The Best of Finnish Winter
Instead of spending an entire week cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, this holiday offers a wonderful variety of winter activities, allowing you to try different experiences while ensuring that every day brings something new.
Spend two unforgettable days with huskies, travelling through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes. Along the way, you will learn the basics of dog sledding in a breathtaking winter landscape. A day of cross-country ski instruction will introduce you to the fundamentals of classic skiing, followed by a guided ski tour on well-maintained trails where you can further develop your skills.
You will also enjoy snowshoeing through pristine winter scenery, experience the uniquely Finnish kick sled, try your luck at ice fishing, and prepare a traditional outdoor lunch over an open fire in the crisp Arctic air.
A wonderful winter holiday for both body and soul, offering the perfect balance between activity and relaxation.
Date: 20–27 March 2027
Price: €1,590 per person
Group Size: Maximum 12 participants
Single Room Supplement €280 per person
Included Services
* Shared airport transfers from/to Kuopio Airport
* All transfers according to the programme
* 7 nights' accommodation in a cosy guesthouse in a twin room
* Shared shower and toilet facilities in the hallway
* 7 breakfasts
* 6 lunches
* 7 dinners
* 1 day of cross-country ski instruction
* 1 guided cross-country ski tour
* 1 guided kick sled excursion with outdoor lunch in a traditional Finnish kota hut
* 1 guided snowshoeing excursion
* 1 guided husky tour
* 1 half-day ice fishing excursion
* Daily sauna access
* 1 traditional Finnish smoke sauna experience with the opportunity for ice swimming
* Cross-country ski equipment (wax skis, ski boots and poles)
* Snowshoeing equipment (snowshoes and poles)
* Kick sled rental
Arrival Information
- The shared transfer from Kuopio Airport departs at approximately 17:30 on the arrival day, coordinated with the Finnair evening flight arriving at 17:15.
- The shared transfer to Kuopio Airport departs from the guesthouse at approximately 11:00 on the departure day, coordinated with the Finnair flight departing Kuopio at 14:25.
- Guests arriving earlier or departing later may book a private transfer for an additional fee.
- For guests arriving by train, transfers to and from Nurmes Railway Station are included.
Noticce! As this tour depends heavily on weather and snow conditions, short-notice changes to the itinerary may occasionally be necessary. The itinerary described below should therefore be regarded as an example programme. Any changes will not affect the overall character or quality of the holiday.
# Programme
Day 1 – Arrival in Kuopio
At approximately 18:00, the shared transfer departs from Kuopio Airport to Nurmes (about 150 km / 1.5 hours) and the cosy Guesthouse Pihlajapuu (Rowan Tree).
Day 2 – Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing
After breakfast, you will receive your ski equipment and an introduction to the basics of cross-country skiing.
You will practise skiing both on groomed tracks and off-track terrain, gaining confidence and learning essential techniques.
In the evening, relax in the sauna and enjoy a soothing herbal foot bath.
Day 3 – Kick Sled Tour Around Lake Viemenjärvi
Enjoy a guided kick sled excursion along scenic winter roads to Minna's Kota Hut (6.5 km).
A traditional outdoor lunch featuring grilled sausages and coffee or tea will be served by the campfire.
The return journey takes place either across the frozen lake (1 km) or around the lake (7 km), depending on conditions and group preference.
In the evening, enjoy another sauna session followed by a delicious dinner at the guesthouse.
Day 4 – Snowshoeing in Koli National Park
After breakfast, travel to Koli National Park (approximately 160 km each way).
Koli is one of Finland's most iconic national parks, famous for its magnificent landscapes and cultural significance.
Enjoy a guided snowshoe hike through snow-covered forests and scenic viewpoints overlooking Lake Pielinen.
Day 5 – Ski Touring and Evening Snowshoe Walk
Continue improving your skiing skills with a guided ski excursion across the lake or to the Aronsalmi Peninsula (approximately 6–11 km depending on the group's wishes and abilities).
Later in the afternoon, experience a magical lantern-lit snowshoe walk through the winter landscape.
Sauna and dinner at the guesthouse.
Day 6 – Husky Adventure Through Snowy Wilderness
Today's highlight is an exciting husky experience.
After breakfast, a transfer of approximately one hour takes you to the husky farm.
Learn about the dogs, receive driving instructions and enjoy an unforgettable journey through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes.
Day 7 – Ice Fishing, Smoke Sauna and Fire-Roasted Salmon
Today you will try traditional Finnish ice fishing on Lake Tiikkaja, located approximately 1.5 km from Pihlajapuu and reached by snowshoes.
Later in the afternoon, a truly authentic Finnish experience awaits. Walk approximately one kilometre across the frozen lake to Minna's traditional smoke sauna – the original form of Finnish sauna culture.
After the sauna, the brave may cool off with a dip in an ice hole.
In the adjacent kota hut, Minna will demonstrate how salmon is traditionally prepared over an open fire. This delicious fire-roasted salmon will be served as your evening meal.
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, the shared transfer departs at 11:00 for Kuopio Airport.
Hei hei and farewell from Finland!
! Travel insurance is strongly recommended for international travel.
A comprehensive policy should include coverage for:
* Trip cancellation
* Trip interruption
* Travel delays
* Medical expenses
* Emergency medical evacuation
* Loss or damage of luggage
