ve been searching for.

Thank you for visiting this http://laplandguide.net/ website and reading this Protect Your Home When You’re Not There article. If you enjoy reading articles about Lapland Finland, then please do visit website http://arcticfinland.net/

Mountain biking

Types Of Mountain Biking

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Types of mountain biking

Types of mountain biking can sometimes be very specific to the terrain at the specific locations, with competition in mind, competing against other mountain bike competitors. Recreational mountain biking is somewhat different, more broad in the focus and covers many types of terrains and landscapes,

As a sport or a hobby, mountain biking can be split
into 9 different categories. These categories are
very versed in what they offer. They are:

Types of mountain biking

Types of mountain biking 1. BMX

BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20-inch wheels.
These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or
with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels
and shorter wheelbases, BMX bikes are much easier
to perform tricks and stunts with.

Types of mountain biking 2. Cross country

This type of mountain biking involves riding your
bike up and down hills. Although it’s the least
extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country
riders are very fit and go on long rides.

3. Cyclocross

This is a cross between road and mountain biking.
These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through
rivers, and race on and off the course.

4. Dirt jumping

Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large
man-made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they
are in the air. These jumps are normally close
together so riders can go over six or more jumps
in one run, gaining a flow to give them more
speed for bigger jumps.

5. Downhill

Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill
as fast as possible. This type of riding is very
intense and extreme, offering riders the chance
for ultimate thrills and excitement.

6. Freeride

Free riding involves finding the perfect line down
the mountain using all of the terrains to express
yourself. These competitions are very popular,
as riders can express themselves any way they see
fit.

7. Single speed

No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form
of cross country biking that’s done using a bike
with only one gear and fewer components. The idea
with single speed is simplicity. The straight
chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and
the lack of components means less mechanical
problems and a lighter bike.

8. Street and urban

This type of riding involves riding in urban areas,
ledges, and other types of man-made obstacles.
Riders of the street and urban biking will do tricks
as well, such as stalls and grinds.

9. Trails

Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking,
although the bikes used look nothing like mountain
bikes. They use 20 or 26-inch wheels and sport
small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and
jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires
an extreme amount of balance and concentration.

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Cross country mountain biking

Cross Country Mountain biking

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Cross Country Mountain biking

Cross Country Mountain biking is an all-rounder bike that can handle many types of terrains, surfaces and purpose applications.

Cross country mountain biking is cross country at
its finest. Where free riders and downhill bikers
use four-wheel bikes and ski lifts to get them to
their destination, cross country bikers get to
the top of the mountain by the ride. Though free
riding is very popular, the life vein of the sport
has always been cross country biking.

Cross Country Mountain biking

Cross Country Mountain biking versatility

Just as cross country riders are a different breed,
the bikes they ride are as well. The cross country
bike is completely different in many ways from other
types of mountain riding bikes. The premise for
cross country riders is speed. Everything about
their bikes revolves with the idea of making the
bikes faster and faster.

Bikes used in cross country mountain biking can
be fully rigid frame, hardtails, or even full
suspension frames. Through the years, the cross
over to full suspension has become very popular.

The weight difference between freeride bikes and
cross country bikes are considerable. You’ll be
extremely hard-pressed to find a bike that weighs
more than 24 pounds, and even that weight can be
heavy. Freeride bikes weigh close to 40 pounds,
which makes the difference in weight pretty close.

If you’ve never tried cross country mountain biking,
you’ll probably find it to be a break from the
ordinary. Even though this type of biking involves
trails, it’s normally the type of terrain that
beginners wouldn’t want to ride. Involving hills
and rough terrain, cross country biking offers
quite the rush.

For mountain bikers everywhere, cross country is
the way to go. It offers you a new assortment of
bikes, new areas to bike, and a new twist to
mountain biking as you know it. If you’ve been
looking for a mountain biking rush, cross country
mountain biking is what you need to be experiencing.

Types of mountain bikes

Different types of mountain bikes

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Different types of mountain bikes

Different types of mountain bikes are available, and the new innovation is ongoing at a rapid pace, dynamic competition between production companies competing to win their share of the market place. You can expect new product to keep coming onto the market place in the future, many of the design and application ideas are straight from the motor bike innovations invented in the 70’s and 80’s, and there on wards. Application like Trail bike, Motor cross, Endurance, Tricks and Trial bike design that is designed around the speed, balance, application and various terrains.


With mountain biking being a very popular sport,
there are many bikes to choose from. Depending
on what type of riding you like, the style of
bikes you can choose from will vary.

Different types of mountain bikes for variety of terrains and applications

Below, you’ll
find tips on the different types of bikes available.

