Cookie consent management tool by TermsFeed Husky, Ski and Snowshoe Week in Southern Lapland, Finland | Nature Travels

Specialists for Nordic Outdoor & Adventure Holidays in the Nordic Countries since 2006

Menu

Photo: HT

Husky, Ski and Snowshoe Week in Southern Lapland (Finland)

Dog sledding, cross country skiing, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in one adventure-filled week

    • Guided
    • Easy-Med
    • From £/person
    • Jan-Apr, 8 days/7 nights
    • Adults, Families (min. age 12), Groups, Solo

    Highlights:

    • Two days of dog sledding driving own dogsled
    • Two days of snowshoeing
    • Two days of cross country/backcountry skiing
    • No ski experience required
    • Choice of cabin or hotel accmmodation
    • Good chances for Northern Lights

Description »

A week of Arctic adventures exploring the Lapland wilderness from comfortable cabin or hotel base

Winter 2024/25: We strongly recommend booking immediately if you wish to travel for next winter, as availability can be limited far in advance.

Husky, Ski and Snowshoe Week in Southern Lapland is the ideal option for adults or families with older children (min. age 12) who would like to experience an exciting range of Arctic adventures.

Accommodation is in large, comfortable cabin, or hotel as an alternative option. During the overnight dogsled tour that is part of the week, you'll also spend a night in simple wilderness cabin.

Sauna is available each night to soothe your muscles after the day's activity, and meals are also a feature of the trip, with a focus on local ingredients. All equipment for the activities in included, and for guests who do not have suitable winter boots or winter outer clothing, these are also available to hire.

Winter landscape in Southern Lapland

Southern Lapland offers magical winter landscapes to explore during your tour. Photo: HT.

Two days each of dog sledding, snowshoeing and cross country/backcountry skiing

A winter multi-activity week gives you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a range of different activities, but with two days devoted to each activity, Husky, Ski and Snowshoe Week in Southern Lapland takes you "deeper" into each one.

Backcountry skiing in Southern Lapland

No ski experience is required for the cross country and backcountry ski days. Photo: HT.

The week features three different types of activity, with two days devoted to each, giving not only great variety to your week but also the chance to really explore each activity:

  • Snowshoeing: Explore the magical wilderness landscapes of Syöte and Riisitunturi National Parks.
  • Cross country and Backcountry sking: Cross country skis are narrower and ideal for use on prepared tracks, while backcountry skis allow you get "off-trail" in deep snow. No previous ski experience is required.
  • Dog sledding: Drive your own husky team for an overnight expedition to wilderness cabin.

Which will turn out to be your favourite? Will the huskies melt your heart? (Answer: Yes, they will!) Will you discover that you love the adventure and challenge of backcountry skiing and return next winter for an extended trip? Or will experiencing the fun and flexibility of snowshoeing uncover a new world of winter hiking tours for you?

Dog sledding in Southern Lapland

You'll be working closely with your team of huskies during the two-day dogsled tour. Photo: HT.

The magic of the Aurora in the night sky

We always recommend that the beauty of the Arctic winter and the adventure of the activities are your main motivations for travelling, but with luck, the Northern Lights may well add a magical extra dimension to your time in Finnish Lapland.

To increase your chances, an "Aurora Hunting" tour by vehicle can be added locally as optional extra, giving the possibility to drive to an area with clear skies to search for a display should conditions be cloudy at the base camp.

Northern Lights in Southern Lapland

Your stay gives very good chances to see a display of the Northern Lights. Photo: HT.

Husky, Ski and Snowshoe Week in Southern Lapland is offered on regular dates between January and March. Private tours on other dates are also possible for small groups by arrangement.

 ...

Itinerary »

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive to Oulu airport or train station, from where transfer to your accommodation (approx. 2 hours) is included.

Transfers will meet Finnair flight AY455 arriving Oulu 17.25. If you arrive with an earlier flight, you are welcome to wait at the airport (which is very small) or travel into Oulu town to spend time there before pick-up.

Guests arriving by train or bus to Oulu should arrive by latest 17.30 for pick-up from Oulu town. Guests may need to wait a while in Oulu before pick-up depending on transfer schedules.

You'll have an introductory meeting for the week ahead, discussing equipment, the proposed routes, and safety in winter conditions in the Arctic, and have dinner together.

Sauna is available to relax after your journey, before retiring for your first night in Lapland.

Day 2: Snowshoeing in Syöte

After breakfast, when you will also prepare a packed lunch for the day, you head out for a snowshoe tour in the Syöte hiking area.

The tour takes you through a beautiful landscape of ancient forest and fells. You stop at a shelter to enjoy lunch around the open fire, before returning in the afternoon for some stretching and relaxation, sauna and dinner.

Snowshoeing distance: 10km, approx. 5 hours (with breaks).

