Winter Fun in Finland

Detailed program

Day 1 Arrival

Arrival at Kuusamo airport and a 45 minutes’ group transfer to Kylmäluoma hiking area where you will be met by your guide. Check into cabins and dinner.

Day 2 Cross-country skiing

After breakfast, you'll receive an introduction to the area and the week's program. Then, it's time to step onto skis and learn the basics of cross-country skiing—one of Finland’s most popular winter activities. You'll be guided through the essential techniques before testing your skills on a short tour through the flat pine forest and across the frozen lake near the cabins. Reindeer are a common sight in the area, so keep an eye out for them and their tracks along the way.

In the evening, you’ll have your first chance to unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna. For those feeling adventurous, ice swimming is also an option - just breathe deeply and take a dip in the icy water! It may sound cold and unusual, but afterward, you'll be left with an invigorating warmth that Finns swear by.

Day 3 Snowshoeing

Today, you set off on an overnight snowshoeing tour to a wilderness hut. After a short introduction, you will follow a trail through a beautiful snow-covered forest of pine, spruce, and birch. Midway, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch around an open fire. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the wilderness cabin, where you’ll spend the night. The cabin has no electricity, but it is heated by a wood-burning stove, and the warm glow of candlelight will create a cozy atmosphere.

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’ll be building igloos. Using shovels and spades, you’ll create large piles of snow, which will then be hollowed out to form the igloos. If you wish, you can also spend the night in your igloo. Wrapped in warm sleeping bags on thick mattresses, you’ll stay cozy in your cool “hotel,” no matter how cold it is outside.

Day 6 Optional activities

Today is a free day to enjoy optional activities. You can choose to do more cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or try ice fishing - equipment for these activities is available at no extra cost. Alternatively, you can rent skishoes (“Altai skis”) or fatbike - mountain bikes with wide tires - and embark on a cycling excursion along snowy roads and trails. Snowmobile safaris are also available, departing directly from your basecamp.
Prices 2024-25: Snowmobile safaris (3 h) 145 €/person/2 persons per snowmobile or 185 €/person/driving solo. Fatbike hire 3 h / 25 €, 1 day 50 €. Skishoe hire from 25 €. Bookings and payments locally. Prices for the winter 2025-26 to be confirmed later.

Day 7 Husky sledding

The last activity is one of the week’s highlights – a husky safari. After breakfast, you'll take a 1-hour transfer to the husky kennel. Upon arrival, the owner will greet you and share insights into the life and training of the huskies, followed by a sled-driving lesson. Then, it’s time to head into the wilderness! You’ll glide through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes, soaking in the pure nature and tranquility. Two people will share a sled, pulled by 4–6 dogs, and can take turns driving. During the safari, you’ll stop for an outdoor lunch. (Activity duration: 4–5 hours, covering 20–30 km).

In the evening, you'll have your final opportunity to enjoy the sauna before a farewell dinner is served.

Day 8 Return

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for a flight to Helsinki.

Good to know

DURATION
8 days / 7 nights

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
21.12.–28.12.2025
28.12.2025–04.01.2026
11.01.–18.01.2026
08.02.–15.02.2026
08.03.–15.03.2026

PRICES
1480 € p/p on twin sharing basis
1380 € p/p in cabin for 3 persons (Price requires 3 persons per booking.)
1330 € p/p in cabin for 4 persons (Price requires 4 persons per booking.)
1800 € p/p in single cabin (Note: Single room not available on day 3.)

Extras:
Hire of winter clothes (overall, boots, mittens) 50 €
Hire of winter boots 20 €

GROUP SIZE
Guaranteed departure without minimum number of participants. Max. 12 persons.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
All activities are suitable for beginners and no previous experience is needed. A moderate physical condition is required to cope well especially the overnight snowshoeing trek. Minimum age 14 years.

ACCOMMODATION
On days 1–2 and 4–7 accommodation is in log cabins in Kylmäluoma area. Each cabin has a sleeping alcove with 4 bunk beds and a living room with a kitchenette. The cabin is equipped with electric heating and a bathroom with a toilet and shower.

Solo travelers will be paired with one fellow traveler of the same gender. Friends or families of 3 or 4 persons can book a cabin for a special group rate. If you prefer the privacy of your own cabin, you can opt for a single cabin option.

On day 3 accommodation will be in a wilderness cabin without electricity and other modern comforts. The cabin has bunk beds spread across three shared rooms. (No single rooms available). Sauna in a separate building (no showers) and a compost toilet.

