Ice Driving Lapland: Porsche Drifting in the Arctic Circle
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Ice Driving Lapland: Drifting in a Porsche at the Arctic Circle
Minus 20 degrees. The GT3 engine roars at 7,000 revolutions. In front of you: nothing but white. Behind you: a perfect drift track in the ice. Welcome to ice driving in Lapland — perhaps the most intense driving experience you can have in a Porsche.
If you're looking for the Drifting on ice and snow If you are interested, there is no way around Swedish Lapland. Here, just south of the Arctic Circle, we at the European Speed Club have had our winter home for over 15 years. 35 kilometers of prepared ice slopes, a fleet of spiked GT models — and the promise: We're all about driving. Not about husky tours.
What can you expect when ice driving in Lapland?
Ice driving in Lapland is more than just driving training. It is a combination of extreme sports, driving dynamics school and arctic adventure. You'll learn how to move a powerful GT3 across the ice in a controlled manner at speeds of over 150 km/h — while maintaining full control every second.
The special thing: Ice shows whether you can really drive. Every steering impulse, every gas dose is immediately visible. There is no hiding behind driving assistants or wide tires. Just you, the car, and 70 inches of frozen water below you.
What you'll learn:
- Precise weight transfer and steering angle control
- Maintain drift angles over hundreds of meters
- Looking at overtaxes
- Gas and brake dosing on low-grip surfaces
- Vehicle control without ESP
Arvidsjaur — The Mecca of Ice Driving
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The small town of Arvidsjaur in Swedish Lapland is the global center for winter driver testing. Here, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Co. test their prototypes under extreme conditions. And this is where we set up our Ice Experience Center — on a 1,500 hectare frozen lake.
Getting there — faster than you think
The big advantage of ESC: We operate our own charter line. You get on our plane in Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne or Hanover — and you're already on the ice 25 minutes after landing in Arvidsjaur.
Departure airportFlight time Transfer to Eismünchen~2.5 hours25 min.Stuttgart~2.5 hours25 min.Hanover~2.5 hours25 min.Zurich (from March) ~3 hours25 mins
No other provider is located closer to the airport. That means more travel time, less bus travel.
The ice slopes: 35 km of prepared perfection
Our Ice Experience Center offers over 35 kilometers of prepared routes — the largest privately operated area in Scandinavia. The highlight: original scale replicas of legendary Formula 1 courses.
Route overview
Ice thickness & safety
The ice is measured weekly using sonar. At least 70 centimetres — often over one metre — ensures absolute safety. The routes are prepared several times a day: snowwalls on the sides gently intercept every departure. Vehicle damage is limited to spoilers and side skirts — if at all.
The ESC Porsche fleet on ice
With us, you don't drive any rental cars. Our fleet consists exclusively of Porsche models — with an exceptionally high GT percentage:
Our mix of vehicles:
- Porsche 911 (992) Carrera & Carrera S
- Porsche 911 GTS
- Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
- Porsche 911 GT3 (992)
- Porsche 911 Turbo (on request)
30% of your driving time is spent in GT models. That's more than most competitors — including the official Porsche Ice Experience.
All vehicles are equipped with special spike tires: Up to 300 metal spikes per tire provide the necessary grip on bare ice. The spike length is adjusted depending on ice conditions — for a perfect balance between traction and drifting pleasure.
How an ice driving event works
Day 1: Arrival & warm-up
You land at Arvidsjaur Airport and are picked up directly. After a 25-minute transfer, you will reach our private lodge on the lake. Short briefing, walkie-talkie in hand — and off to the ice.
The first afternoon is for warm-up: You get to know the tracks, get used to the spike tires and make your first drift attempts on the dynamic surface. Dinner together at the lodge in the evening.
Day 2-3: Intensive training
From morning to evening: Drive, drive, drive. The groups are small (8-12 participants) and the routes are spread widely. You have no waiting times, no lines.
Daily schedule:
- 08:30 — Breakfast at the lodge
- 09:30 — First session (handling course or GP track)
- 12:30 — lunch at the lodge
- 14:00 — Second session (change of tracks/vehicles)
- 17:00 — coffee break
- 17:30 — Third session or night trip
- 20:00 — Dinner
The highlight: The night drive. When darkness falls over Lapland — and with a bit of luck, the Northern Lights dance in the sky — you'll be driving across the illuminated ice runway in headlights. Unforgettable
Day 4: Finale & Departure
Last morning is yours again. Free driving on your favorite track, last drift attempts, photo shoot. After lunch together, we head back to the airport.
Ice Driving Lapland: Prices & Packages 2026
We offer various packages — depending on how much time you have and how intensively you want to drive.
What is all included?
The price includes:
- Charter flight from Germany/Switzerland
- All transfers
- 2-4 nights in a hotel (single room)
- full board (breakfast, lunch at the lodge, dinner)
- Use of all Porsche models
- Professional instructor coaching
- Spikes, consumables, track rental
Optionally bookable:
- Insurance reduction: €200 (reduces SB from €15,000 to €3,000)
- Companion package: on request
- Husky tour or snowmobile trip: on request
See all dates and available places
ESC vs. Porsche Ice Experience — The honest comparison
Are you wondering what the difference is between us and the official Porsche Ice Experience? Here is the honest comparison:
Our promise: With us, you pay for travel time — not for a big brand show. Many Porsche centers now prefer to book with us than with the official Porsche Ice Experience. The reason: better price/performance ratio with more driving.
Who is ice driving suitable for?
Good news: You don't need a racing license or previous knowledge. Ice driving in Lapland is suitable for anyone who has a driver's license and is looking for an extraordinary experience.
beginners You benefit in particular: On ice, you learn driving dynamics faster than on any other surface. The car's slow reactions give you time to understand what's happening — and to react correctly.
advanced can take their trackday skills to a new level. If you have a clean drift on ice, you can also master your car on the racetrack.
What you should bring with you:
- Valid driving license (class B)
- Warm clothes (but will also be provided)
- Openness to new things
- Willingness to make mistakes (part of it!)
What you DON'T need:
- Motorsport experience
- Own equipment
- Afraid of cold (cars are heated)
Ready for your ice driving adventure?
Places for winter 2026 are limited — and sold out quickly. If you want to be part of it, you should act now.
Your next steps:
- View available dates
- Select package (SMART, CLASSIC, WEEKEND or INTENSE)
- Secure space with down payment
- Enjoy the Anticipation
Or give away the ultimate experience: Order an ice driving voucher
Questions? Contact us directly — We will advise you personally.
Sources & further information
- Porsche 911 GT3 models — Technical data of the GT models used in the ESC fleet
- ESC Ice Experience Dates — Current packages and prices for winter 2026
All prices are subject to change. Status: 2026. ESC prices apply in accordance with the current ESC participation conditions. Comparative prices for Porsche Ice Experience are based on publicly available information and may vary.
Frequently asked questions about ice driving in Lapland
At ESC, Ice Driving in Lapland starts at €5,492 for a 3-day package. Charter flight, hotel, full board and all cars are included in the price. Comparable offers from competitors often cost €12,000–€17,000.
The Ice Driving season in Lapland runs from mid-January to mid-March. February is considered ideal: the ice is at its thickest (80–100 cm), the days are getting longer, and the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are high.
No, Ice Driving is also suitable for beginners. The low speeds make mistakes harmless, and instructors guide you step by step through the techniques.
At ESC you exclusively drive Porsche models: 911 Carrera, 911 GTS, 718 Cayman GT4 and 911 GT3. All cars are fitted with spike tyres. About 30 % of your seat time is in GT models.
The ice on our lake is at least 70 cm thick – often over a metre. The thickness is checked weekly by sonar. For comparison: from 20 cm onwards, ice will safely carry a passenger car.
No, the low speeds (mostly under 60 km/h) and large surfaces make Ice Driving very safe. Perfect for controlled at-the-limit training.
ESC offers direct charter flights from Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne and Hanover. From March also from Zurich on a scheduled flight. The transfer from the airport to the ice takes only 25 minutes.
All cars are fully hull-insured. The standard deductible is €15,000, but can be reduced to €3,000 for €200. With normal slides into the snow wall, damage rarely occurs.
Yes, we offer companion packages. Your companion can enjoy the lodge, ride snowmobiles or take husky tours – while you're out on the ice.
We're the largest independent Ice Driving provider in Scandinavia, with 1,800 of the roughly 7,000 available spots. Our USPs: our own charter flights, small groups (8–12 instead of 30–40), high GT share (30 %), a familial atmosphere and maximum seat time.
Still have questions?
Contact our team — we'll help you find the right cover for your next track day. Or sign up for our exclusive ESC newsletter and stay up-to-date!
