Finland Family Winter Adventure

Name: Finland Family Winter Adventure
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.9 (25 reviews)

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

~~£ 2899~~ £ 2499

4.9/5 from

Family

Activity Level

Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Family, Winter

Group Size :

6 - 18

Ages :

Trip Code :

FVB

Carbon Footprint :

9kg CO2e per person per day

Enjoy winter activities for all the family in a beautiful, wild landscape

For a winter trip with a difference, Oulanka is always a popular destination for families. On this fun-filled trip in Finland, the whole clan will enjoy a host of exciting activities and wholesome home-cooked food. We set out to explore the beautiful wilderness on snowshoes, cross-country skis, dogsled and reindeer sleigh. Better yet, our ecofriendly base is at the edge of Oulanka National Park in a truly spectacular setting with the very best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights, nature’s most spectacular light show.

Highlights

Go beyond the Arctic Circle for a family-friendly adventure in Sápmi’s wild winter wonderland
Learn the basics of snowshoeing on a gentle walk past frozen rapids and the Kitkajoki River
Get to grips with cross-country skiing under the guidance of an instructor
Make friends with a pack of huskies on a dog-sledding adventure through the snow
Look to the vast sky for a nightly chance to witness the Northern Lights

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Basecamp Oulanka)
Five days of mixed activities
Group normally 6 to 18, plus leaders
All Arctic winter equipment and clothing provided

Countries visited: Finland

What's Included

All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

FVB - Finland Family Winter Adventure

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Oulanka Oulanka

Welcome to the wintery wilds of Finland. We typically have our welcome briefing during dinner, discussing the week ahead and getting an introduction to Basecamp Oulanka and the area we will soon explore.

Meals included: Dinner

After sorting out your equipment for a week in Arctic conditions, we explore Oulanka National Park with a gentle half-day snowshoe walk past frozen rapids and following the Kitkajoki River. The afternoon is free for further snowshoeing or enjoying a warm sauna or hot tub. Alternatively, you might wish to try kick sledging, a metal-frame sled you can use on your own or with your children and venture around Basecamp.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we head to a husky farm on the edge of the neighbouring Riisitunturi National Park. We start with tuition on how to ride and drive the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then continue into the woods where our dog teams eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 6mi (10km) mushing adventure. With the adults driving and the children sitting in the sled, we appreciate the serenity of this snow-laden landscape.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down to the nearby Juuma Lake, we learn the basics of cross-country skiing from our instructor. There may be a few tumbles in the soft snow to start, but this is half the fun. After building confidence on the skis, we head onto the lake, gliding through the fresh powder. Keep hold of your skis because we have further opportunities to test out our skills in the afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we visit a reindeer farm and museum where everyone can ride a reindeer-pulled sleigh. The visit finishes with hot drinks and reindeer sausages around an open fire. We spend the rest of the day at the popular ski resort of Ruka. Your guide will take care of transfers and can book activities for you. Group transfers are included only to the designated areas and are scheduled at specific times; it is advisable to check at reception before making your activities booking. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available.

Please note, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday due to operational reasons.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we can sleep in and start the day at a more relaxed pace. To kick off the afternoon, we see about making a fire and cooking our own pancakes for lunch.

In the afternoon, we are busy with snow games supervised by the Basecamp guides. Here, children can learn how to build a snow fort followed by hot chocolate and doughnuts. Families can also have a go at making a snow sculpture, among other activities.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is left free to spend as you like. Options include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with all the Basecamp facilities at your disposal and many accessible roads to explore. Otherwise, join in one of the several optional activities available: downhill skiing or snowmobile safaris at nearby Ruka (transport and skiing not included) or a walking trip to nearby Jyrävä waterfall with snacks and hot drinks by a campfire. Alternatively, unguided cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or kick sledging can keep you entertained. We then have our farewell dinner at Basecamp.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trip ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to Basecamp Oulanka, which may feel like a second home by now, before your return journey home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.

Though this trip has been designed for nine to 12-year-olds, it’s also suitable for 13 to 16-year-olds. Our Family trips are aimed at children in the primary age group, so if your child is in the secondary age group, they may find it a little easier. If you have queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

This is a mixed-activity week for families with a good selection of guided activities and free time for independent activities or relaxation. None of the activities require previous experience but the exposure to cold weather can be quite tiring. The free time provides the opportunity to tailor the trip to your preferences.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Basecamp Oulanka, Myllykoskentie 30, 93900 Kuusamo, Finland
Phone: +358 40 0509741
Recommended arrival time: Check-in is from 4pm. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Kuusamo Airport (KAO)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 45 to 60 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Oulanka
Location end: Oulanka

Vaccinations and Health

Finland

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Finland

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Finland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, five lunches and seven evening meals are included.

