Slip on your warmest winter coat and gear up for our new seasonal route to Ivalo, the gateway to Finnish Lapland and the Arctic Circle. Northern lights spotting, visiting Santa,  and cross-country skiing through snow-dusted pine forests are all on the agenda. Here’s how to do it

Sign me up. When can I go?
The new route between London Gatwick and Ivalo is launching on 3 December 2024, with services operating twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays. As the route is running until 28 February 2025, it’s perfect whether you want to squeeze in a cosy long weekend in a winter wonderland, a trip to see Santa in time for Christmas, a quick ski break in January or even an early Valentine’s Day getaway.
Did you know: February (so they say) is the best time to see the northern lights... Good luck!

The lowdown on Ivalo
Perched on the edge of the Ivalo River is the tiny village of Ivalo, which has a population of just 3,000 people. There are a couple of hotels here, but it’s really about getting out into the wilderness for magical landscapes, snow adventures and, if you’re lucky, wildlife encounters. From Ivalo Airport, there are shuttle buses into Ivalo, north to Lake Inari and south to the main winter wonderland resort of Saariselkä. For everywhere else, you can book a transfer or a hire car.

What is there to do?
This is the Arctic Circle in winter, so you’ll experience a 24-hour darkness known as the polar night. The complete lack of light pollution means there’s a good chance of spotting those ethereal northern lights. Most people head for Saariselkä. Set on the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park, it’s a great place to strap on your skis and go downhill or cross-country. Alternatively jump onto a sledge and let a team of huskies take you sightseeing. If you want to cocoon yourself in the wilderness, go for Lake Inari. There are far fewer hotels and greater intimacy in each one. Snowmobiling over the frozen lake is a highlight here.

Where should I stay?
If you’re taking the kids, try the Northern Lights Village. It has a three-hour experience where you get to make gingerbread, go on reindeer rides and meet Santa. Or there’s Wilderness Hotel Inari, which does a multi-day package featuring a reindeer farm visit and a husky safari. Its glass-dome aurora cabins are perfect for couples, too. Skiers and snowboarders should head for Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort, where there are runs for all levels, plus a ski school for starters and those who wish to hone their skills.

Can I book with Avios?
Why, of course. A one-way flight from Gatwick to Ivalo requires 13,500 Avios + 50p when booking an off-peak Reward Flight Saver travelling in Euro Traveller (economy).* 

Tell me all the (AV) details
The flights are operated by BA Euroflyer, our short-haul subsidiary based at London Gatwick’s South Terminal. Your plane is the Airbus A320, which features all-leather seats and quieter cabins for a more comfortable ride. Flying in Club Europe? Then you can look forward to relaxing in our spacious Club Lounge South Terminal before you travel – it has a dedicated play area for those travelling with kids, as well as quiet zones where you can perk up with a Union hand-roasted coffee.

Anything else?
Thanks to its position in the Arctic Circle, Ivalo is blanketed in snow for much of the year. It’s ideal, then, if you’re looking for a snow-sure resort worth dusting off your skis for. On this route, you’ll be able to use your checked baggage allowance to take your ski or snowboarding equipment to Finland. Just make sure the dimensions are no bigger than 190 x 75 x 65cm. And don’t forget our generous carry-on allowance, which includes a case no bigger than 56 x 45 x 25cm, plus a personal bag.

*Reward Flight Saver
The price shown is based on an off-peak one-way Reward Flight Saver to Ivalo for one passenger seated in our Euro Traveller cabin. Reward Flight Savers are British Airways’ best value Reward Flights. Reward Flight Saver offers customers great value flights with a low, flat fee to cover taxes, fees and carrier charges and a fixed Avios amount. To be eligible for Reward Flight Saver, you need to have collected at least one Avios in the past 12 months. To find out more about Reward Flight Saver,  go here. Reward Flights are subject to availability.

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