Travel Website Development
What is your favourite aspect of the job?
My favourite aspect of the job is seeing how much happiness being in this remote part of the world brings our clients, particularly when they see the Northern Lights! Of course living close enough to the husky farm to cuddle huskies whenever I wish is a firm favourite too!
Tell us about your most spectacular Northern Lights display
I have seen the Northern Lights a number of times, however, one night this season particularly comes to mind. On this evening, the Aurora alarm beeped so I went outside to check and there was a green arc above the hotel.
I ran inside to tell a lady travelling with the Aurora Zone whose lifelong dream was to see them and we both went back outside and watched while another green arc appeared. We watched together for 20 minutes before she went back in to have her dinner.
A short while later, the alarm beeped again saying they were getting stronger. I checked and there were green bands dancing all over the sky. I went to tell the lady who she said she would be out after dinner so I went back outside alone. I could see pink along the bottom of all the green bands and they were dancing really fast all over the sky. This really was the best display I had seen all season, so I went back and told the lady she MUST come outside now.
Together we witnessed a corona (where the Northern Lights explode in all directions overhead) and as the bright green and light pink filled the sky, a really bright pink band danced around in a circle then disappeared; everyone was screaming and shouting. The lady grabbed hold of my shoulder and said it was the most amazing thing she'd ever seen and started crying.
How do you stay warm while hunting for the Northern Lights?
Searching for the Northern Lights can mean being outside experiencing the cold Arctic temperatures. My top tips for keeping warm are always wiggle your fingers and toes when you are outside. Also, I would advise wearing layers of loose-fitting of clothing.
Do you have a favourite time of year?
My favourite winter month in Finland is March. During March, the sun shines on all of the deep snow making it super pretty. You’ll also find the temperatures in March warmer compared to January and February.
What would be your top tips for anyone who is yet to travel?
If you’ve booked a Northern Lights holiday with The Aurora Zone to Harriniva or Torassieppi I would recommend that you take a good camera, flip-flops and a kettle. I would also advise that you book a holiday that includes as many activities as possible. There are so many wonderful activities to enjoy from a snowmobile tour to the winter village to cross-country skiing. My favourite activity is dog sledding, as you get such an amazing feeling mushing your own team of huskies across frozen lakes and through forests.
Finally, if you are looking for somewhere unique to stay during your holiday the Aurora Domes at Torassieppi are cosy and warm. The Aurora Domes are located on the lake and offer amazing views of the Northern Lights should they make an appearance.
