Cross Country Ski Tour

On ski tracks adventure, freshly pressed tracks with our snowmobile!

Try ice-swimming in a frozen lake!

See the Northern Lights dancing in the sky - if the conditions are right!

Bed down each night in a cosy, family-run guesthouse.

During this adventure, we can expect to ski between 17km and 23km per day and be out for around 7 hours - with plenty of time allowed to enjoy regular snack stops, take in the silence and the scenery and a good, long leisurely lunch.

The terrain itself is quite variable with many ups and downs but there are no really big hill climbs. The landscape is simply breath-taking, winding through forests, along ridges and over the frozen lakes, swamps and mires of the protected reserve.

Although we may spot other skiers during the first day in Hossa national park, once we head further north it is likely that the only other tracks we will see will be those of the real locals - think arctic hare, fox, elk, wolf and wolverine.

Luggage transfer is provided. We’ll ski with just day backpacks for layers and snacks!

Will you see the northern lights? We can’t guarantee it but you’ll be in the right place, with little to no light pollution! We’ll be keeping everything crossed that mother nature delivers!

This trip will be the perfect active adventure for those who have already been bitten by the cross-country skiing bug. You must have previous cross country ski experience to join this one!

This adventure includes expert guiding but no formal technical tuition. You will need to be fit and comfortable skiing 17-23 km each day, and being out in the cold for up to 7 hours per day (including breaks), adventuring over the variable snowy terrain.

Although the terrain is fairly easy and there are no big hills, there will be some short but steep ups and downs to challenge and exhilarate our bodies and minds!

If you’ve been tempted by cross country ski expeditions but not keen on the idea of basic wilderness huts or camping, this is the expedition for you! We’ll be staying in comfortable guest houses, with luggage transfer.

We can’t wait to share this epic Finnish wilderness adventure with you and new friends.

- Minimum experience of 3 days cross-country skiing.

- Able to snow plough both in and out of the track - You don’t need to be perfect and falling is ok!

- Able to move effectively in and out of the tracks.

- Comfortable in managing speed during downhill skiing.

- Good level of fitness

Important to note: Previous alpine/downhill skiing is not enough to join this trip, you must join a beginner cross country ski trip to learn the technique.

If you've been with us for the 4 or 7-night cross country ski retreats, think back to those experiences to see if this trip is right for you.

Movement & Technique: Did you feel you grasped the basics well? Did you start to shift your weight from one foot to the other?

Downhill & Speed Control: Were you comfortable picking up speed on descents?

Handling Slopes: Even if your snowplough stop wasn't perfect, were you willing to try steep downhills, knowing there's a risk of falling?

Distance Comfort: How did you feel about the longer distances, up to 20 km? Did those days feel good?

Your adventure begins with your arrival at Kuusamo airport. A transfer bus is provided to our first accommodation (approx. 1 hour drive) inside Hossa national park.

On arrival, we will relax amongst new friends and get a good night’s sleep in preparation for our wilderness adventures!

We will start our first day with a hearty breakfast. Next, we’ll pick up our equipment and ski off along the well-maintained tracks of the Hossa national park, through pine heathlands and over stunning ridge lines.

In the evening, we’ll relax and unwind in the steaming hot, traditional sauna. Those who want to can try ice-swimming – breathe out slowly and dip yourself into the hole in the ice!

After breakfast, we will take a short car transfer (45 mins) north to our next guesthouse.

From here, we will begin a circular route through a nature reserve, set up to protect this special wilderness - especially the swamp areas with its many birds and insects. We will ski over frozen mires, ponds and lakes, through ancient forests and spruce trees covered in beard lichen. The terrain today is mainly flat with spectacular snow-blanketed views.

For lunch, we will cook and eat over an open fire at one of the remote wilderness huts operated by the Finnish Forest and Park Service. Back at our guesthouse we will hit the sauna, relax and eat dinner together.

After breakfast this morning we will go on another day tour, taking a longer and more southerly route into the nature reserve this time, again over frozen lakes and through the beautiful snow covered pine, spruce and birch forests.

Look out for the tracks of the elusive wolf, lynx and wolverine who call this area home! Back at the guesthouse for our last night here, we will sauna, dine, relax and recuperate.

After breakfast, we will say goodbye to our hosts and journey north through the reserve. We will pass through an area famous for its brown bear population, but don’t worry - they will be in hibernation at this time of year!

Our guesthouse for the next two nights is one well known for its delicious local cuisine, and we will tuck in heartily - once the daily sauna ritual has been completed of course.

Today's route is a circular one that will bring us back to the warm hospitality of our guesthouse. We will enjoy a hot soup and sandwich picnic around an open fire half way.

Back at the cabin, we will rest, have our final sauna, another delicious dinner together served in the traditional log house.

Today we’ll be heading back to our midweek guest house for one final day in the snow, exploring the quiet frozen lakes.

Tonight we’ll enjoy one final sauna evening and a pancake party as our farewell dinner!

It will be an early start to get us back to Kuusamo airport for morning flights.

You could choose to extend your holiday with a day and night in Helsinki before heading home. When you book in, you’ll be able to join our trip Whatsapp group to discuss travelling together!