Accommodation at Iso-Syöte

Transcription

1 Iso-Syöte Finland

2 Welcome to Iso-Syöte Winter in Finland is an experience one will never forget. Almost unrealistic snowsculptures made by nature, the dance of the northern lights in the sky, cosy cottages on splendid spots, regenerating sauna s all over, unique adventures to explore and safaris to be made. On the southernmost fjell of Lapland lies a snowy white village on top of the Iso- Syöte hill. Covered by a soft and thick layer of snow the hotel and cottages are overlooking the forest and valley area of the surrounding National Park. Hotel Iso-Syöte & Safaris offers a wide choice in accommodation and activities and is ready to serve your clients and make their winterholiday a real special experience. Get into the real snowfun. Iso-Syöte offers it all! Accommodation at Iso-Syöte Kelo cottages 20 cottages built in traditional, Finnish kelo-style made of naturally matured full round pine-trees. Every cottage has a living room with fireplace, bedsofa, kitchen, diner table with 4 seats, kitchen equipment such as cooker, fridge, oven, microwave, coffeemaker and all needed dishes for 4 persons etcetera, one bedroom with two beds, wardrobe closet, bathroom with shower, toilet and private sauna. Own veranda in front of the cottage. Woodstorage on the porch. Up to 4 persons can be accommodated here. All cottages are in walking distance of the hotel, reception and restaurant. Every cottage has its own parking place. All hotel and restaurant facilities and services are of course also valid for clients staying in the cottages. Fjell top cottages 18 cottages are built as loghouses on the very top of the Iso-Syöte fjell with a wide view overlooking the entire area and magnificent natural surroundings. These cottages are built in two floors. Every cottage has on the groundfloor a living room with fireplace, seats and bedsofa, fully equipped kitchen (with cooker, fridge, dishwasher, oven, microwave, coffeemaker and all needed dishes for 8 persons etc), diner table, one bedroom (with double bed) and bathroom with shower, toilet and private sauna. There is also a drying closet (for clothes) and storage (for ski s). On the first floor there are two more bedrooms (with each two beds), a loft and a second bathroom with shower and toilet. Up to 8 persons can be accommodated here ISO-SYÖTE

3 Kelo cottages Fjell top cottages, 1st floor Fjell top cottages, 2nd floor ISO-SYÖTE

4 Map of Cottages ISO-SYÖTE

5 Hotel Rooms 30 double rooms are situated on two floors. From the hotel you have a splendid view towards the unspoilt nature, forests and hills around the Iso-Syöte fjell. All rooms are with two separate beds and equipped with bathroom (shower and toilet, hairdryer), digital tv, telephone, side table and seats. In every room there is space for an extra bed. Some rooms are suitable for handicapped persons using a wheelchair. The hotelrestaurant with panoramic glass windows, a la carte and buffet possibilities offers excellent delicacies from the Finnish and Lappish cuisine. Pizza service is also available during the winterperiod. Fully licenced lobby bar. Swimmingpool free of use for all our guests. Two spacious sauna s ISO-SYÖTE

6 Restaurants at Iso-Syöte Panorama restaurant Enjoying a delicious diner on a well decorated table overlooking a more than 180 degrees panorama over the snowy forests and lakes of the Syöte National Park. Asthonishing snowscultpures rise up from the hillside and if the Northern lights appear in the sky, you are sitting here at first row. All that is possible in the panorama restaurant of Hotel Iso-Syöte. Choose a table next to the window and let yourself be impressed by what you see and taste! Live music is on offer from two to four days a week. During the winterseason there are also every now and then some theme-parties in our downstairs discobar. Price indication: a la carte: starter 5 10, main course 12 29, dessert 2-9 Pizza service During the daytime in winterseason there is also the possibility for our clients, either staying in the hotel or in the cottages, to order a pizza. It can be ordered as take-away (in a box) or it can be served to your table in the panorama-restaurant. There is a fine selection of around 10 different tastes. The pizzas are all prepared instantly from fresh ingredients and put into an original pizza-oven. In about 20 minutes they are ready. They are almost too good to be eaten Very good for lunch, light meal or maybe just as a hot snack during your day of snowfun outside. Price indication: 9 Ski Bistro Romekievari Romekievari is our ski-bistro, located at the end of the skislopes. Romekievari offers delicious sandwiches, cakes and the day s soup. There is also a Rolls burger restaurant and a bar next to it. Just unhook your ski s and come on in!. It is just a few steps from the slopes. In the evening special fondue evenings take place here as well. Near the warmth of the open fire, nice decorated tables you are ready to enjoy a cheese or reindeermeatfondue-meal. Price indication: Burger 2, Fondue ISO-SYÖTE

