The weather is likely to be cold and changeable. Of course we cannot predict the weather on any given week, but temperatures normally vary between -5 and -20 ° C, and we may sometimes have temperatures of more like -35°C. This sounds cold, however, for most of the winter in Finland it is a “dry” cold which tends to feel less cold than “damp” cold (which we have in the UK!).

You do need enough clothes to stay warm and comfortable though! 

Each day, you will pack the pulkas (sleds) such that you do not need to access them during the day and all your daily items should be in a backpack. This includes your insulated jacket for breaks, lunch thermos (provided), drinking thermos, sunscreen and goggles/sunglasses. In general, two people share one pulka and one daypack with each taking turns in pulling the pulka or carrying the daypack, so the daypack should have room for two people’s gear. A lightweight daypack with a volume of 35l-60l works well.

Any luggage you don’t need on the expedition can be left in the first accommodation until you return. We advise packing your essentials such as your skiing clothes and spares in your hand luggage in case your bags are lost in transit (especially if you have a flight connection).

We provide:

• Touring skis and poles

• Ski boots

• Sled

• Sleeping bag

• Insulated inflatable sleeping mat

• Shovels

• Tent

• Sledge and expedition gear

What to Bring:

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