8 days tour

Finland Family Winter Adventure

Finland Family Winter Adventure

This tour includes:

Transport

A private minibus is used for all transfers.

Guide

Tour leader throughout Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someoneโ€™s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other peopleโ€™s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 14 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances 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.

Accommodation

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 โ€˜sustainable future through a balance of conservation, community, culture and commerceโ€™. 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 canโ€™t guarantee this.

Others

Snowshoeing cross-country skiing dogsledding Beautifully remote wilderness location Chance to see the Northern Lights

Meals

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.

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included.

Others

โ€” Travel Insurance โ€” Single accommodation (available on request) โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Insurance

Insurance is not included. It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

Optional

There are a number of 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 pre-book them with the staff at Basecamp at your earliest convenience. Ice climbing tower at Basecamp: allow โ‚ฌ59 per person for 2ยฝ hours basic course. Make your own Lappish drum: โ‚ฌ65 per person. Full day husky safari: for 6-9 hour trip (the duration depends upon the weather conditions), includes snacks and sausages by an open fire. Allow โ‚ฌ315 per person for a single or โ‚ฌ 270 per person if sharing a sledge. Downhill skiing: starting from โ‚ฌ80 (equipment and ski pass). Snowmobile safari: Allow โ‚ฌ89 per person (2 per machine) or โ‚ฌ129 (solo use) for approximately a 90 minute scenic safari around Ruka using eco-friendly 4-stroke snowmobiles. Important note on snowmobiling: all drivers must be over 17 and have a valid (car) driving licence and carry this with you whilst driving. You will be liable to pay for any damage to snowmobiles up to the excess on the insurance policy, which is approx. โ‚ฌ1000 per machine. You will be asked to sign a form agreeing to the above. This means, that in the unlikely event that 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 โ‚ฌ120.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Finland Family Winter Adventure

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Basecamp Oulanka (Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Basecamp Oulanka (Dinner)

      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.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Gentle Half-Day Snowshoe Walk; Free Use Of Snowshoes In The Afternoon (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Gentle Half-Day Snowshoe Walk; Free Use Of Snowshoes In The Afternoon (Breakfast,Lunch,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.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Dogsledding Instruction And Tour In Riisitunturi National Park (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Dogsledding Instruction And Tour In Riisitunturi National Park (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.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Morning Cross-Country Ski Lesson (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Morning Cross-Country Ski Lesson (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.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Morning Visit To A Reindeer Farm And Short Ride On A Reindeer-Pulled Sleigh; Free Afternoon In Ruka For Optional Activities (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Morning Visit To A Reindeer Farm And Short Ride On A Reindeer-Pulled Sleigh; Free Afternoon In Ruka For Optional Activities (Breakfast,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.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Free Morning; Afternoon Childrenโ€™S Snow Games: Sledging, Building Snow Forts And Snowmen (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Free Morning; Afternoon Childrenโ€™S Snow Games: Sledging, Building Snow Forts And Snowmen (Breakfast,Lunch,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. The afternoon is spent in the childrenโ€™s snow park, which is 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.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Free Day. Optional Activities Including Dog Sledding, Unguided Cross-Country Skiing Or Snowmobile Tours (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Free Day. Optional Activities Including Dog Sledding, Unguided Cross-Country Skiing Or Snowmobile Tours (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, enrol in one of the several optional activities available: downhill skiing at nearby Ruka (transport and skiing not included) or further dogsledding and snowmobile safaris. Alternatively, kick sledging can keep you entertained. We then have our farewell dinner at Basecamp.

  • Day 8 Day 8: End Basecamp Oulanka (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: End Basecamp Oulanka (Breakfast)

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

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 9 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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