Winter Wonders for Families

Detailed program

Day 1 Arrival

Arrival at Kuusamo Airport and group transfer to Hossa, where you will settle into comfortable forest cabins just outside the national park. Dinner and a briefing about the upcoming program. (For late arrivals, an evening snack will be served, and the briefing will take place in the morning.)

Day 2 Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the winter wonderland and be immersed in the purity of the Finnish wilds. After a short introduction, we’ll set off straight from the accommodation, trekking through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes. Midway, we’ll take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch around an open fire. In the evening, you can unwind in your private apartment’s steaming hot sauna.

Day 3 Cross-country skiing and igloo building

Today, we’ll learn cross-country skiing - an essential Finnish tradition and a mode of transport for centuries. It may take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll love gliding through the snow. After technical instruction, you’ll have the chance to follow easy tracks through the flat pine forest and across frozen lakes.

In the afternoon, we’ll begin building igloos. Using shovels and spades, we’ll create large piles of snow, which will be hollowed out later in the week once the snow has hardened enough.

Day 4 Husky sledding

After breakfast, we’ll take a one-hour transfer to a husky farm for what is often the most anticipated activity of the trip - dog sledding! Glide through the silent wilderness as a team of eager huskies pulls your sled. Born to run, our four legged friends will take us on an unforgettable ride. Two people share a sled, taking turns driving, or if you prefer, you can relax under warm blankets and enjoy the ride. After the safari, we’ll have lunch before transferring back to our base camp. Driving 10–15 km, duration of the activity 2,5–3 hrs.

Day 5 Snowshoeing and igloo building

Today, we head out on snowshoes once again. Hossa National Park is famous for its scenic ridges, and we’ll explore this area, encountering some short but steep ascents and descents along the way. The surrounding forests are home to elk, wolves, lynxes, and hares - although they are rarely seen, we may spot their tracks in the snow.After lunch, it’s time to finalize the igloos. Once completed, those who wish can spend some quiet time inside their “snowy home”. 

Day 6 Reindeer farm visit and wilderness skills

This morning, we’ll visit a local reindeer farm just a few kilometers from our accommodation. Here, we’ll meet these iconic Arctic animals and learn about their life, behavior, and remarkable adaptations to the harsh northern climate.
In the afternoon we learn some exciting Arctic bushcraft skills like fire-making and try eg. ice-fishing. 

Day 7 Optional activities

The final day of your adventure is dedicated to optional activities. Now that you have had a taste of the various activities, you can choose to experience your favourite one again.. It is possible to do some more cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ice-fishing. You could rent skishoes (“Altai skis”) or fatbikes, mountain bikes with wide tyres, and do a cycling excursion on snowy roads and trails (this activity is not suitable for the youngest kids). It is also possible to book a snowmobile safari (availability to be confirmed).
In the evening, we’ll gather for a delicious farewell dinner.

Day 8 Return

Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Kuusamo airport.  

Good to know

DURATION
8 days / 7 nights

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
21.12.2025–28.12.2025
28.12.2025–04.01.2026 (on request)
15.02.2026–22.02.2026

PRICES
1525 € p/p in cabin for 2 persons 
1345 € p/p in cabin for 3 persons (Price requires 3 persons per booking.)
1175 € p/p in cabin for 4 persons (Price requires 4 persons per booking.)
1100 € p/p in cabin for 5 persons (Price requires 5 persons per booking.)
1055 € p/p in cabin for 6 persons (Price requires 6 persons per booking.)
Children 7–12 years, discount -100 €

Extras: 
Hire of winter clothes (overall, boots, mittens) 50 €
Hire of winter boots 20 €

GROUP SIZE
Guaranteed departures without minimum number of participants, maximum 30 persons. Large groups will be divided into two smaller groups for all activities, each led by an own guide.  

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Minimum age 7 years. All activities are suitable for beginners and no previous experience is needed. 

TRAVEL
Flights are not included in the tour price. 

Important notes for arrival
The joining point for this trip is Kuusamo airport.
Single-timed group transfers from Kuusamo airport are organized to meet the following Finnair flights from Helsinki:
21.12.2025 HEL-KAO AY487 19.35-21.20
28.12.2025 HEL-KAO AY487 19.35-21.20
15.02.2026 HEL-KAO AY491 17.40-19.25

Additional arrival transfers meeting direct TUI flights from LGW, BHX, and MAN are available for an extra charge.

Note: If you miss the scheduled group transfer on arrival and an extra transfer must be arranged to the starting point of the trip, the costs must be covered by you. To avoid this unpleasant situation it’s not recommended to book flights with short connection time (less than 1 hour).

Important notes for return
At the end of the tour, a scheduled group transfer is organized back to Kuusamo Airport to connect with the following Finnair flights to Helsinki:
28.12.2025 KAO-HEL AY482 08.55-10.40
04.01.2026 KAO-HEL AY482 08.55-10.40
22.02.2026 KAO-HEL AY486 11.15-13.00

Additional departure transfers connecting with direct TUI flights to LGW, BHX, and MAN are available for an extra charge.

Travel by bus/train
Upon arrival it is possible take a train (or bus) from Helsinki to Oulu, followed by a bus from Oulu to Kuusamo. The same applies for the return trip to Helsinki. Please ensure that the schedule aligns with the transfer times mentioned above. Note: Pick-up is not available from the bus station.

PAYMENT
Deposit: 20 % of total amount will be charged at the time of booking.
Full payment: Due 14 days before the departure. The invoice for full payment will be sent by email.

NOTES
It is essential that a passenger is covered by adequate travel insurance.
The tour is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.    
We reserve the right to change the order of the activities or the content of the programme if necessary due to the weather or snow conditions.

What do I need to bring?

• warm jacket and pants
• leisure time clothing
• winter boots
• rucksack (15-20 l)
• thermos flask
• head lamp / torch

The full packing list will be provided after booking.  

Reviews

2025
Our holiday in Hossa national park was quite simply the best holiday experience we have ever had. The scenery is breathtaking, the resort is peaceful, the activities are great fun and our guide was outstanding; he really added to the holiday with his friendliness, encouragement and knowledge. I would 100% recommend Hossa and Upitrek, we loved it!

A fabulous week with lots of variety. In free time you could relax, have a sauna or continue with some of the activities.

We had the most amazing adventure as a family at Hossa. The activities, the scenery and the guide’s enthusiasm made it a holiday we will never forget.

My family and I have had an absolutely fantastic week at Hossa national park. The holiday exceeded all expectations. Our guide was attentive, knowledgeable and great with both the adults and children. We have no hesitation in recommending this trip and we look forward to returning to the area soon. Andrew. England.