Conor Flynn

Sweden: Multiple thrills, minimal risk

Once you’ve learned how, tarmac may start to seem dull

issue 31 December 2016

All too often in life there’s a gap between expectation and reality. Not with driving on ice. The expectation is tantalising, but the reality is demanding, exhilarating, and so much fun you’re surprised it’s legal.

I’ve been doing it for 13 years, taking groups of around 15 on an annual trip to Sweden. Every single time it’s an absolute joy to witness the hilarity, thrills and sense of satisfaction that our guests enjoy in just three days.

We start each visit with a little bit of theory for the technically minded — though nothing really prepares you for driving on a frozen lake. The fundamental skill to master is how to manage the gap between you telling the car to do something and it actually happening. On ice, every action results in wild, lurid reaction.

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