However, for Anette Niia and Ylva Sarri, who are members of Sweden’s indigenous Sami community, Abisko is much more than just a blue hole. There are about 70,000 Sami living in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula in Russia – an area collectively known as Sapmi. Both women have spent time in Abisko since childhood, as it is also a reindeer grazing area for their families. Niia explained that the region’s microclimate results in thinner snow during the winter, which means that spring arrives here early – and therefore food for reindeer and other animals. “The blue hole is something that tourism companies are talking about,” he said. “For us Sámi, Abisko is special for different reasons.” However, she and Sarri also have a connection to tourism here – their family ancestors were mountain guides for visitors since the early 1900s. Today, women are the co-founders of the Scandinavian Sami Photoadventures, which leads to many outdoor experiences. in Abisko, including tours of the Northern Lights. “We as drivers know that when we reach the Miellejohka stream, which flows down the Cuonjavaggi [valley]and pass it, you can go from a full blizzard to clear skies 100 meters away, “Niia said.” This is magic! “ And that’s exactly what happened when Eric and I finally got to Abisko: thick clouds of snow hovered over the mountains that surrounded us, but we saw clear blue skies just above. On my first trip to Abisko several years ago, I remember the scientist who became photographer Peter Rosén telling me that children should not look at or whistle dancing Auroras or show them in awe, otherwise the lights would fall and take off. far away.
