Finland’s Eastern Wilderness

Detailed program

Day 1 Arrival

Upon arrival at Kuusamo airport, you will be greeted by a team member and transferred (1 hour) to Rajakartano guesthouse, located on the shore of Lake Hossanjärvi just outside Hossa National Park. There, you will meet your skiing guide who will be hosting the group throughout the holiday. After check-in, enjoy dinner and a briefing about the week’s programme. 

Day 2 Day tour in Hossa 17 km

We start our skiing week along the well-maintained tracks of Hossa national park where the landscape is dominated by pine heathlands, ridgelines, small lakes and streams. The terrain is varied, with a few steep but mostly short ascents and descents. Lunch is at the Hossa Visitor Centre, where you will also have the opportunity to visit a small souvenir shop. Back at the guesthouse, you’ll have your first chance to unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna. For the more adventurous, ice swimming is also an option - take a deep breath and dip yourself into the hole in the ice!

Day 3 Day tour at Martinselkonen 17 km

After breakfast, a short transfer (45 min) takes us to Martinselkonen Wilds Centre, our base for two nights. Today’s circular tour heads north into the Martinselkonen nature reserve, which was established to protect the region’s swamp areas, home to many bird and insect species. Martinselkonen features mires, ponds and lakes, ancient forests and spruce trees draped in beard lichen. Lunch is enjoyed at a wilderness huts operated by Parks&Wildlife Finland. The terrain today is mainly flat, as it will be for the rest of the week. 

Day 4 Day tour at Martinselkonen 23 km

The longest route of the week takes us south, offering an even deeper experience of Martinselkonen’s wilderness. As we ski over frozen marshes and lakes and through dense, snow-laden forests, the stillness of nature surrounds us. The only sounds are those of skis gliding on snow and poles breaking the surface. Once again, we take a well-earned break around an open fire.

Day 5 Martinselkonen–Arola 22 km

Leaving Martinselkonen behind, we ski north through a protected nature reserve. These ancient forests are home to Finland’s large predators - wolves, lynxes, wolverines, and the hibernating brown bear. While rarely seen, their tracks may be visible in the snow. Our destination is Arola guesthouse, known for its welcoming atmosphere and locally sourced, home-cooked meals.

Day 6 Day tour at Arola 20 km

On our final day, we take a day tour around Arola. At the halfway point, we gather once more around a warming fire to enjoy a lunch of hot soup and sandwiches. In the afternoon, we return to Arola, where there’s time to relax in the sauna before a farewell dinner featuring regional delicacies is served in the cosy log house.or our last day, we will take a day tour around Arola. At the half-way point, we will once more enjoy hot soup and a selection of sandwiches around an open fire. In the afternoon we return to Arola to enjoy its cosy atmosphere and the warm hospitality of our hosts. There is a chance to have a final sauna, then after that, a well-deserved farewell dinner made from local ingredients will be served in the traditional log house. 

Day 7 Return

After breakfast, transfer to Kuusamo airport for your journey home.  

Good to know

DURATION
7 days / 6 nights

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
08.02.–14.02.2026
15.02.–21.02.2026
22.02.–28.02.2026
01.03.–07.03.2026
08.03.–14.03.2026
15.03.–21.03.2026
22.03.–28.03.2026 (Group 1)
22.03.–28.03.2026 (Group 2: Beginner Group see "notes")
29.03.–04.04.2026
31.03.–06.04.2026

PRICE
1250 €
Ski equipment hire (skis, boots, poles) 70 €

GROUP SIZE
The tour is guaranteed to run without minimum number of participants. Max. 12 persons.

SOME BASIC FACTS ABOUT THE TOUR
- This is a cross-country skiing tour on tracks, not  "off the trails".
- Some previous experience on cross-country skiing and a moderate fitness is needed to participate in this tour.
(On 22 March 2026 the “group 2” is suitable for beginners. This group does the route in the opposite direction.)  
- Daily skiing distances are 17–23 km. Approximate skiing time is 5–7 hours daily including breaks.
- The track is groomed by snowmobile exclusively for the group and is not a maintained trail.
- The terrain is relatively easy, with no major hills along the route. However, there are some ups and downs, partly steep, on the first skiing day. The route takes you through forests, across lakes, and over swamps.
- Only the classical technique can be used on this tour.
- Cross-country skis (width approx. 44 mm) for classical style are the correct choice for this tour.
- See a rough route map here.

ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is provided in small, family-run guest houses, mostly in twin and triple rooms. In some cases, quadruple rooms may also be used. Solo travellers will be paired with a fellow traveller(s) of the same gender. Couples will be accommodated in private twin rooms. Single rooms cannot be booked. Most rooms have shared facilities, except on days 5 and 6, when most rooms include private facilities.

TRAVEL
Flights are not included in the tour price.
If you have any questions regarding flights or transfers, please contact us before booking your flights!

