Ultimate Experiences > Bentley Power on Ice (2010)

Bentley Ice Driving Experience - Drive Hard, Play Hard

Taking to the wheel of a Bentley under normal conditions and understanding how the car handles on twisting country roads is exhilarating enough in itself. Understanding how it, and you, will react in the extreme conditions of snow and ice is another matter altogether.

Bentley have developed a series of unique driving experiences, tailor-made to take you and the car to the limit and safely back again; all whilst on the frozen lakes in the Finnish wilderness and all under the watchful eye of our professional instructors.

The exhilaration doesn’t stop there, as you are also given the opportunity to explore the untouched landscape behind the controls of a snowmobile. Each experience contributing to you getting the most out of this extreme environment and of course, the car.

IN GOOD HANDS. IN A BENTLEY.

Excitement with safety.

Knowing a Bentley is a superb way to indulge in the spirit of driving. Knowing how the car will react on snow and ice in precarios situations is another matter. And knowing how you have to react is something you first have to experience.

This is why we have arranged a series of excercises designed to take you and the car to the limit - and safely back again. Our individual and exclusive programme, with just two guests per car and instructor, allow us to tailor the activities to your skills and experience. Learn how to handle such demanding situations as slalom, emergency avoidance, braking and acceleration, and high speed cornering on ice. We will demonstrate the effect of weight transfer on the car's handling during cornering, and how to use it to your advantage.

A car's motion and traction is the result of various interacting forces. We will show you how to understand these and calculate how they affect handling. In this way, Bentley makes the unpredictable predictable and controllable.

Under the guidance of a professional instructor sitting beside you, you will develop a feeling for manoevuring the Bentley using just the accelerator and precise adjustments of the steering wheel to safely slide the car through loops and figure-of-eights.

Once you have completed the individual excercises, you will be ready to practice and hone your new skills in a number of realistic situations. The situations would be difficult enough to master on dry asphalt, and by managing them on a frozen surface, you will feel the difference made by all-wheel drive.

Finally, you will see how to turn the sheer power and modern technology built into the Bentley Continental to your benefit - with all the time and space you need to experiment to your hearts content.

When you have returned home, just think how it will feel to sit behind the wheel of your own bentley. With your new gained skills, knowledge and understanding, and with even more confidence than before. Because you will know the true capabilities of a Bentley.

THE VENUE:

Ruka

A pure white landscape dotted with hills, stretching to the endless snow smothered forests. A picture-perfect frozen lake in a remote clearing, and the tracks of wild animals in the snow. The crystal clear air, bitingly cold, turning each breath into a small white cloud. Absolute slience, save for the sound of creaking snow beneath your shoes.

The Base for this year's Bentley winter driving programme is located near Kuusamo, in the north-eastern corner of the province of Oulo, just 60km south of the Arctic Circle in Finland and 40km west of the Russian border. This is Ruka, and exclusive ski resort and area of outstanding beauty around the Rukatunturi Fell.

Just beneath the summit of Rukatunturi, and overlooking the surrounding lakes and hills, is the luxury hotel Ruka Peak. Each of the hotel's spacious bedrooms is complete with its own south-facing balcony which offers a breathtaking view. It is here at Ruka Peak that you will dine in front of the roaring open fire, sip cold beer in the hot tub, and enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna to end a perfect day's ice driving.

Aside from enjoying the luxury accommodation and unspoilt Arctic countryside, visitors can look forward to the spectacular seasonal auroras found in the latitude, and the thrill of catching a gimpse of wild raindeer and elk in their natural habital.

Born to Run: The eagerly awaiting pack of huskiesmay seem boisterous as you prepare to set off, but on command they soon settle down to their task; transporting you smoothly through the snow-covered forests towards your evening's entertainment. The rapid pace and glistening scenery make this experience unforgettable. Take control of the reins as you set off to a tradional Lapp meal at a restaurant located in the very heart of this unspoilt winter wonderland.

Surf the Snow: After a few helpful tips from one of our expert guides, you'll be ready to experience the total freedom of dashing through the undisturbed Arctic landscape on a snowmobile. Simple the best way to travel across ice and snow; if you can't be in a Bentley, that is.

DATES: T.B.A - Between (February - March 2010)

OPTION 1: €8,990 Per Person

RUKA PEAK DELUXE APARTMENTS

The deluxe apartments are more spacious at around 100m Sq and are styled in a contemporary fashion with spectacular views. The offer the latest facilities with seperate bedrooms, a spacious living room and their own saunas. The price includes domestic flights between Helsinki and Kuusamo, deluxe apartment accommodation, meals and all activities.

OPTION 2: €24,980

DELUXE FAMILY PACKAGE

Extra-large 4-bedroom deluxe apartment or cottage close to the hotel, with enough space for a family if required, offering a maximum of space and privacy. An assistant will be available to look after and arrange activities for the children each day upon request (please notify us in advance).

* The price includes domestic flights between Helsinki and Kuusamo, cottage or deluxe apartment accommodation, meals and all driving activities for two adults, as well as non-driving places for up to 3 children, including and assistant and choice of activities each day.