Programme description

Finland is a true winter wonderland, and on this tour, you will experience the very best of it. The base for this active week is the Kylmäluoma hiking area, where you can immerse yourself in the absolute tranquility of nature and the snow-covered landscape, far from the tourist crowds.

During the week you will try cross-country skiing and ice-fishing, build igloos and ride a husky sled. A snowshoeing excursion will take you deep into the forest to a remote hut, where you’ll spend the night. Spending the night in this simple yet cozy cabin, without electricity, will surely be an unforgettable experience.

With minimal artificial light in the area, you’ll have excellent opportunities to admire the northern sky. And if you’re lucky, you might even witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Northern Lights - a mesmerizing dance of colors across the night sky.

Tour highlights:

• Peaceful nature and pristine snow-covered landscape
• Husky sledding, Nordic skiing, igloo building etc.
• Two-day snowshoeing expedition to the remote wilderness cabin
• Chance of a sauna at the end of each day

Detailed programme

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. Igloo building

After breakfast, you'll receive an introduction to the area and the week's program. Then, it's time for igloo building. 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.

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. Cross-country skiing

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.This morning it's time to step onto skis and learn the basics of cross-country skiing which is 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.
You’ll get back to the accommodation by lunchtime, and in the afternoon there will be time for another skiing session.  

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: Snowmobile safaris (3 h) 150 €/person (2 people per snowmobile) or 195 €/person (solo driving). Fatbike hire 30 €/3 hours, Altai skis 25 €/ 3 hours. Bookings and payments locally.

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.

Included in this programme

• Accommodation in log cabins on days 1–2 and 4–7, on day 3 in the wilderness cabin in dormitory rooms
• Full board: 7 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 2 x picnic lunch, 7 x dinner (on arrival night snack on late arrival)
• Activities according to the program 
• Single-timed group transfers from/to Kuusamo airport
• Transfer to the husky kennel on day 7
• Luggage transportation to wilderness cabin on day 3
• English speaking guide 
• Free use of cross-country skis, snowshoes or ice-fishing gear on day 6
• 6 x evening sauna with ice-swimming
• Bedlinen and bath towels
• Sleeping bag and mummy liner (1 night)

You will need

• 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.   

Good to know

DURATION
8 days / 7 nights

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
08.03.–15.03.2026 (on request, please email at sales@upitrek.com)
20.12.–27.12.2026
27.12.2026–03.01.2027
10.01.–17.01.2027
14.02.–21.02.2027
21.02.–28.02.2027
07.03.–14.03.2027

PRICES 2027
1510 € p/p on twin sharing basis
1400 € p/p in cabin for 3 persons (Price requires 3 persons per booking.)
1350 € p/p in cabin for 4 persons (Price requires 4 persons per booking.)
1850 € p/p in single cabin (Note: Single room not available on day 3.)
Christmas week supplement (20.–27.12.) 50 € p/p

Extras:
Hire of winter clothes (overall, boots, mittens) 60 €
Hire of winter boots and mittens 30 €

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

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

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:
20.12., 27.12. and 10.01. HEL-KAO AY487 (arrival at 19.55)

Additional arrival transfer (TUI flights from UK)
Pick-up from Kuusamo airport at 13.00. (Not available on 8 March).
This transfer meets TUI flights from LGW, BHX and MAN. The last flight to land is from Manchester at 13.00.
Supplement 50 € p/p including extra lunch on arrival day.
Please note: There are no activities nor guiding on arrival day. You will meet your guide at dinner at 18.00.

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:
27.12., 03.01. and 17.01. KAO-HEL AY486 (departure at 13.00). This transfer meets also TUI flights to UK.

Transfer schedule for February and March, 2027 tours will be published by the end of March.

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
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage.
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.

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