Tuesday, April 6, 2010

ICEHOTEL - THE MOST EXTREME LODGING EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD

Jukkasjärvi, Lapland Province, Sweden (3/10)− Located more than 124 miles above the Arctic Circle in the Lapland Province of Sweden, the unique ICEHOTEL is the first and largest of its kind in the world. For the past 20 years, the hotel− made entirely of ice and snow− has been built and rebuilt, offering visitors one of the most extreme lodging experiences on the planet.

For the people of Jukkasjärvi, a severe dip in temperature marks the start of an exciting, yet temporary, art endeavor. Each year, snow builders, architects, designers and artists from around the world gather to create ICEHOTEL. Work begins with the formation of huge steel frames on which snow is sprayed. Once the snow has frozen the frames are removed, leaving a maze of free-standing snow structures on which to build. Majestic blue-colored ice blocks, harvested during the spring from the Torne River, are then used to construct walls, ceilings, beds, tables and other furnishings, in addition to chandeliers, statues and fine works of art.

ICEHOTEL typically encompasses 60 rooms, all of which are literally one-of-a-kind, uniquely themed accommodations designed by artists from around the world. Guests can choose between several types of nearby lodging with most preferring to combine one night in ICEHOTEL with several nights in a chalet.

Upon arrival at ICEHOTEL, where the temperature is never colder than -5 °C to -8 °C, guests are provided a guided tour and information on how to dress. Visitors are given full thermal jumpsuits, a hat, mittens and boots, as well as insulated sleeping bags. These toasty sleeping bags are perfect for extreme weather conditions, and were originally developed for astronauts walking on the moon.

There are a variety of rooms for guests to stay in, including the Art Suite where visitors relax among extraordinary works of ice art, or in the Ice Room where guests enjoy masterfully crafted ice furniture. One of the most exciting elements of the hotel is the bed− all rooms feature a specially made bed built of snow and ice that is covered with a thick layer of reindeer skins. After spending an evening wrapped in reindeer skins while sleeping under a ceiling of ice, guests wake to a cup of hot lingonberry juice at their bedside, followed by a morning sauna and an expansive breakfast buffet.

ICEHOTEL Restaurant has a modern Scandinavian, seasonal menu with many ingredients harvested from the nearby forests, rivers and lakes. With a bright atmosphere and contemporary aesthetic, the ICEHOTEL Restaurant offers a gastronomic adventure of high-end a la carte items served on plates and bowls made of crystal-clear ice from the Torne River. The restaurant also includes a champagne bar featuring an exquisite collection of bubbly from around the world. For guests who desire a more relaxed dining experience, the charming Old Homestead Restaurant is housed in a timber building, circa 1768, overlooking the Torne River. Guests can enjoy a superb dinner buffet while unwinding on the veranda. Both restaurants are open daily from December to April.

After indulging in gourmet fair, guests can visit the ABSOLUT ICEBAR JUKKASJÄRVI for a truly outrageous experience. Everything in this exceptional bar is made of frozen ice- from the walls, bars and stools, to the artwork and drinking glasses. The ICEBAR hosts an annual launch party to celebrate its opening and the new design it boasts each year.

Covering more than 53,000 feet, the ICEHOTEL also includes an ice chapel for weddings and baptisms, an outdoor sauna, an ice art exhibition hall, a multimedia theatre and an exhibit space, and can host a variety of meetings and conventions. And for those who just can’t leave it all behind, even in the Arctic Circle, high-speed internet access is available.

With the Torne River and the Lapland wildlife inspiration, the ICEHOTEL has created a range of activities. Guests may observe the spectacular Northern Lights or relax on a reindeer-pulled sled through the forest. They may also go farther north to explore the high mountains, take a moose tour by horseback or take the trip all the way to northern Norway to visit the fjords. Snowmobiling, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and dog sledding are also popular during the winter months. Those who are particularly bold may participate in ice driving, which allows guests to challenge their skills as a driver while learning from skilled instructors.

ICEHOTEL was the chilly creation of Yngve Bergqvist whose desire was to lure travelers to the area during the winter season. Inspired to use the huge floating chunks of ice from the Torne River after traveling to cold destinations around the world, Bergqvist trained with Japanese chefs and ice artists to develop the skill of working with ice. As a result, ICEHOTEL was born with the first guests staying in the hotel in 1992.

Continuing as pioneers of the hotel industry, the hotel of snow and ice is going green. ICEHOTEL purchases 100% renewable energy with the total electricity supply based on wind, water and biofuels. The hotel does not emit carbon dioxide through its energy consumption and plans to erase its carbon footprint by 2015.

For reservations or more information please visit www.ICEHOTEL.com or email info@icehotel.com. Please note that ICEHOTEL is under construction during the month of December. During that period, each week a new area of the hotel will be available for visitors and guests. Cold accommodations are typically available from December to April, while warm accommodations are typically available between June and August.

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