1. Cross country

Almost all mountain bikes will fit into this category.
Cross country mountain bikes are light weight, making
them easy to ride over most terrains, even up and
down hills. This is the most common mountain bike
and it can be used with ease for riding on the path
or even commuting.

2. Downhill

These types of bikes are for serious bikers who
crave the ultimate adventure. Downhill bikes have
front and rear suspension, strong parts, and disc
brakes. Rarely available off the shelf, most riders
like to custom build their own.

Different types of mountain bikes

3. Trials

Trail mountain biking involves a great degree of
skill and is classified as the precision riding of
the sport. Similar to downhill bikes, trial riders
will often build their own bikes rather than purchase
one off a shelf. Generally very light and very
strong, these bikes require a lot of discipline.

4. Jump and slalom

Slalom and jump bikes are very strong and designed
for jumping, street racing, and slalom. They offer
a front suspension and use very strong components
dedicated to what they do. These bikes are very
popular with the sport of mountain biking.

Even if you are new to mountain biking, the sport can
be a lot of fun. There are several bikes to choose
from, all of which depend on your style. If you are
still looking for the best style for you, all you
have to do is try out several bikes and see which one
suites you the best.

Different types of mountain bikes and designs

Different types of mountain bikes most commonly come with some kind of suspension, front or rear, or both end suspension are common for fast and steep alpine style mountain tracks.

Mountain Bike Designs

The designs for mountain bikes can be classified in
three categories based on suspension:

1. Hard-tail – A frame with no rear suspension,
often containing a front suspension fork.
2. Fully rigid – This is a sub type of hard-tail,
with a rigid fork.
3. Dual or full suspension – These bikes offer a
front suspension fork and a rear suspension that
are integrated into the frame.
4. Soft tail – Offers a frame with a small amount
of rear suspension, normally less than a full
suspension frame.

The different designs of bikes in mountain biking
will offer you what you need for your unique style
of riding. You’ll want a different bike for
different terrain, such as cross country or
downhill. As the terrain changes, you’ll want to
make sure you have the right bike for the job.

Mountain biking is different than any other sport,
offering you plenty of excitement and thrills.
If you are new to mountain biking, you’ll find the
different designs to be very enticing yet very
challenging at the same time. Each design serves
a purpose with mountain biking, even some that
excel on the trails.

There are also several other designs which reflect
on the many challenging disciplines in the sport
of mountain biking. No matter what type of
mountain biking you like to do, there are bikes
for that specific discipline.

If you are new to mountain biking, you’ll want
to check out the many designs and types of biking
before you purchase a bike. Mountain biking can
be a lot of fun and excitement, although it can
also be very dangerous if you don’t have the
right bike for the terrain. Before you decide to
buy a bike and hit the trails, make sure you
have the right design of mountain bike for the
riding you are planning on doing.

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Mountain biking

Introduction to mountain biking

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Introduction to mountain biking

Introduction to mountain biking should be read with a scientific open mind, the fact is that the invention of a pushbike was a brilliant invention in the creative mind of human mental development. The invention of the wheel is said to be the turning point in the creative mind of human industrial activities, and specifically in labor sharing innovations the best invention ever.  Sitting on a bike seat takes the load of the vulnerable stressed joints of the legs, and it is a  very efficient use of human energy for traveling.

Mountain biking is a great way to explore the outdoors,
stay in shape, or just have fun. Racing down the side
of a mountain is a lot of fun indeed, although it can
also be quite dangerous. Even though it’s dangerous,
if you ride with caution, it can be enjoyed by the
entire family.

Styles of mountain biking

Mountain biking can best be characterized into three
different styles – downhill, free riding, and cross
country. Even though the different styles are similar
in some ways, they still require different skills. The
style that you pick will determine the type of bike you
get.

Locations for mountain biking

The sport can best be thought of as biking on an unpaved
surface. Many areas throughout North America have
specific locations designed for mountain biking. Before
you decide to go down a trail, you should always check
with your local park to get the routes, regulations, and
any rules that they may have.

You can also find groups that have mountain bike rides
and competitions. You can look on the internet or even
in a local paper and see exactly what’s available in your
area. You may be able to find groups for the more
advanced riders as well as beginners.

Becoming a great biker

Endurance and stamina are a must for a great mountain
biker. It will also take ambition and practice to succeed
as well as conquer the course. Like all other sports,
it takes time and practice. Those just beginning will
have to get past the bumps and bruises from falling
off the bike.

Selecting your mountain bike

The bike you select is more of a personal choice, and
a big determining factor on the type of riding you will
be doing. Bikes come at all styles, shapes, and prices,
which will make selecting one for yourself very difficult
indeed.

