Norway winter family adventure vacation

Planet

Your hosts in Alta are passionate about sustainability, and are certified by Ecotourism Norway. This national certification is awarded to businesses and operators that hold a high international level in ecotourism. Over 100 strict criteria on environmental performance, host-role, local community integration, and purchasing must be met and often improved. Food is of great importance, and organic ingredients are sourced locally, and often grown onsite in their community garden, along with their own bakery for making fresh daily bread - greatly reducing the demand to import food. Guests are welcome to take part in enjoying this element of the site, and cooking lessons are available so that the hosts can share their passion for sustainable cooking.

The activities are also selected for their sensitivity to nature, with trekking and skiing available on your doorstep. The huskies that live on site each have their own kennel and welfare is of an incredibly high standard. The dogs also take part in races, including the Finnmarksløpet (Europe's longest dog race) so the quality of food and care needs to be the best possible to keep them happy and healthy.

The Snowhotel is also a champion of sustainability. The electricity is run 100% on renewable energy (hydro or wind), they are blessed with their own source of water (which is filtered to ensure it meets appropriate health standards) and they have a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. The igloo hotel is created with naturally formed ice, and the snow which is created with renewable electricity. The only carbon footprint is the transport used in construction, but they aim to make this fleet electric in line with their carbon neutral goal.

People

The accommodation in Alta is family run, and the owners had a vision of creating a simple boutique experience which celebrates Northern Norway, and gives their guests an insight into Finnish culture and how to live simply enjoying the local forests. They have strong ties with the local community and host autumn and spring markets, along with a cafe that is open during the summer. The owner Johnny has over 30 years experience cooking professionally, and is keen to share his love of local produce and how to appreciate the forest with this guests.

The Snowhotel is also family run and exclusively hires local residents who are considered part of the family and provided with attractive employment benefits. They also try to ensure that any contractors on site are, where possible, local, thus ensuring as much revenue is kept within the community that they are proud to be a part of.

Image Credits: TRASTI & TRINE AS