If you are an experienced cross country skier looking for guaranteed snow and exciting but... Hazel Ryder, 2018 See more reviews
This was a really special holiday. Lovely skiing through Narnia landscapes with absolutely no... Jacqui Russell, 2018 See more reviews
Cross-country skiing in the Finnish wilderness, with a few night's lodgings in a renovated... Caroline Bromley, 2017 See more reviews
Itinerary Expand all Day 1 Start Logging Lodge by Basecamp Oulanka. Start at Basecamp Oulanka for the first briefing and to visit the kit room to collect all the clothing needed for a week of cross-country skiing in arctic conditions. Depending on the arrival time we may have dinner here or later when we arrive at the Logging Lodge in Oulanka National Park. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Easy Introduction day to cross- country skiing. Our first day is spent reacquainting ourselves with cross-country skiing. Before starting we get an introduction from the leader about what to expect skiing in the wilderness. We spend the day not far from the Logging Lodge, either practising on circuits cut for us in the forest or in a larger clearing on the edge of the forest. In summer this is used as a gravel pit, and whilst that may not sound hugely appealing, a healthy dose of snow in winter turns it into a wide open area with a few ups and downs, perfect for getting back into the swing of things. Lunch today is taken back at the Logging Lodge. We aim to have a few hours of practice in both the morning and afternoon to get our ski legs back. In the evening we are given dry sacks to fill with the belongings we’ll need for the nights spent at the Russian Border. These are then packed onto the trailer and taken by snowmobile in the morning to our destination. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Ski east to the Russian border. The goal today is the log cabin known as the ‘Russian End’, on the banks of the Oulanka River, close to the border. After the briefing, we set off through the forest enjoying the tranquillity of the Finnish winter landscape.On the way, we stop for a snack and a warm drink. Eventually, we come to the edge of the Border Zone with Russia, often a nice photo stop, before heading on to our cosy home for the next two nights. The total distance is around 11km and we aim to arrive by mid-afternoon depending on conditions. Those that wish can accompany our second leader down to the river to collect some ice which we’ll use for a well-deserved sauna or undertake further skiing if there is time.This location has no light pollution so there is a fantastic chance in the evening of seeing the Northern Lights in all their glory if the conditions are right. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Return trip to a wonderful viewpoint at Saunavaara. After a night in splendid isolation, we awake to a warm breakfast and prepare for our day tour. The route takes us first across the river and uses initially some forest roads, again skirting the border and eventually to the beautiful viewpoint which overlooks Lake Paanajärvi on the Russian side, a wonderful spot from which to admire the natural surroundings. Our way back takes us through forest inhabited by Elk so there is a high chance of seeing one. In the evening we can relax in the traditional Finnish sauna and head out to the frozen river for an amazing view of the night sky. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Ski back through the forest to the Logging Lodge visiting the reindeer round-up place. Today we pack up our kit for the return journey to the Logging Lodge then head out on the skis. We pass a Reindeer herders pen where we will stop and look for the reindeer which wander freely in the area before stopping for a hot drink and snack break. Once back at the Logging Lodge there is a free afternoon for relaxing in the sauna. Extra skiing opportunities may be available if we arrive ahead of schedule. The total time this route takes can vary greatly according to conditions and group proficiency. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Free day for optional activities. Free day. There are a variety of optional activities on offer today including the new and increasingly popular winter activity – fat biking; explore the winter wonderland with specially made bicycles with ultrawide tires that can run easily on the snow at very low pressure. Alternatively, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also available near the Logging Lodge. For those looking to go further afield why not try the Arctic Husky Safari. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 7 Final day ski along the Juhtivaara Fell. Farewell dinner by open fire Today we set off into the wilderness for our longest day of the trip. Our route starts by heading north into the forest following a trail beneath the Juhtivaara fell. There are some undulations on this route, though the effort is well worthwhile! We explore the habitat of the Wolverine and Golden Eagle; if we are lucky we might even spot one. We have lunch along the way on the trail. Then we ski back to the Logging Lodge for an outdoor farewell dinner and in time for a final sauna. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 End Logging Lodge The trip will end at the Logging Lodge. Lunch is included for clients booked on the group flights for departures from Dec. 24th to Feb. 11th (included) due to a later inbound flight time. Meals included: Breakfast
Logging Lodge The Logging Lodge, on the edge of the Oulanka National Park, was originally built in the 1950s and has been renovated to provide more modern accommodation for our groups. Twin rooms actually have two bunks on opposite walls though we use these as twin share. Facilities are shared. There are two bathrooms, a shower room, sauna, drying room and a lounge/dining area. There is wifi throughout. Meals are taken in the main lounge/dining area where there is also a small bar of sorts.
