With an all-wheel-drive system that offers reassuring driveability in all conditions, the Bentley Continental GT is the perfect Grand Tourer to take on the challenge posed by driving in snow and icy conditions, particularly as the northern hemisphere winter sets in.

To push the car’s cold climate capabilities further, February 2013 sees the return of the Bentley Power on Ice programme, offering existing owners, enthusiasts and aspiring drivers the chance to explore the extreme limits of the Continental GT on the frozen lakes of northern Finland.

While the Continental GT is a relaxing and exceptionally capable Grand Tourer regardless of the driving surface, the participants will be led by a team of expert instructors who will help the guests explore a range of driving techniques. Leading the line-up is Finnish rally star, four-time World Rally champion and modern-day Bentley Boy Juha Kankkunen. Kankkunen is already an expert at driving Bentleys on ice; in February 2011 he broke his own Ice Speed Record, piloting a Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible to 205 mph (330 km/h) on the frozen Baltic Sea off the coast of Finland.

A national hero in his native Finland, Kankkunen comments: “The opportunity to once again drive the Continental GT around our famous ice tracks is one I can’t resist. The huge power combined with all-wheel-drive and the new eight-speed gearbox makes the GT the perfect car for such exciting and engaging driving. Our customers are always amazed that their cars are so rewarding to drive at the limit of grip, and it’s my pleasure to teach them how to do it!”

After flying to the town of Kuusamo on a private charter, guests are driven to the exclusive ski resort of Ruka, just 60 km from the edge of the Arctic Circle, arriving at the luxury Chalet Ruka Peak boutique hotel. The two-day programme focuses on driving both the V8 and W12 versions of the legendary all-wheel-drive Continental GT on the smooth ice of the local lakes, on tracks specially prepared by Bentley’s winter driving team.

As well as the exhilarating driving opportunities, guests have the chance to enjoy a range of Nordic activities. Snowmobiling, a night-time husky sled safari, traditional Finnish smoke saunas and dinner at an historic reindeer farm complete the programme and provide perfect opportunities for relaxation following the thrilling driving sessions on the ice.

Bentley’s Power on Ice programme runs from 7th-28th February 2013, with places starting at Euros 9,990 per driver.  More details are available through the worldwide Bentley dealer network or at https://www.bentleymotors.com/en.html.