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.

Caroline Harvey

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written March 2011
A great holiday in an amazing location, although not really value for money.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Huskie dog sledging was a real highlight for me, especially after seeing as how well cared for the dogs were, and the outdoor dinner round the campfire was unforgetable. The Northern Lights were also spectacular, but if you do see them, take all your pictures then - they came out on our first night, before we had dug our cameras out of our suitcases, and then they never reappeared!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader was outstanding, as were all the BaseCamp staff. He was extremely competent but also made every effort to ensure that we had the maximum amount of fun - I haven't laughed so much in a long time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Although I enjoyed the trip, I would have to say it was my least favourite of all my Exodus adventures. My two areas disappointment were the amount of free time in the itinerary and the cost of the optional activities. My overall impression was that the included activities were taster sessions, to promote the (rather expensive) extra activities. The cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing sessions never ventured more than several hundred metres from the Basecamp, and further snowshoe trips were self guided or paid for. The dog-sledding was fun, but not even half a day and the longer day trip was over £250. Even simple extras like on-site ice wall climbing and a trip to a reindeer farm were extremely expensive for what was offered. After the high price of the holiday to start with, I could not afford any extras, and as a solo traveller I ended up trying to fill a lot of free time alone. This was in contrast to the cohesive group holiday that I have come to enjoy normally with Exodus. My advice to solo travellers would therefore be to factor in some very expensive extras, or be prepared to make your own mini-adventures by yourself.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Basecamp is a truly spectacular place and the accomodation is first class. The week gives you a taster of many winter activities in a short place of time, and is overall a lot of fun. It is, however, expensive and was not a good holiday for the solo traveller on a budget, and therefore was not my favourite holiday.
Jennifer Thompson

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written February 2011
Although the weather was extremely cold we were always busy. The setting was beautiful: the activities varied with lots of choice. Food was excellent and plentiful. The staff were fantastic - hard working and helpful. A sauna and hot tub were always there at the end of the day before a delicious dinner. This trip at this time of year is a real boost.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved it all but personal thrills were ski-ing for the first time on fresh snow and spending a day on snowmobiles going up to a spectacular viewpoint and homely cafe enroute.
After a day of wilderness skills and the creation of a cosy igloo we ate and cooked pancakes over a fire in the forest - perfect!
Not forgetting that roll in the snow after the sauna and hot tub....
What did you think of your group leader?
No Exodus leader for this trip. The local guides were exceptional.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take your own thermal underwear and socks and something to cover your face and neck. Also you might find a large towel useful. Games for the evenings are good too. The only seating is around tables on hard dining chairs.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just go for it. Try everything. The more you do the more you enjoy.
Julie Plumbley

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written February 2011
I didn't know what to expect when I booked this holiday with a friend ... but wow, I can honestly say this has been the best holiday of my entire life (and ive been on quite a few!). This was an adventure of a lifetime, one that I loved from the moment I arrived. Ive never had holiday blues so bad before - I want to go back, NOW!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many moments where I stood back and thought 'Wow, life can't get much better than this'. But one of these moments that I will never forget was during the full day husky trip. After a couple of kilometres my team of huskies settled into a steady pace (I didnt have to hold on so tight at this point!!), I took a look at the breath taking scenary, breathed in the fresh air (was minus 32 that day!) and thought 'I am truely the luckiest person alive!'.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader(s) I had (Hannah and Ollie) were AMAZING. Absolutely second to none. I cannot fault them in anyway. They worked so incredibly hard, yet made it all look so easy - and constantly made me feel like I was part of their family! I cannot credit them enough - if there were an award, it should, without a shadow of doubt be awarded to them. They helped make my adventure truely amazing - I will never forget them or all the new skills they have taught me!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
My advice would be to take plenty of layers. The kit provided wasnt warm enough for me, but I took my own gear anyway - so was fine. I advise 2 pairs of gloves at all times, wool socks (2 pairs at a time) and those hand warmers that you shake and keep your fingers warm for up to 10 hours. They were worth their weight in gold, because it could get extremely chilly over there during some of the activities.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I can't add anymore, other than this has been the best adventure of my life! I would love to work there myself it was that much fun! Thank you Hannah and Ollie, this was a special trip for me and it truely exceeded all of my expectations!
Deborah Simmons

