Finnish Wilderness Holiday - Winter Activities: X-Country Skiing, Dogsledding, Snowshoeing And More

Our Clients’ Reviews

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Average Review Rating: from 86 reviews.

Marie Davidson

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written January 2013
Fantastic week in a beautiful setting enjoying a taste of Finnish cuisine and a range of activities. This is a must for anyone who wants to try new things in a unique setting.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Waking through the Finnish landscape in snow shoes, making minimal noise. It's a great way to get about and if the uk winters were more snowy I may invest in a pair. You went through areas that would normally be inaccessible in other weathers. The dog sledding was amazing. The pack of dogs were noisy and I'm sure one of them was barking "come on, run" as they were so eager to get started. Once off and running they were silent, concentrating on the task of whizzing through the snowladen trees with you guiding them along the track. It was breathtaking. The snowmobile safari (optional activity) was great fun on especially along the section with moguls, it was like a roller coaster with you in charge of the speed.
What did you think of your group leader?
Henri is a first class group leader. You can tell he loves his job and wants to share his knowledge with the guests. He embraces the outdoor lifestyle. His expert practical help and mythological stories, made for a fascinating and educational time. Henri and the rest of the team were patient, helpful and great fun. They certainly add to the experience!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
As all of the clothing required for the activities is provided, you do only need to pack the clothes for evening. It is easy to overpack layers as the temperature can be cold. However the accommodation is warm and the main block, with reception and dining facilities is suitable, if lacking some sofas for reclining after strenous activities. Make use of the sauna and hot tub, it's great for those aching muscles. If the flights are to Oulo, this involves a four hour bus trip to the base camp and you lose some time. make sure the flights are to kuusamo. If this had been made clear I may have cancelled. Due to delays there were a few sprints to catch connecting flights.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
With amazing scenery, beautiful weather and brilliant group members, this was a great trip. Made some new friends and laughed so much. Since being back to work I have thought of my snowball in the special place that I left it, and with a picture of the view as my computer wallpaper it certainly does raise a smile when things get a bit hectic. Not sure about not washing my face in the morning!
Julie Osgerby

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written January 2013
Lots of well organised, interesting activities in outstandingly beautiful surroundings.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It is impossible to pick one thing. The sense of achievement that came from mastering (in even the loosest sense of the word) a wide range of new activities was addictive, the fresh clean air was exhilerating and the sense of peace in the surroundings as well as the complete lack of light pollution was completely relaxing. The perfect package.
What did you think of your group leader?
Friendly, helpful, fun. Outstanding
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't pack too many clothes, for the daytime activities everything is provided.
Wendy Duckett

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written December 2012
The Finish Winter Activities Holiday is better value for money for all activities, most of which are included and for longer periods of time.Basecamp Ouklanka in beautiful location with excellent staff, accomodation and food. Nice to have Ruka close by for Downhill skiing
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Location was superb. Nice to see the Northern Lights even if not a full on display.
Staff - you could not have had better
What did you think of your group leader?
Henri - was superb, always happy and helpful, despite being very short staffed.
He was an excellent instructor too.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The Trip notes were spot on - you really do not need any Outdoor clothing - it is all supplied, down to base layer thermals, socks, gloves, hat, shoes - the lot. It was often minus 26 on my trip and apart from fingers occassionaly I was not cold.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Basecamp Oulanka does need some cosy seating for people to get together just for social times.
The food was very good, much better than my last trip to Finland. Nice to have coffee and tea available all day
David Jegier

