Sunset at Lake Vitträsket

‘This is the setting for the community-run Sörbyn Lodge. In the bar we chatted to locals about winters here in Lapland: four hours of twilight, 20 hours of darkness, and temperatures regularly down to -30C.’ • All photographs: Michael Grolys

Aurora activity at Sorbyn

‘Wrapping up against the cold, and grabbing head torches and cameras, we spent a couple of hours on the frozen lake and managed to capture shots of the swirling columns of turquoise, purples, and yellow lights that danced across the sky.’

Log cabins at Sörbyn Lodge

‘These are the pine woods on the edge of Lake Vitträsket. We woke to clear blue skies and headed out for a walk by the frozen lake, where numerous people sat ice-fishing. We quickly learned not to venture too far off the paths as the snow was waist-deep.’

The snowy banks of river Råne

‘Transport to our second night’s accommodation was by snowmobile and sledge. Aurora Safari Camp is in a pine forest on a hill above the river.’

Camp fire comforts at Aurora Safari Camp

‘A large fire pit with fur-covered benches provided an idyllic communal place for beers and coffee and watching the sun go down.’

Dog-sledding across the lake

‘Dog musher Richard Karlsson brought 10 of his 20 Siberian huskies, harnessed up with a sledge. A steady trot and excited barking across the lake led us into deep forested tracks.’

A morning trek with Siberian huskies

‘We had to acquire the knack of hanging on tight before hard bumps, but the swift running dogs did the hard work and earned their meal of fish soup back at Richard’s home.’

Lights show at Lassbyn

‘The northern lights gave us a second show over the woods at Lassbyn.’• Michael’s prize was a four-night winter photography trip, courtesy of Artisan Travel. The small group trip costs from £2,845pp, including transfers, accommodation, activities, meals and cold-weather clothing