Finland

Lapland Hut to Hut Ski Expedition

7 nights £1750 • €2030 • $2250

Activities

5 days guided adventures

Accommodation

7 nights in hotel, tent or wilderness huts

Level

Beginner friendly

Food

Simple and hearty - expedition meals

Difficulty

Group Size

Moderate to challenging

Transfers

5 new friends

Dates

Fly into Ivalo, Finland

February and March

  • Backcountry Skiing

    Challenge yourself and embark on a multi-day backcountry ski adventure

  • Snow Shelter

    Learn how to build a snow shelter to enhance our winter wilderness skills!

  • Northern Lights

    The chance to see the magical Northern Lights - if the conditions are right.

  • Wilderness Adventure

    Explore true wilderness including the north’s oldest boreal forests

Join a group of Gutsy Girls and venture into the snowy landscapes of the Arctic north on our guided backcountry ski expedition in Finland. With the expertise of local guides, we've designed a wilderness journey, perfect for those looking for challenging adventure holiday this winter.

Never skied before? No worries! This trip is all about backcountry-style cross-country skiing. Think of it as hiking, just on skis. For those with prior skiing experience, that's an added advantage! We'll fine-tune your skills as we glide through vast expanses, frozen forests, and the mesmerising landscapes of Finnish Lapland.

Our journey is a true hut-to-hut experience. We’ll be skiing 10-17 km daily, diving deep into the wilderness. Pulling sledges with our gear, we carry everything we need. We’ll spend five nights in remote cabins without electricity, warming ourselves with log fires and melting snow for our meals. It’s a real return to nature.

Clear skies and zero light pollution mean there's a good chance to witness the northern lights. And for a touch of relaxation, we start and end our trip in comfortable cabins, enjoying quality meals and the soothing Finnish sauna.

Come along and experience the thrill of backcountry skiing amidst Finland's untouched beauty.

Location

We’ll be heading into Lemmenjoki National Park, which at 2,850 square kilometres, is Finland's largest, most northerly national park and one of the largest in Europe.

Located at 69 degrees north, at the top of Finland and on the border of Norway, Lemmenjoki offers a wonderful environment for remote trail-less ski touring adventures in old-growth boreal forest. This is wilderness proper with no permanent human habitation. With no light pollution in the sky, night time inside Lemmenjoki National Park allows for a very good chance of seeing the atmospheric phenomenon of the Northern Lights, if the conditions are right.

Activities

  • Backcountry Ski Touring

    Do you like to hike? Do you like to get away into beautiful, remote locations, away from habitation? Touring skis are the perfect tool to get you right into beautiful elusive places that can’t be reached any other way. 

    Backcountry ski touring is fast to learn. It is a ski discipline that is designed to let you glide on the surface of deep snow, away from beaten tracks and groomed trails. Known as ‘sliding snowshoes’ in Finnish, backcountry skis are equipped with a skin allowing you to both hike uphill and slide downhill.

    They can be used for long Arctic expeditions or shorter day tours into the vast, open, snowy backcountry. It’s great exercise too because it works your whole body, improves balance, proprioception and muscle condition.

  • Hiking

    Snow Shelter

    On one night you can opt to sleep in a snow shelter that we will learn how to build as part of our winter wilderness skills, and there will be a night in a traditional Finnish Kota - a cosy tent-like space constructed of wooden poles and reindeer hide, similar to a teepee.

    It is during these wilderness nighttime hours that we will have the best chance of experiencing the spectacular Northern Lights…

  • Snowshoeing

    Northern Lights

    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!

Backcountry Ski Touring

Do you like to hike? Do you like to get away into beautiful, remote locations, away from habitation? Touring skis are the perfect tool to get you right into beautiful elusive places that can’t be reached any other way. 

Backcountry ski touring is fast to learn. It is a ski discipline that is designed to let you glide on the surface of deep snow, away from beaten tracks and groomed trails. Known as ‘sliding snowshoes’ in Finnish, backcountry skis are equipped with a skin allowing you to both hike uphill and slide downhill.

They can be used for long Arctic expeditions or shorter day tours into the vast, open, snowy backcountry. It’s great exercise too because it works your whole body, improves balance, proprioception and muscle condition.

Snow Shelter

On one night you can opt to sleep in a snow shelter that we will learn how to build as part of our winter wilderness skills, and there will be a night in a traditional Finnish Kota - a cosy tent-like space constructed of wooden poles and reindeer hide, similar to a teepee.

It is during these wilderness nighttime hours that we will have the best chance of experiencing the spectacular Northern Lights.

Northern Lights

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!

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This trip is rated 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, with daily outings lasting up to 6-7 hours, including around 5 hours dedicated to skiing.

    Distance: Expect to ski between 10 km-17 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.

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

    After this starting point, our accommodation will be in simple wilderness cabins, with no electricity or running water, although one cabin in the middle of the expedition has a traditional sauna. 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. 

  • 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

    Your adventure begins with your arrival at Ivalo airport. We’ll connect you up with all those on the trip, so you’ll likely have someone to travel with.

    A transfer is provided to Lemmenjoki National Park.

    On our first night we will stay in the hotel level cabin. Tonight we will start our preparation and packing for the adventure, we’ll have a briefing and get to know eachother!

    There’s a chance for a sauna and we’ll have dinner at a restaurant.

  • Day 2-5

    After a hearty breakfast we will head out on our adventure into the Lemmenjoki National Park.

    On your first morning we’ll teach you how to move efficiently through the snow on skis and over the course of the week you’ll develop your skills!

    Each day we will ski up to 17km, stopping to lunch around a fire in the snow.

    We’ll ski through frozen forests, alongside rivers and we’ll even see a frozen waterfall. This adventure takes us into an area of true wilderness.

    We will stay in an off-grid huts without electricity.

    Midweek there will be an opportunity for a sauna at one of our wilderness cabins.

  • Day 6

    After a day of skiing through this picturesque location, we will end our adventure by returning to a hotel cabin.

    We’ll have chance to feed and pet the reindeers on the local farm, before having a sauna and one final meal together.

  • Day 7

    We will start the day early, returning to Ivalo airport for departure.

    • Mon 10 February - Mon 17 February

    • Mon 17 February - Mon 24 February - FULLY BOOKED

    • Mon 24 February - Mon 3 March - FULLY BOOKED

    • Mon 3 March - Mon 10 March - 1 spot left!

    • Mon 10 March - Mon 17 March

    • Mon 17 March - Mon 24 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

  • All meals - including 2 restaurant dinners.

  • Experienced wilderness guide

  • Gutsy Girls Host

  • Expedition equipment: skis, ski boots, poles, pulka

  • Winter camping equipment: Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tents

  • Airport transfers from Ivalo 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

  • Ivalo Airport, Finland

    We provide a single timed airport transfer from and to Ivalo, Finland.

    • Arrival day pickup 7:00 pm

    • Departure day drop off 11:30am

  • You’ll find flights to Ivalo from Helsinki with Finnair.

    You can fly with Finnair from London Heathrow to Ivalo via Helsinki in one day.

    You could also choose to spend a night or two in Helsinki before or after your trip.

    We recommend using a site like Skyscanner to find the best deals, as you may find them cheaper than booking direct with Finnair.

    Due to the remote location of this trip, we cannot arrange additional transfer times. Please ensure your flights line up with our transfer times.

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!