Notes for arrival
The joining point for this trip is Kuusamo airport.
Single-timed group transfers are organized to meet the following Finnair flights from/to Helsinki:
HEL-KAO AY491 (arrival at 19.25)
Schedule for March tours to be confirmed later.

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 flight to Helsinki:
KAO-HEL AY486 (departure at 13.35)
Schedule for March tours to be confirmed later.

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: The full tour price is due 14 days prior to departure. An invoice or a link to pay online by credit card 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 itinerary (route, accommodation) if necessary due to snow or ice conditions, or if the group is 3 persons or fewer.

What do I need to bring?

• ski clothing
• leisure time clothing
• rucksack (15-20 l)
• thermos flask
• head lamp / torch
• ski equipment 

The full packing list will be provided after booking. 

Reviews

2024

Such an enjoyable ski tour in Finland’s Eastern Wilderness! Big skies, beautiful forests and plenty of snow. Anna was a fantastic guide and leader, managing our mixed-ability group with humour, encouragement and clear direction. Kasu’s tracks were well-judged: we had scenic, fun and safe routes each day. I loved the lunch routine: fire, reindeer skins, soup! And the accommodation really added to the experience, each of our three bases was welcoming and distinctive. The food exceeded expectations at every meal, all our hosts took good care of us. Thank you, it couldn’t have been a better holiday. Jenny, Scotland

The Eastern Wilderness tour gave a superb introduction to cross-country skiing in Finland. The staff were excellent giving good subtle leadership, support and insight in to environment we were skiing through. Wilf, UK.

This was an utterly inspirational experience with an outstanding guide Maarit. I was new to all the experiences and doing this was made possible by the great support and beautiful nature of our guide. Skiing to reshape the mind and body and sauna to thrill it and relax so thoroughly every might. Thank you! I’m coming back with all my friends.

A great cross-country skiing adventure in the remote Finnish wilderness with wonderful landscape. Good level of skiing skills and true grit are required to have a great time. We had the best guides who really looked after us. I recommend this tour.

Diese Skiferien waren wundervoll: erholsam und herausfordernd. Die Touren, das Essen (besonders von Helena) und die Saunen waren reine Wonne. Teite, Deutschland

Tres beau séjour, assez sportif mais on vient pour cela. On a tres bien mangé du petit dejeuner au diner. Les logements sont très confortables et les saunas bienvenus. Notre guide était très sympathique et à l écoute ainsi que les autres intervenants.

Best Tour ever👍

2023
The skiing was unrivaled. I have skied for many years in many places and this experience of skiing through Finland’s eastern wilderness has risen to the very top of all those experiences… Just incredible! While not fancy or upscale, all 3 of the guesthouses we stayed in were clean and comfortable and were surrounded by a beautiful natural environment. And they all had excellent saunas, which were enjoyed by all of us each day.

Lunches on the trail around an open fire were a special treat.

A highly recommendable experience, beautiful landscape and people, fell in love with Finland there.

Warm recomendations for Upitrek and our guide Maarit. I enjoyed skiing even though I’m not a great skier. 🙂 Well planned, safe, fun and beautiful trip in clean nature. Quietness. Sauna. Local food. Good company. Stories from the past. Perfect. Irene, Finland

2020
A must do if you like cross-country skiing, enjoying the snow and the forest and relaxing in a sauna before refreshing the body in an ice hole. Very nice vacation. I feel very happy! Pierre, France

A well considered itinerary with interesting skiing in an unusual environment. A warm welcome to everywhere and friendly and attentive guide. Tim, UK

Wonderful hosts, superb hospitality, delicious food and great company. This trip exceeded my expectations in all ways. I feel like I’ve been on a great adventure plus a much-needed break from everyday life. I’m now ready to go back home energized. Can’t wait for another trip with Upitrek in the future! Heather, England

2019
We had an excellent trip with Upitrek. Everything was well catered for – like e.g. extra boots in many sizes. Upitrek made us feel comfortable and safe in the beautiful but demanding Finnish north. Hilde, Netherlands

Wonderful, funny, knowledgeable guides, great skiing. Beautiful landscape, delicious food, awesome saunas and Northern Lights! A fantastic trip. Thanks! Corita, USA

Every muscle in my body hurts, but what a week! Almost a 100 km cross-country through amazing landscape. Lovely weather, lovely meals and always a warm sauna to soothe my soaring muscles! Elise, Netherlands

Ein fazinierendes Naturerlebnis, Entspannung nur trotz körperlicher Anstrengung.

