Finland

Arctic Circle Hut to Hut Ski Expedition

7 nights from £1750 • €2030 • $2250

Activities

6 days guided adventures

Accommodation

7 nights wilderness cabin

Level

Beginner friendly

Food

Expedition meals

Difficulty

Group Size

Challenging

Transfers

6 new friends

Dates

Fly into Tromsø, Norway

February and March

  • Backcountry Ski Touring

    Experience the adventure of hut-to-hut skiing in pristine wilderness

  • Northern Lights

    Witness the magical Northern Lights in the clear Arctic skies.

  • Käsivarsi Wilderness

    Explore the Käsivarsi wilderness, Finland's most mountainous and scenic region

  • Wilderness Immersion

    Connect with nature and like-minded adventurers in a remote, breathtaking setting

Explore the Arctic Circle in Finland on an exclusive women-only backcountry cross-country ski expedition with Gutsy Girls. Our journey takes us to the Käsivarsi wilderness area, Finland's most mountainous region, that borders Norway.

In this pristine wilderness, we'll embark on a self-sufficient expedition, making our own tracks in the snow and carrying all our supplies on sledges.

Over the course of 5 days, we'll ski and cover between 10 and 18 km each day, immersing ourselves in the vast snow-covered tundra and stunning Arctic landscapes. Whether you're an experienced backcountry skier or have never tried it before, we'll learn valuable skills from our expert guide. They'll teach us everything we need to know, from backcountry cross-country skiing techniques to pulling pulkas (sledges) filled with gear.

We'll ski from hut to hut, experiencing breathtaking scenery and true wilderness exploration. This expedition is specially designed for beginners who want to challenge themselves in a supportive and fun environment within a beautiful and remote backcountry setting.

Don't miss out on this challenging and rewarding opportunity to explore the Arctic Circle in Finland!

Location

Our adventure will start in Kilpisjärvi, a tiny village in the north western arm of Finland, right on the border with Norway. With a population of approximately 150 people, this will be our first taste of the silence and wilderness of home for the week.

We will venture deep into the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, Finland’s second largest wilderness area. With Finland's highest fells, including Halti Fell, Finland’s highest peak (1,345 m).

The terrain is an open tundra, with ever changing conditions. There are no roads so it’s a real adventure in a remote and beautiful location!

Activities

  • Backcountry Ski Touring

    Do you love hiking and yearn to explore the serene beauty of remote, untouched landscapes? Backcountry ski touring offers the perfect opportunity to discover the elusive charm of places inaccessible by other means.

    Backcountry ski touring is easy to learn, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to glide atop pristine, untracked snow surfaces, far from established trails. Known as 'sliding snowshoes' in Finnish, backcountry skis come equipped with skins, allowing you to both ascend uphill and descend downhill.

    No prior ski experience is required for this adventure! Our expert guide will teach you all the basics on your first day, ensuring that you'll soon be gliding along and immersing yourself in the mesmerising snowy wilderness.

  • Hiking

    Northern Lights

    Kilpisjärvi has become increasingly popular with those chasing the northern lights, it’s right on the edge of the aurora oval at 68º latitude. The micro climate of the mountain range means there’s less chance of cloudy days than in Tromsø, with 3 out of 4 nights having a good chance of seeing the northern lights. Obviously we cannot guarantee that we will see them, but with 7 nights we have everything crossed that we will!

  • Snowshoeing

    Accommodation and Food

    We will begin and end the expedition with nights in a simple cabin with electricity, restaurant, bar, sauna, inside toilets and showers.

    As we delve deeper into the wilderness, our accommodations will shift to rustic wilderness cabins with no electricity or running water. These remote cabins do not have electricity or showers, and the toilets are in a shared outhouse, adding to the true wilderness experience. They are lit by candles and heated by wood burning stoves, which will keep us toasty after a day of adventuring in the wilds. 

Backcountry Ski Touring

Do you love hiking and yearn to explore the serene beauty of remote, untouched landscapes? Backcountry ski touring offers the perfect opportunity to discover the elusive charm of places inaccessible by other means.

Backcountry ski touring is easy to learn, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to glide atop pristine, untracked snow surfaces, far from established trails. Known as 'sliding snowshoes' in Finnish, backcountry skis come equipped with skins, allowing you to both ascend uphill and descend downhill.

No prior ski experience is required for this adventure! Our expert guide will teach you all the basics on your first day, ensuring that you'll soon be gliding along and immersing yourself in the mesmerising snowy wilderness.

Northern Lights

Kilpisjärvi has become increasingly popular with those chasing the northern lights, it’s right on the edge of the aurora oval at 68º latitude. The micro climate of the mountain range means there’s less chance of cloudy days than in Tromsø, with 3 out of 4 nights having a good chance of seeing the northern lights. Obviously we cannot guarantee that we will see them, but with 7 nights we have everything crossed that we will!

