This was the best vacation we’ve ever had. There were four things that made this vacation absolutely outstanding:
First: the location- between the Northern lights and the snowy forest and river landscapes, this place is heaven on earth.
Second: the guides- Janne and Lars made this a really special trip. It’s clear that they love their jobs and their location. Lars makes all of the bread fresh daily and his kitchen staff is so talented. All of the food was delicious. Janne is such a great outdoorsman (Janne was our main guide for the trip)- it was so neat hearing of all of the training experiences he’s had. They were both so knowledgable about all of the wildlife in the area.
Third: the activities. The activities were so great! The snowshoeing and cross-country skiing was challenging and fun. I loved them both, and I even had time to improve my new skiing skills over the trip (my husband wants to continue in our winters at home!). Then the dog-sledding, reindeer-sleighing and learning about the Sami culture and visiting with a Sami reindeer herder were once-in-a-lifetime experiences. They were amazing, and I will never forget them.
Finally, the fourth thing that made this trip fabulous was: the group. I wonder if Exodus just calls to people who you really want to spend time with. We loved the entire group, and they made this vacation amazing. They were supportive in all of our falling-down efforts, no one felt they had to outdo anyone else, and our evenings of downtime while we chased the Northern lights were all so much fun! We’ll definitely book with Exodus again!
Winter Holidays
Winter Holidays
Imagine snowshoeing along frozen rivers, following reindeer tracks through primeval forests or bunking down in a hunter’s lodge, our winter holidays give you the opportunity to embrace the beauty and tranquility of snowy landscapes while enjoying exhilarating activities.
Finland is home to fairytale scenery and vibrant culture and is a popular destination for winter trips. Experience the thrill of snowmobiling through snow-dusted forests and across frozen lakes as you immerse yourself in the serenity of the vast wilderness.
For anyone seeking a more challenging adventure, the Dolomites in Italy provide a stunning backdrop for cross-country skiing. Glide through pristine snow-covered meadows and forests while taking in the immense mountain vistas and explore the wide variety of trails that wind among rugged peaks.
One of the most awe-inspiring spectacles of the winter season can be witnessed in Iceland – the Northern Lights. This mesmerising dance of colourful lights illuminating the night sky captivates visitors from around the world. The Aurora can also be witnessed in the Arctic Circle, where the sky comes alive with neon lights in shades of green, pink and purple.
All our winter holidays provide you with perfect opportunities to explore a variety of activities among awe-inspiring destinations around the world. Whether you choose to go husky sledding through the glistening Finnish forests or cross-country skiing in the mighty Dolomites, every experience will bring you closer to nature and let you delve further into the culture, history and traditions of each destination you visit.
Types of Winter Holidays
All Winter Holidays
Top 5 Activities on Winter Holidays
1. Cross-country Skiing: A popular winter activity that combines physical exercise with the splendour of the great outdoors is cross-country skiing. The sport involves gliding across snowy terrain using long, narrow skis and poles and is enjoyed at a much more relaxed pace than downhill skiing. It’s a fantastic way to explore the snow-covered landscapes in places like Finland, Norway or the Italian Dolomites and whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, you’ll still love the thrill of exploring winding trails through snow-covered forests and mountain trails.
2. Husky sledding: Explore the winter landscapes on an exhilarating and unforgettable husky sledding adventure. Sitting snugly in a sled as a team of energetic and well-trained huskies pulls you through the winter wonderland is an experience like no other. The breathtaking scenery, the sound of paws on crisp snow and the fresh wintry air combine to make this an immersive and exciting experience. Husky sledding is not only an adrenaline-fuelled activity, but it’s also a unique way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of winter in a whole new light.
3. Snowshoeing: This is another great winter activity that lets you explore pristine winter landscapes at your own pace. With specialised shoes that distribute your weight over a larger area, snowshoeing makes it easy to walk on thick snow. Exploring quiet forests, snow-covered wilderness and mountain tracks, snowshoeing is a peaceful and meditative way to explore the sights and sounds of the winter scenery. This is also a great activity for all ages and fitness levels.
4. Northern Lights Tour: For those seeking a magical and awe-inspiring experience, a Northern Lights tour is a must-do winter activity. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are a natural light display that occur in high-latitude regions, creating swirling curtains of light in the dark night sky. Witnessing this stunning phenomenon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe of the natural world. Our tours take you to prime viewing locations, providing you with the best chance of witnessing the lights in all their glory.
5. Snowmobiling: This thrilling winter activity takes you on an adrenaline-pumping adventure through snowy landscapes. Riding a snowmobile through pristine snow-covered trails and hushed forests gives you a sense of freedom and excitement that is hard to replicate with any other activity. As you navigate twisting trails and glide across virgin snow, you’ll experience an adrenaline rush like no other.
