Winter Multi-Activity Adventure in Lapland

Snap on your snowshoes and hike through the snowy wilds of the Swedish Lapland! No previous experience required.

Immerse yourself in the stillness of the arctic winter and cozy around the campfire, with only the stars and sparks lighting the untouched wilderness. 

Blend skiing and hiking with backcountry skiing together with a nature guide.

Experience the authentic heart of northern Scandinavia through its indigenous people. Connect with the Sami, learn about their heritage and discover their way of life as reindeer herders.

Learn to drive a snowmobile or ride with a fellow Gutsy Girl as we explore the frozen landscapes.

No experience needed! Learn the basics of mushing and enjoy the scenic drive.

With no light pollution to steal the show, we’ll venture into the night and chase the majestic northern lights. 

You’ll be staying as close to nature as possible, with only the sounds of nature to wake you up to the day’s adventures. 

Fresh, certified organic dishes sourced from local hunters, farms and foragers… straight from the land to your table. 

Unwind the Arctic way with a rejuvenating hot and cold spa night.

Snowshoeing is as easy as walking, except you'll be doing it on snowshoes through the snow-covered wilderness. It’s the perfect entry into winter activities if you want to ease into the sport and no prior experience is required. Snowshoes have been around for over 6,000 years, designed to spread your weight so you don't sink into deep snow. While the principle has remained the same, the heavy material used (like wood and leather) have had a serious upgrade. The snowshoes you’ll be strapping into during this retreat are made of lightweight material that won’t tire you out as you explore. 

Don’t be intimidated by this ride, snowmobiling is surprisingly easier (but just as fun) as it looks! We’ll be riding through wide, snowy landscapes with no obstacles to get in your way, keeping it simple while you get comfortable. Snowmobiles don’t have gears, so it’s easy to pick up. Typically, two Gutsy Girls will share one snowmobile, taking turns driving throughout the 3 hour tour. If you have a driver’s license you’ll be good to go. If you don’t have a license you can still enjoy the ride while your partner handles the driving. It’s pure fun, and perfect for beginners who want a taste of adventure without the stress.

Backcountry skiing is exactly what it sounds like, exploring untouched, unmarked terrain. So, if your first thought upon arriving in the hotel was, “What’s beyond there?”, this is definitely your kind of adventure. With a nature guide leading the way and all the necessary safety precautions in place, we’ll make this journey relaxing, fun and just the right amount of challenging. 

With touring skis on, the sport is easy to pick up, and ‘skins’ can be used on the bottom of your skis to add extra traction on those uphill climbs, making the trip easier on your body.

For centuries, people in the Arctic have relied on dog sleds as their main form of transportation, and they’re still used in some parts of the world today. These sleds are pulled by a team of dogs and typically don’t go faster than 20 mph. As you drive the sled, there won’t be much required from you. Experienced trainers and the dogs themselves will do most of the work, making it an easy and enjoyable experience. You’ll get the chance to drive the sled yourself and also ride along as a fellow Gutsy Girl takes the reins.

It might seem a little strange to think of taking a cold bath in the freezing temperatures of the arctic. But it works wonders for those sore muscles you’ll likely have after a full day out in the snow. The heat from the sauna and the hot tub instantly melts away the tension, followed by a jolt of adrenaline that hits your body in the ice bath. It’s the perfect balance between deep relaxation and an energizing boost, so you’re refreshed and ready to go for the next day.

Arrival: We’ll meet you at Umeå Airport, where you’ll be greeted by stunning snow-covered landscapes. A 1-hour transfer will take us to our eco-friendly, cosy hotel nestled in the wilderness.

Check-in: Settle into your comfortable room before joining the group for a delicious three-course dinner. All meals feature locally sourced, organic ingredients, offering you a true taste of Lapland.

Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventure.

Snowshoeing Adventure (5h): Today, you’ll learn the art of snowshoeing, which is as simple as walking. You’ll cross the frozen Ume River and break your own trail through untouched snow. Our guide will introduce you to snowshoeing techniques, allowing you to explore the serene winter wilderness.

Lunch: We’ll stop mid-day to build a fire and enjoy a wilderness lunch in the heart of nature.

Evening: After a delightful three-course dinner at the lodge, we’ll head out for a special evening hike into the forest. With some luck, you’ll witness the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.

Morning: After breakfast, we transfer to a Sami village, where you’ll meet Jon-Krista, a reindeer herder. This unique experience will give you the chance to meet and feed the reindeer, while learning about the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous Sami people.

Lunch: Gather around the campfire to listen to stories from Jon-Krista, while enjoying coffee and a traditional lunch of reindeer meat* (other options all be available).

Afternoon: After lunch, you’ll embark on a thrilling 3-hour snowmobile tour. Learn to drive your snowmobile and glide through snow-blanketed landscapes, taking in the magic of Lapland.

Evening: Return to the lodge for another delicious three-course dinner.

Morning: After breakfast, we set off for a snowshoe hike up Hemkälen Mountain. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Ume River Valley, the perfect spot to stop for lunch and take in the majestic winter scenery.

Afternoon: After our hike, it’s time to unwind at the lodge’s winter spa. Enjoy the sauna, hot tub, and for the brave, an invigorating ice bath—a quintessential Nordic experience.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxing three-course dinner at the lodge.

Morning: Start your day learning to backcountry ski! No hills or steep terrain here—just flat, peaceful trails as you explore the winter wonderland.

Lunch: Return to the lodge for a warm lunch before heading out for the afternoon adventure.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, experience the thrill of dog sledding. Drive your own team of huskies through the snowy forests for an unforgettable journey.

Evening: Celebrate your final evening in Lapland with a farewell dinner.

Departure

Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge before transferring back to Umeå Airport, where we’ll bid you farewell and safe travels home.