Accommodation and Food

We will begin and end the expedition with nights in a simple cabin with electricity, restaurant, bar, sauna, inside toilets and showers.

As we delve deeper into the wilderness, our accommodations will shift to rustic wilderness cabins with no electricity or running water. These remote cabins do not have electricity or showers, and the toilets are in a shared outhouse, adding to the true wilderness experience. They are lit by candles and heated by wood burning stoves, which will keep us toasty after a day of adventuring in the wilds. 

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This trip is rated as challenging.

    Given its physical demands and the environment involved. While you don't need any prior skiing or wilderness experience to join, a good to high fitness level is essential.

  • Duration: Prepare for extended days in the Arctic circle, with daily outings lasting up to 6-7 hours, including around 5 hours dedicated to skiing.

    Distance: Expect to ski between 10 km-18 km daily. Note, skiing these distances can feel more challenging than hiking equivalent lengths.

    Intensity: While no prior skiing experience is required, backcountry skiing is more than just sliding on snow. As we navigate diverse terrains, having good stamina is essential for the journey.

    Towing and Carrying: With sledges for our gear and backpacks to carry, the weight adds an extra challenge, comparable to carrying a loaded backpack.

    Terrain: From icy expanses to deep snowy trails and thick forests, Finnish Lapland's diverse landscapes await.

    Sub Zero Living: Over 5 nights, anticipate rustic living with no running water or electricity, relying on log burning stoves for warmth.

    Communal Living: Embrace the camaraderie! There are no private quarters; you'll bunk with fellow Gutsy Girls.

    Consecutive Activity: Five continuous days of skiing in such conditions can be taxing. Gear up for intense, rewarding adventure days.

    Mindset: A proactive and positive approach will enhance the experience. When challenges arise, dig deep and lean on the group spirit.

  • On this adventure we’ll stay in the following:

    Night 1: Hotel - shared room

    Night 2: Wilderness huts

    Night 3: Wilderness huts

    Night 4: Wilderness huts

    Night 5: Wilderness huts

    Night 6: Wilderness huts

    Night 7: Hotel - shared room

    Wilderness huts

    These are basic huts with bathroom facilities or electricity. There will be a stove to the rooms heated.

  • The majority of our meals on this trip will be expedition food. This is dehydrated food that we add boiling water too. It will provide all the energy we need for long days in the snow!

    Please bring your own snacks (energy / muesli bars, nuts, raisins etc) if you might need these for snowshoeing during the week - though there is also a shop in the village for extra supplies!

    We can cater for most dietary requirements. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrive at Tromsø airport and transfer to Kilpisjärvi, a picturesque village nestled in the midst of stunning Arctic landscapes.

    In the evening, gather for a trip briefing, followed by a delicious buffet dinner. Then, we’ll immerse ourselves in the authentic Finnish sauna experience.

    We’ll spend the night in a cosy mountain cabin.

  • Day 2

    We’ll begin our day with a ski lesson against the backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.

    Afterward, set out on a 15 km skiing adventure, gliding across the frozen expanse of a pristine lake. Our destination is the three nations border, a unique location where Finland, Sweden, and Norway converge. Tonight, we’ll stay in a remote wilderness cabin, surrounded by the untouched wilderness of the Arctic.

  • Day 3

    Today's adventure takes us on a 13 km skiing expedition along a picturesque trail that takes us past stunning waterfalls.

    The untouched wilderness envelops us in its natural beauty as we make our way to the simple yet cosy Retkeilykeskus cabins. While the amenities are basic, we’ll appreciate the opportunity to unwind in this rustic setting, with the chance to enjoy a hot shower.

  • Day 4

    Prepare for a more challenging day of skiing as we cover a distance of 16 km with a significant uphill climb. Our determination will be rewarded as we reach the Saarijärvi wilderness hut, nestled in the heart of the wilderness.

    The cosy cabin becomes your haven for the night, offering a sense of accomplishment and the chance to immerse oursevles in the serenity of the surrounding nature.

  • Day 5

    Prepare for a day of exhilarating skiing as we journey 10 km uphill, ascending to a stunning mountain plateau. The effort is well worth it as we'll be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views.

    Tonight, immerse ourselves in the wilderness experience as we stay in a remote cabin.

  • Day 6

    Enjoy an exhilarating 18 km downhill ski adventure, following our own trails as we make our way to the Termisjärvi wilderness hut.

    It's a day of effortless gliding through pristine snowscapes. As evening falls, settle into your wilderness cabin for a serene overnight stay.

