Programme description

Hossa National Park, in north-eastern Finland is the stage for this action-packed multiadventure week. Take the thrill of a husky ride, enjoy the silence of a snowshoe hike, admire the scenic beauty on a cross-country ski trip and learn exciting Arctic bushcraft and how to build an igloo. Your stay will be in cosy forest houses near the National Park. There’s also the chance you might experience the spectacle of the Northern Lights as a finale to your day.

Detailed programme

Day 1. Arrival

Arrival at Kuusamo airport and group transfer to Hossa where you’ll accommodate in comfortable forest houses located just outside the National Park. Dinner and briefing about the upcoming program. (On late arrival an evening snack will be served and briefing will take place in the morning.)

Day 2. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the winter wonderland and be immersed in the purity of the Finnish wilds. After a short introduction we will start straight from the accommodation. The trek leads us through snow-covered landscapes in the forests and on the frozen lakes. At the midway point you can rest and enjoy a picnic lunch around an open fire. In the evening you can relax in your private apartments’s steaming hot sauna. 

Day 3. Cross-country skiing and igloo building

Today we learn cross-country skiing which 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 be given some technical instruction and practise, and then you can follow the easy tracks through the flat pine forest and over the lakes.
In the afternoon we start to build igloos. By shovels and spades we’ll make big piles of snow which will be hollowed out later on the week when the snow is hardened enough. 

Day 4. Husky sledding

After breakfast there is a 1-hour transfer to a husky farm where we will join the activity most look forward to. We speed through the silent wilderness in a sled pulled by a team of eager huskies. Born to run, our four legged friends are more than willing to take us for a memorable ride. Take turns in driving the sled. Or, if you prefer, you can enjoy the ride sitting in the sled snug under warm blankets. After the safari we will have a lunch before taking the transfer back to the “base camp”. Driving 10–15 km, duration of the activity 2,5–3 hrs.

Day 5. Snowshoeing and igloo building

Today is another day on snowshoes. Hossa National Park is famous for its beautiful ridges and today we will explore the ridge area offering us some steep but short ascents and descents. The surrounding forests are home for many animals like elks, wolfs, lynxes and hares but unfortunately they are seldom seen. We may however spot some tracks on the snow. After lunch it is time to finalize the igloos. Once finished, those who want can spend some time in the silence of the “snowy home”. 

Day 6. Reindeer and wilderness skills

This morning we’ll visit a reindeer farm located a few kilometres from the accommodation. We will meet reindeer and hear stories about reindeer’s life their adaptation to the arctic climate. 

In the afternoon we learn some exciting Arctic bushcraft skills like fire-making and try eg. ice-fishing. 

Day 7. Optional activities

The final day of your holiday is for optinal activities. Now that you have had a taste of the various activities, you can choose to experience your favourite one again. It is possible to do some more cross-countrt skiing, snowshoeing or ice-fishing. You could rent skishoes (“Altai skis”) or fatbikes, mountain bikes with wide tyres, and do a cycling excursion on snowy roads and trails (this activity is not suitable for the youngest kids). It is also possible to book a snowmobile safari (availability to be confirmed). At night a delicious farewell dinner will be enjoyed. 

Day 8. Return

Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Kuusamo airport.  

Included in this programme

• 7 nights accommodation in a forest house with private sauna
• Daily breakfast
• 6 lunches (picnic on days 2 and 5)
• Daily dinner (on late arrival an evening snack will be served on arrival night)
• One of two English speaking guides (depending on the group size)
• All activities according to the program 
• Single-timed group transfers from/to Kuusamo airport 
• Local transfers according to the program (days 4 and 6)
• Rental of cross-country skis, snowshoes or ice-fishing gear on day 7
• Free daily use of toboggans for sledding
• Bedlinen, bath towels 

You will need

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

The full gear list will be sent after booking.  

Good to know

DURATION
8 days / 7 nights

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
28.12.2024–04.01.2025 (fully booked)
16.02.–23.02.2025 (fully booked)
Other departures for groups on request (15.12.-5.4.)

PRICES
1500 € p/p in cabin for 2 persons 
1320 € p/p in cabin for 3 persons (Price requires 3 persons per booking.)
1150 € p/p in cabin for 4 persons (Price requires 4 persons per booking.)
1075 € p/p in cabin for 5 persons (Price requires 5 persons per booking.)
1030 € p/p in cabin for 6 persons (Price requires 6 persons per booking.)
Children 7–12 years, discount -100 €

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

GROUP SIZE
Guaranteed departure without minimum number of participants. Max. 25 persons. 

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Minimum age 7 years. All activities are suitable for beginners and no previous experience is needed. 

TRAVEL
Flights are not included in the tour price. 

Important notes for arrival
The joining point for this trip is Kuusamo airport.
Single-timed group transfer from Kuusamo airport to the accommodation is organized. Please check the transfer schedule from us before booking flights!

Note: If you miss the scheduled group transfer on arrival and an extra transfer must be arranged to the starting point of the trip, the costs must be covered by you. To avoid this unpleasant situation it’s not recommended to book flights with short connection time (less than 1 hour).

Important notes for return
At the end of the tour a single-timed group transfer is organized back to  Kuusamo airport .
Please check the transfer schedule from us before booking flights!

Travel by bus/train
It is possible take a train from Helsinki to Oulu and then a bus from Oulu to Kuusamo. The schedule must coincide with transfer schedule.

PAYMENT
Deposit: 15 % of total amount will be charged at the time of booking.
Full payment: Due 14 days before the departure. The invoice for full payment 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 all the rights to change the order of the activities or the content of the programme if necessary due to the weather or snow conditions.

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