Winter in Arctic Finland 2025

SUMMARY

Date:Saturday Feb 15th to Saturday February 22nd 2025

Guide: Maarit our local guide with a local support guide. 

Walking Grade: This is a cross country ski trip with the opportunity to try other Arctic Activities. It is for those who love the winter outdoors and the snowy landscapes. We have 2 guides so the pace can be varied and we have options in the activities.

Highlights:

• Arctic Finland Wilderness
• Finnish hospitality
• Dark skies and the chance to see the Northern Lights ( maybe !)

Base: Hotel Aakenus,Rovaniemi the centre of Lapland in Arctic Finland .

This is a family run, traditional Finnish Hotel. We are using this hotel as it is a cosy place to base ourselves with ensuite solo occupancy rooms as well as apartments for two. There is a bar and restaurant and a sauna and perfect for groups to relax together after days outdoors.

Arrivals: Saturday February 13th between 15.00 and 16.00 to Rovaniemi Airport or make your way to Hotel Aakenus, Rovaniemi . You make want to travel overland.

Departures:Saturday February 22nd after breakfast from Hotel Aakenus

Price: £2800 solo occupancy room fully inclusive:

• Group Airport Transfer
• Ensuite solo occupancy room
• Breakfast , lunches and evening meals
• Transport required throughout the week
• Experienced local guiding – a lead guide and support
• Ski hire

The price is £2300 per person if you bring a friend/partner and share a room.

Not included:

• Travel to Rovaniemi
• Additional drinks from the bar
• Activities not included in the itinerary.

DETAILS

We have been asked to find New Cross country destinations and we are delighted to bring you Finland. Very flat and good for beginners plus you can ski to the Arctic Circle.

We base ourselves in the home of Father and Mrs Christmas as it is the capital of Lapland. It is a vibrant place with great culture and Finnish design. You can be outdoors but also enjoy visiting some of the sights of the city.

Maarit, our local guide, has been showing people the area for many years and she is looking forward to helping you discover the Arctic – on skis! And maybe other ways too.

ITINERARY

Activities may change depending on the weather and at the discretion of the guide. We have planned the following and will extend or shorten depending on the group,the light and the temperature.

In the middle of February, the length of the day in the Arctic Circle is about 8 hours, so we ski between 8:30 and 16:30. This trip is outside as much as possible to experience as much as we can of this Arctic landscape.

Saturday 15th: Arrival at Rovaniemi airport between 15,00 and 16.00. Welcome.

You will be met and transferred by mini bus to our  hotel for the week. Hotel Aakenus in the centre of Rovaniemi and approx 15 minutes away.

Settle in , a welcome briefing and dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Sunday 16th: Introduction to Cross Country Skiing in Finland 

After breakfast, we drive to the Santasport sports and training center in Ounasvaara, where skiing equipment is rented for everyone. All skis have a fur sole in the grip area and you will be briefed on the use of the equipment.

We start by getting to know skis and the basics of skiing. We ski approx. 8-10 km, choosing easy, flat routes in the Ounasvaara area. During the day we enjoy lunch outside.

Monday 17th : Mäntyvaara-Sinettäjärvi 19,4 km.

Nice and easy forest landscape. There are two fire pits along the route for taking a break and frying local sausages/having a picnic or two!

Tuesday 18th:  A Jokkavaara trail of 22 km.

Mainly easy forest and marshland. A small part of the route is of medium difficulty. The route is machine-made, so if the hill seems too big, it’s easy to walk down or up. Along the route there is a campfire for lunch.

Wednesday 19th: Free day for culture and exploring some of the city attractions 

The opportunity to explore the city and its attractions on your own. Within walking distance from the hotel is the Arcticum science center. We can also organize a reindeer or husky or snowmobile ride, if a more wild ride excites you. (Advance booking required. Not included in the price.)

Thursday 20th : An Ice skiing day, 15-18 km.

If the weather conditions permit, we will look for a place nearby where we can safely ski on the ice of a river or lake. (If skiing on the ice is not possible we will do another route)

Friday 21st:  Arctic Circle – Olkkavaara 16 km.

The last day of skiing near the Arctic Circle. Before skiing we can visit the Arctic Circle area and perhaps have a  go at jumping over the Arctic Circle border.

Saturday 22nd :Departure date. Leaving after breakfast

Airport transfer to the airport around 10am so flights after 12 noon.

It’s time to say goodbyeto Finland! Taking home improved skiing skills, new friends and a lot of new great experiences.