Russian End Wilderness Cabin The Russian End cabin is a traditional elk hunting camp. There is no running water and no electricity and our two nights here give a real taste of life in the wilderness. There is one small room with a twin and a single bed, a small kitchen area where our leaders will prepare the food, and the main living area. The main living area, is quite simply one big room, with a large table down the middle and one long bunk along the wall. Due to the nature of the accommodation it is not possible to have a single here, and we do our best to accommodate people as best we can within these sleeping arrangements, however it is not possible to pre allocate berths. Warmth is never an issue, with a roaring fire and warm sleeping bags and candles to provide light. We may also make use of a second sleeping area in the same cabin as the sauna. The sauna is in a separate building close to the river. Using water cut from the river ice we fire this upon arrival. This space also doubles as a washing area. There is no shower, instead, we use the hot and cold water provided to wash – pouring a mix of these over your head constitutes a real ‘Finnish’ shower and is certainly effective!The toilet here is in a separate hut about 50m from the cabin. The location is unforgettable, a stone’s throw from the river and not far from the Russian border, this is a long way off the grid and all the better for it. With zero light pollution, Northern Lights displays, whilst never guaranteed, can be spectacular.
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Reviewed February 2019 Rhys Challen Trip: Cross-country skiing in Oulanka National Park Cross country review Great trip though very cold. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? - What did you think of your group leader? Our guide and assistant guide were great, very helpful and knew their stuff. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take your own gear if you have it. The cold weather boots and gloves that are provided are great but the rest of the clothing is of very average quality. Be prepared for potential extreme cold, i.e. we had around -30c temps for most of the week. Is there anything else you would like to add? The trip uses narrow track ski's, these can be very different for people who have done previous previous cross country skiing with the wider ski's. Also the track ski's aren't suited to low snow levels like we had for our trip.
Reviewed March 2018 Madeline Russell Trip: Cross-country skiing in Oulanka National Park Cross country skiing in Oulanka National Park, northern Finland An unforgettable experience! Mile upon mile of snow and trees and more snow and more trees, with only us, apart from one of the cabins where we took a break (2 other couples who had spent the night there) and the 'touristy' Oulanka Visitor Centre - not more than 20 others all enjoying the view of the white water breaking through the snowy river. Martti, our Guide, and his team looked after us all so well, both out on the trails and back at the cabins. A sauna by candlelight and 'snow washing' in between was amazing! To see reindeer up close, as well as tracks in the snow of wolverine, elk, fox, hare and squirrel. To warm up by a fire in along the trail, with hot chocolate, or a sandwich dipped in hot juice. To return by moonlight and then headtorches for the last bit, after our longer day. To be able to go up to the Arctic Circle and experience real dog sledding was a perfect last day, but there was still time for some of us to go for a short final ski when we got back! To relax at the end of a day feeling well exercised, sauna-ed and warm, knowing that the next day held more adventures. To share our leaders' appreciation and knowledge of this wilderness area and our responsibility for it. To enjoy living at a slower pace, appreciating all that this holiday offered. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Staying at the 'Russian End' - candlelight, warmth from the wonderful fires, drilling and sawing through the ice to collect water, an amazing night sky, and no-one but us! The space and solitude and Narnia qualities of where we were. Skiing by moonlight. Knowing that though I am nearer 70 than 60 I can still do this! However ...... to have 5 days of skiing and then to go up to the Arctic Circle and dog sled, finishing off the day with a final short ski was also very special. What did you think of your group leader? Martti was excellent. Not only did he make sure we were all fully kitted out, but nothing was too much for him and his team. He had so much experience of group leading / management, but also of the area and environment, and a wonderful dry sense of humour! We had some trainees during the week, who were definitely of the same calibre. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? After arriving at Base Camp Oulanka, about 40 minutes from Kuusamo airport, we were kitted out with 3 layers top and bottom, plus boots, gloves, back pack, headtorch etc. Great. As this was my firtst time on such a holiday, it meant I didn't have to go out and buy stuff which might not have been needed / suitable. I wore merino longjohns and longsleeved top the whole week. Perfect. The trip notes were helpful in this respect. Exercise the inner thigh muscles! . Is there anything else you would like to add? The daily distances were good. Some trips with other companies go further each day. 13 km is a comfortable distance. If you aren't sure this is for you you could always try a wilderness week, where you get to do lots of different things, including cross country skiing. I had a chat with someone from Exodus at the time of my booking who was very helpful, and reckoned I could cope! After all, there were times all of us including Martti took off his skis to go up or down a steep hill!
