1st December sees the arrival of the new Skywalker Pilot Collection from Columbia - stay tuned to Fantha for more news on that - but before then there's the fantastic opportunity to win a trip to Finse and stay at Hotel Finse 1222, where the cast and crew stayed during the 1979 location shoot for The Empire Strikes Back. Fantha Tracks visited five years ago, and are heading out there again in February 2024, so watch for a flavour of what you'll be able to experience should you enter and win. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eua41AHVhkY In anticipation of the launch of its special-edition collection inspired by Luke Skywalker’s iconic flight suit from the Star Wars™ saga (available starting on Dec. 1) Columbia is announcing a chance for one winner and a guest to travel to Finse, Norway – the filming location for Hoth in Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back. The lucky winner will receive a 5-night stay at Hotel Finse 1222, airfare for two to Oslo, Norway, train-fare to Finse, a $1,000 Columbia gift card, special-edition gear from Columbia’s Skywalker Pilot Collection and a $1,500 outdoor excursion credit which can be used to explore the glacier where the battle of Hoth was filmed in 1980. Starting today, fans can enter to win this trip of a lifetime by following @Columbia1938 on Instagram, liking this post [linked HERE] and signing up for Columbia Greater Rewards program. The sweepstakes will close on Wednesday, Nov. 29. That's not all, there's also the chance to purchase pieces from the Skywalker Pilot Collection signed by none other than Mark Hamill. https://youtu.be/YgZpgUoG8Ws Separately, Columbia also announced that Mark Hamill, the actor who plays Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars films, has signed several pieces from Columbia’s new Skywalker Pilot collection with proceeds of the sales going to charity. Hamill signed 20 limited-edition Skywalker Pilot Ski Suits, which are inspired by Luke Skywalkers iconic flight suit. The limited-edition signed suits will be available for purchase in select Columbia-branded retail locations for $2,000 with all proceeds going toward academic programs and scholarships selected by actor Mark Hamill. Limited-edition Mark Hamill signed suits will be available in select stores on Friday, Dec. 1 until supplies last. For additional information and to find out where to purchase, visit columbia.com/starwars/. You can listen to us discuss this exciting new range on the latest episode of Making Tracks. Get entering, and good luck! [amazon box="1368080286"]

Five years ago, not long after we'd launched as a site, Fantha Trackers Brian Cameron, Matt Booker, Richard Hutchinson, myself and our pal James Floyd travelled to Norway to visit the iconic Finse 1222 hotel and tour a number of iconic filming locations. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip....until it wasn't. Fantha Tracks will return to Finse for Hoth Strikes Back over the weekend of 23rd - 25th February 2024, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the filming of The Empire Strikes Back in Norway back in 1978. Here's what we filmed back in 2018 during our first visit. https://youtu.be/Eua41AHVhkY?list=PL19h95B_X5_A7qmPQG9roeB86C9h7XXaX Welcome to a unique celebration of the 45th anniversary of the filming of the iconic movie Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back! We honor this unforgettable event that took place right here in Finse, where the most memorable scenes were created, both outside our hotel and on the majestic Hardangerjøkulen glacier. The story begins in March 1979 when Irvin Kirshner, the talented director behind The Empire Strikes Back, along with an impressive film crew, chose Finse as their filming location. It was at this remote and snow-covered location that they found the perfect resemblance to the ice planet "Hoth." During filming, they were confronted with a historic snowstorm that truly tested both the crew and actors. Nevertheless, this resulted in some of the most iconic moments in film history. Finse 1222 was carefully selected as the filming location, and our location has since been known as "Hoth" among Star Wars fans. Here, the epic battle between the Rebels and the Empire from the opening scene of The Empire Strikes Back was filmed. When you visit, you'll have the rare opportunity to meet and hear from the key individuals who were involved in the filming and gain insight into their experiences around Finse. Among our special guests are: - Christian Berrum, production assistant - Knut Vadset, still photographer - Martin Gant, responsible for special effects - Harald Lystad, CEO of 20th Century Fox Norway In addition to our exciting event, we'd like to invite you to experience Finse 1222 itself. Our hotel offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure in the heart of the wilderness. From our cozy accommodations to stunning vistas and outdoor activity opportunities, you'll discover why Finse is a destination worth exploring. Contact our hotel reservations for details on prices and booking for this special event. If you're planning a day visit (without overnight stay), we also offer admission tickets. Stay tuned for upcoming activities and exciting presentations during the celebration of this historic anniversary. We look forward to welcoming you to Finse! #Join our Facebook group to see the latest information and updates! https://www.facebook.com/groups/278672538260582/ Spaces are limited, so if you intend to go don't wait too long as those remaining rooms will go fast. [amazon box="B0CHV2X496"]

Reflection in the tundra Finse, Norway #yaspics #finse1222 #finse #norway #bergenrailway #mountains #tundra #arctic #lake #summer #hike #traveling #glacier #reflection #landscapephotography #snow #snowylandscape #travelnorway #beautifulnorway #backpacking #backpackingnorway #wilderness (at Finse 1222) https://www.instagram.com/p/By0ADkNjCRS/?igshid=1t71nff8l86ne

Rebel Scum. #visithoth #finse1222 #echobase #starwars (at Finse 1222)

Celebrating 17th of May - Finse - Fjelltelegrafen