Programme description

This ski touring week combines off-trail skiing and winter camping for those looking for a true backcountry experience. You'll ski through forests, swamps, and frozen lakes, pulling your own pulk. Camping in the snowy wilderness will bring out your inner survivor. Together with your guide and fellow group members, you'll pitch tents, collect firewood, and prepare meals over an open fire. Dining outdoors under the stars will feel like a true reward after a day in nature. Evenings are spent in a relaxed Finnish way – gathered around the fire, chatting and watching the flames. And when darkness falls, remember to look up – with some luck, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

The tour takes place in Urho Kekkonen National Park and the remote Kemihaara wilderness in eastern Lapland, about 100 km north of the village of Savukoski.

Detailed programme

Day 1. Arrival

Arrival at Kuusamo airport and transfer (approx. 3 hours) to Savukoski. Accommodation in a guesthouse and dinner followed by a briefing about the upcoming tour.

Day 2. Preparations and departure into the wilderness

After breakfast, transfer (1.5 hours) to the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park. There, we make final preparations and pack the sledges. Food and camping gear will be shared among the participants. Once ready, the expedition begins.

Day 3. Expedition

Days 3-5
Four full days in the wilderness. Each participant will pull their own sledge loaded with everything needed for the trip. Nights will be spent in heated group tent (teepee) or simple wilderness shelters. Firewood is collected from the forest, and water is sourced from rivers or melted from snow. Meals are prepared and enjoyed together, with everyone helping with camp duties.

We’ll ski around six hours a day, but distances vary depending on snow conditions, weather, and group pace. Progress is slow with sledges, and daily routines take time, so distances covered remain moderate. The route is flexible and may be adjusted according to the group and conditions. We use traditional forest skis, 7 cm wide and 2–3 metres long which are well-suited for soft, deep snow and natural forest terrain.

Day 6. End of expedition

The ski tour ends in Kemihaara. From there, we transfer back to Savukoski and enjoy a well-earned sauna – the perfect way to end the adventure.

Day 7. Return

Breakfast and transfer to Kuusamo airport for the return flight to Helsinki.

Included in this programme

• Accommodation on days 1 and 6 in cabins or rooms for 2–4 persons, on days 2–5 in a heated tent 
• Full board: 6 x breakfast, 5 x lunch, 6 x dinner  
• English-speaking ski guide  
• Single-timed minibus transfers from/to Kuusamo airport  
• Evening sauna on days 1 and 6 
• Ski equipment rental (skis, poles, winter boots)
• Sledge for each participant 
• Sleeping bag and mattress
• Cutlery and dishes

You will need

• windproof jacket and trousers for skiing
• warm clothes for free time
• thermos flask
• head lamp / torch

The full gear list will be sent after booking. 

Good to know

DURATION
7 days / 6 nights

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
14.-20.3.2026
21.-27.3.2026
Other departures for groups on request. Season 1 February - 15 April.

PRICE
1600 € p/p

GROUP SIZE
Guaranteed departures without minimum number of participants. Maximum 6 persons.

SOME BASIC FACTS ABOUT THE TOUR
- Some previous experience in cross-country skiing and good physical fitness are required to participate in this tour. Participants must also be able to cope with cold weather.
- Daily skiing distances depend on snow conditions and may vary. Daily skiing time is approximately 5–7 hours per day.
- There are no designated track, occasionally some snowmobile trails may appear.
- The route passes through forests, crosses lakes and swamps. There are hilly sections. and pulling a sledge uphill may be demanding. However, the difficulty level largely depends on snow conditions. In soft snow, pulling a sledge requires considerable effort and skiing is slower, whereas on harder snow less effort is needed.
- Finnish forest skis (approx. 70 mm wide) are the most suitable choice for this tour. Skis, poles, and warm winter boots are included in the tour price
- See the location here.

ACCOMMODATION
On the first and last night accommodation is in cabins or hostel-type rooms in the Savukoski area, on twin or triple sharing basis.
Throughout the ski tour, you'll sleep in a heated tent or open shelter. While the tent itself is not heated during the night, a quality sleeping bag ensures warmth and comfort.
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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:
HEL-KAO AY485 11.20-13.05

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 at 10.20

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.

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. 

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