Reviewed March 2018 Shiona Morrison Trip: Cross-country skiing in Oulanka National Park Cross country skiing in Oulanka National Park This was the most wonderful trip! Finland is exceptionally beautiful and we were blessed with clear skies and sunny weather. Every day we skied for 6 hours or more on tracks had been specially made for us and we saw no other people for at least 5 days. The cabins were warm and comfortable, the food plentiful and frequent, and every night we enjoyed a relaxing Finnish sauna. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I loved the landscape - endless variations on trees and snow and wilderness, always changing from narrow trails through pines and spruces to wide runs bordered by elk hunters' chairs and then the open expanse of the frozen Oulanka river. We were especially fortunate to see the Northern Lights on several evenings. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader, Martti, was excellent. He led a group of 8 skiers of very different abilities and ensured that no-one was left behind and conversely the stronger skiers were not held back. We had the advantage of 3 trainee guides who were all encouraging, knowledgeable and patient, who pointed out wildlife and described the fauna and flora we saw. All the staff worked tirelessly: making fires, hauling wood and water, preparing food and planning our itineraries. Martti organised our day off annd we unanimously chose the Dog Sledding Optional Activity in the Artic Circle which was absolutely thrilling. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? As a relative novice cross-county skier, I found the skiing demanding both in terms of the distances we covered and the terrain. On one day, the return route was 24km including many descents and ascents. Others on the trip were much more experienced, and it was lucky for me that we had the extra guides so there was always someone who had the time to wait for me. Pack light! The equipment provided was top-quality and entirely appropriate for the conditions. All we really needed was the merino underlayers, as described in the Trip Notes. Is there anything else you would like to add? As long as you are fit and enthusiastic, go and enjoy the unique delights of cross-country skiing in Finland!
Reviewed March 2018 Hazel Ryder Trip: Cross-country skiing in Oulanka National Park Winter wonderland If you are an experienced cross country skier looking for guaranteed snow and exciting but challenging terrain then this is the holiday for you. Out in the Finnish wilderness you won't meet any other groups of skiers so you are left feeling that this whole snowy landscape has been created especially just for you! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Skiing back to the Logging Lodge through the National Park as the sun set and moon and stars came out. No one else around but us and if you paused your skiing there wasn't a sound to be heard other than your own beating heart. Magical. What did you think of your group leader? Martti is an excellent group leader with a gentle sense of humour. He was encouraging when needed (can I make it down the slope this time without ending up in a snow drift?) and along with the rest of the staff very informative of the Finnish wilderness. I can now confidently identify snow tracks of wolverines, reindeer, squirrels, foxes and hares plus distinguish reindeer droppings from elk! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read the trip notes carefully, this is not a trip for beginners. However if you have cross country skied before and have a good level of fitness then I am sure you won't be disappointed. As all equipment and most of the cold weather clothing is provided you can travel light. Merino base layers cope well with the extreme low temperatures. If you have time then book a couple of days in Helsinki first, even if the depths of winter it's a gem of a city to visit.
Reviewed February 2018 Jacqui Russell Trip: Cross-country skiing in Oulanka National Park So much more than skiing This was a really special holiday. Lovely skiing through Narnia landscapes with absolutely no other people around (but lots of evidence of passing elks, reindeer and wolverines!). But what made the trip really stand out for me was the whole range of other memorable experiences that you wouldn't normally get from a skiing holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Lots of them! To pick a few: - Staying at the 'Russian End' for a couple of nights - lit by candles and kept snug by woodstoves - was fantastically atmospheric and a real highlight. I was a bit unsure about this bit beforehand but it was just great. - Standing on the edge of the Russian border zone waving at the border guard cameras hidden in the trees. - Northern lights. - Husky dog sledding on our 'day off'. - Naked saunas. Every day. Yes, I'm British, so some sort of clothing has always been involved before. But no clothes is so much better! And with just our group in the accommodation we could all agree how we wanted things to work. What did you think of your group leader? Martti was a brilliant group leader, really attentive to individual interests and needs, and always flexing plans calmly and creatively to accommodate. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The ski equipment is really good quality, and all the clothes they provide will keep you warm - you just need to take a few base layers and some decent socks. The food is nourishing - I'm veggie, and was well catered for. You do need to be able to ski already - the trip isn't designed to cater for beginners - but you don't need to be super experienced/speedy. Is there anything else you would like to add? It was fun!
Reviewed February 2017 Caroline Bromley Trip: Cross-country skiing in Oulanka National Park Cross-country Skiing in Oulanka National Park, Finland Cross-country skiing in the Finnish wilderness, with a few night's lodgings in a renovated hut, far away from the hustle and bustle of any dwelling. Fantastic opportunity to experience the beautiful and incredibly peaceful scenery, whilst energetically swishing along on skis. At the end of the day you're treated to a hearty meal, made from local produce, and of course a Finnish sauna to set you up perfectly for the next day. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The guides are very knowledgeable about their local environment and are passionate to uphold a sustainable lifestyle. What did you think of your group leader? Welcoming, very friendly, expert skier and keen to help improve your skills.
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