Featuring limitless ways to have fun in the white stuff, Inntravel's Snow programme for 2016/17 offers so much more than skiing this winter. Though cross-country skiing still lies at the heart of many of the tempting breaks, the snow-covered landscapes can be explored by a variety of other means - whether downhill skiing on un-crowded slopes, snowshoeing through silent forests, winter walking, husky sledding, visiting Christmas markets, or glimpsing the Northern Lights. New breaks introduced are: a week of cross-country skiing in Norway's remote Rondane National Park at Spidsbergseter, home to the world's only aquavit barn; a tour of Norway's Arctic islands, including a journey aboard the iconic Hurtigruten coastal steamer; and a Northern Lights trip to the inspiring island of Senja – 'Norway in miniature'.

WHAT'S NEW

Norway's Arctic Islands: Explore some of Norway's most beautiful and dramatic Arctic islands on this three-centre holiday combining land-based adventures with a sea voyage aboard the famous Hurtigruten coastal steamer. Begin with two days in spectacular Svolvær, the capital of the Lofoten Islands, and look out for white-tailed sea eagles, dolphins and porpoises on a boat trip along the Trollfjord, or don snowshoes for a hike in the hills. Catch the Hurtigruten overnight to Finnsnes before transferring to the island of Senja for two nights in the former fishing village of Hamn. Here, relax among sublime surroundings with a cup of coffee or for something more active, go ocean body rafting or head out to sea in search of whales. The final destination is the beautiful island city of Tromsø – the 'Gateway to the Arctic' – reached after a three-hour journey north aboard the Hurtigruten. In Tromsø, marvel at the extraordinary Arctic Cathedral, designed in the shape of an iceberg, visit the Polar Museum or join an excursion out onto the tundra for a day of dog-sledding or a reindeer safari.  Accommodation varies from rorbu, the red, wooden historic fishermen's houses unique to the Lofoten Islands, to the delightful Hotel With in Tromsø, complete with a sauna and offering free coffee and waffles each afternoon. Price: from £1,650 inc. 7 nights' B&B, 4 dinners, and journey by coastal steamer in outside cabin.

Spidsbergseter Hotel, Rondane: The Rondane National Park – Norway's first – is an area of almost untouched wilderness, where 2,000m-high mountains jag the horizon. It also offers a fine place to learn to cross-country ski and, for beginners, there are no better basecamps than the Spidsbergseter Hotel, just a stone's throw from the National Park. This cosy, family-run hotel offers signposted ski trails from the door – cut by the Hotel's owner himself – and there is an easy 12km loop that passes through the local settlement, where new skiers can pause for a rest and warming drink. For more experienced skiers, trails are available out into the pine and birch forests and skirting the hills overlooking the National Park. The characterful Hotel has wooden-clad rooms that benefit from far-reaching views across the plateau from their balcony, and also boasts a swimming pool, sauna and steam bath, perfect for unwinding after a day of skiing. During their stay guests can also sample the Hotel's legendary breakfasts, a gargantuan spread of Norwegian fare, and enjoy a drink in the world's only aquavit barn, where 140 varieties of the Norwegian spirit are available in the atmospheric surrounds of the former goat barn.  Price: from £1,055 inc. 7 nights' full board and access to cross-country skiing trails.

Northern Lights Norway: There are few more magical phenomena in the natural world than the dancing light show of the Northern Lights, and few better locations to try and see them than Norway's Arctic islands. This new short-break to the island of Senja, offers a night-time excursion to see the Lights including expert tips and advice on how to capture the phenomenon on camera. Guests keen to discover more of their immediate surroundings can do so on the included half-day snowshoe hike, which trails into the coastal pine forests and mountains offering spectacular views over the island. Staying in the refurbished buildings of the former fishing village, Hamn i Senja, guests will enjoy elegant suites with private decks that overlook the harbour, and can settle in at the village's lighthouse for coffee and waffles, or take a dip in the hot-tub housed in a restored fishing boat. Price: £895 inc. 3 nights' B&B, 2 dinners, guided Northern Lights excursion and half-day snowshoe hike. 4 nights' B&B (inc. 3 dinners) cost £1,050. Available 15/19/22 February 2017.  

All prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights and transfers.

WHAT ELSE

Among the other snow breaks on offer are:

• Activity Weeks: Seeking adventure and variety? Look out for Inntravel's special multi-activity weeks, for example, in Kandersteg enjoy a cross-country skiing lesson, guided snowshoe excursion, horse-drawn sleigh ride, torch-lit stroll, curling lesson and tobogganing.
• Try It Out Weeks: Designed for beginners, these breaks introduce like-minded guests to cross-country skiing during the quieter weeks of the season with lessons and equipment hire included.
• Special Festival Departures: For a special break, step back in time at a Belle Epoque Week in Kandersteg, head to Guarda to experience the charming Chalandamarz celebrations to chase away the spirits of winter, or visit Geilo to coincide with the Ice Music Festival.
• Families: While most of Inntravel's hotels are excellent for families, Pertisau is particularly recommended, where the nursery slopes are on the doorstep and the ski school centres its lessons on Bobo, the 'resident' penguin.
• Christmas & New Year: For a white Christmas, head to the mountains to join in local festivities featuring gala dinners, carols, fireworks, sleigh rides, Father Christmas visits and torch-lit walks.
• Christmas Markets: Get into the festive spirit and pick up some gifts on a Christmas Market short break. Choose from Prague, Gothenburg, Copenhagen, Salzburg, Fuschl or Lucerne.
• Great Winter Journeys: Admire wintery landscapes crossing some of Europe's most scenic terrain from the comfort of a train or boat. Travel Around the North Cape on a coastal steamer or enjoy one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys aboard the famous Glacier Express from Chur to Lucerne.

For more information on Inntravel's Snow programme 2016/17, contact Inntravel (01653 617000, www.inntravel.co.uk). 

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