Winter getaway icepods in Finland and Switzerland

Winter becomes magical in the right setting, and the Finns and the Swiss have a special knack for encouraging and nurturing a passion for the icy season. Take a look at these two very special resorts – far off the beaten track. BY TESS DE KLERK

WHITEPOD, SWITZERLAND

Whitepod is an eco-luxury resort at the foot of the Dents du Midi (‘Teeth of Noon’) mountain range in the Swiss Alps. It faces the renowned ski resort Villars and stands above the city of Monthey. Pods range from cosy to deluxe while the Timeless suite was designed by Audemars Piguet to include a private sauna and outdoor Nordic bath, complete with todie-for views. Th at said, all of the 18 pods boast absolutely breathtaking views.

Th ere is an array of active winter pursuits that will suit many tastes. Or you can simply cocoon in the wellness area and enjoy the calm of the stunning mountains from the outdoor Scandinavian bath and outdoor sauna.

Summer sees an even more expansive selection of activities, including speleology - that’s caving to you and I.

On site is the Restaurant Les Cerniers off ering ‘wild cuisine’ from local products and the chef’s foraging. Th e Pod House is the place to be for breakfast and tea; or order a picnic basket to take with you on your adventures. Pod House can also serve meals to your pod, if snuggling up is all you want to do.

Whitepod caters to groups and corporate events too, with a giant pod and chalet fully equipped for group meetings, seminars and conferences.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly direct from Gatwick to Geneva with a choice of airlines. Return flights in January with easyJet start from £64. The drive from Geneva to Whitepod takes around 1h30 with taxi pickup charged at around £400 per car. Alternatively, take the train to Monthey and a taxi from there for around £50 per car.

KAKSLAUTTANEN, FINNISH LAPLAND

Located above the Arctic Circle, in a remote corner of Finnish Lapland, a sprawling complex boasting various types of accommodation, including luxurious log cabins, snow igloos (yes, made from nothing but blocks of ice and snow), traditional Lapp houses and glass igloos whose unique design allow guests to see the Northern Lights from the comfort of their own beds. Seeing the otherworldly colours glow across the sky is always magical and here, so far north and so remote, the near complete lack of light pollution makes for the most intense and prolonged display.

Th ere is plenty more to do too, from ice swimming to reindeer safaris to cross-country skiing and snowboarding. After a day of activity, recuperate in one of fi ve smoke saunas and enjoy traditional Lappish cuisine at one of two restaurants and a glass igloo bar.

Best time to visit: Kakslauttanen welcomes guests throughout the year with unique adventures off ered according to the season. It’s worth noting that the sun never sets during Lapland’s intense summers - between mid-May and early August. It’s the perfect excuse to squeeze too much into one day! Th e glass igloos are available to book throughout the Northern Lights season, beginning from

Kakslauttanen around August 24th until the end of April. welcomes guests throughout the How cold is it, you ask? Th e snow igloos are defi nitely not for the heat-seekers amongst us, with the inyear with unique ner temperature kept between -6 and -3ºC. Igloo guests are provided with adventures offered hats, sleeping bags and woollen socks for according to the extra warmth but if that is not your cup of hot chocolate then book one of season the Kelo glass igloos or chalets with wood-burning fi replaces and saunas. HOW TO GET THERE: Fly with Finnair from Heathrow to Ivalo Airport. This includes a stopover in Helsinki. Return flights in January start from £255 and take around six hours. Kakslauttanen provides a pick-up service from the airport.