Sámi spring festivals in Finland

Tuesday, 14 February 2012 4:42 PM

This spring will see the Sámi, Europe’s only indigenous people, celebrate their most important festivals including The Reindeer Championship Races, the Sami Ski Race and the Enontekiö Ice Fishing Week in Finland.

St. Mary’s Day festival, the highlight of the Sámi cultural year will be held from March 23rd - 25th and feature reindeer races and lassoing competitions on the frozen Lake Ounasjärvi.

This spring will also see the 60th jubilee edition of the Reindeer Championship Races, the highlight of the racing year, held on March 31st - April 1st. The race will take place on ice on Lapland’s biggest lake, Lake Inari and festivities will include handicraft stalls, local food and lassoing contests. The Reindeer Races will also coincide with the grand opening of the Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos.

On April 1st the Sámi Ski Race will begin, which will feature a 90km race from Finland to Norway across the frozen Arctic tundra. And spring will culminate for the Sámi in the Enontekiö Ice Fishing Week, held from April 21st – 28th, where the Sámi come to take part in traditional ice fishing competitions from all over Lapland.

Top five alternative winter sports and where best to do them

Winter sports don’t have to be all about skiing, snowboarding and ice skating, there are a whole range of snow bound activities to try out in frosty landscapes. Whether you’re after a thrilling escapade or something just to dip your toes into the ice, there’s a winter adventure to suit all. So don your scarf and your hat and get ready for our top five alternative winter sports.

Top places for a husky safari

The Arctic temperatures are set to return to Europe this week, so there’s still plenty of time for a snowy adventure. Cheapflights.co.uk is encouraging people to embrace the cold and swap sunny safaris with the snowy kind and have come up with their five favourite destinations for a husky sleigh ride through the snow.