A DRIVE WITH… I C E C

A DRIVE WITH… I C E C O L D I N A R J E P L O G 78

A DRIVE WITH… The extreme nature and stunning beauty of the Swedish Arctic Circle takes your breath away in more ways than one. This is where Jaguar Land Rover conducts its extreme cold climate testing, but you too can venture here to enjoy unforgettable driving experiences WORDS P A U L E N T W I S T L E European models shown Arjeplog, population 1,800 on the shores of Lake Hornavan, was once home to the local silver mining industry, a fact reflected in the names of streets and perhaps most prominently in the Silverhatten hotel that overlooks the small town with its distinctive church dating back to 1642. Boasting a single movie theater, but a plethora of gas stations, Arjeplog is a place with a vista worthy of any epic feature film. The demise of the mining industry could have meant the end for a region rather short on infrastructure, were it not for one very useful resource in abundance – freezing cold weather. During harsh winter months this picturesque, quiet little town comes alive as vehicle calibration specialists take advantage of the sub-zero temperatures. On the frozen lake, huge shaped circuits are perfect for vehicle testing, hidden from the prying eyes of journalists vying to scoop the stars of next season’s auto shows. It is here, too, that Jaguar Land Rover Ice Academy experts will teach you how to put some of the world’s finest and most capable vehicles through their paces. For decades, the auto industry regularly made the trek to Kiruna on the Arctic Circle; that was until some engineers discovered a landing strip on the frozen Lake Hornavan in 1973. They realized that Arjeplog ticked all the testers’ boxes. Other manufacturers soon followed as the town rapidly developed a rapport with the teams of engineers who regularly spend up to six months working in the region. On any given winter’s day or night, you are arguably more likely to encounter a camouflaged prototype vehicle on the roads than a local inhabitant. Perhaps this goes some way to explaining why the Laplanders are highly protective of their ’winter guests.’ ‘Normal’ tourists rarely venture this far north of Stockholm, and certainly not in winter time. And therein lies its appeal. The Jaguar Land Rover Ice Academy not only underlines the dynamic capabilities of Land Rover vehicles in one of the harshest environments on Earth, but also offers a unique insight into the breathtaking beauty of this Arctic wilderness. So, join our team on the ice and enjoy thrilling driving experiences together with warm hospitality in one of the most challenging, yet perhaps most beautiful, locations on the planet. HIT THE ICE for the drive of a lifetime. To find out more, visit landroverusa.com 79