As the ice thickens on the lakes of northern Finland, a very special circuit begins to take shape. On the edge of the Arctic Circle, close to the country's border with Russia, a vast and frozen surface is turned into a driving course unlike any other.
It is the home of Bentley Power on Ice, the driving experience created especially for Bentley in this remote and beautiful part of the world, which – in the middle of winter – becomes the perfect playground for an all-wheel-drive vehicle..
There is perhaps nothing more exhilarating or rewarding than mastering car control in conditions like these. At Bentley Power on Ice you will learn the art of drifting sideways gracefully and without losing control, throwing up plumes of ice as the scenery whooshes by. There's nothing else quite like it.
With two full days of driving and tuition from a dedicated instructor, you will see that – even on sheet ice – there's plenty of speed to be found. Especially when you're in the driver's seat of a powerful Bentley fitted with studded tyres. In other words, ice driving provides the thrills of an extreme sport, from the comfort of a hand-stitched, heated leather seat.
Finland has produced some of the greatest drivers the world has seen: rally champions, F1 champions and champion ice racers. Among them is four-time WRC champion Juha Kankkunen, who personally designs the Bentley Power on Ice tracks, each of which is 'shaved' into the icy surface using specialist equipment.
At Bentley Power on Ice, guests also have the chance to experience a fast lap with Juha.
After all the driving, you can make the most of the stunning location with a range of activities. For example, there's snowmobiling, ice karting and a nighttime husky sled adventure. You could also enjoy a traditional Finnish smoke sauna, and dinner at an historic reindeer farm.
I Hate winter, but this could make it interesting....
It's what makes Power on Ice so special.
(Posted by David Irvine)