Day 3: Snowshoeing in Riisitunturi

The Riisitunturi fell area is your destination today, for a wonderful snowshoe tour is this very scenic, photogenic region, with picnic lunch outdoors.

The day will also include a visit to the cultural centre at Pentimáki and to a sustainable farm, where your local hosts source much of their meat products for the tours. You meet the farmer and their family, and their beautiful "weatherproof" cows, before returning to the accommodation for sauna, dinner and perhaps a display of the Northern Lights.

Snowshoeing distance: 5km.

Day 4: Cross Country Skiing

The first of your two skis days will be on "classic" cross country skiing on prepared tracks. You begin with a short introduction to cross country skiing technique before heading out for a day tour, with lunch outdoors along the trail.

The afternoon's skiing takes you back to the accommodation for sauna and dinner.

Skiing distance: flexible depending on the ability and preferences of the group, max. around 25km.

Day 5: Backcountry Skiing

After a short transfer (approx. 15 mins), today you will be using backcountry skis, which are a little wider and more stable than cross country skis, with skins and more grip, making them ideal for "off-trail" tours in deeper snow.

The tour will take you through peaceful, tranquil forest, up hills, along ridges and across frozen lakes, with a soup lunch outdoors.

You return in the afternoon to your accommodation for sauna and dinner.

Skiing distance: 10km, approx. 5 hours.

Days 6-7: Overnight Doglsed Tour to Wilderness Cabin and Visit to Reindeer Herder

Transfer (approx. 45 mins) to the kennels in the morning to begin your 2-day dogsled tour!

For the last two days of your active week in Finnish Lapland, it's time to harness your husky team for an overnight mushing adventure. Typically sledding distance 25-30km/day depending on trail and weather conditions.

Beginning with instruction in how to handle the sled and work with your dog team, you will then head off, each driving your own dogsled (guests who wish to may choose to share sled one per two persons, and children aged 12-15 will either drive own sled or share sled with adult at the discretion of the guide depending on factors such as size, weight and trail conditions), into the winter landscape.

In the afternoon you will reach your goal for the day, a wilderness cabin with simple faciliites (no electricity or running water). But there's still a little touch of luxury - a wood-heated sauna offers the best possible way to end a day of mushing, before retiring for a good night's sleep.

The next day, after breakfast for both two-legged and four-legged participants, you take to the trail to continue your dogsled tour, normally arriving back at the husky kennels around 14.00-15.00.

Here you have a snack and say goodbye to your team before transfer to the accommodation.

During the transport, you will stop off to visit the small village of Taivalkoski to visit its charming local store, which sells handicrafts and locally made souvenirs.

In the evening, you will have the opportunity to meet a local reindeer herder (and the reindeer of course!), before evening sauna and dinner.

Day 8: Departure

Breakfast and departure transfer to Oulu airport or train station for onward travel.

Transfers will meet Finnair flight AY436 departing Oulu 11.20. If you depart with a later flight, you are welcome to wait at the airport (which is very small) or travel into Oulu town to spend time there.

Guests departing by train or bus from Oulu should plan for departure time similar to the departure flight at 11.20.

Dates & Prices»

Dates 2025

Public tours run Saturday-Saturday from mid-January to mid-March.

  • January: 11.01-18.01.25, 18.01-25.01.25, 25.01-01.02.25
  • February: 01.02-08.02.25, 08.02-15.02.25, 15.02-22.02.25, 22.02-01.03.25
  • March: 01.03-08.03.25, 08.03-15.03.25

Private tours for groups on other dates are also possible on request (at standard prices based on min. 4 persons) between 1st December and early April. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Prices 2024/25

Standard Prices 
Option 1 (Cabin)/person (based on 2 persons sharing)GBP
Option 2 (Hotel)/person (based on 2 persons sharing)GBP
Single occupancy supplement/person (optional*)GBP

Accommodation for families: For families, an upgrade to Option 1 (Cabin) may be available using family apartment. Please contact us for details.

*Solo travellers or odd-numbered person in group: Accommodation is in shared rooms as standard. Single supplement is not required for solo travellers but is available to choose if you wish to guarantee private room. Please specify on booking if required.

Optional Extras (see description below) 
Winter clothing package/person (jacket, trousers, mittens, hat, boots)EUR (pay locally)
Winter boots only/personEUR (pay locally)
Northern Lights search by car/personEUR (pay locally)
  • Winter clothing package: Includes winter boots (for dog sledding/snowshoeing and general use during the tour), outer jacket, trousers, mittens and hat. Please give sizes in advance.
  • Winter boots only: If you have suitable clothing but do not have boots for snowshoeing, winter boots are available to hire separately. Please give sizes in advance.
  • Northern Lights search by car: Your snowshoe tour gives very good chances to see the Northern Lights in the evenings at the accommodation. A Northern Lights tour by vehicle is also available to book. A vehicle tour can take you to areas with clear skies within driving distance if conditions are cloudy locally, increasing your chances of seeing a display.