You should use the internet to help you shop for a bike,
even do some price comparisons online as well before you
make a purchase. Before you buy a bike, always ask to
try it out first. A great mountain biker will become
one with his or her own bike. When buying, make sure
you check for comfort, how it fits, even how it is geared.

Staying safe when riding

Mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be very
dangerous, as mentioned earlier. Anytime you are riding,
you should wear a helmet, along with knee and elbow
pads. If you are following a group or riding in the
woods you should strongly consider a pair of goggles as
well. Safety should be your top priority and never
taken lightly anytime you are mountain biking.

Introduction to mountain biking article was posted at http://laplandguide.net website in order to share some brilliant ideas and innovative vehicles that humanity has invented over time, especially those that improve the fitness and health of the people who practice their use.

New Year Greetings

Faith Is Something That Never Lets You Lose Out

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Faith Is Something That Never Lets You Lose Out

Faith Is Something That Never Lets You Lose Out is 100% true.  Especially when Faith is based on true spirituality, which has strong roots deep in morality.  That is exactly how the Faith in the old book has played out over some 500 years of time. The law of polarity demands that there are opposites to everything.  Hot and cold, big and small, sharp and blunt, right and wrong, beautiful and ugly, straight and crooked, good and bad. These are just some of the examples of how the processes of logic work in the rational mind.

Faith Is Something That Never Lets You Lose Out In Life

Especially true when it is based on rational logic.  The Abrahamic- Biblical faith does have a logical base that it builds upon, over some 5000 years of history, there is a logic base for the need of humanity to abide by the moral laws spiritually. But it has taken a long time for humanity to realize that humans are more than a physical being, animals are physical beings, and they often behave much better than humans do.  The solution found for humans to get in touch with their spiritual being, and to live by spiritual laws.  The doorway to that spirituality was shown by physical law, abiding by physical laws would have an impact on the inner spiritual being.  But it was a big burden for humans to carry extreme physical laws day after day, so a better solution was found and provided by the example lived out and demonstrated by the Yeshua Messiah. That provided a real tangible solution to the many conflicting problems in human primeval nature. However, even after an example was given and demonstrated some 2000 years ago, there is still a tug a war going on inside the human mind in establishing their true identity.  What is true human nature, is a spiritual being in harmony with the environment and in harmony with other human beings inside the community?  I think so, spiritual harmony with individual personalities living out their lives in creative ways.

There really are absolutes in life and it is possible to know the truth about the human mind. Although it is something that we do not see because the human mind is an activity and not a thing, the brain is a physical thing, but that is not the actual mind.  Compared to digital technology the brain is the hardware and the mind is the software. Therefore there is a software message sharing from me to you.  The mind can be filled potentially with many types of information, but not all information is right information or helpful to the individual.  The right information contains the right information about the human self-identity, knowing who you are as a human being.  Human beings are spiritual beings, with an intellectual mind that can think, imagine, reason logically, perceive and make plans for the future. They also have a physical body, that needs to be fed food for nutrition and energy. Understanding what the nutritional needs of the human body are, with the eleven organ systems is very important so that all of the physical body nutritional needs are supplied and met. Human beings also have an emotional side, they are nurtured emotionally from a very young age.  Emotions are a very important component of the human personality, with the ability to think laterally and to have the empathy to other human beings.

Faith Is Something That Never Lets You Lose Out In Life

You are a dreamer,  and you are an achiever. May you dream and achieve bigger feats, with every passing year.  All the best for the new year.

Great opportunity for New Beginnings

New Years is the perfect occasion to celebrate love, friendships and all the good things in life. Let’s take the time to appreciate what this year has given us and what the new one is about to bring!

Happy New Years! 2016

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Kilpisjärvi town

Kilpisjärvi Holiday destination

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Kilpisjärvi Holiday destination

Kilpisjärvi Holiday destination is unique for the real Arctic climate experience, it is apparent at the very first glance you see at kilpis-lake town, especially if it is a clear spring day, with clear blue skies and gleaming white snow all around reflecting the sunlight of the snow-covered tundra Fells, all around surrounding the small town of kilpis-lake.

A truly stunning tall tundra fell named Saana, is nearby on the East side, only one kilometer to the base from the town, from the base of the, fell it rises up over 500 meters to the summit.  See more pictures from this link. Arctic Finland holiday destination.

The landscape to the Westside is a flat frozen over snow covered narrow lake that stretches out some 10 km towards Norway to the North West. All around there are snow covered rolling tundra Fells and Tall Mountain peaks towards the Norway and Sweden that can be viewed from the Kilpis-lake town, that is only 10-20 km away.
The location of the killing-lake is about 50 km south from the Norway town of Skibothn, and 150 km from Norway Tromssa.  280 North West of Kittilä airports, and some 429 km North West from the town of Rovaniemi.

