Snowshoeing in Finland | Exodus

Group snowshoeing in Oulanka NP, Finland

Snowshoeing in Finland Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
Destination: Finland
Programmes: Winter
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
8 Days: Flight Inclusive
8 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: CFO
Carbon Footprint: 9kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Break new trails in the wintery wilds of Oulanka National Park

In the heart of the Finnish wilderness is the beautiful Oulanka National Park, a vast expanse of snow-laden pine trees, frozen lakes and waterfalls. There is no better way to explore this stunning setting than by strapping on a pair of snowshoes and heading out to break new trails. In the company of our expert leader, we take varied day tours in the surrounding area, including a visit to the spectacular Riisitunturi National Park.

At a Glance

Seven nights at Basecamp Oulanka: twin/double rooms across two separate buildings
No previous experience necessary
Reasonable level of fitness required

Highlights

Break new trails in an idyllic winter landscape
Explore two national parks
Stay in cosy accommodation with a sauna and outdoor hot tub
Try downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris

Is This Trip for You?

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

It involves snowshoeing over flat or undulating terrain. There are no big drops and very steep terrain is rare. No snowshoeing experience is necessary; however, a good level of fitness is required as we climb to viewpoints. Expect to be snowshoeing between three and six hours a day at a moderate pace. Variables such as snow depth can (and do) affect this.

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.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 12

Itinerary

Map CFO

Land Only

Start City: Oulanka
End City: Oulanka

Flight Inclusive

Start City: London
End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Our trip starts at Basecamp Oulanka, a complex of cosy wooden buildings in a remote location overlooking Juuma Lake and backing into Oulanka National Park.

Meals included: Dinner

In the morning, we are provided with all the equipment needed for a week of snowshoeing. We then head onto the frozen Juuma Lake for an easy walk to get used to our new form of transport. Our route leads us through snow-caked trees and along the Kitka River, passing an old flour mill by the Myllykoski rapids. The afternoon is free for a self-guided snowshoeing trip or just to relax at Basecamp in the sauna or hot tub.

Activity hours: 2hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s walk begins over a long suspension bridge that hangs across the Niskakoski rapids. We then head to the pristine frozen lake of Jyravajarvi where we can experience snowshoeing in total silence. This brings us to Pyöreälampi, where we stop for a snack. After the rest, we walk across a secluded area to Linnakallio Castle Rocks, a beautiful wall of rock isolated on the riverbanks. Then we pass Jyrävä, the biggest waterfall in the national park, and the Aallokko rapids. Along the path, you can also admire beautiful lichens hanging from the trees.

On our return to Basecamp, we cross a second suspension bridge over the Myllykoski rapids.

Activity hours: 3.5-4

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We transfer to the neighbouring Riisitunturi National Park. Although geographically they are not far apart, the differences between the two national parks are evident. What makes this area so special is the incredible effect the heavy snow has on the trees as you climb higher into the clearings of the fjell. They’re twisted, bent and covered in thick white powder, appearing like hundreds of snow creatures. This memorable walk then culminates in a hike to the top of the fjell for a fantastic view of this wonderful alien landscape.

Activity hours: 3

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We spend 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; check at reception before booking your activities. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available. See Optional Excursions in the Trip Notes for more.

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is the longest day of snowshoeing as we head deep into Oulanka National Park. Our guide takes us along the Little Bear Trail, which encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in the park. It takes us to the south side of the Kitka River and then up to the Kallioportti viewpoint, where we survey the vast snowy landscape. On return to Basecamp, we head over another suspension bridge in Harrisuvanto before taking a well-earned rest in the sauna or hot tub.

Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have several options to make the most of the magical Finland wilderness. Some of the activities available are: an introduction to cross-country skiing and unguided snowshoeing and dogsledding. As a farewell celebration, we enjoy a four-course farewell dinner at Basecamp.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trip ends at Basecamp Oulanka (which may feel a bit like home by now) and we begin our return journey.

Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary listed above will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.

Accommodation

Basecamp Oulanka

Snowshoeing in Finland

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.
There are Exodus family groups at Basecamp during school holidays

Single supplement from £ 400

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners are included.

The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of local produce (Finnish food) all prepared on site by the in-house chef. Starters consist of a salad buffet with three or four different choices. The main courses consist of chicken, salmon and wild game such as elk. Dessert consists of lingonberries, blueberries and cloudberries that have often been picked by the chef. These berries are served with a selection of quark kurd, cream, ice cream, cakes and pancakes. Lunch normally consists of a hot soup with elk, salmon or vegetarian options.

Transport

Transfer to and from the airport is by heated minibus or taxi. All other transport is as per the itinerary.