7 Activities & Safaris at Iso-Syöte Snow & Safari pleasure at Iso-Syöte Winter Weekly Program Looking for other adventures then skiing? At Iso-Syöte you can make a selection out of a wide range of winteractivities. Snow fun and pleasure for everyone! Learning the ancient ways of transportation through the snowy landscapes by reindeer- or huskysledge. Or using more modern ways and pumping up the adrenaline by driving your own snowmobile over the hills and frozen lakes in the area. You also might be using your own force and strength to explore the area on snowshoes. Get in to the nature, experience the beauty and the silence and enjoy the views. Regenerating saunas at the end of the day will definitely complete your feeling of wellness. This weekly program gives you some ideas of what s going on at Iso-Syöte. Important to know All snowmobile safaris include guide services, driving instructions, insurances and fuel. For snowmobile driving an insurance self liability is valid of 505 per accident. All safaris include guide services, instructions and thermo clothing unless otherwise mentioned. The safaris do not require any previous experience The mentioned durations are approximate times, depending on weather and track conditions and (driving) capability of the participants. Guaranteed departures unless otherwise mentioned ISO-SYÖTE

8 MONDAY Snowmobile safari to wilderness at The safari starts from the hotel where the snowmobiles are lined up. The track goes first down hill, and then onwards along fells, through the forest with heavy snow covered trees and over ice covered swamps or lakes. We stop to make a coffee near the campfire. After the break we start the snowmobiles again to drive back up the Iso-Syöte hill. Included: Snowmobilesafari, hot drink (coffee/tea and buns), safari outfit Duration: Approx. 2,5 hours (25 km) Kicksledge glides and rides at A real Finnish way of moving around when snow covers the paths. Kicksledges are big fun to glide down the hill and kicking them forwards with one leg while the other is standing on one glider to hold the grip. Snowfun and action on the Iso-Syöte hilltop and all the way down the hill to the Lappish kota where the campfire will be made and coffee and pulla will be served. We transport you back up the hill by car. Included: Kicksledges, safari outfit, hotdrink in kota near campfire Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours WEDNESDAY Snowmobile safari to a frozen lake and ice fishing at We start from the hotel by snowmobile to travel through the forest to go to a frozen lake. We bring the gear with us to drill the holes in the ice and go ice fishing on this beautiful lake. Coffee break by an open fire. By snowmobile again back to the hotel. Included: Snowmobile safari, ice fishing, coffee, safari outfits Duration: Approx. 3 4 hours TUESDAY Snowmobile safari & husky safari 6 km at Safari starts from Hotel Iso-Syöte by snowmobile to the place where the huskies are eagerly waiting for visitors. After introduction to the huskies and instruction you take of with the huskies, strongly pulling your sledge. The safari route goes through snowy forests and ice covered swamps in Syöte area. There are stops to switch drivers and to take pictures. Included: Snowmobile safari, husky safari, safari outfit Duration: Approx. 3,5 4 hours (incl. return safari) approx. 6 km with huskies and 20 km with snowmobiles Northern light safari at A nighttime snowmobile safari has a special atmosphere when driving under twinkling stars on the fells and through the snowy forests. We stop to admire the stars in the sky. We ll have a coffee break by an open campfire. When you are lucky, you might see the Northern Lights! Included: Snowmobile safari, coffee and sandwiches, safari outfit Duration: Approx. 3 hours (45 km) A full day husky safari including campfire lunch at Transportation to the place where the huskies are eagerly waiting for visitors to come. Introduction to team dogs and instructions upon arrival before husky sledge ride. The safari route goes through snowy forests and ice covered lakes and swamps in Syöte nature area. Along the way a sandwich lunch will be used near the campfire. And other stops to switch drivers and to take pictures. The journey with the huskies is approx. 30/40 in total. Included: Husky safari, transportation, safari outfit Duration: Approx. 4/5 hours (incl. return transportation) ISO-SYÖTE