Kilpis-lake enjoys a cool mountain climate, with a long winter snow season stretching out well into the spring season April-May.  The sub-zero winter temperatures start in October with the average low temperature for the month being -3.2 ‘C. The daily mean sub-zero temperatures last for 8 months until June the following year, with average low temperate being 3.6’C according to the Kilpisjärvi climate data.
There are of course exceptional warm seasons, as well as extraordinary cold seasons, and the daily temperatures can go above the + C from time to time even during the spring season, from day to day according to the regional climate conditions that are affected by the southern European climate and the Siberian climate conditions on the east.  But the high altitude climate of the Kilpis-lake location, the lake altitude being at 473 meters above the sea level, does have the relevant characteristic of a high altitude cool climate.

It may sound deceptive to some to be speaking of a spring season when there is one meter of snow over the land and a 75 cm thick ice cover over the frozen ice, and no signs of it going anywhere.

Spring season it is according to the calendar, meaning that the summer will soon be knocking on the frozen winter ice door, as the planets northern hemisphere tilts more towards the sun and melts the ice and snow for a season.

 Surrounded by Tundra fells

The closest big tundra fell is named Saana tundra, at the summit it is 1029 meters above sea level, towering high above the nearby kilpis-lake town. There are many smaller tundra Fells nearby also, such as Salmivaara at only a few kilometers away, which can be easily ascended with the use of snowshoes, to the altitude of 598 meters. Then there is the Ailakkavaara on the South East side at the height of 935 meters, and the Pikku-Malla (small-Malla) at 738 meters to the North West, and Iso-malla (big-Malla) towering at 942 meters at the summit.

Recreational activities.

There are loads of outdoor recreational activities to do in any season, during my recent visit it was the spring season so I will mention them first.

 Cross country skiing at kilpis-lake.

Kilpisjärvi (Kilpis-lake) is great for the cross country and telemark skiers because of the long winter season; the reason for the cold climate is twofold. The far north proximity, parallel line, the coordinates being:  69°02′57″ North. 20°47′40″East. There are groomed cross country ski tracks on the frozen snow-covered kilpis-lake for many tens of kilometers, one track to the three border point is 38km with the return.  There is also a groomed ski track that goes around the Saana tundra making the distance some 20 kilometers from the town heading East and North around the Saana tundra and down West to the ice and snow covered kilpis-lake and back south to the kilpis-lake starting point. Great ski trip for an experienced cross-country skier.

Snowmobile safaris.

Many snowmobile safari operators take visitors for relatively short sightseeing day trips, nighttime northern lights viewing, ice fishing or camping trips staying overnight at log cabins.  Snowmobiles can be hired and driven with a driver’s license, or the alternative being passengers on the back or the sled that is being towed by the snowmobile, that may seat 4-6 passengers.

Snowshoe walking.

Snowshoe trekking is excellent when the weather is bright and sunny, the snow-covered environment lights up in the bright sunlight, and it is a pure joy to be walking on the top of the snow crust with the aid of the snowshoes, That can carry the weight of a person without sinking much at all, when there is a crust of snow on the top to carry the body weight of the person. Snow covered landscape can be an exciting experience, walking along the countryside and around the short tundra birch trees that are only about 2 meters tall, above the snow when there is one meter of snow above the ground. There are also visible animal tracks to be seen, a winter coat pure white color hare, red fox, and the unique white tundra bird named willow ptarmigan, a willow grouse bird that changes color into snow-white during the winter season.

 Dining at kilpis-lake

There is a number of restaurants and food services available at kilpis-lake, many of the accommodation services have a restaurant on their property to service their customers. To name a few off the main road, there is the Lapland Hotel kilpis, and Tundra Lomakeskus, the Majatalo Haltimaa,  Kilpisjärvi retkeily keskus, and the restaurant at the Kilpisjärvi town main shopping center.

Novel experiences of Arctic Finland culture.

Hot steaming sauna first, followed by a dip in the fresh waters of the ice lake, that takes the body experience from the extreme steaming hot sauna to the other extreme of the 0’C degree chilling waters that have had the ice cover removed for the willing volunteers to take a quick dip in the chilling cool waters and run back into the hot sauna to warm their frozen balls all over again.  It does sound very extreme but it is said to be an invigorating and refreshing bodily experience to enjoy.
There are many various types of accommodation available at kilpis-lake, if you enjoy the cottage style log cabins with open fireplaces, or the hotel style accommodation with regular daily room service, there are many types and styles to choose from at the kilpis-lake.  For more information on the Kilpisjärvi services visit web site www.Kilpisjärvi.org