Lapland Ice Driving: A Thrill Ride On The Edge Of The Arctic

In Lapland, starry nights unfurl beneath an aurora borealis curtain, casting the Arctic sky in a hypnotic swirl of greens and purples that call to adventurers at heart. For those who seek both speed and solitude in nature’s frostiest landscapes, there exists a singular thrill: Lapland Ice Driving. This isn’t just an activity—it’s a symphony of speed and splendor, where luxury and raw power meet under the northern lights. For the enthusiast who knows that “driving” and “fun” are inseparable, Lapland’s ice-bound allure is undeniable.

Nestled in this silent, snow-draped wilderness, Lapland Ice Driving is a playground of frozen lakes and hushed forests, offering an exhilarating escape from urban life. Here, drivers reconnect with the machine, the cold biting at every inch of exposed skin, each heartbeat quickening with the thrum of horsepower underfoot. The scenery alone—dense, snow-covered trees and the mirror-smooth surface of frozen lakes—is an intoxicating backdrop, setting the stage for an adventure as surreal as it is sublime.

This facility, the world’s largest driving center, spreads across an expansive 1,200 hectares—six times the footprint of Monaco—offering thirteen custom circuits, including five full-size replicas of iconic Formula 1 tracks such as Silverstone, Nürburgring, and Yas Marina. This is a world where the same speeds, reaching up to 200 km/h, can be experienced with the comfort of safety designed to perfection. There are no barriers, no hard walls—only fresh snow to cushion any wayward turn. Even an off-track adventure leaves both driver and car unscathed, ready for more action on the next lap.

The Lapland Ice Driving experience is as meticulously curated as it is thrilling. Programs are customized to suit every driver’s level, ensuring even the novice can master the art of the ice drift within days. Packages offer between 150 to 500 kilometers of daily drive time, paired with top-tier instruction from seasoned professionals who have raced the best circuits. The experience includes a fleet of 30 sportscars and supercars, each uniquely tuned to meet the demands of ice driving. From Ferraris and Lamborghinis to Porsches and Alpines, each vehicle is stripped of driver aids and equipped with studded tires, allowing the rawness of each brand to shine in the Arctic.

Drivers, whether beginners or experts, receive dedicated coaching from professionals sourced from the most prestigious racing championships. The program’s founder, Eric Gallardo, a former automotive test driver with over 250,000 kilometers of ice driving experience, designed the courses to foster mastery in high-speed drifts and agile maneuvers. Early in the program, one of the more thrilling challenges is to maintain a steady drift at 120 km/h around a one-kilometer ice track, a skill Gallardo teaches with an exacting eye and a contagious passion.

Luxury touches abound, as the logistics are designed to satisfy the most discerning tastes. A sleek four-star hotel awaits just ten minutes away, while a 24/7 concierge attends to every whim. Private airport transfers, gourmet cocktail soirées, and high-end courtesy cars bring a refined edge to the entire journey. Guests arrive through Arvidsjaur Airport, with daily flights from Stockholm—and, for those wishing for a more private entry, the airport readily accommodates private jets.

A commitment to environmental stewardship is woven into the experience as well. Lapland Ice Driving neutralizes its CO₂ emissions by reforesting in Madagascar, planting over fifteen thousand trees annually. They also employ low-carbon diesel for support vehicles, sponsor green automotive initiatives, and target a 90% carbon reduction by 2027. This ethos ensures future thrill-seekers will find this icy wonderland preserved and pristine.

The memories forged here are indelible. There is the adrenaline of hitting high speeds in a perfect drift, the laughter shared with friends and expert coaches, and the dreamlike landscape that turns every turn and slide into something cinematic. To capture these moments, an in-house photographer records every exhilarating skid and smile, creating a keepsake of an adventure few will forget.

For those seeking more after an intense day on the ice—or for companions less inclined toward drifting—Lapland offers a range of Nordic pastimes. Snowmobiling, dog sledding, Arctic road trips, and ice fishing provide even deeper immersion, while snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and visiting elk reserves add touches of authentic Lapland charm.

Lapland Ice Driving transcends the traditional driving experience, combining thrill, elegance, and wild beauty in the Arctic’s embrace. With a remarkable 80% of participants returning year after year, and some visiting as often as three times each winter, it’s no wonder this icy haven has become not just a place to visit, but a passion rekindled each season.