UKK National Park Ski Expedition
Overview
Updated program for the winter 2026!
This week-long ski expedition is designed for adventurous spirits seeking both a physical challenge and the serenity of true wilderness. Our route takes us deep into the remote and stunning Urho Kekkonen National Park in eastern Lapland, far from the hustle of daily life. You will travel on wide forest skis and pull your own pulk through snow-covered forests, frozen swamps, and over open fells. One of the highlights is the climb to Sokosti, the highest peak in the park, with panoramic views stretching across the vast white landscape.
The journey begins and ends with a night in a cozy hotel, while the rest of the nights are spent in simple but warm wilderness huts – offering a true backcountry experience. Daily routines include shared tasks like cooking, chopping firewood, and heating the huts – all part of the immersive wilderness lifestyle. Two cabins also offer traditional Finnish saunas, a welcome comfort after a day on skis.
This tour is suitable for participants in good physical condition, with prior cross-country skiing experience and preferably some background in winter trekking. Pulling a loaded sledge makes even gentle inclines physically demanding, and deep powder or harsh weather can increase the challenge.
Highlights
- Ski off the beaten track through the Urho Kekkonen national park, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle
- Admire the stunning vistas of the vast snow-capped fells
- Experience a true expedition by overnighting in basic wilderness huts
- Relax and unwind in a sauna – a true luxury in the wilderness
- Climb to the top of Sokosti, the highest peak in the national park at 718 m (weather permitting)
INFORMATION
Season Feb 1-Apr 15
Departures On request
Duration 9 days / 8 nights
Persons 3-4
Note. If the program is slightly modified, the maximum group size can be 5 people.
Place Urho Kekkonen national park
Joining point Ivalo airport
Difficulty Demanding
Price From 2000 €/person
Included in the price
- Accommodation:
Days 1 and 8 in hotel rooms or cabins for 2–3 persons.
Days 2–7 in wilderness cabins - 8 x breakfast, 7 x lunch, 8 x dinner
- English speaking guide
- Ski equipment (skis, poles, winter boots)
- Snowshoes and poles
- Sledge for each participant
- Camping gear (sleeping bags, mattresses)
Supplements
- Airport transfer from/to Ivalo airport, approx. 20 €/person/one-way (payable directly on the bus,)
Detailed program
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Ivalo Airport, followed by a transfer (airport shuttle) to Kiilopää Fell Centre, where we will meet our guide. In the evening, we pack our sledges and go through gear preparations to be ready for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Into the wilderness: Kiilopää – Suomun Ville, 5 km
After breakfast, a transfer takes us to Raja-Jooseppi, on the northeastern edge of the park, where we begin skiing southwest into the park. This short initial stage allows time to get accustomed to the gear and snow conditions. The route crosses the frozen Lutto River before reaching Suomun Ville hut. If time allows, there’s an option for additional skiing without sledges. In the evening, unwind in the warmth of the sauna, surrounded by the stillness of the snowy forest.
Day 3: Suomun Ville–Jyrkkävaara, 7 km
A relatively short ski day that allows for some flexibility in route choices. This part of the park sees few visitors during winter, so we’ll most likely be breaking trail through untouched snow. The route takes us through swamps and alongside small streams, eventually leading us to the peaceful Jyrkkävaara hut, nestled deep in the heart of the park.
Day 4: Jyrkkävaara–Sudenpesä, 13 km
We begin with a descent toward the Sarvijoki River, which we then follow upstream. Today’s destination is Sudenpesä, meaning “Wolf’s Nest.” While wolf and wolverine tracks are sometimes seen in the snow, these elusive animals rarely make an appearance. The hut is located in a quiet forest clearing, offering a restful stopover after a scenic ski through rolling wilderness.
Day 5: Sudenpesä–Luiro, 13km
We follow a small river upstream and climb over a ridge with views of Sokosti, the park’s tallest fell, on our left. The day ends at Luirojärvi, a central location within the park, where we stay two nights in the Kuusela cabin by the lake. This site features a sauna and offers a chance to fully relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Day 6: Day trip in Luiro (Optional climb to summit of Sokosti)
Weather permitting, we ascend Sokosti (718 m), the highest peak in eastern Lapland. The journey involves skiing to the treeline, then continuing on snowshoes to the summit. The view from the top reveals a breathtaking arctic landscape of endless snowfields and distant peaks. If conditions are unfavorable, we will enjoy an alternative ski tour at lower altitudes.
If there have been any delays earlier in the week, this day is kept in reserve so we can reach Luiro.
Day 7: Luiro–Lankojärvi, 17 km
Today’s route features both demanding ascents and enjoyable descents. The landscape opens up with sweeping fell views as we move westward. We stop for a lunch break mid-way and eventually reach the Lankojärvi hut – now familiar with the daily routines of wilderness life, this evening feels both accomplished and comfortable.
Day 8: Lankojärvi–Kiilopää, 18 km
Our final skiing day begins along a river valley, followed by a climb to Rautulampi hut, a beautiful spot for lunch surrounded by high fells. From there, we follow a maintained ski track back to Kiilopää, enjoying a smoother glide through the final kilometres. A celebratory dinner awaits at the restaurant – a well-earned reward after days in the wild.
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, we transfer (about 40 minutes) back to Ivalo Airport for your flight to Helsinki and onward travel.
More info
Some facts
- To join this ski tour, you should have some prior experience in cross-country skiing and a good level of physical fitness. You must also be comfortable with cold weather conditions.
- We ski through untouched wilderness, though we may occasionally come across snowmobile tracks.
- Finnish forest skis (approx. 70 mm wide) are the most suitable equipment for this terrain. Skis, poles, and boots are included in the tour price.
Difficulty
- Daily skiing time ranges from 5 to 8 hours and includes a lunch break and several shorter stops.
- The route crosses forests, lakes, and swamps. There are hilly sections, and pulling a sledge can make the ascents physically demanding.
- Snow conditions play a major role in the tour’s difficulty — in deep, soft snow the effort is considerably higher and the pace slower, while firmer snow makes skiing and sledge pulling easier.