What's Included »

Included

Accommodation:

  • Option 1 (Cabin): Shared 2-person rooms in large log cabin. The cabin has modern facilities with total 8 x 2-person rooms (5 with twin beds, 3 with bunk beds), spacious common room for dining and socialising, three bathrooms, dressing room, and sauna with terrace.
Cabin Accommodation

Cabin accommodation with example rooms (inc. floorplan). Photos: HT.

  • Option 2 (Hotel): Shared 2-person twin or double rooms with en-suite WC/shower. Breakfast buffet and dinner is served in the hotel restaurant. Gym and sauna facilities.
Hotel Accommodation

Hotel accommodation with example rooms. Photos: HT.

  • Wilderness Cabin (Options 1 and 2): During the overnight dogsled tour, accommodation is in simple wilderness cabin (normally night of Day 6) with no electricity or running water. Sleeping accommodation at the wilderness cabin is in shared room with bunk beds. The cabin is heated with wood-burning stove and has dry outside toilet and wood-fired sauna.
Wilderness Cabin Accommodation

Example wilderness cabin for overnight dogsled tour. Photo: HT.

Meals:

All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8. Lunches during the activities are usually taken on the trail, normally at a wind shelter or around open fire.

You may wish to bring own energy bars, etc, for additional snacks during the day.

Guide:

Experienced and knowledgeable local guide.

Equipment:

  • Equipment necessary* for dogsled tour including dog sled and team of huskies.
  • Snowshoes and poles*.
  • Cross country and backcountry ski equipment (skis, boots, poles).

*Winter boots for dog sledding/snowshoeing and general use during the tour, as well as winter clothing for the activities, are available to hire as optional extras if required.

Transfers:

  • Return transfer between Oulu airport or train station and your accommodation on arrival/departure day at fixed times as per itinerary.
  • Local transfers as required for each day's snowshoeing as per itinerary.

Not Included

  • Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
  • Winter boots and winter clothing. Guests should normally bring own winter boots (suitable for dog sledding/snowshoeing) and clothing, but these are also available to hire on request if required.
  • Alcoholic drinks.

Good To Know »

Required

Health requirements/experience:

Suitable for adults or older children (min. age 12 with suitable fitness).

The skiing is suitable for complete beginners. Previous experience of downhill or cross country skiing will be an advantage but is not required.

You should have a good general level of health and fitness and be used to the outdoors.

For dog sledding, adult guests will drive own sled as standard. Guests who wish to may choose to share sled one per two persons (taking turns to drive as appropriate), and children aged 12-15 will either drive own sled or share sled with adult at the discretion of the guide depending on factors such as size, weight and trail conditions.

You will need to assist your dogsled team, especially on uphill sections or in deep snow, and brake the sled effectively on downhill sections, and will be fully involved in the care of your husky team during the tour.

What makes this "Medium"?

Accommodation is in comfortable cabin or hotel with modern facilities on all nights of the tour, except for overnight dogsled tour, when accommodation is in wilderness cabin.

The itinerary offers a range of activities, all of which can be physically challenging, but the emphasis is on enjoyment of the experience and the landscape. Weather and temperature conditions in the Arctic can be very changeable and activities will be in exposed terrain at times.

NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.

Equipment/clothes needed:

For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".

A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.

NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.

Preparing for your trip:

For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.

Minimum number:

Scheduled tours required a minimum of total 4 persons to be confirmed to run. You are of course welcome to book as a solo traveller.

Groups

Max. group size 8 persons. This experience is suitable for private groups (at standard per person prices based on min. 4 persons, except for special dates such as Christmas or New Year). Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Eco Info

This provider has a written ecotourism policy.

Getting There »

Getting There

See below for a summary of travel options. To learn more about how to travel to this experience, please get in touch!

Detailed information on travel will be provided in response to your enquiry. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.

NB: Please ensure that you make a booking with us first and wait for confirmation that your spaces are reserved before making any travel arrangements.

Travel Summary:

By Air:

Fly to Helsinki for onward travel to Oulu by domestic flight (1 hour), day train (6 hours) or night train (9 hours) to Oulu. Transfers between Oulu and the start/end point (2 hours) are included at fixed times.

Without Flying:

Train from UK to Stockholm (Sweden) for ferry to Helsinki and onward train to Oulu.

Privacy and Cookies | All information, products and prices on this website are subject to change without notice | © Nature Travels 2024 | Site Map

Registered Office: Nature Travels Ltd, 11 Normandy Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2PP, United Kingdom | Company No: 5636754

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-12.30, 13.30-16.30 | Email: admin@naturetravels.co.uk | Tel: +44(0)1929 503080

Nature Travels Ltd logo
Superfast Business Champions ABTOT logo