Finland Winter Adventure

An exciting but undemanding activity holiday in one of Finland's most picturesque regions

Profile - None of the included activities require previous experience nor are particularly demanding. Grade: A/B.

A week of varied winter activities, from ice-fishing to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. But the highlight is bound to be a full day driving dogsleds with friendly and lively huskies. All the activities (apart from dogsledding) happen directly from the hotel. We leave two free days for optional trips. The hotel itself is very comfortable, and there are excellent facilities including the obligatory sauna. In the east of Finland, not far from the Russian border, lies a sparsely populated area of lakes and forests. 3 kilometres from the village of Kuhmo is the lovely Hotel Kalevala. Kuhmo has a few cafes and an ice rink, and is worth a visit, but most of the action takes place in the wilderness, easily accessed from the door of the hotel. The area has many well-maintained trails for cross-country skiing, as well as wilder zones for snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Itinerary
Day 1-  Fly Heathrow to Kajaani direct from your chosen airport. Transfer to Kalevala Hotel by road (approx 1hr 30mins).
Day 2 - Start with an exciting snowmobile safari through forests and across frozen lakes, usually about 30 kms - a total of about 3 hours of driving. Snowmobiles are shared 1 between 2 and we take it in turns to drive. All drivers must have a valid (car) driving licence. During the tour we stop for lunch by an open fire, where we try ice-fishing.
Day 3 - A morning of cross-country skiing instruction. There are many miles of prepared trails around the hotel, and we will start off on the flatter routes. In the afternoon you can hang on to the equipment to continue touring unguided.
Day 4 - A free day to choose your own activities or relax and use the jacuzzi and sauna. See the extra expenses section for details of activities available locally.
Day 5 - Snowshoeing day starting straight from the hotel. Our circuit will last about 3-4 hours, stopping en-route for lunch by a campfire. Snowshoeing is easy to learn, and modern snowshoes are lightweight and perfect for travelling through deep, fresh snow.
Day 6 - Possibly the highlight of the week is a day with husky dogs. We start with a drive towards the Russian border to the husky centre. The dog teams are harnessed and everyone will receive instruction on how to drive the dogsled before lunch. After lunch we head out into the snow covered wilderness, through forests and across frozen lakes. There will be 2 people per sledge, 1 driving and 1 sitting. During the half-day tour everyone gets a chance to drive their own husky dog team.
Day 7 - Free day. See the extra expenses section for details of activities available locally.
Day 8 - Return to Kajaani by road and fly direct to your return airport.

All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While everything is done to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday.

Occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances Exodus will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintains the integrity of the original itinerary.

Accommodation - 3* Hotel Kalvala (local rating)
The Hotel Kalevala. Located on the shores of Lake Lammasjarvi, the characterful wooden building has 44 twin-bedded rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. The restaurant overlooks the lake, and serves 4-course dinners with plenty of local produce including fish and wild berries. Other facilities include two saunas, a peat sauna and wellbeing department with jacuzzi, massage services, beauty centre. Communal areas include a welcoming lobby with roaring log fire, library room, internet access.

Please see the Exodus Booking Conditions
This tour is operated by Exodus (Atol 2582) for whom we act as Agents. Their terms and conditions apply, supplied in the Info pack. Your money is protected by our Trust account in accordance with EC Regulations.