The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of local produce prepared by the in-house chef. Starters consist of a salad buffet with three to four choices. The main courses consist of wild game such as elk, chicken and salmon. There is also vegetarian food. Dessert consists of lingonberries, blueberries and cloudberries, often picked by the chef. It is refreshing to know that what is viewed as superfoods in our supermarkets grows locally to Basecamp. These are served with a selection of quark curd, cream, ice cream, cakes and pancakes. Lunch normally consists of hot soup with elk, salmon or a vegetarian option.

Weather

Close to the Arctic Circle, temperatures during the season range from -30C to 5C (-22F to 41F). December will normally be the coldest time (usually below -20C/-4F), but the temperatures rise as the days lengthen and early April sees temperatures around -10C to 5C (14F to 41F). Recent years have seen massive fluctuations in the space of a few weeks with lows of -40C (-40F) and highs of 7C (45F) just a few days apart. If the thought of such temperatures scares you, then think again. When dressed in the Arctic clothing provided, with insulated boots, woolly hat and large mittens, -20C (-4F) can actually feel very pleasant. The Arctic cold is a dry cold, there is usually no wind, and remember we will keep you active.

Daylight hours: At extreme latitudes, the days shorten and lengthen much faster. So while in midwinter (December/January) the sun remains just below the horizon, by April there are more daylight hours than in the UK, and the midnight sun is only a matter of weeks away. Even in midwinter it is not dark, as the sun is just above the horizon and there is plenty of light reflected off the snow.

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Visible from September to late April on most clear nights at latitudes close to and above the Arctic Circle. They can be seen further south but will be less spectacular and less frequent. Solar activity is greater around the equinoxes (September and April), and at lower latitudes this can be the best time to see them. Inside the Arctic Circle, they tend to be just as good in any winter month, and on a seven-night trip you would be unlucky not to see the Northern Lights at all.

TRIP

FVB - Finland Family Winter Adventure

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Basecamp Oulanka

Overlooking Lake Juuma and the national park after which it was named, Basecamp Oulanka is our welcoming home in the remote Finnish wilderness. The magical complex comprises a series of wooden structures: the twin rooms are split across two separate buildings, while a third building houses a restaurant and bar with a log fire, plus a sauna and outdoor hot tub.

Built in 1998 with sustainability in mind, the complex is heated using special wood pellets for fuel. It is also a member of The Long Run Foundation, which comes with a commitment to building a ‘sustainable future through a balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce’.

Worth knowing

Multiple Exodus trips run at Basecamp Oulanka concurrently and you might share the room with a member of a different group.
A family of four will be allocated a large room at the time of booking; please let your sales representative know at the time of booking if you want to upgrade to one double room and one twin room (subject to availability).
Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you are put. You need to come prepared for this.
While we do our very best to ensure families are roomed close together, we can’t guarantee this.

TRIP

FVB - Finland Family Winter Adventure

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Helen Corbin

Reviewed February 2024

A fabulous week

A wonderful week of activities.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many to narrow it down - dog sledding was great for everyone (old and young alike), snow shoeing in the forest finding out the creatures that had created which foot prints, sledging, meeting the baby reindeer, playing in the snow with the family, amazing scenery, meeting other families ... and so so much more

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tuomas was very friendly and great with the whole family. He was very observant, communicated well and told us so much about FInnish nature, whilst looking after us on our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The clothes they provided were perfect and enough to keep us warm in under minus 30 degrees !