9 Northern light safari at A nighttime snowmobile safari has a special atmosphere when driving under twinkling stars on the fells and through the snowy forests. We stop to admire the stars in the sky. We ll have a coffee break by an open campfire. When you are lucky, you might see the Northern Lights! Included: Snowmobile safari, coffee and sandwiches, safari outfit Duration: Approx. 3 hours (45 km) THURSDAY Visit by snowmobiles to a reindeer farm at A snowmobile safari through snowy forests and over ice covered lakes to reindeer farm. Introduction of farm and reindeer herding. Visitors will have the chance to ride in a sledge pulled by a Reindeer. Coffee and pulla will be served in the kota at the farm. Included: Snowmobiles safari, reindeer ride and coffee with pulla Duration: Approx. 3 hours (35 km) Snowshoe hiking trip at Our trip starts from the hotel after personal instructions how to use the snowshoes. The trip goes through the deep snow covering the hilltop of Iso-Syöte. Enjoying the views and the beautiful snow sculptures made by nature. During the break the guide will have a hot drink and cookies for you. Included: Snowshoes, hot drink, safari outfit Duration: Approx. 2 2,5 hours Action Snowmobile safari at This Action Snowmobile safari is for those who would like to drive a bit faster with snowmobiles. Before the safari you must have been driving snowmobile earlier during the week. We also recommend to drive 1 person/snowmobile. Play the game between man and machine! Included: Snowmobiles safari, soft drink, safari outfit Duration: Approx. 2,5 3 hours (45 55 km) FRIDAY Ice fishing at Ice fishing trip to beautiful frozen lake. Coffee break by an open fire. Transfer to the lake by car. Drill the holes, lower the line and wait till you get lucky! Campfire in kota. Included: Ice fishing, transfer, coffee, safari outfits Duration: approx. 2 3 hours Reindeer safari in old fashioned style at 10.1S This is a pleasant way of traveling sitting in a reindeer sleigh watching reindeer caravan move when connected by a rope to each other. The old fashioned Lappish way. Coffee and snacks are served in a kota teepee. Included: Reindeersafari, coffee and snack, safari outfit Duration: Approx. 2,5 3 hours (4 km) A long snowmobile adventure at A real snowmobile adventure: a whole day ahead of driving by snowmobile, far out in the nature and the snow covered forests, driving to various type of terrain. A challenging ride of about km. We recommend one person per snowmobile to really enjoy the fun and getting the chance to be an experienced driver. Up and down hill, making the right curves and moves while using your bodyweight makes it even more exciting. We stop to make campfire and have an outdoor lunch. Included: Snowmobiles safari, thermo outfits, guidance, outdoor lunch and drinks Duration: Approx. 6 hours (100 km) ISO-SYÖTE