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 from Kuusamo airport are organized to meet the following Finnair flights from Helsinki:

21.12., 28.12. and 11.01. HEL-KAO AY487 19.35-21.20
08.02. and 08.03. HEL-KAO AY491 17.40-19.25

Additional arrival transfers meeting direct TUI flights from LGW, BHX, and MAN are available for an extra charge on 21.12. and 28.12.

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 flights to Helsinki:

28.12., 04.01. and 18.01. KAO-HEL AY482 08.55-10.40
15.02. and 15.03. KAO-HEL AY486 11.30-13.15

Additional departure transfers connecting with direct TUI flights to LGW, BHX, and MAN are available for an extra charge on 28.12. and 04.01.  

Transfer time from Kuusamo airport to Kylmäluoma is approx. 45 min.

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.
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 order of the activities or the content of the programme if necessary due to snow or ice conditions, or organizational reasons.
Forced singles are not charged the single supplement.

What do I need to bring?

• warm jacket and pants
• leisure time clothing
• winter boots
• rucksack (15-20 l)
• thermos flask
• head lamp / torch

The full packing list will be provided after booking.   

Reviews

2024
A totally brilliant week. All activities, hospitality and leadership were excellent.

We had a fantastic holiday with Ruben as our guide. Every activity was well explained and really fun. The food was always very tasty and varied and the local staff were welcoming and friendly. Would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to get a taste of the Finnish wilderness life!

Fantastic trip and experience. Great variety of activities to try in a wonderful location. The food and the people were amazing and enhanced the whole holiday. Highly recommended!

This holiday was an experience I will never forget. I loved Scandinavia already but now I love it even more. What a fantastic way to get to know the country.

Excellent holiday to get a taste of Finland. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Pat, UK

2023
Having now returned back home, I wanted to give some feedback about the trip, because it was simply too amazing not to. First of all: A great ‘kiitos’ to you all! It may have been the best trip I’ve been on. I really appreciate all the effort you put into the communication before the trip. From the kind and thoughtful emails and preparation documents on what to expect and how to prepare, to the organisation of the arrival.
The week itself was simply perfect. Of course there are some things that were pure good luck this week as they are out of your control (weather, aurora activity, personality of the other guests). But those things that were in your control were perfect, too! I have been on multiple group holidays before and I was very impressed by the planning of everything. Everything seemed to be running like a well-oiled machine and everyone made me feel welcome. Even the huskies seemed well treated and so happy to be there!
Ruben and Anna-Maria were fantastic guides with so much positive energy, knowledge and consideration for everybody! It was truly a delight. I also loved how everything was both well planned, but at the same time did not feel like a military schedule. Ruben was always very precise in his communication so it was very easy to understand what to expect in the next hours/days. It was also nice to have all the activities either on site or starting from there so there was no excessive driving involved. Female, Germany

2019
A great vacation in a wonderful landscape and very good accommodation! Staff is very friendly, helpful and qualified! We especially enjoyed the great organization of the activities and very tasty food! The program was a good mix of exciting activities and free time to relax. Anna, Germany

2016
This has been our first experience of this type of holiday and it has been amazing from start to finish. The staff are very friendly and very knowledgeable at what they do. We were very well instructed in everything we did and there was no pressure placed upon us to do if we did not want to. A very enjoyable time was had by all. Thank you very much. Niall, Ireland

For someone who has never done any winter sports + activities before this trip this is a great way to try different sports, even though I now know that I cannot ski. However, thoroughly enjoyed the company, good guide with expertise and knowledge of the local area. Would recommend to anyone looking for something different, and given me the chance to try something new. Robyn, England

A very enjoyable week in Finland. Great for those new to winter sports / activities. A mixture of nationalities, friendly and knowledgeable staff and comfortable accommodation. I would recommend this to anyone between the ages 10 and 65. John, UK

2015
Wonderful experience from start to end. Our tour guide was helpful and very knowledgeable about wild life. Food was fabulous! Well done to all.

I have had an amazing week. I canÂ’t say enough good things about Pirjo (guide). She went beyond what possible to make our week perfect. Thank you! Female, Australia

-> 2014
Un programme trés varié et passionnant. Bloumentzweig, France

The multiactivity week was very varied and interesting. For me 2 days snowshoeing plus 2 days cross-country skiing was just enough. The other activities were interesting, ice fishing, igloo building, dog sledding and reindeer farm all made the activities very memorable. Overall a good week in winter wonderland. Mary, Ireland