2017
A fantastic way to feel the wilderness and the life of the Finns. Great guiding, but it felt like my own adventure. Paul, England

A mini adventure! Well organized tour through a remote corner of Finland. Good accommodation, plenty of food (even for vegetarians) and lots of opportunities to learn about the history, culture and wildlife of this country. Skiing route was all on tracks, either through pine forests or crossing frozen lakes. Distances very manageable for an intermediate skier (not really suitable for beginners). Saunas in the evening help to relieve any aches and pains. Overall, a very enjoyable trip. Karen, UK

2016
I had the most wonderful experience in Finland. The skiing was nice (and demanding) but the accommodation made it even more worthwhile. And especially caring staff, guide and scooter rider. What a wonderful experience once again. Veronique, Holland

The best of this tour is to stay at families like the family of Seppänen. This gave us a better understanding of life in Finland. Thank you! Female, Holland

Une formule bien equibrée entre l’effort, le reconfort et les rencontres. Vincent, France

Wunderbare Skiwoche mit vielen neuen Erlebnissen, das Eisloch nach der Sauna, entspannende Sauna nach jeden Skitag, Nordlichte und nach vieles mehr… Doreen, Deutschland

Für sportlich ambitionierte Läuferinnen und Läufer eine wunderbare, passgerechte Tour. Es stimmt das gesamt Paket aus Sport, Erholung in der Sauna und kulinarischen Geniessen. Angela, Deutschland

2015
After years of cross-country skiing in crowded Austria it was a real experience for us to ski in this beautiful part of Finland. We liked it so much that we decided to come back soon. Perfect conditions, friendly people, nice landscapes and very good food made this holiday perfect. Thank you so much for that! Marion & Andreas, Germany

Landscapes were wonderful, ski sessions excellent, food delicious but what we will most remember are exceptional skills and kindness of our guide! Philippe, France

I would highly recommend this trip to all my cross-country skiing friends – great landscape, great guides and service, wonderful hospitality and just the right length days that most can handle while enough to satisfy the more accomplished skiers. Connie, USA

The tour we took was flawless. Airport transfers went off without a hitch – the weather in late March was perfect; we had a mixture of clouds, snow + sun. The snow conditions were excellent and the guides & service exceeded our expectations. Go if you can! Lori, USA

-> 2014
Everything is well organized to make the stay nice and warm, even if the temperatures are below zero in March (- 15 C) we never suffered of the cold during skiing. The evenings were very pleasant. The food excellent. And the saunas always very warm. Male, France

Un viaje precioso, azul y blanco. La sensación de paz y tranquilidad es espectacular aquí­. Una cosa especial para mi y que no esperaba: el especial sentido del humor de los fineses. Risas y chistes también. Pilar, Catalonia

The scenery was in its best winter looks; the sunny weather, the friendly accommodations, good food and fine travel companions made this an enjoyable skiing week. But the ideal guiding and the chance to stay overnight unexpectedly at the Teerilampi wilderness log cabin made it a very special event. Thanks for taking care of such a wonderful ski tour! Keep Finland natural and keep Finland original. Edvard, Amsterdam

Daily distances were just right, one felt that had done some skiing, but not to the point of exhaustion! The scenery was awesome and the fact that we met so few people was a bonus too. Cooking in Domnan Pirtti and Arola was excellent. Petri’s knowledge was admirable, particularly about birds, animals, fish etc. Petri and Tommi both had a marvelous attitude, always calm and patient with my terrible skiing. Karen, Wales

Even better than last year – wonderful skiing, beautiful scenery, excellent food & accommodation and professional, friendly guides. Well done Upitrek! David, UK

Interessante Skilanglauftour der russischen Grenze entlang durch unberührte + ursprüngliche Landschaft + die gastfreundschaft des Einheimischen haben mich beeindruckt. Erwin, Schweiz

Wir haben besonders Glück mit unserer kleinen ausgenehmen Gruppe von 4 Personen. Alle waren freundlich und haben auf einander mitmachen konnten. Unsere beiden leiter/innen waren sehr hilfsbereit und kompetent. Die Kenntnisse von Jarno über die Natur waren besonders interessant, wir haben viel gelernt. In Arola haben wir uns besonders wohl gefühlt bei den freundlichen Wirtsleuten, die uns über die finnische Geschichte erzählt haben. Margie, Deutschland

Five days in wilderness, lunches around a fire place every day. Away from snowmobile and tourist places. Nice welcoming on evenings where we discovered the history of this land, and the love of its inhabitants for their country. Food is always good and more than enough. Florence, France

I have been on many tours around the world and would have to say that this was one of the best, made possible by an excellent partnership of the tour leaders (Pertti & Sabrina). – They worked well together and made a great tour for us all. Ian, Scotland

It is a fantastic experience with a guided tour in beautiful surroundings. The landscape surprises me every day. The lunch with the fire to keep us warm is a part of a naturally way of exploring the forest and the frozen lakes. After the tour in the afternoon waited the tea, coffee and some cakes for us and last but not least: the sauna. Wilma, The Netherlands