10 Snowmobile safari to wilderness at 1S.00 The safari starts from the hotel where the snowmobiles are lined up. The track goes first down hill, and then onwards along fells, through the forest with heavy snow covered trees and over ice covered swamps or lakes. We stop to make a coffee near the campfire. After the break we start the snowmobiles again to drive back up the Iso-Syöte hill. Included: Snowmobiles safari, hot drink (coffee/tea) and pulla Duration: Approx. 2,5 hours (25 km) Ice rally driving at A special rally track has been prepared with snowy and iced curved roads. Reijo, a professional rally driver, is waiting for you to teach you how to drive these special prepared rally cars. After some practice loops with front or rear wheel steering cars you can make your final loop to clock your best time ever! Transfers by car to and from the rally-circuit are included. Included: Rallycar-driving, clothing, insurance, fuel, transfers, coffee Duration: Approx. 2 hours SATURDAY Excursion to Ranua zoo and Rovaniemi Santa village at Departure by bus from Iso-Syöte hotel to Ranua Wildlifepark 2 hr visit in the park (approx 10 p.p. entrance fee to be paid on the spot). Onwards to Rovaniemi to the Polarcircle and visit to Santa s village. There are many souvenir and Finnish design/handicraft shops. If you want you can meet Santa himself! Included: Bus transportation Duration: Approx. 8 hours Safari to reindeer farm by car at We start from the hotel and drive towards Virkkunen s traditional reindeer farm which is situated 18 km from the hotel. At the farm the owner tells about reindeer herding and the life at the farm, history, culture and traditions. He welcomes you into his home for coffee, homemade cakes and reindeersandwiches. You can also try to throw the reindeerlasso and go for a ride in the reindeersledge. Return back to the hotel. Included: Transfers, guided tour around the farm, reindeer program, sledgeride, coffee and sandwiches Duration: Approx. 2 3 hours Ice fishing at Ice fishing trip to beautiful frozen lake. Coffee break by an open fire. Transfer to the lake by car. Drill the holes, lower the line and wait till you get lucky! Campfire in kota. Included: Ice fishing, transfer, coffee, safari outfits Duration: Approx. 2 3 hours Snowmobile safari to wilderness at Safari starts from Hotel Iso-Syöte and goes along fells, through forests and over ice covered lakes to a lake where coffee with sandwiches by an open fire will be served. Return back to the hotel. Included: Snowmobile safari, coffee near campfire Duration: Approx. 2,5 hours (25 km) All info is carefully selected and checked but remains subject to change if needed ISO-SYÖTE

11 Ski Facilities At Iso-Syöte fjell there is a wide variety of skiing possibilities. There are several slopes suitable for everyone, regardless of their experience. The slopes are situated right beside the hotel. Skiing is possible all days and evenings as the slopes are illuminated as well. Some facts Slopes 12 Highest slope 192 m Longest slope 1200 m Lifts 7 Lighted slopes 7 Children s slopes 2 Snowboard Park Halfpipe or quarterpipe Corners Boxes Rails Ski Bistros 2 Ski school Ski rental Camping trailer area Children s playroom Sledding hill Cross-country ski trails 120 km Lighted ski trails 23 km ISO-SYÖTE

12 Map of the skiing slopes at Iso-Syöte At Iso-Syöte fjell there is a wide variety of skiing possibilities. There are several slopes suitable for everyone, regardless of their experience. The slopes are situated right beside the hotel. Skiing is possible all days and evenings as the slopes are illuminated as well. Slope Length Height Level Slope m 192 m Easy Slope m 192 m Easy Slope m 192 m Medium Slope m 190 m Medium Slope m 190 m Difficult Slope m 190 m Medium Slope m 190 m Medium Slope m 190 m Difficult Slope m 70 m Kids Slope m 70 m Kids Slope m 100 m Snow board street & Super Pipe Slope m 192 m Medium Connection route Slope 13 Half pipe Slope 14 Snow Tubing Slope 15 Free ride area ISO-SYÖTE

13 Ski rental and lift passes At Iso-Syöte, directly at the bottom of the slopes, you can rent every piece of skiing equipement: for downhill skiing, snowboarding, telemarkskiing, and cross country skiing. The slopes and the ski lifts are open at the discretion of Hiihtokeskus Iso-Syöte Oy, depending on the season and weather and snow conditions. You can rent different types of ski equipment per 3 hours, per day or per several days or a whole week. Just the way you like it. In the rental shop is also a maintenance and repair department. Lift passes also can be bought for various validity, per hour, day or several days. There is a discount for children, seniors or groups ISO-SYÖTE

14 Information and rates on ski-lessons Iso-Syöte is a very convenient skiing-hill to learn the skills. Experienced or non-experienced: everyone can find his own popular slope to use. If you need to be taught and trained there are several ways of taking ski-lessons at Iso-Syöte. The ski school is open every day At other times by agreement ISO-SYÖTE

