X

Finnish Winter Adventure Family Holiday

Resort:Finnish Winter Adventure Family Holiday
Operator: Exodus
Destination:
Price From: £2499.00

Overview

See the Northern Lights in Finland

Oulanka is always a popular family destination, this is definitely a winter trip with a difference. The whole family can enjoy lots of exciting activities and wholesome home-cooked food rustled up by our small team of expert staff. Discover the beautiful wilderness of Finnish Lapland on snowshoes, cross-country skis, dogsled and reindeer sleigh. Our wilderness base is located at the edge of Oulanka National Park in a truly spectacular setting, perfect for this fun-filled winter holiday and with the very best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights, natures most spectacular light show!

Highlights

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

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka (approx. 45 mins).

Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka. **

Day 2 Gentle half day snowshoe walk, exploring the park; free use of snowshoes in the afternoon

After sorting out all of your equipment needed for a week in arctic conditions therewe explore the Oulanka National Park with a gentle half-day snowshoe walk past frozen rapids and following the Kitkajoki River. There is a free afternoon for further snowshoeing, sauna or hot-tub.Alternatively, you might wish to try kick sledging; a metal framesledyou can use on your own or with your children and venture out around Basecamp.

Day 3 Dogsledding instruction and tour of approx 10km (approx.)

This morning, we head off to ahusky farm on the edge of the neighbouring Riisitunturi National Park. We start with tuition on how to ride and drive on the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then continue into the woods where our teams of dogs eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 10km mushing adventure. With the adults driving and the children sitting in the sled, you are able to really appreciate the serenity of this beautiful snow-laden landscape.

Day 4 Morning cross-country ski lesson. Free use of skis after thelesson

Experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down to the nearby Juuma Lake, our instructor will 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. In the afternoon, keep hold of your skis as there will be further opportunities to practise what you have learnt in the morning and have more fun.

Day 5 Morningvisit reindeer farm and museum with a ride on a reindeer sleigh; free afternoonin 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 Free morning; afternoon children’s snow games: sledging, building snow forts and snowmen

This morning we have the chance to sleep longer and start the day at a more relaxed pace. After lunch, the afternoon is spent in the children’s snow park, which is supervised by the Basecamp guides. Amongst other activities, here children have the opportunity to learn how to build a snow fort followed by hot chocolate and doughnuts. Families can also have a go at making a snow sculpture.

Day 7 Free day. Optional activities include ice-climbing, dogsledding or snowmobile tours

Today is left free to spend as you like. Options include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing having all Basecamp facilities at your disposal and many accessible roads to explore. Otherwise, you can 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. There is also a possibility to take on the challenge and exhilaration of ice wall climbing, suitable for all ages. Alternatively, kick sledging can keep you entertained. For the farewell celebration, we will eat dinner around a campfire.

Day 8 Transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London.

Transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London. 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.