Winter fun in Finland

An active multiactivity holiday in the heart of nature. The program includes a mixture of interesting winter activities from cross-country skiing to snowshoeing and husky sledding. Guaranteed New Year departure.

Finland is a winter wonderland and on this tour you will experience the best of it. The base of this active week is Kylmäluoma hiking area where you can enjoy the extreme peace of nature and snow-covered landscape far away from tourist crowds.

During the week you will try cross-country skiing and ice-fishing, build igloos and ride a husky sled. The overnight snowshoeing tour will take you into the wilderness hut. The night in the basic but cozy cabin without electricity will surely be memorable.

If you are lucky and conditions are right, you might even witness the spectacle of the Northern Lights. A myriad of colours dancing across the clear northern skies.

Programme information

Season

Dec 20-Apr 5

Guaranteed departures

26.12.2022-02.01.2023, 26.02.-05.03.2023 and 12.03.-19.03.2023.

Other departures for groups on request.

Duration

8 days/7 nights

Persons

Guaranteed departures without minimum number of participants. Max. 16 persons.

Place

Kylmäluoma hiking area, Taivalkoski

Joining point

Kuusamo airport, please see "Good to know" for further information

Difficulty

Easy-moderate. Minimum age 14 years.

Prices

Standard price 1250 eur p/p

1100 eur p/p in a cabin for 3 persons (Price requires 3 persons per booking.)

1050 eur p/p in a cabin for 4 persons (Price requires 4 persons per booking.)

1550 eur p/p in single cabin (Single room not available on day 3.)

Included in the price

*7 nights accommodation (days 1-2 and 4-7 in log cabins (standard price = on twin sharing basis), day 3 in a wilderness cabin in dormitory rooms) *Full board (7 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 2 x picnic lunch, 7 x dinner) *Activities according to the program *Single-timed group transfers from/to Kuusamo airport *English speaking guide *Rental of skis, snowshoes or ice-fishing gear for day 6 *Luggage transportation to wilderness cabin on day 3 *6 x evening sauna daily *Bedlinen and bath towels

Supplements

* Hire of winter overall, winter boots and mittens 40 eur * A husky or snowmobile safari on day 6 (according to availability)

Detailed program

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Kuusamo airport where your guide will welcome you. A 45 minutes ´ transfer to Kylmäluoma area, check-in at cabins and dinner.

Day 2: Cross-country skiing
After breakfast an introduction about the area and week ´s program. Then you step on skis and learn cross-country skiing which is one of the most popular hobbies in Finland. You will be taught the basics of technique and then you will have the opportunity to test your ski-skills on a short tour through the flat pine forest and on the lake near the cabins. Reindeer are a common sight in the area and during skiing we may spot them as well as their tracks.

Day 3: Snowshoeing
Today you set off on an overnight snowshoeing tour to the wilderness hut. After a short introduction you will follow the trail through beautiful snow covered pine, spruce and birch forest and halfway you will stop for a picnic lunch around an open fire. In the afternoon you will arrive at the Hukantupa wilderness cabin where you spend the night. There is no electricity in the cabin but it is heated by a wood-burning stove and the candle light will guarantee a nice atmposphere. It is said that there is nothing more Finnish than sauna and at night you can relax in the steaming hot, traditional Finnish sauna.

Day 4: Snowshoeing
After breakfast you will go on snowshoeing along the ridges and on the lakes. The surrounding forests are home to many animals such as elks, lynxes and hares but unfortunately they are seldom seen. Bears also inhabit the area but will be hibernating. The lunch will be taken again outdoors around an fire and your snowshoeing excursion will be completed on arrival at the cabins.

Day 5: Igloo building
Today you build igloos. By shovels and spades you make a big pile of snow which will be hollowed out afterwards. If you want, you can also sleep in the igloo. Wrapped in warm sleeping bags on thick mattresses you stay warm in your cool "hotel", no matter how freezing it is outside.

Day 6: Optional activities
Today is a free day to enjoy optional activities. You can choose between cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice-fishing or you can opt to book a husky or snowmobile safari (availability to be confirmed on spot).

Day 7: Husky farm
After breakfast visit to a husky farm located in close proximity to our cabins. On arrival at the farm, you will be greeted by the owner who will explain about the life and training of the huskies and give you a sled driving lesson, then it is off into the wilderness! You will drive through snow-white forests and frozen lakes, enjoying the pure nature and tranquility. Two people share a sledge with 4-6 dogs and can take turns to drive the sledge or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery. During the safari you will stop to have lunch outdoors. Duration of the activity 4-5 hours. In the evening the last chance to enjoy the sauna and then a farewell dinner will be served.

Day 8: Return
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Kuusamo airport for a flight to Helsinki.