15 Cross country skiing at Iso-Syöte A network of over 120 km of well prepared, maintained and well marked cross country skitracks are at your disposal. Go and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Cross country skiing brings you close to nature. Tracks are taking you along snowsculptures made by nature, over hilltops with astonishing views, crossing frozen lakes where you might run in to some icefisherman. And when it is time for a break there are several shelters and campfireplaces to light up the fire, make some coffee or hotdrinks and enjoy the purity and silence of this winterwonderland around you. Great fun for children Cross-country skiing and downhill skiing at Iso-Syöte Fjell are family activities. Children under 7 who wear a helmet can ride the lifts with their parents free of charge. Separate lifts and slopes are reserved for the smallest children, where they can practice skiing safely. The children s favourite at Iso-Syöte Fjell is the Snowtube. There they can slide down the hill on an inner tube! Both ski centres also have hills reserved for sledding. Many of the fell area s ski trails are also suitable for children. There is a Children s nature trail near the National Park Centre, where children can learn about animals winter activities. A new tobogganing slope is right beside the hotel. Great fun for everyone young or old! ISO-SYÖTE

16 Iso-Syöte is within easy reach There are many easy ways to come to Iso-Syöte. By plane, train, car or bus. Iso-Syöte is closer than you think. By plane We are in the triangle of the three main airports to Lapland; Rovaniemi, Oulu and Kuusamo. By train The nearest railroad station is in Oulu (as shown on the map). The train trip from Helsinki to Oulu takes about six hours. Train number IC49 from the south has a direct bus connection to Iso-Syöte Fell. The bus leaves straight from the Oulu railroad station. By car All main roads in Finland a very good and quiet roads. While driving through Finland you can enjoy beautiful sceneries and various landscapes. The most direct route from Helsinki to Iso-Syöte Fjell is along roadnr E75 via Lahti, Jyväskylä and Oulu. Your efforts will be rewarded when driving the last part up the hill towards Iso-Syöte. A splendid view and comfortable fjell-top accommodations awaits you. At Iso-Syöte the hotel minibus can provide local transfers, next to the taxi and ski bus services. Staying warm outside! Coming to Lapland for a winter holiday means that you have to prepare yourself. The ground is covered with snow, snowflakes may fill the sky and the temperature can drop far below zero. For all the activities we provide our guests at Iso-Syöte with thermo-overalls, warm and high winter boots, woollen socks, hand gloves, mittens, woollen hats (and helmets when driving on snowmobiles). But what to bring with you in your own suitcase? It is wise to dress in different layers as shown on the picture. By using the right materials you will keep warm and dry. And dressing up in layers gives you the opportunity to take off some layers when you step inside where the fire is burning or heating systems are on. Always make sure you have something with you to cover your head, ears and hands when you go outside. And to be able to move easily outside use shoes with a good profile to keep steady. The coldness up here in the north is different then in middle or southern Europe. The air is dry, there is not much moist, which makes it more easy to handle ISO-SYÖTE

17 Iso-Syöte and it s surroundings When you stay in Iso-Syöte your holiday can be filled with many nice, interesting, relaxing or active things to do Winterholiday in Iso-Syöte means enjoying the wonderfull, snowcovered nature all around you. Step into this nature and experience it to the best by joining in some of our snowscooter, reindeer, husky or snowshoesafaris. (see page 11 of this handbook). Or train your skills and speed on the well prepared ski slopes and cross country tracks. At the end of the day the best attraction is to step into a hot and comfortable sauna. Sauna is not just only the Finnish word that everyone knows it s a ritual, an institution, an essential element of the Finnish way of life. It can also be very relaxing, exhilarating and enjoyable, and no visit to Finland is complete without sampling the sauna. But there is more to enjoy! A visit to Syöte Luontokeskus. This is the visitors centre of the Syöte National Park, located only 2,5 km from the hotel. The entrance is fully free of charge. If you want to learn more about this natural environment in Iso-Syöte, the flora and fauna, the history and future of the area then you are in the right place. With pictures, films, drawings, maps and all kind of attributes you can interactive go through this exposition. Explanations are in Finnish, English as well as in German language. Even for the little children there special corners and attractions to play and learn. All kinds of maps and brochures can be obtained about hiking and skiing tracks in the area. In the village of Taivalkoski (35 km away from Iso-Syöte) you can visit and old museum-store called Jalavan Kauppa. It is located in the middle of the village in a historical building (year 1883). Stepping in means a journey back in time. You can walk in freely, the entrance is free of charge indeed. The building itself, the different furnished rooms, all kind of equipments and supplies takes you back in ancient times. The coffee is ready and the smell of fresh baked pastries fills your nose. Meet and Greet with the animals living in this area around the Polar circle in the Ranua Wildlife Park. A forest park, open all year round, where you can see the animals which have their habitat in this northern region, like the brown bear, lynx, wolves, wolverine, owls, eagles, foxes, deer, elks, reindeer, polar bear etc. Entrance fee is around 10 p.p. It is approx 70 km from Iso-Syöte. Daytrips towards Ranua will be arranged by us on request. Another excursion we can arrange for you is a daytrip to Rovaniemi. In this capital city of Lapland you can find the Arktikum museum (telling about the history, culture, nature and traditions of the inhabitants living around the Polar Circle). You can also visit the real geographical Polar Circle where the village of Santa Claus is located as well. You can meet Father Christmas in person, visit his post office and meet his elves and his reindeer. Or do some shopping buying souvenirs, gifts, toys and Finnish handicrafts and design articles in many shops located in this Santavillage. Rovaniemi is 160 km away from Iso-Syöte. Transportation by car will be provided for this day trip ISO-SYÖTE

