Essential Information
Trip Profile
No previous experience necessary but a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Price Includes
7 nights half board accommodation at Basecamp Oulanka
All arctic winter equipment provided
Half day snowshoe walk
Half day dogsledding (1 person per sled)
Full day igloo building
Half day cross-country skiing
Free use of snowshoes, cross-country skis and toboggans
Guides/instructors for all activities
For UK clients only: Return non-stop charter flight from Gatwick to Kuusamo, airport transfers (for group flight only)
Optional Activities:
Downhill skiing at Ruka
Ice climbing
Half day snowmobile safari
Further snowmobile and dogsledding safaris
Accommodation
Basecamp Oulanka
A superb base in a wilderness location, with excellent facilities; this self-sustaining wooded complex takes immediate inspiration from the surrounding wilderness. Twin rooms with en suite bathrooms are in two separate buildings. The third building is a cosy restaurant and bar, with a log fire, sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Food
All breakfasts and dinners included.
Reality Check
A mixed activity week for adults, with a good selection of guided activities and free time for independent activities or relaxation. None of the activities require previous experience. Grade B.
Activity Details All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While we do all we can to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday. Please see activity details below, and 'risk of injury' note at the back of the Winter Activities brochure or in the online FAQs for this trip.
Cross-country skiing: on a beginner's cross-country skiing course your instructor will choose the trails and terrain carefully, and will avoid steep slopes, however, even on the flat you should expect to fall over. Unlike downhill skiing, where falls can happen at speed, most cross-country falls happen at slow speeds or from an almost static position, and cause no injury. Although it is very rare, some falls do lead to injury, in the worst cases this may include broken bones. Overall cross-country skiing is a safe sport to take part in, if properly instructed.
Dogsledding: while speeds rarely exceed 20 km per hour, injuries can occur if a sled tips over or leaves the trail, and participants should be prepared for this risk.
Low level snowshoeing: we have chosen to categorize this holiday as 'Low Level Snowshoeing', which is described as snowshoeing over flat or undulating terrain, where avalanche risk is non-existent, and there are no big-drops and very steep terrain is rare. There is minimal risk of injury from falls or slides on icy terrain.
Snowmobiling (optional activity): on flat or rolling terrain snowmobile accidents are rare, and the guides will follow prepared and signed trails for most of the time. As snowmobiles can reach high speeds, drivers must be responsible for safe driving, and must follow the instructions given by the guide to avoid injury and snowmobile damage. Important note on snowmobiling: all drivers must be over 17 and have a valid (car) driving licence and carry this with you whilst driving. You will be liable to pay for any damage to snowmobiles up to the excess on the insurance policy, which is approx ?550 (equivalent to approx. GBP500 or USD800) per machine. You will be asked to sign a form agreeing to the above. This means, that in the unlikely event that you damage a snowmobile in a major way, you will only be charged the excess and not the full cost of repair. Snowmobiles are not for everyone and can be difficult to master, however damage is very rare if the drivers are alert and considerate.
Normal group size and age
Normally 6 to 20. Minimum age 16.
Icons explained
The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together.
All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please
see our Solo Departures page.
Relatively full days, with 3-4 hours of physical activity, although occasional longer or harder days may be involved. Previous experience is not necessary, but you should be confident of your fitness level.
Winter Activities: It's about seeking out alternative ways to have fun in unspoilt locations, you won't find standard skiing or snowboarding breaks here.
Mixed Activities: Activities may range from the ordinary (for example walking, cycling or whitewater rafting) to the damn right extraordinary (including caving, camel riding or canyoning).
Wilderness: Visit the deserts, jungles, plateaux, tundra and mountains of all seven continents, including Antarctica.
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