Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Husky sledging through blanket of white snow and all you can hear is the dogs sprinting is breathtaking, feels like your in a dream and you don't want to wake up from it. Whereas snowmobiling over a frozen lake is different speeding up and down hills and just feeling the adrenaline of your in control of this machine is amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bjorne aka Teddy is very good at his job, knew so much information about the surrounding areas, history of the country and the activities participating in. He became one of the group rather than a leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to spend money, a lot of extras but so worth it!! Also even though they give you thermals I would advise brining some of your own stuff as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly, helpful, fun. Outstanding

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pack too many clothes, for the daytime activities everything is provided.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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!

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Stood on the crisp snow covered riverbank, gazing into the break of white water cascading past 'The Mill' as I placed my snowball and thoughts in a secret position to be remembered upon my return to 'the real world'.Standing back to admire the 5 hours worth of hard work from our group of four quincee builders, before creating a 'Benny Hill' style sketch around them! Thanks girls - such fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb! Very approachable, chatty and knowledgeable of the local area. All staff gave every effort to their jobs but also created a relaxed atmosphere whilst efficiently going about their work - from the cook to the group leaders, excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You really don't need to take much with you to wear, other than personal items such as underwear and thermals. A holiday where you could almost get away with hand luggage!

Most Inspirational Moment

The enthusiasm and strength of the husky teams was awesome. I'll never forget the quiet whisper of the sledge and the sense of wonder as we sailed along the trails in the remote forest under the pink skies. 

Most Inspirational Moment

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!

Thoughts on 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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Plan your trip well as the extras can be expensive!

Most Inspirational Moment

seeing the northern lights was a bonus .huskying was great .the surroundings where perfect .

Thoughts on Group Leader

henry was great in fact all of them were

Advice for Potential Travellers

read whats included in your trip properly

Most Inspirational Moment

The dogsledding was for me, my most inspirational moment, there is no other feeling than being as one with the dogs and seeing scenary that you would not normally see from the road, it was completely mystical.  The dogs were great as well albeit some hair-raising moments when I thought I was going to lose control of my sled.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very friendly and accomodating.  If you ever needed any information, advise or assistance both the group leader and his team were available and would always go the extra mile to help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Give everything a go...  if you are a complete novice like I was then it is easy to want to skip certain activities however the leaders are very supportive, so if you have the money look at the additional activities that you can do like the rock climbing or jet skiing - promise you it will be a great experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

Location was superb. Nice to see the Northern Lights even if not a full on display. Staff - you could not have had better

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henri - was superb, always happy and helpful, despite being very short staffed.He was an excellent instructor too.

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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. 

Thoughts on 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.

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.