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written February 2011
I am still on a high 3 week afterwards - what an amazing holiday. Everything was in the right balance, the slick organisation, the variety of activities, the freedom, the excitement, the quality equipment ... just everything.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
My husband and me tunnelling into opposite ends of the quinsi and meeting in the middle both covered in snow but still grinning. The Huskies on the dog sledding trip leaping up and down in their sheer enthusiasm. Snow that stays glisteningly white and doesn’t fall off trees.
What did you think of your group leader?
Ollie was great. Well organised, always willing to help and answer questions. Always taking us into deep snow which is much more fun.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
They really do provide you with enough gear apart from a neck scarf. Don't be lulled by the cosy dining room, always take warm stuff with you in case there is a Northern Lights call because once you go out and look you daren't go back for warm clothing in case you miss them. Careful not to slip on the ice when climbing out of the hot tub (it was my only injury of the week). The hot chocolate isn't free. You don't need much cash at all - you can put everything on a tab at the basecamp and pay by card at the end of the week.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I was initially concerned with the cost of the holiday but have no regrets now I'm back. It was so refreshing, fun and exciting it was worth it. I loved the fact there was so much trust. After a morning of snow shoeing they just said keep the kit all week and go out whenever you fancy. We used our free time exploring the area, tobogganing and kick sledding. In the evenings it was nice to relax in the hot tub. We took lots of games with us for the evening and enjoyed the drum making.
Lesley Savage

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written January 2011
Exactly what it said on the tin - as ever. Beautiful and peaceful location, fabulous range of fun activties, greta accomodation and a fun group of people
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The huskies, actually having a safe to sleep in igloo, the snowmobiles - everything!
What did you think of your group leader?
Teemu and Olli were great, as were all the others. Eki had the patience of a saint putting up with me for the climbing. They were all really knowledgable, helpful, fun and friendly, but left us to have whatever space we wanted
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You really don't need any snow gear, it's all provided. The lodges are vey warm, so you don't need endless thick jumpers etc there either. I managed to go with just hand luggage!
If you are at all fussy about your food tell them in advance, and tlak to exodus staff about it. There was no choice at mealtimes, and we had fish and elk for most meals - not things you might think to mention as dieatary requirements! But that said the food is superb, including the elk, and there was plenty.
Budget on an extra £500, as you do have a lot of spare time to fill, and won't always have a partner for just wandering off on your snow shoes, although the tobogans were a popular free pastime that filled many hours!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for a great trip.
Andrew Turnbull

Finnish Wilderness Week

Written December 2010
An excellent trip. With a variety of activities there was something for everyone and most things for everyone!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The day long (optional) dog sledding was without a doubt the highlight of the trip for us although all the activities were excellent. All the dog sledding is run by a small outfit (Kota Husky) that is a family firm. The leader, Lauri clearly cares immensely for the dogs and his control of them is impressive to see. The long trip takes in some wonderful sights and you really get a feel for the personalities of the dogs.
Lunch is served outdoors, prepared for the boss of the outfit, and Lauri's wife Marijka. Sitting on reindeers skins around a log fire, eating and drinking local fare is a great picnic, made all the better by the fact that you arrived driving your own team of husky!
What did you think of your group leader?
Eki, the group leader was outstanding. He has an excellent sense of humour and great communication skills both of which he puts to good use when instructing and guiding.
As you would expect his local knowledge was excellent and he genuinely cares about the environment around him, something which rubs off on all those around him.
Whilst Eki was an excellent group leader, a great team backs him up 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;} . Nothing is too much trouble and they make excellent hosts in what feels a little like their home.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
My advice to potential travellers is 'go for it'. Do not be put off by the thought of the cold or anything like that.
My wife was really enthusiastic about the trip but was also apprehensive as she suffers with the cold when all others are walking round in shorts however she loved the trip. The equipment they issue you is top quality and is perfect for the weather conditions.
If you want to take along your own cold weather clothing but everything they issue is sufficient.
Robina Tucker

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Written March 2010
Wonderful holiday in amazing surroundings with great food, accommodation and company.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We were lucky enough to have the best display of the Northeren lights seen this winter. It was amazing.
Snow shoeing around The Pieni Karhunkierros trail with some wonderful views and getting up the steep hill (252 steps) !.
Riding in the sledge with Huskies pulling me along.

What did you think of your group leader?
Martti was great fun even when he nearly tipped me out of the sledge!! Very easy to talk with and a good instructor when learning new sports.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The evening in the winter months can be long and dark. There was no comfortable seating. Take some ideas for evening fun, games or quizzes to help while away the time.
Also if you like early coffee in the mornings take a little travel kettle etc with you. There is plenty of coffee and tea during the day available.
Don't worry if you think you aren't fit because the activites make it possible to do a bit of everything. The fitter you are the more you do!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
It is classed as an active holiday but I found plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.