Lovers of winter have something to celebrate: Finland’s Snow Village, the world’s first ice hotel chain with existing complexes in both Finland and Norway, is setting up in Montreal’s very own ice complex in Parc Jean-Drapeau this winter.
If as a child you have dreamed of building an igloo and spending the night in it, this is your opportunity.
The imposing structure will include a hotel featuring 25 rooms including 10 prestige suites, five polar igloos, a bar, restaurant, conference centre, terrace, boutique and a chapel — all completely constructed from ice and snow. There will even be a section with five hot tubs and maze slides.
The guest rooms and suites all feature beds mounted on a base entirely made of ice and wood frame which rests a cozy mattress and thermal sleeping bag. What’s more, clients, colleagues or business partners will long talk of the meeting they attended in one of the conference centre’s three meeting rooms — two of which are fully-heated — sure to be the most unique (and memorable) corporate setting ever.
All work and no play just isn’t any fun, and the Snow Village is well set up for that, too. Epicureans will flock to the enchanting Pommery Ice Restaurant for fine cuisine incorporating local products. Visitors will also quickly warm up to the Amarula Ice Bar, a large igloo with its splendid décor, musical entertainment and — ironically — its warm atmosphere.
While you’re there make sure to visit Montreal En Lumiére, held in the downtown core until Feb. 26.
This is one of the largest winter festivals in the world. The unique program combines performing arts, gastronomy, free outdoor family activities and, of course, the city lights up in the night with amazing fireworks and light displays for Nuit Blanche on Feb. 25.
Once back at Snow Village, if you’re worried about the cold, the interior temperature of the village buildings stays between a balmy -2 and -5C thanks to snow’s incredible insulating properties. So if you’re the type who laughs in the face of Old Man Winter, bundle up and head over to the Snow Village (until March 31 that is).
For more info visit www.snowvillagecanada.com