Choosing the right ski tour

We offer several ski tours, each requiring different levels of experience and fitness. Please assess your skiing skills and physical condition honestly when choosing a tour. Selecting a trip that matches your experience and skills helps ensure the best possible experience for yourself and a smooth and enjoyable week for the whole group. If you think that keeping up with the group might be difficult, please consider choosing an easier option. This information is provided to help you compare the different options – should you require any more information, we are happy to help.

Finland’s Eastern Wilderness Ski Tour

Experience: Some previous cross-country skiing experience is required. Participants should master the basic technique and be able to ski fluently on tracks. You should be confident in controlling your speed on downhills and fit enough to tackle uphills.
Fitness level: Good fitness required.
Distance&time: 17–23 km per day, up to 7 hours including breaks. Average speed 4–6 km/hour.
Terrain&conditions: Prepared tracks through forests and across lakes and swamps. Mostly easy terrain without large hills; however, there are some ups and downs, especially on the first day.
Elevation gain: On days 1, 2, 4 and 5 approx. 100 m, on day 3 approx. 200 m.
Notes: No technical instruction is included. Participants ski at their own pace, but everyone must arrive at the lunch stop around the same time. If you think the speed might be an issue, we recommend considering the beginners’ tour instead. Minimum age 14 years.

Finland’s Eastern Wilderness Beginners’ Ski Tour

Experience: No previous cross-country skiing experience is required. Basic technical instruction is included.
Fitness level: Moderate fitness recommended. Not suitable without any physical preparation.
Distance&time: 17–23 km per day, but optional shorter routes available on several days (10–14 km).
Terrain&conditions: Prepared tracks through forests and across lakes and swamps. Mostly easy terrain without large hills.
Elevation gain: On days 1, 2, 4 and 5 approx. 100 m, on day 3 approx. 200 m.
Notes: Relaxed pace. Designed for learning the basics while enjoying a winter adventure. Minimum age 12 years.

Kalevala Ski Tour

Experience: Strong cross-country skiing skills and fluent technique are required. Participants are recommended to have experience with similar daily stages.
Fitness level: High level of endurance and good physical condition.
Distance&time: Up to 43 km per day, with up to 8 hours outdoors including breaks. Participants should be able to maintain a pace of 7–8 km per hour.
Terrain&conditions: Prepared tracks through forests and across lakes and swamps. Mostly easy terrain with some gentle ups and downs.
Elevation gain: On days 1, 4 and 5 approx. 200–250 m, on days 2 and 3 approx. 100–150 m.
Notes: This tour is for experienced long-distance skiers that are comfortable with longer daily stages. Minimum age 16 years.

Backcountry Skiing & Winter Camping
UKK National Park Skiing expedition

Experience: Some previous cross-country skiing experience is required.
Fitness level: Good fitness is required; pulling pulk is demanding especially in soft snow.
Distance&time: About 5–7 hours of skiing per day depending on route and conditions.
Terrain&conditions: Skiing takes place off the trails, although occasional snowmobile tracks may appear. The difficulty varies depending on snow conditions. The route includes some hilly sections, depending on the route choice though.
Notes: Participants pull a pulk with their gear. You should also be able to cope with cold weather conditions (and feel comfortable with overnight stays in a tent on winter camping tour). Minimum age 18 years.