Jude Townley

Reviewed February 2022

Amazing Family Trip

Such an amazing trip if you are looking for fun in the snow! We did Feb half term and it was fantastic.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many things. The scenery was mind blowing - we had gorgeous sunny days for the first half of the week, very cold (-30 at some points) but the kit we were given had us snuggly warm. It was a real experience to have your eye lashes freeze! The second part of the week snowed, and that was lovely too. The dog sledding was an obvious highlight, and sitting by the frozen lake with the group, around a campfire at night watching (short & v subtle) northern lights. Snow shoeing to explore the beautiful national park was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elina took our group and was fabulous! On top of everything, happy and energetic, fun and great with the kids. Couldnt have asked for more.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The kit they give you is great - trust that you won't want much more! Bring thermals for everyday, and lots of warm socks. I had my own fleece and used it, but didnt need it. If any of the kids clothing got soaked from sledging, they were very happy to swap it for dry kit - including the walking boots. The food it great - and there is tons of it. I took a load of cereal bars for my kids for snacks, they werent needed (and thats for 2 14 yr olds!). You WILL end up booking extras to do, there really isnt much planned for the fri and sat so we paid to do the saturday snow shoe walk, which was lovely. Our whole group ended up doing it. By the end of the week, we were one big happy group and organised some of our own activities using the sites equipment to entertain ourselves. There really isnt much to do in Ruka if you don't pay to go ice karting or skiing - my daughter and I had decided to mooch around the town, which took about 10 mins! You can take the cable car over to the other side, which we did, but again not much there apart from a cafe and nursery ski slopes. My husband and son did ice karting and it was good fun. My son did the ice climbing which he really enjoyed (v hard on the arms!). The kids all spent hours of our free time sledging - until bedtime using head torches!! They had a wonderful time and made great friends from the trip.

Isobel Garside

Reviewed January 2019

Don’t understand what you want here

Some days could have had longer scheduled activities especially cross country skiing and snowshoeing – could make more of this aspect and explore further/more

Most Inspirational Moment

Husky trip Dinner outside by camp fire

Thoughts on Group Leader

Local Basecamp team absolutely superb!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Alan Twomey

Reviewed January 2019

Astounding!

Astounding holiday. Spend a week in the stunningly beautiful Finnish wilderness. Beauty, snow, fun – it’s why you go on holiday. Romantic and magical.

Our 6 year old, and all the kids that were there, loved it. Drive huskies, feed and be pulled by Raindeer, snowmobile across frozen lakes, XC ski, build igloos (and sleep in it under the stars if you want!), explore a beautiful valley and park, and sleep soundly after a suana, hot tub and beer.

I ran around it a few times in -15, the routes are clearly laid out, the running is safe and you’ll never forget it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Running through the forest at -15 in snow fall and winter sun

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good guy

Advice for Potential Travellers

You only need the clothes you arrive in and some underwear and socks, and sweatpants If you like running, bring trainers (no need for special off road ones) Bring plenty of evening entertainment!

Kerrie Starbuck

Reviewed January 2019

Fabulous Finland

We had a great time on our Finnish adventure and felt like we were well looked after and entertained the entire time. The scenery and activities were amazing and we’d highly recommend this trip to families of all ages.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting huskies and reindeer, and snow-shoeing through some truly breath-taking forests.

Thoughts on Group Leader

James catered well to the group and kept us informed at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take hand/foot warmers - the supplied equipment is suitable, but sometimes you just need a little extra.

Ian Wilkes

Reviewed January 2019

No lights but great holiday

We were a family of 5, kids ages 20, 18 and 14, doing the Finnish Winter Adventure Family holiday from 23rd December. The family holiday ran in parallel with the adult holiday (over 16yrs) and was very similar. Some of the activities were the same and even run together.
We went to see the Northern lights, over the Christmas holidays whilst our kids were home from Uni or school. The ski was overcast most of the week, and cloudy in the evening, so we didn’t get to see the lights, although our leader called us out to see faint glows through the clouds.
However, we chose this trip as there were plenty of activities to keep us entertained whether we saw the lights or not.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlights of the holiday were the huskie dogs; the snowmobile optional trip; sleeping out on the frozen lake in a Quinzee; the Basecamp food; and the Basecamp staff

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Basecamp leader was Anna, who was very good. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Our Exodus leader was James, who was very good. Great communicator, very knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in making sure we had a good time. He couldn't have done more to help us have a great holiday, other than provide a clear sky to see the lights!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You truly only need to take a base layer, top and bottom. The Basecamp provide boots, two pairs of gloves, a fleece layer, top and bottom, and a waterproof/windproof layer, top and bottom. You just need a hot and buff. My wife and daughter found ski goggles useful for crosscountry skiing and snow shoe hiking, really just to keep the wind off their eyes. I found a balaclava useful too. Other than that, just layer up with long sleeve t-shirts and jumpers.

Curnow Bascombe

Reviewed April 2018

A wonderful winter adventure...!

