Finnish Wilderness Week

8 days - from $1930

Unspoilt wilderness location Special dogsledding departures All winter equipment included
In the heart of Oulanka National Park sits Basecamp Oulanka. Surrounded by pristine wilderness and overlooking a lake, this self-sustained complex of wooden buildings provides a comfortable and cosy accommodation in a truely stunning location. During the stay we include a varied programme of activities such as dogsledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. After grasping the basics we will set off with our guides, exploring the beautiful Kitkajoki River and surrounding frozen waterfalls. We also enjoy a full day of wilderness skills with the opportunity to stay in your own quinzee (a Finnish igloo). A highlight of the trip is dogsledding through the silent snow-caked forests of the nearby Riisitunturi National Park. Free time can be spent using the cross-country skis or snowshoe equipment available free of charge at the lodge, or in the sauna and hot tub. The ski resort of Ruka is a 20-minute taxi ride away - for a snowmobile safari or a day of downhill skiing. Calling all mushers! New for 2012, on selected departures only, we are offering a truly unique itinerary that includes 3 extra days of dogsledding! Along with experiencing traditional winter activities from Basecamp Oulanka, we will spend more time with our four-legged friends, culminating in a 6 hour mush to places rarely seen by visitors. For more information please see Trip Notes.   

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Basecamp Oulanka (approx 45 mins). 2 Snowshoe hike in national park; free afternoon. 3 Cross-country skiing in the morning; free afternoon. 4 Half-day dogsledding instruction and tour (approx 10 km); optional ice-climbing. 5 Free day in Ruka; morning option of snowmobile safari including lunch by a campfire en route; afternoon option of downhill skiing. 6 Full day of wilderness skills including igloo building and fire-making in teams of four; option to spend night in the igloo. 7 Free for optional activities including ice-climbing, dogsledding or snowmobiling and downhill skiing at Ruka; dinner in a teepee, cooked over an open fire. 8 End Basecamp Oulanka.

Mode of travel: An exciting mixed activity week, with free time for independent activities. None of the activities require previous experience
Group size: Normally min. 6, max. 20.
Accommodation: Basecamp OulankaA superb base in a wilderness location, with excellent facilities; this self-sustaining wooded complex takes immediate inspiration from the surrounding wilderness. Twin rooms with en suite bathrooms are in two separate buildings. The third building is a cosy restaurant and bar, with a log fire, sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Food: All breakfasts and dinners included
Optional Single Supplement: from $297.50
Trip Reference: CFA
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: All departures guaranteedPlease note: The Single Supplement rate for 2012 departures is GBP170
Trip Reference: CFA