Weather & Seasonality

In the regions close to the Arctic Circle, temperatures during the season range from -30C (-22F) to 5C (41F). December will normally be the coldest (usually below -20C/-4F), but the temperatures rise as the days lengthen, and early April can see 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, 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
The Northern Lights are 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.

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

What To Take

Essential Equipment

The following clothing is issued on arrival and are yours to use throughout the week:

Full winter outfit including jacket and trousers (pants)
Fleece jacket and trousers x 2 (one thin, one thick)
Winter hat and mittens
Gloves
Boots
Thermos flask

A backpack and head torch (headlamp) are provided for your use during the week at Basecamp.

You do not need to bring any winter clothing with you as it is all supplied locally but we recommend you bring enough clothes for evening wear.

For the optional snowmobile excursion, a more insulated snowmobiling overall and helmet will be provided.

You will need the following:

Tight-fitting base layer
Normal daily clothes
Several pairs of thick socks
Tube scarf/buff
Swimwear and flip flops (for sauna)

From the beginning of February, sunglasses and sunscreen are advisable. Earlier than this, sunglasses may be needed for those with a sensitivity to bright light due to the reflection of light off the snow.

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

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.

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.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Local Time

Finland's time zone: Europe/Helsinki (UTC +03:00)

Electricity

Finland's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Snowshoeing in Finland

Money

Finland's currency: Euro (EUR)

ATM Availability

There are no ATMs available; however, credit cards are accepted at our accommodation.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You should allow some euros for drinks with meals and at the bar; however, it is also possible to have a tab (associated to your room) and pay for your purchases at the end of the week using your credit card or cash. Please note, they accept Visa, Eurocard and Mastercard locally.

Optional excursions

There are several extra excursions available in the area: exact prices and details will be confirmed locally, but the following provides a guide to what is normally available. As some of the excursions can be very popular, we strongly suggest you prebook them with the Basecamp staff at your earliest convenience. Please note, these excursions require a minimum number of four participants and in some there will also be non-Exodus clients booked on.

Downhill skiing: Starting from €80 (equipment and ski pass)
Make your own Lappish drum: €75 per drum
Snowshoeing in Riisitunturi National Park: €95 per person
Ice karting: €60 per person (minimum height: 150cm)
Abseiling by Jurava waterfall: €75 per person
Sauna Joga: €40 per person
Sauna Joga, private session: €200 group. Maximum of five people.
Riisitunturi snowshoeing: €95 per person (minimum age: 12)
Ice fishing: €75 per adult and €40 per child (4 to 12 years’ old)
Reindeer farm visit: €95 per person
Full-day husky safari, six to nine-hour trip (duration depends upon weather conditions). Includes a hot snack by an open fire.
- €315 per person for a single
- €280 per person if sharing a sledge.
- Return taxi for a group up to four people: €320 per group
- Return taxi for a group of five to eight people: €400 per group
Snowmobile safari. Approximately a 90-minute scenic safari around Ruka using four-stroke snowmobiles:
- €90 per person (two per machine)
- €130 (solo use)
- €50 per child when sitting in sled. The child price is valid only when sitting in sledge pulled by the guide.

Important note on snowmobiling: All drivers must be over 17, at least 140cm tall and have a valid (car) driving licence and carry this with you while driving. You will be liable to pay for any damage to snowmobiles up to the excess on the insurance policy, which is approximately €1,000 per machine. You will be asked to sign a form agreeing to the above. This means that in the unlikely event you damage a snowmobile in a major way, you will only be charged the excess and not the full cost of repair. Snowmobiles are not for everyone and can be difficult to master; however, damage is very rare if the drivers are alert and considerate.

On Saturdays, if you wish to snowmobile or downhill ski, a return transfer to Ruka is €120.

Tipping

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus, however, most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. If you feel you would like to leave a tip, as a guide we would suggest a total of approximately €15 for the leader and €10 for the staff at Basecamp.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
Read more about our other initiatives

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used to upkeep and develop these important sites. On this trip we visit Oulanka National Park.
Our local partner owns land outside the borders of the national park and these are left untouched. Purchasing any Basecamp products/services contributes to the protection of these areas and allows for purchase of more lands.
We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
This trip stays at the wilderness Basecamp Oulanka, a lovely complex of wooden buildings. It is renowned for its environmental and sustainability practices having won several awards including the VESTAS award as an ‘Outstanding Example of Accommodation’ and TripAdvisor Green Leaders Gold Award. All energy used is renewable and all waste and water is recycled. The heating system used throughout the complex relies totally on nature using special wood pellets for fuel.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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