5 of the World’s Coolest Igloos and Ice Hotels for an Ultimate Winter Stay

As the days grow shorter and temperatures continue to drop, embrace the cold this winter with a stay in a cool igloo or ice hotel. According to Booking.com research, 29% of Canadian travellers plan to stay in at least once in a type of accommodation they’ve never stayed in before – and we’re fairly certain you’ve never stayed in an igloo. 52% of travellers also note that in 2019 they plan to prioritize spending money on experiences over material items, so why not stay in one of these extra cool accommodations that is an experience in itself?

Snow Hotel – Kemi, Finland

The Snow Hotel is located in the Lapland region of Finland and offers ‘cool’ rooms made entirely out of ice and snow. If you’re wondering how it’s possible to stay warm in a room that has an average temperature of -5°C (23 degrees fahrenheit), beds are covered with warm lamb skin and sleeping bags with toasty fleece interiors. The Snow Hotel also features unique winter experiences such as a Snow Castle, a Snow Chapel for weddings, several sculptures with light effects, Gemstone Gallery and a weekly program that offers different activities and additional experiences for guests to choose from.

Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Tucked away amongst the various lakes and hills of northern Sweden, this Icehotel is rebuilt every winter entirely from snow and ice from the nearby Torne River. Holding a temperature between -5 to -8°C (17 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit), each of the individually themed rooms has hand-carved ice furnishings made by artists from all around the world. After a refreshing sleep in thermal sleeping bags on beds covered in reindeer hides, guests can start their day with a delicious breakfast before spending time in the sauna and the wood-burning hot tub. With 32% of Canadian travellers in search of an accommodation that includes a hot tub, this may be one of the most unique ones you’ll find. And to cool off after, there’s an ice bath for later, of course.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – Alta, Norway

Located along the Alta River 20 km from Alta’s town center, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is an impressive 2,000 square meter structure made entirely from snow and ice every winter. With a consistent room temperature between -4 and -7 °C (19 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit). Reindeer leather sleeping pads and ultra-warm sleeping bags are provided to every room. For those who like art, don’t miss the artistic ice sculptures on display throughout the property. And if you’re seeking a little outdoor adventure, the friendly hotel staff will gladly assist with booking a snowmobile safari to explore the surrounding winter wonderland.

Hotel de Glace – Saint-Gabriel-De-Valcartier, Canada

With three thematic ice bars, an indoor ice slide and ice chapel that seats 70 guests, the Hotel de Glace in Saint-Gabriel-De-Valcartier, Quebec is a landmark on its own as it’s the only hotel of its kind in North America. The warm hotel staff welcomes guests with a cocktail in an ice glass before taking them to their cool room with a temperature between -3 and -5°C (23 to 26 degrees Fahrenheit). In case wanting to escape the cold for a while, this ice hotel also offers a heated indoor water park as well as Nordic relaxation area with outdoor spas and sauna.

Blacksheep village Igloo La Plagne – La Plagne, France

Overlooking the iconic Mont Blanc, the Blacksheep village Igloo La Plagne is a great choice for travellers who would like to combine an igloo stay with an amazing ski trip. Set in La Plagne, near the Belle Plagne and Bergerie Ski Lifts, you can experience a variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities such as bobsleigh and luge before enjoying a delicious cheese fondue. If sleeping in a snow cave is not for you, guests can also book a stay at the Hot Igloo and enjoy the cozy heat of a wood stove.