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! 

We provide:

• Snow shoes

• Trekking poles

• Snow boots (if required - free to rent)

• Sleeping bag and mummy liner (2 nights in wilderness cabins)

• Bath towel (if you want to have a separate hand towel, please bring your own)

What to Bring:

Snowshoeing kit:

• Snow boots (you can hire these if you need - no need for investing in special footwear - let us know on booking)

• Gaiters can be useful (optional)

• 20 - 30 litre backpack

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

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

• Fleece or wool jumper

• A breathable, waterproof/water resistant and windproof shell jacket

• Soft shell type trousers (windproof, water repellent, breathable) with space for thermal leggings/long johns underneath

• A warm packable insulated / down jacket

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

• Sunglasses (ski googles can be useful if the weather is bad but can fog up when you get hot!)

• Warm hat

• Ear muffs can be useful

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

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

• Pair of big mittens to put over the other gloves when we stop

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

• Waterproof trousers (optional but recommended as an extra windproof layer)

Off the snow:

• Casual warm evening clothes

• Night wear

• Head torch & batteries

• Toiletries

• Swimwear and neoprene boots/gloves for the ice swimming and sauna if you wish (Finns will go nude!)

• Travel towel (optional; bath towels are provided)

• Sleeping bag liner (optional; these are provided if you don’t bring your own)

• Pillowcase or camping pillow for the wilderness cabins

• Sunscreen (high factor) and 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 (ideally with hard / waterproof soles) for the cabin

• Earplugs and eye mask for sharing rooms in the cabins

• 30 - 40l soft sided overnight bag for packing for the wilderness cabins (optional; these are provided if you don’t bring your own)

Other Stuff:

• Camera 

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

• Waterproof case for your phone might be handy

• Snacks - a selection!

• Medium sized tupperware for carrying food out on the trails

• Thermos so you can take hot drinks out on the trails

• Water bottle (not a camelbak style bladder which will freeze)

• Hand sanitiser

• If you’re packing light, you could bring soap flakes/wash to hand wash thermals if required

Occasionally, luggage can be misplaced especially if you are connecting with another flight before landing in Kuusamo. We therefore recommend that you bring some clothes and shoes in your hand luggage so that you can participate in the first day even if your luggage doesn’t arrive with you!