18 Finland in figures Time You have to change your watch upon arrival in Finland. Time in Finland is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight Saving Time (DST) is in effect during the winter as in the rest of the European Union. Finland is always one hour ahead of Central European Time (CET) and two hours ahead of time in the UK and Ireland. Winter Winter in Lapland means nearly always plenty of snow (even if the winter is unusually warm.) Especially in Iso- Syöte region the snow cover is thick and special. Trees on the hill are real snow sculptures made by nature itself almost bending over due to the weight of the snow. The extra long season in northern Finland begins in November and lasts at least until May. In March April the long days in Lapland allow 16 hours of wintersport under a brilliant sun. The Finnish winter lasts half the year and makes possible a wide variety of activities in an inspiring setting. Even in the snowiest times of the year Finns manage to let everything runs smoothly. The transport system functions in all weather conditions. The streets are cleared and gritted. Kaamos winter darkness (Polar night) They say: Winter is cold and dark in Lapland. But that is not totally true. Due to its northern position the kaamos period of the polar nights, when the sun hardly rises above the horizon, is definitely there. In winter the days are short all over Finland and the sun is very low on the horizon even at noon. The days are not as dark as the nights, but the light is different. But keep in mind: When everything is totally covered under white snow the feeling of darkness disappears and every small light will be reflected by the snow. Northern lights, Aurora Borealis One thing that cannot be reserved or arranged is the magical show of the Northern light in a dark night. It is up to nature! But when it shows you d better be on top of the Iso-Syöte hill. There you are first row with a wide view to all directions. Find yourself a nice spot outside and amaze your self about the wonders of nature and the colourful lightshow that it provides you. It is caused by solar winds transporting material which is attracted by the magnetism strength of the Northpole and when it enters our atmosphere it burns and creates the dancing lights in the sky. In northern Finland it might be visible on clear nights up to 200 times a year ISO-SYÖTE

19 Currency Finland is a participant in the European Community and Monetary Community as well. So the monetary unit is the euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. Just some other figures that might surprise you There are: 188,000 lakes 33,000 square kilometres of inland waters 52,760 square kilometres of sea 647 rivers 314,000 kilometres of sea and lake shoreline 750,000 boats 465,000 summer cottages 1,6 million saunas Daylight in Iso-Syöte area The table shows the average time for sunrise and sunset over the year. Place: Oulu 65 01`N, 25 30`E Jan 1 Feb 1 Mar 1 Apr 1 May 1 Jun 1 Jul 1 Aug 1 Sep 1 Oct 1 Nov 1 Dec 1 Sunrise Sunset Snow cover and average temperatures The temperatures are monthly averages. (But Iso-Syöte actually doesn t fit in standard statistics and shows mostly figures of more snow and minus degrees) Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Snow cover 14 cm 29 cm 46 cm 62 cm 69 cm 62 cm Temp C Daylight 8h 05 6h 03 7h 00 10h 00 13h 20 17h ISO-SYÖTE