Overview
Mixed activity week in a remote part of Finland
In the heart of Oulanka National Park sits Basecamp Oulanka, a self-sustained
complex of wooden buildings in a truly stunning location. In one of the most
sparsely populated areas in Europe, you are able to enjoy a variety of winter
activities in this beautiful landscape and hardly ever see another soul.
Dogsledding through the silent snow-caked forests, you couldnt feel more
removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. Get back to nature this
winter and head to Basecamp.
Highlights
* Enjoy ahost of winter activities in magical surroundings
* Stay in fantastic lodge accommodation
* Experience an evening Northern Lights snowshoe
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka (approx. 45mins).
Fly from Gatwick to Kuusamo, transfer to Basecamp Oulanka (approx 45 mins).
Lunch is included for clients booked on the group flights for departures from
Dec. 15th to Feb. 16th (included) due to a lunchtime arrival inbound flight.
Day 2
Snowshoe hike in Oulanka National park walking through snow-caked trees and
along the Kitka River
In the morning we are provided with all of the equipment needed for a week of
activities in arctic conditions. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes we head
straight out into Oulanka National Park where we are taught the necessary
skills for this activity. Our route today will take us through forests and
along the Kitka River, passing an old flour mill that sits adjacent to the
dramatic Myllykoski rapids (approx 2 hours). After lunch, there will be the
chance to do some further exploration on snowshoes (self-guided) of the
surrounding area or relaxin the sauna or hot tub.
Day 3
Cross-country skiing in the morning heading down to the Juuma lake; free
afternoon.
Today we experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing.
Heading down to the nearby JuumaLake, our instructor will literally walk us
through the basics of how to cross-country ski. There may be a few tumbles to
start with, but in the soft snow this is half the fun! After becoming more
confident on the skis we then head out onto the lake, gliding through the
virgin powder. During your stay at Basecamp, there is the option of further
unguided skiing in the area during your free time.Alternatively, you might
wish to try kick sledging; a metal framesledyou can use on your own and
venture out around Basecamp.
Day 4
Half day dogsledding instruction and tour (about 10km) in Riisitunturi
National Park; optional ice climbing.
After breakfast,we take a bus transfer to the husky farm on the edge of the
Riisintunturi National Park where we meet up with our dogsledding guide. The
day begins with tuition on how to ride on the sled and the importance of
caring for the huskies correctly. We then head off into the woods where our
teams of dogs eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 10km mushing
adventure. Our route follows a gently undulating forested trail into the
wilderness. Travelling two per sled, you are able to really appreciate the
serenity of this beautiful snow-laden landscape. Today we will have lunch
at the husky farm. The afternoon is free to experience some of the optional
activities that Basecamp has to offer such as ice climbing (min 4 persons).
This evening we head out for nighttime snowshoeing, in search for the
Northern Lights.
Day 5
.. Morning visit reindeer farm and museum with a ride on a reindeer sleigh;
free afternoon in Ruka for optional activities.
In the morning, we visit the reindeer farm and museum where everyone will
have the chance to ride on a reindeer sleigh. The visit then draws to a close
with some hot drinks and some reindeer sausages round 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. See the
‘Optional excursions’ section below. Please note that due to operational
reasons, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.
Day 6
Wilderness skills including quinzee building and fire-making; optional night
in the quinzee.
Today we are taught the ancient art of quinzee building. Issued with shovels
and spades and in groups of four, we create a mound of snow, which is later
hollowed out to make sleeping quarters (2-3 persons per quinzee). You have
the option of sleeping in your construction, but the lodge is just a short
walk away if you prefer the warmth of your room.
Day 7
Optional activities including ice climbing, dogsledding or unguided
cross-country skiing; dinner around a campfire.
Today we have a free day with several options on offer to make the most of
the magical Finland Wilderness. Some of the activities available include
unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobile
safaris. As a farewell celebration, we have the option of eating dinner
around a campfire on the edge of the National Park.
Day 8
End Basecamp Oulanka.
Trip ends at Basecamp Oulanka. Those on the group flight transfer to Kuusamo
and fly to London.
