Seriously cool ice hotels for families

There’s nothing like a refreshing winter holiday to blow away the cobwebs and break up the rainy UK seasons. What better way to experience stunning winter landscapes and all the fun they have to offer than with a stay in an hotel carved from ice and snow? ‘Frozen’ fans will go mad for our selection of the best ice hotels for families with older children and teens.

1/9 Eskimska Vas, Eskimo Village, Slovenia, two nights in a family igloo

This fun filled ‘Igloo village’ is perfect for families who want to get stuck into winter sports and snow-based activities without taking themselves too seriously. Ideal for parents who don’t want to blow the budget on a short break, Eskimvas allows guests to get a taste of traditional igloo life. Sleep on blocks of insulated snow and sheepskin rugs, taste rustic Slovenian fare in the igloo restaurant and sip on hot chocolate in the igloo bar. Try cross-country skiing, build your own igloo in a team or take a family tour of the village on snowshoes!

2/9 ICEHOTEL, Sweden, three nights’ B&B

The ICEHOTEL was the world’s first and largest hotel made from ice and snow; every year the hotel is completely recreated by ice artists for a fresh take on its unique aesthetic. Today it caters for families with children of all ages, offering suites carved from ice with up to four beds and Nordic chalet style rooms with wood panelling for a cosy hygge atmosphere. We recommend staying in one of the warm rooms and taking one of the guided tours of the ice rooms during the day for maximum comfort. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star and its offerings include Arctic char and bramble berries for something a little bit different.

3/9 Arctic SnowHotel, Finland, weekend in a family room

Set in the hometown of Father Christmas, the Arctic SnowHotel is ideal for larger families. Spend the weekend in a family room (sleeps up to five) and enjoy a guided tour of the SnowHotel along with a traditional Finnish sauna to prepare you for your icy suite! The hotel concierge will wake you up when the Northern Lights appear in the sky so you can be sure of a truly magical experience. In the morning wake up to a cup of hot juice and a warming breakfast in the cosy Log restaurant.

4/9 Glass Igloo, Finland, three nights’ B&B

Truly a once in a lifetime experience, guests of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort can have the best of both worlds with a stay at one of the famous Kelo-Glass igloos. The temperatures in the traditional snow igloos stay at around -6C, so the Kelo is ideal for families with children or teens. Featuring a chunky wooden chalet with private sauna, the lodge has a glass igloo bedroom extension so that visitors can spy the Northern Lights from the comfort of their own beds underneath furry blankets. Book a reindeer or husky safari, pan for gold or meet Father Christmas to make the trip extra magical.

5/9 Kirkeness Snow Hotel, Norway, one night family break

Start your ice adventure at Hurtigruten harbour, where you will be picked up by a snow guide and driven to the Kirkeness hotel in the heart of Scandinavia. Each hotel is uniquely decorated with individual themes from Arctic culture and nature. Look out for ice carvings of huskies; sleighs; hearts; presents and even Hollywood stars! During your stay visit fluffy puppies at the Gabba Husky Park, go fishing for king crabs or look out for the Northern Lights. Dine in the hotel restaurant and sample hand-dried herbs, cheese from local farms and home-made jellies.

6/9 Sorrisniva Igloo, Norway, two nights in a family room

For a real igloo experience head to the Sorrisniva Igloo in the frozen Norwegian landscape just 20 minutes away from Alta city centre. The palatial 2500m² hotel houses an ice bar, 30 bedrooms, glistening ice sculptures and even a sparkling chapel! Staying in a cold room you will have an extreme weather sleeping bag in which to get cosy at night, and access to warm bathrooms and changing rooms for your comfort. Spend the evening in the outdoor jacuzzi and dining in the hotel restaurant. In the morning refresh yourselves with a steamy sauna and help yourself to a freshly prepared buffet breakfast with hot bread straight from the oven.

7/9 Hotel de Glace, Canada, ‘One night family retreat’

Cosy up with the kids in Canada’s very own ice hotel. Set in chilly Quebec, the hotel has recently been completely transformed and 2017’s theme is the North Pole. Featuring artistic interpretations of the Pole star and Arctic wildlife, there is sure to be something to capture everyone’s attention. Take a tour around the hotel to discover the history and where its inspiration comes from, or take it to the next level and find out how the hotel is run and maintained with a ‘behind the scenes’ tour, including a session carving your very own ice glass! Families staying on the ‘one night family’ package will enjoy a welcome drink served in an ice glass, access to hot tubs and sauna under the stars, a hearty breakfast and access to the nearby snow slides, snow rafting and ice skating.

8/9 Iglu Dorf, Gstaad,‘romantic family’ weekend

Set in the Swiss Alps region of Gstaad, the mountain resort beloved by Hollywood stars and socialites, the Iglu Dorf combines the essence of nature with a little luxury. It takes three thousand hours each winter to build the hotel with snow ploughs, balloons and good old elbow grease, and the finishing touches are created by international artists who carve a winter wonderland into the interior. Families staying in the Romantic Family Igloo can book a host of luxury touches such as welcome drinks and snacks, a personalised tour of the village, a hot fondue for dinner and a scenic breakfast at a nearby mountain restaurant.

9/9 Kemi Snow Castle, Finland, one night in a superior room

Single parents wanting some one-on-one time with their child can take advantage of this reasonably priced snow experience in the affectionately coined ‘Sea Lapland’. Stay in a suite made entirely from snow, complete with bookcases carved into the walls and lambskin covers to ensure a comfy night’s sleep. The arched windows are made from clear ice and the hotel is near to some spectacular Arctic attractions such as ice driving lakes, a gemstone gallery and ‘Santa’s seaside office’. The restaurant offers juice made with fresh local berries and delicacies such as cheesy reindeer soup!