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

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 86 reviews.

Kerry Tiller

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written December 2011
I planned this holiday as a surprise 50th Birthday present for my Husband and boy did it exceed both my own and my husbands expectations. The trip from start to finish was absolutely fantastic.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It has to be the Huskies, this was an unbelieveable experience, one I will never forget, especially as I have some fantastic photos of the dogs to keep as a reminder. Sledging with the dogs to the top of the mountain was amazing and the views were spectacular.
What did you think of your group leader?
Hanna, Henrik and Teemu were absolutely fantastic and they went over and above to help in any way possible that they could. Their knowledge and experiences was brilliant and you felt in very safe hands whilst in their company.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Yes - Go for it. If you are thinking of doing it, go on, do it, you will not be disappointed I can assure you.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to say a very big thank you to everyone at Base Camp, you are all amazing and have made our holiday absolutely perfect. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this holiday to any that would listern but there are not too many people left that I haven't bored the ears off.
Thank you thank you thank you, that's all there is left to say.
Kate Edmunds

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written December 2011
Stunning scenery, friendly staff and varied/fun activities
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Learning to Cross-country ski - something I've wanted to do for a while.
What did you think of your group leader?
Hanna was amazing - organising almost everything,keeping the group together, whilst having a laugh with us all.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take some Marshmallows for toasting on the many open fires!
If you have your own ski gloves - take them.
The ice climbing was really hard, but don't be discouraged if you don't make it to the top (I didn't). I've perviusly ice climbed on glacier ice (heavily compacted snow not frozen water) and made 4 climbs in a few hours.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We went looking for a cut-down our own christmas tree, made our own decorations and dressed the tree.
I made a reindeer skin Shamen drum - fantastic!
We built and slept in our own igloo (quinzhee).
Lindsay Denman

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written December 2011
Amazing adventure, setting absolutely perfect.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were many, but possibly just slightly in the lead was the husky driving - what an experience.
What did you think of your group leader?
Hannah was fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, definitely went the 'extra mile'.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
They really do provide everything you need. The cabins are well heated, plenty of hot water. Food is good and plenty of it. Energy bars are a good idea to bring, just to take you over from lunch to dinner.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is truly an amazing experience, you get to try out things that you would not normally do and the setting is beautiful. You can go at your own pace, there is no pressure. Don't worry about age, matures do as well (if not better than!) the youngsters.
Nick Manklow

A Perfect* Week

Written December 2011
I had an awesome time in Finland, the basecamp staff are brilliant, the location is wonderful, the food is great, everything is well organised, I really couldn't fault anything.*Unfortunately the Northern Lights were a no show all week, but even so, when you get a clear night, the amount of stars on show is really something else.
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Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
*All* equipment and clothes are provided at Basement, only casual wear for evenings is required. Taking a game or two for the evenings is a good idea.
Sue Cullen

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written December 2011
A fabulous holiday in a beautiful winter wonderland! Lots of fun activities. Scenary was stunning, photos just don't do it justice.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Dog sledging through the national park, an experience I will never forget.
What did you think of your group leader?
Everybody was so helpful and friendly, especially Hanna.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you're thinking about this holiday, just do it! You will not be disappointed.
Sarah Meyer

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written April 2011
A fabulous week, everything I imagined and even more. Great to be able to be to do as much or as little as you like, with knowledgable guides and fantastic food!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The husky sledding for me was the absolute highlight but cross country skiing around the 'Basecamp' lake to the second lake and into a forest that was something straight out of Narnia and making it to the top off the ice-climbing tower... actually the entire week was full of inspirational moments!
What did you think of your group leader?
Eki was great, really knowledgable and friendly. The whole team was excellent.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Basecamp do supply everything you need, although we found that our own thermals were welcome, it was so warm and the ones they provide are fleecy, ours actually helped keep us cool! We also had our own socks and gloves which I prefered but again these are provided if needed.
End of March beginning of April was very sunny, so sunscreen and sunglasses are definitely needed.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just an absolutely fabulous week, couldn't fault it... apart from having to come home at the end!
There is quite a lot of free time so it's up to you whether you choose to take out the skis/ snowshoes that are free to use or the optional activities, which can add up but we had read the trip notes so were prepared to pay the extra. We actually ran out of time to do everything we wanted so will be returning one winter soon!
Laura Tomei

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written March 2011
It was Winter Wonderland at the Wilderness week at Basecamp Oulanka in Finland. The week was packed with winter activities, some of which I had never done in my life, filled with excitement and good feelings. Everything from organization, to program, to equipment, to staff was perfect. Highly recommended.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Many inspirational moments, but the Northern Lights topped them all. We had two hours (2!!!) of Northern Lights on the second night at the camp. Staff at Basecamp don't remember the last time that it lasted that long and were that bright, so I guess we have been incredibly lucky. I will never forget 7 circles of Aurora Borealis shining and dancing in the sky with reflections of green, blue and white watched from the middle of the frozen lake. Absolutely memorable and I am so thankful for Exodus and Basecamp Oulanka to facilitate this experience.
What did you think of your group leader?
The guides were fantastic and so the entire staff at Basecamp Oulanka. Our guide Hanna was a natural Winter Elf, expert in anything from teaching you how to walk for the first time on snow shoes or cross country (and how to get up) to play snow frisbey in deep snow, funfilled with a very good sense of humour. She knew everything of the area and going along her weekly plan was as easy as a breathe of fresh air. However I have good words for the all staff at Basecamp: they are truly an amazing group of young men and women and I will always remember them for as long as I live. Leaving Basecamp has been really hard and missing all of that.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go! What are you waiting for?! This week is absolutely a must do, you will never forget it. Just follow the instructions that come from Exodus, go with the flow, embrace the experiences and you will have the time of your life.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is my third holiday with Exodus: it was Morocco first, then Peru and now Winter Finland. All three of them have been experiences that I will carry in my heart forever, some of those stories you can tell your nieces and nephews in the long winter days. I know Exodus is a business and in the end they are here to stay in business, but I can't thank this company enough for bringing me to life experience with such natural approach and practicing responsible tourism. On my last day of the Finnish holiday I have decided that next year it will be Kilimanjaro: if there is anybody that can make me get to the top of it, I am sure, Exodus is the right one.