  • Day 7

    On this final day of our adventure, we'll ski back to Kilpisjärvi, completing our incredible journey. Tonight, we'll have a well-deserved stay at the Haltinmaa inn. Enjoy saunas, hot showers, and the comforts of civilization, reflecting on our remarkable arctic ski expedition.

  • Day 8

    Breakfast and our last taste of the snowy wilderness before our transfer back to Tromsø airport.

    • Sat 8 - Sat 15 February

    • Sat 15 - Sat 22 March

    • Sat 22 - Sat 29 March

Dates

Price

  • Gutsy Girls is a UK-based adventure company welcoming women worldwide. Prices are in pounds (£) with estimates in euros (€) and US dollars ($). The final amount dependant on your card provider’s conversion rate at time of payment and may fluctuate.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.

£1750 (approx. €2030 / $2250)

Included

  • 6 day guided backcountry ski expedition

  • 7 nights accommodation:

    • 2 nights shared hotel room

    • 5 nights wilderness huts / camping

  • Experienced and qualified wilderness guide

  • Gutsy Girls Host

  • All expedition equipment - skis, ski boots, poles, winter sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent

  • All meals - including 2 restaurant dinners and breakfasts

  • Airport transfers from Tromsø airport*

    *one single timed transfer per direction

    • Flights

    • Drinks

    • Travel Insurance

    • Personal clothing

  • Cancellations are effective from the date we receive your written notice via email. The following fees apply:

    • 100% of the trip cost if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip.

    • 30% of the trip cost if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip.

    Full terms and conditions are available for review before you book and make payment

Travel

  • You are responsible for your travel arrangements to Tromsø airport where we will collect you and take you to the first night's accommodation.


    The transfer from Tromsø to our start point in Finland takes 2.5 hours.


    Arrival day pick up: 20:30
    Departure day drop off: 11:30

  • There are lots of flight options to Tromsø. Most involve a stop in Oslo or elsewhere, but there are some direct flights. You may need to spend a night before or after the trip to fit in with our transfer timings if you want to take a direct flight as they often have less convenient timings.

    Please read our full FAQs for more details.

Packing List

    • Touring skis and poles

    • Ski boots

    • Sled

    • Sleeping bag

    • Insulated inflatable sleeping mat

    • Shovels

    • Tent

    • Sledge and expedition gear

  • Cross Country Skiing:

    • Daypack 35l - 60l volume (big enough to fit two people’s day gear as you will swap between pulling the sled and carrying the backpack with another Gutsy Girl)

    • Wicking sports underwear (preferably not cotton)

    • Base layer thermal tops (a selection) (synthetic, wool or silk)

    • Long johns (thermal) (synthetic, wool or silk)

    • Fleece / Midlayer

    • Warm sweater

    • Shell Jacket - windproof and waterproof

    • Soft shell trousers - windproof, water repellent, breathable (or ski salopettes unlined)

    • Waterproof trousers

    • A warm insulated / down jacket (for breaks)

    • A selection of warm socks of different thicknesses to help you get the best fit in your boots (wool is best)

    • Sunglasses and / or ski googles with UV protection

    • Warm hat

    • Buff (you might want two - one for your neck, one as a headband), scarf or balaclava

    • Thick mittens (2 pairs, ideally, in case one gets wet - normal ski gloves will do - warm mittens are best if you are prone to getting cold)

    • Glove liners and/or disposable hand warmers if you suffer from cold hands

    • Gaiters (optional)

    • Insulated over trousers (or salopettes) (optional - useful in camp when wild camping)

    • If you have your own broken in cross country ski boots, we recommend bringing them, but please email us first to check their compatibility at bookings@gutsygirls.co.uk

    Off the skis:

    • Warm, waterproof walking boots (mandatory)

    • Warm evening clothes

    • Nightwear

    • Toiletries

    • Swimwear for the sauna if you wish (and a dry bag for packing a wet swim suit)

    • Towel

    • Sleeping bag liner (optional)

    • Sunscreen (high factor): non-water based due to frostbite risk (if temps are extremely low)

    • Lip salve

    • Any prescription medication 

    • Other medication (paracetamol/ibuprofen) is significantly more expensive in Finland so bring some if you need to

    • Compeed or moleskin for blisters, just in case!

    • Slippers / shoes for the cabins

    • Earplugs and eye mask for sharing rooms / tents

    • Headtorch

    Other Stuff:

    • Camera 

    • Fully charged power banks (there is no electricity).

    • Dry bags for inside your day pack to keep stuff dry

    • Waterproof case for your phone might be handy

    • Snacks - mandatory; at least 3 good high calorie snacks per day

    • Water bottle - 1 litre (Nalgene recommended)

    • Thermos flask for warm drinks

Questions?

If you have any questions, check our FAQs or drop us a message below!