Arrival
Arrival to Kuusamo airport and transfer to Kylmäluoma (45 min) or Hossa (1 hour). Check-in in your accommodation. Briefing about the program.
Activity days
You can build your program choosing desired activities from the list below.
1. Igloo building
Igloo building begins with creating large piles of snow that will be hollowed out later, once the snow has hardened enough. The group is divided into teams of approximately 5 people, each team building its own igloo.
Later in the week, you will hollow out the igloos and those interested can spend some time inside their snowy shelter.
2. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the winter wonderland and be immersed in the purity of the Finnish wilds. After a brief introduction, we’ll begin the excursion right from the accommodation. The trek takes us through snow-covered landscapes in the forests and on the frozen lakes. At the halfway point, we will rest and enjoy a picnic lunch around an open fire.
There are a lot of route options available, and depending on your preferences, the itinerary can include one or more snowshoeing days.
3. Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a traditional Finnish pastime and method of transport for centuries. It’s not as easy as snowshoeing but once you get the hang of it, you’ll enjoy it. You will receive some technical instruction and practice, and then you can follow the easy tracks through the flat pine forests and over the lakes.
4. Husky sledding
A highlight for many – husky sledding! We take a 1-hour transfer to a husky kennel, where we’ll be welcomed by the staff. You’ll be introduced to the life and training of the huskies and receive a sled-driving lesson. Then, it’s time to head into the wilderness! You’ll drive a 10 km tour through snow-covered forests and frozen lakes, soaking in the tranquility of nature. Two people will share a sled with 4-6 dogs, taking turns to drive. The visit will last 2–3 hours.
5. Reindeer farm visit
What would a holiday in Finland be without meeting reindeer? During the visit, we will learn about the reindeer’s life and their adaptation to the Arctic climate. After the visit, we’ll enjoy hot juice around an open fire in a tipi.
Notes: Transfer times: Hossa 10 min, Kylmäluoma 1 hour. The reindeer farm visit is a half-day activity and can be organized, for example, on the same day as husky sledding.
6. Wilderness skills and ice-fishing
Today we’ll focus on essential wilderness skills for surviving in arctic conditions. We’ll learn how to use an axe and a knife. You’ll also learn how to make a fire, and we’ll prepare afternoon tea on an open fire. We can also try ice fishing on a nearby lake.
7. Fatbiking
Cycling in the snow might sound unusual and exhausting, but today you’ll discover how fun and easy it can be! Fatbikes are a fantastic way to explore snowy forests. These easy-to-ride mountain bikes with oversized tires handle snowy tracks with ease and provide great grip. We’ll go on a tour, either along roads or across lakes and forests, depending on the conditions.