Jennifer Klein Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure
Mark Bershatsky Finnish Wilderness WeekA whole week’s worth of “things I’ve never done before” experiences! A wide variety of winter-oriented activities, each of them special in their own right. Basecamp provided some great accomodations (both food and lodging) and the guides were first class. Strongly recommend for anyone who is looking for a winter getaway. I have been on six adventure-oriented trips with a travel group and this was my favorite one.
What kind of activities can I do on winter trips?
Our winter activity holidays are filled with adventures, and you can choose from a range of exciting outdoor activities. Whether you want to explore the frozen Finnish landscapes on a dogsledding tour or a snowmobile safari or prefer to go in search of the ethereal Northern Lights in Iceland, we have something to suit all ages and levels of fitness. Other activities that you can take part in on several of our winter trips include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
What cultural experiences are there on winter trips?
Each of our winter trips is packed with immersive cultural experiences as well as exciting outdoor activities. On the Finnish Wilderness Week, you can visit a husky farm and learn about how these important animals are looked after, hot up in a traditional Finnish sauna and have a go at the ancient art of quinzee building. During your holiday, meet with local people, learning of their heritage and traditions, and try authentic cuisine with recipes that have been passed down through generations.
FAQs on Winter Holidays
Winter trips offer a mix of thrilling adventures and stunning snow-covered landscapes, making destinations like Finland, Iceland, the Arctic Circle and Norway perfect choices for an activity break. Finland is famous for its enchanting winter wonderland and vibrant Northern Lights, with a wealth of activities such as husky sledding and snowshoeing available. Iceland’s geothermal hot springs and otherworldly landscapes form a mysterious backdrop for Northern Lights tours while the Arctic Circle gives you the chance to witness the magical polar night and explore ice caves. The Norwegian wilderness is wildly beautiful in winter and is the perfect destination for cross-country skiing.
When preparing for a winter activity holiday, it’s essential to pack clothing and gear that will keep you warm and comfortable in extremely cold conditions, especially if you’re travelling to places like Norway and the Arctic Circle. Some key items to pack include thermal base layers to trap heat, insulated jackets and trousers for extra warmth, waterproof outerwear to protect against snow and rain, gloves, hats and scarves to shield extremities from the cold. Also, sturdy winter boots with good traction are necessary for walking on slippery surfaces. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the sun’s glare on snowy days. Lastly, a backpack with snacks and water is essential to keep energised during outdoor activities.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that attracts people from around the world. One of the best places to witness this magical display is in Iceland. With its clear skies, minimal light pollution and easily accessible locations such as Thingvellir National Park and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland is an ideal destination for viewing the Northern Lights. Other popular places to go in search of the Aurora lie within or above the Arctic Circle, with countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland and Canada all vying to be the best host for the greatest light show on Earth.
Cross-country skiing can be a challenging yet rewarding outdoor activity that requires a combination of strength, endurance, balance and technique. The difficulty of cross-country skiing often depends on various factors such as terrain, weather conditions and skiing experience. Initially, beginners may find it tough to master the proper techniques of gliding, kicking and poling efficiently. Enduring long distances on varying terrains can be physically demanding, testing your endurance and muscular strength. Additionally, navigating through snow-covered landscapes with varying levels of difficulty adds another layer of complexity. Despite its challenges, cross-country skiing is a unique and invigorating experience that allows you to connect with nature.
The Arctic Circle is famed for its extreme cold temperatures, making it one of the coldest regions on Earth. With average temperatures hovering around -30 to -40 degrees Celsius in winter, and rarely exceeding 0 degrees Celsius in summer, the Arctic Circle experiences harsh and unforgiving cold throughout the year. The icy winds that sweep across the vast snowy landscapes create a bone-chilling environment that challenges both the native wildlife and human inhabitants. The freezing conditions in the Arctic Circle play a crucial role in shaping its unique ecosystem and have a profound impact on climate patterns worldwide.
Meet the Expert
Garance Chuzel – Product and Operations Manager
“What springs to mind about winter trips is always the magical scenery of snowy trees and extraordinary activities in untouched landscape. For me, nothing beats experiencing the unique atmosphere of each place, whether it’s hearing the squeaking snow under my snowshoes on top of the Dolomites or feeling a pack of huskies pull my sled in Finland.”
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Our Winter Experts
Elina Juhani
Expert Leader: Finland
Ilse Alt
Expert Leader: Norway
Jenny Smith
Expert Leader: Italy
Joonas Pohjalainen
Expert Leader: Finland
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