An awesome holiday that found the balance between being a holiday and an adventure. There was enough inclusive activities, both guide-lead and self-lead, to keep us busy with something everyday. For those who wanted to bolster their holiday with extras, then there were plenty to do so with.

Accommodation was great. Food was good and the staff went above and beyond.

Most Inspirational Moment

We walked the Little Bear trial which was stunning as the season was on the turn between winter and spring gave a beautiful insight into both. And, of course, the Husky day was simply awesome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was friendly, funny, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to cater for all of us. He made our trip even more enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Visit :)

C L

Reviewed March 2018

Beautiful Finnish wilderness holiday

We had a really good time with a family of 5. The setting is beautiful – a low-key lodge in the forest, on the edge of a frozen lake. There are lovely walks from the lodge and cross country skiing. The trips were great, with authentic experiences with reindeer herders and husky owners.
Children were entertained constantly by the deep, deep snow! Equipment very good, and food excellent too.

Most Inspirational Moment

The campfire meals at the husky sledge and the reindeer farm, and the last night evening meal under the stars. Very low-key and relaxed, with no rush to get through anything - the leaders looked as if they were having as much fun as the guests.

Thoughts on Group Leader

There is a high ratio of staff to guests, which makes for great service on the trip and meals too. They were all excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As mentioned by others, you don't need to bring much gear! The clothing and gear they provide is excellent and warm (though you need a scarf/neck warmer). But it all looks the same, so a handy hint if you want to spot your child among 8 identical children milling around a reindeer is to bring your own hat!

R Kirke

Reviewed March 2018

Perfect winter trip for February half term.

A beautiful location in the middle of the Finnish wilderness. Lots of activity in the outdoors. Healthy food with unexpectedly excellent vegetarian options.
Great staff. Seeing the northern lights twice was a huge bonus.
The family and adventure groups who were at base camp that week were some of the nicest people we have met.

Most Inspirational Moment

Dog sledding through the most amazing forests in the wilderness. Beautiful pink sunsets. The hazy mists on the lake at sunset. And of course, seeing the northern lights swirling in the skies.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Solja was lovely and always at hand to help and advice. She was very patient. The other leader Anna was also brilliant even though our interaction was not as much.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The quality of equipment is top class and the Arctic boots and mittens are fab. Your own baselayers are a must. I would recommend snow/ ski goggles as the sun Was strong on the horizon and dog sledding can make your face very cold. Do consider a balaclava for children and if you want to go snowmobiling. A few hand warmers in my mittens while dog sledding kept thumbs warm. The prices on the exodus trip notes for the optional activities were very different to the base camp prices. The optional all day dog sledding was the most expensive at 270 euros per person. Snowmobiling was around 89 Euro’s and don’t forget to bring your driving licence.

Kevin nicholson

Reviewed January 2018

Winter Wonderland

Expectations were high for this trip and I have to say they were met and exceeded. Never been away at Christmas before or done the skiing this – so we were nervous beforehand. The week was great – just the right level of activity – something new every day, with enough time to go off independently and practice snow showing or cross country skiing. Christmas Day was very different from being at home but no less special – standing on a frozen lake watching for signs of the northern lights is no something we would do at home.
Kids 10, 15 and 17 all enjoyed it- Husky Dog ride being a highlight.

Most Inspirational Moment

Out in -27 stood on the back of sledge being pulled by 6 dogs through such an amazing landscape, as the sun just managed to break the horizon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - the whole team at Basecamp were excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

No need to bring much at all - provided equipment was excellent and we only had to return it a few hours before we left. There was plenty of food at meal times - so no real need to take extra. On the free day we did the little bear walk - trail lunch was enough to get us round - no real need for extras. Kit dries out quickly on the heated floors. The walk from the airport gate to the plane was cold so don't forget to wrap up for that bit. Stop and listen often - and see how quiet things can be.

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Finland Family Winter Adventure

4.9/5 from

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

~~£ 2899~~ £ 2499

Finland Family Winter Adventure

Enjoy winter activities for all the family in a beautiful, wild landscape

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Itinerary

Oulanka Oulanka

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Finland

Visa

Finland

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Basecamp Oulanka

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Joonas Pohjalainen

Tuomas Törmänen

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

A fabulous week

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Amazing Family Trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t understand what you want here

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Astounding!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fabulous Finland

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

No lights but great holiday

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

A wonderful winter adventure...!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beautiful Finnish wilderness holiday

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Perfect winter trip for February half term.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Winter Wonderland

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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