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written December 2012
Overall a good experience though I think more could be made of it. There was quite a lot of free time and the activities were more or less an introduction without too much depth. I was expecting to learn a little more about the Finnish culture, especially as we were staying over Xmas. Also on the trip to Ruka ski slopes it would be good if a longer option for ski class was included. 1hr 40 mins was just enough to get me reaquainted and up on my feet and with only one novice slope in the resort it was a challenging day.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Huskie sledding. Though bitterly cold the landscape was memorable especially as the daylight faded into dusk. The guide was a very interesting guy and the dogs were fantastic.
What did you think of your group leader?
Very friendly and amenable though didn't provide much insight into the Finnish way of life or culture. The team as a whole did do a good job though and I don't want to take anything away from that.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The option to X country ski anywhere other than on the lake was very limited for a novice. There did not seem to be any trails as such and trying to attempt to go through the forest in deep virgin snow on undulating ground was very challenging if not impossible.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I thought the food options were very basic and limited. On Xmas day we were served a 'special' porridge for lunch which turned oyu to to be rice pudding more or less! I like rice pudding but at 11 Euro a head I thought it somewhat steep. A lot of dishes were the same as the vegetarian option with some meat added to it.
Hannah Powell

Snow, Sauna, Cider and Cold Toes! What a Holiday!

Written December 2012
I keep telling everyone that I really enjoyed my Finnish Wilderness Weekend, that's exactly how long it felt like! It was a really great holiday and it just went so fast. It was amazing to be the first ones there at the start of the season so that all the snow is pristine and untouched. The setting is amazing and you just couldn't ask for more.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Inspirational moments that is a tricky one...
Definitely seeing the sun rise (and set just an hour later) that little ball of red on the horizon just adds so much beauty to an already stunning place.
Snow-shoeing round the bear trail was an experience but the views of complete wilderness and tranquility you get are something special. Also f your if really lucky and quiet you might just get yourself run over by a reindeer or two.
If I name much more I think I will have just mentioned the entire holiday, everything has its special moments from dog-sledding to being the only one on the slope in Ruka.
What did you think of your group leader?
Eki and his colleagues are great they are helpful, informative and a barrel of laughs. If you get a chance ask them about some Finnish card games, playing 'Pass the Salt' was a well spent evening.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Mate, it's freezing out there!! Think about the layers you need and then wear some more. I did manage my planning very well and realise halfway to the airport (whilst on a train) that I didn't have a coat. This wasn't a problem once I got to Oulanka basecamp but I definitely felt it standing at the airport waiting to board the plane!!
I think my recommendations for all of the rest of you considering this, aside from to stop umm-ing and aahh-ing and look into your crsytal ball and see that you really must go, is to have a go at the Little Bear Trail or if thats a bit too far for the time you have avaliable head out to Castle rocks! Its just a whole other world out there.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Whilst your there... Man Up and do the Sauna snow roll, its a true Finnish experience. You may not want to repeat it but just give it a shot once. Then go back to drinking Cider in the Sauna and chilling out in the hot tub.
Have a go at sleeping in the Quinzee. Well to be honest I more 'lay in a Quineze' than slept but it was an experience and I did get to bail and just jump into my nice cosy and importantly soft bed!
Enjoy the kick sleds that are there, and good luck learning how to steer them! There will always be a point when your feeling smug that you have master the kick sled, and when that happens it will remind you who is in charge by finding a good snow drift to land in!! If your going to be standing outside waiting for a show of any lights you might as well be having fun.
Andrew Johnson

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written December 2012
An awesome trip with amazing lovely people and happy helpful staff, I would recomend this trip to all.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Stood in the middle of a frozen lake ankle deep in snow in perfect silence!
Listening to the huskeys howl with excitement at the forthcoming ride we were about to do!
Reaching the top oif the ice wall after battering away at it on three previous attempts!
What did you think of your group leader?
The staff in general were brilliant, always helpful, always smiling, always eager to fulfill our constant demands even when they were understaffed and rushed off of their feet.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Plan your trip well as the extras can be expensive!
eric wood

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written December 2012
the ice climbing on site should be inclusive. charging a euro to flavour your hot water in the flask seemed a bit petty . easy chairs to relax and socialise in after meals would be really good .
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
seeing the northern lights was a bonus .
huskying was great .
the surroundings where perfect .
What did you think of your group leader?
henry was great in fact all of them were
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
read whats included in your trip properly