Winter wonders for families

Multiadventure week in Hossa national park. Guaranteed New Year and mid-Feb departures.

Hossa national park, in north-eastern Finland, close to the Russian border is the stage for this multiadventure week. Your stay throughout will be at cosy apartments and it is from here you will you start each day ´s adventure. Take the thrill of a husky ride, enjoy the silence of a snowshoe hike, admire the scenic beauty on a cross-country ski trip and learn exciting wilderness skills. There is also the chance you might experience the spectacle of the Northern Lights as a finale to your day.

Programme information

Season

Dec 20-Mar 31

Guaranteed departures

26.12.2022-01.01.2023 (NOTE One day shorter program with just one snowshoeing day), 19.02.-26.02.2023

Other departures for groups on request.

Duration

8 days/7 nights (New Year tour 7 days / 6 nights)

Persons

Guaranteed departures without minimum number of participants, max. 25 persons

Place

Hossa, Suomussalmi

Difficulty

Easy

Prices 2023

1400 eur p/p in a cabin for 2 persons

1230 eur p/p in a cabin for 3 persons (Price requires 3 persons per booking.)

1080 eur p/p in a cabin for 4 persons (Price requires 4 persons per booking.)

1010 eur p/p in a cabin for 5 persons (Price requires 5 persons per booking.)

970 eur p/p in a cabin for 6 persons (Price requires 6 persons per booking.)

Children 7-12 years discount 100 eur

Departure of 26.12.2022, discount 50 eur / person

Prices valid only on guaranteed departure dates.

Included in the price

*Accommodation in apartments with sauna (one apartment / family, max 6 persons) *Full board - Day 1 D, Days 2-7 B, L, D (on days 2 and 5 picnic lunch), Day 8 B *Activities according to the program *Single-timed group transfers from/to airport *Local transfers according to the program (days 4 and 6) *English speaking guide *Rental of skis, snowshoes or ice-fishing gear for day 7 *Bedlinen, bath towels

Supplements

*Rental of winter overall and boots 40 eur or only boots 20 eur *Fatbike rental 40 eur/3 hours

Detailed program

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Kuusamo airport and group transfer to Hossa where you will accommodate in comfortable apartments located just outside the national park. Dinner and briefing about the upcoming program.

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 will start straight from the accommodation. The trek takes us through snow-covered landscapes in the forests and on the frozen lakes. At the midway point you can rest and enjoy a picnic lunch around an open fire. In the evening it is nice to relax in the steaming hot sauna at your own apartment.

Day 3: Cross-country skiing and igloo building
Today we try cross-country skiing which is a traditional Finnish pastime and method of transport for centuries. It is not as easy as snowshoeing but once you get the hang of it, you will enjoy it. You will be given some technical instruction and practise, and then you can follow the easy tracks through the flat pine forest and over the lakes.

In the afternoon we start building an igloo. By shovels and spades we will make a big pile of snow which will be hollowed out later when the snow is hardened enough.

Day 4: Husky sledding and igloo building
After breakfast an one hour transfer to a husky farm where we will join the activity most look forward to. We speed through the silent wilderness in a sled pulled by a team of eager huskies. Born to run, our four legged friends are more than willing to take us for a memorable ride. Take turns in driving the sled. Or, if you prefer, you can enjoy the ride sitting in the sled snug under warm blankets. After the safari we will have a lunch before taking the transfer back to the cabins. Duration of the activity 2,5-3 hrs, driving time approx. 1,5 h.

In the afternoon we will finalize the igloos and those who want can spend some time in the silence of the "snowy home".

Day 5: Snowshoeing
Another day on snowshoes. Hossa national park is famous for its beautiful ridges and today we will explore the ridge area offering us some steep but short ascents and descents. The surrounding forests are home for many animals like elks, wolfs, lynxes and hares but unfortunately they are seldom seen. We may however spot some tracks on the snow.

Day 6: Reindeer and wilderness skills
In the morning we will learn some important wilderness skills like fire-making. After lunch there will be an excursion to see reindeer at their fence just few kilometres from the accommodation. We will hear about the life of a reindeer and learn about their adaptation to arctic climate. In the afternoon we continue with wilderness skills and try eg. ice-fishing. Any catch caught, will be prepared for the dinner.

Day 7: Optional activities
The last day is spent at leisure. 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 skiing, snowshoeing or ice-fishing or rent 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). You could also book another husky safari or a snowmobile safari (availability to be confirmed.) At night a delicious farewell dinner will be enjoyed.

Day 8: Return
Breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport.