- Go beyond the Arctic Circle for a family-friendly adventure in Sápmi’s wild winter wonderland
- Learn the basics of snowshoeing on a gentle walk past frozen rapids and the Kitkajoki River
- Get to grips with cross-country skiing under the guidance of an instructor
- Make friends with a pack of huskies on a dog-sledding adventure through the snow
- Look to the vast sky for a nightly chance to witness the Northern Lights
Finland Family Winter Adventure
Itinerary
Oulanka Oulanka
Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka
Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka.
Start Basecamp Oulanka
Welcome to the wintery wilds of Finland. We typically have our welcome briefing during dinner, discussing the week ahead and getting an introduction to Basecamp Oulanka and the area we will soon explore.
Gentle half-day snowshoe walk; free use of snowshoes in the afternoon
After sorting out your equipment for a week in Arctic conditions, we explore Oulanka National Park with a gentle half-day snowshoe walk past frozen rapids and following the Kitkajoki River. The afternoon is free for further snowshoeing or enjoying a warm sauna or hot tub. Alternatively, you might wish to try kick sledging, a metal-frame sled you can use on your own or with your children and venture around Basecamp.
Dogsledding instruction and tour in Riisitunturi National Park
This morning, we head to a husky farm on the edge of the neighbouring Riisitunturi National Park. We start with tuition on how to ride and drive the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then continue into the woods where our dog teams eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 6mi (10km) mushing adventure. With the adults driving and the children sitting in the sled, we appreciate the serenity of this snow-laden landscape.
Morning cross-country ski lesson
Experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down to the nearby Juuma Lake, we learn the basics of cross-country skiing from our instructor. There may be a few tumbles in the soft snow to start, but this is half the fun. After building confidence on the skis, we head onto the lake, gliding through the fresh powder. Keep hold of your skis because we have further opportunities to test out our skills in the afternoon.
Morning visit to a reindeer farm and short ride on a reindeer-pulled sleigh; free afternoon in Ruka for optional activities
In the morning, we visit a reindeer farm and museum where everyone can ride a reindeer-pulled sleigh. The visit finishes with hot drinks and reindeer sausages around an open fire. We spend the rest of the day at the popular ski resort of Ruka. Your guide will take care of transfers and can book activities for you. Group transfers are included only to the designated areas and are scheduled at specific times; it is advisable to check at reception before making your activities booking. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available.
Please note, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday due to operational reasons.
Free morning; afternoon children’s snow games: sledging, building snow forts and snowmen
This morning, we can sleep in and start the day at a more relaxed pace. To kick off the afternoon, we see about making a fire and cooking our own pancakes for lunch.
In the afternoon, we are busy with snow games supervised by the Basecamp guides. supervised by the Basecamp guides. Here, children can learn how to build a snow fort followed by hot chocolate and doughnuts. Families can also have a go at making a snow sculpture, among other activities.
Free day. Optional activities including unguided cross-country skiing or snowmobile tours
Today is left free to spend as you like. Options include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with all the Basecamp facilities at your disposal and many accessible roads to explore. Otherwise, join in one of the several optional activities available: downhill skiing or snowmobile safaris at nearby Ruka (transport and skiing not included) or a walking trip to nearby Jyrävä waterfall with snacks and hot drinks by a campfire. Alternatively, unguided cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or kick sledging can keep you entertained. We then have our farewell dinner at Basecamp.
Transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London
Transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London.
End Basecamp Oulanka
The trip ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to Basecamp Oulanka, which may feel like a second home by now, before your return journey home.
Basecamp Oulanka
Overlooking Lake Juuma and the national park after which it was named, Basecamp Oulanka is our welcoming home in the remote Finnish wilderness. The magical complex comprises a series of wooden structures: the twin rooms are split across two separate buildings, while a third building houses a restaurant and bar with a log fire, plus a sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Built in 1998 with sustainability in mind, the complex is heated using special wood pellets for fuel. It is also a member of The Long Run Foundation, which comes with a commitment to building a ‘sustainable future through a balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce’.
Worth knowing
- Multiple Exodus trips run at Basecamp Oulanka concurrently and you might share the room with a member of a different group.
- A family of four will be allocated a large room at the time of booking; please let your sales representative know at the time of booking if you want to upgrade to one double room and one twin room (subject to availability).
- Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you are put. You need to come prepared for this.
- While we do our very best to ensure families are roomed close together, we can’t guarantee this.
Trip Experts
Elina Juhani
Expert Leader: Finland
Tuomas Törmänen
Expert Leader: Finland
Reviews
Add your own reviewA fabulous week
A wonderful week of activities.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were too many to narrow it down - dog sledding was great for everyone (old and young alike), snow shoeing in the forest finding out the creatures that had created which foot prints, sledging, meeting the baby reindeer, playing in the snow with the family, amazing scenery, meeting other families ... and so so much more
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tuomas was very friendly and great with the whole family. He was very observant, communicated well and told us so much about FInnish nature, whilst looking after us on our trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The clothes they provided were perfect and enough to keep us warm in under minus 30 degrees !
Amazing Family Trip
Such an amazing trip if you are looking for fun in the snow! We did Feb half term and it was fantastic.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many things. The scenery was mind blowing - we had gorgeous sunny days for the first half of the week, very cold (-30 at some points) but the kit we were given had us snuggly warm. It was a real experience to have your eye lashes freeze! The second part of the week snowed, and that was lovely too. The dog sledding was an obvious highlight, and sitting by the frozen lake with the group, around a campfire at night watching (short & v subtle) northern lights. Snow shoeing to explore the beautiful national park was amazing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elina took our group and was fabulous! On top of everything, happy and energetic, fun and great with the kids. Couldnt have asked for more.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The kit they give you is great - trust that you won't want much more! Bring thermals for everyday, and lots of warm socks. I had my own fleece and used it, but didnt need it. If any of the kids clothing got soaked from sledging, they were very happy to swap it for dry kit - including the walking boots. The food it great - and there is tons of it. I took a load of cereal bars for my kids for snacks, they werent needed (and thats for 2 14 yr olds!). You WILL end up booking extras to do, there really isnt much planned for the fri and sat so we paid to do the saturday snow shoe walk, which was lovely. Our whole group ended up doing it. By the end of the week, we were one big happy group and organised some of our own activities using the sites equipment to entertain ourselves. There really isnt much to do in Ruka if you don't pay to go ice karting or skiing - my daughter and I had decided to mooch around the town, which took about 10 mins! You can take the cable car over to the other side, which we did, but again not much there apart from a cafe and nursery ski slopes. My husband and son did ice karting and it was good fun. My son did the ice climbing which he really enjoyed (v hard on the arms!). The kids all spent hours of our free time sledging - until bedtime using head torches!! They had a wonderful time and made great friends from the trip.
Don’t understand what you want here
Some days could have had longer scheduled activities especially cross country skiing and snowshoeing – could make more of this aspect and explore further/more
Most Inspirational Moment
Husky trip Dinner outside by camp fire
Thoughts on Group Leader
Local Basecamp team absolutely superb!
Advice for Potential Travellers
No
Astounding!
Astounding holiday. Spend a week in the stunningly beautiful Finnish wilderness. Beauty, snow, fun – it’s why you go on holiday. Romantic and magical.
Our 6 year old, and all the kids that were there, loved it. Drive huskies, feed and be pulled by Raindeer, snowmobile across frozen lakes, XC ski, build igloos (and sleep in it under the stars if you want!), explore a beautiful valley and park, and sleep soundly after a suana, hot tub and beer.
I ran around it a few times in -15, the routes are clearly laid out, the running is safe and you’ll never forget it!
Most Inspirational Moment
Running through the forest at -15 in snow fall and winter sun
Thoughts on Group Leader
Good guy
Advice for Potential Travellers
You only need the clothes you arrive in and some underwear and socks, and sweatpants If you like running, bring trainers (no need for special off road ones) Bring plenty of evening entertainment!
Fabulous Finland
We had a great time on our Finnish adventure and felt like we were well looked after and entertained the entire time. The scenery and activities were amazing and we’d highly recommend this trip to families of all ages.
Most Inspirational Moment
Meeting huskies and reindeer, and snow-shoeing through some truly breath-taking forests.
Thoughts on Group Leader
James catered well to the group and kept us informed at all times.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take hand/foot warmers - the supplied equipment is suitable, but sometimes you just need a little extra.
No lights but great holiday
We were a family of 5, kids ages 20, 18 and 14, doing the Finnish Winter Adventure Family holiday from 23rd December. The family holiday ran in parallel with the adult holiday (over 16yrs) and was very similar. Some of the activities were the same and even run together.
We went to see the Northern lights, over the Christmas holidays whilst our kids were home from Uni or school. The ski was overcast most of the week, and cloudy in the evening, so we didn’t get to see the lights, although our leader called us out to see faint glows through the clouds.
However, we chose this trip as there were plenty of activities to keep us entertained whether we saw the lights or not.
Most Inspirational Moment
The highlights of the holiday were the huskie dogs; the snowmobile optional trip; sleeping out on the frozen lake in a Quinzee; the Basecamp food; and the Basecamp staff
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our Basecamp leader was Anna, who was very good. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Our Exodus leader was James, who was very good. Great communicator, very knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in making sure we had a good time. He couldn't have done more to help us have a great holiday, other than provide a clear sky to see the lights!
Advice for Potential Travellers
You truly only need to take a base layer, top and bottom. The Basecamp provide boots, two pairs of gloves, a fleece layer, top and bottom, and a waterproof/windproof layer, top and bottom. You just need a hot and buff. My wife and daughter found ski goggles useful for crosscountry skiing and snow shoe hiking, really just to keep the wind off their eyes. I found a balaclava useful too. Other than that, just layer up with long sleeve t-shirts and jumpers.
A wonderful winter adventure...!
An awesome holiday that found the balance between being a holiday and an adventure. There was enough inclusive activities, both guide-lead and self-lead, to keep us busy with something everyday. For those who wanted to bolster their holiday with extras, then there were plenty to do so with.
Accommodation was great. Food was good and the staff went above and beyond.
Most Inspirational Moment
We walked the Little Bear trial which was stunning as the season was on the turn between winter and spring gave a beautiful insight into both. And, of course, the Husky day was simply awesome.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was friendly, funny, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to cater for all of us. He made our trip even more enjoyable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Visit :)
Beautiful Finnish wilderness holiday
We had a really good time with a family of 5. The setting is beautiful – a low-key lodge in the forest, on the edge of a frozen lake. There are lovely walks from the lodge and cross country skiing. The trips were great, with authentic experiences with reindeer herders and husky owners.
Children were entertained constantly by the deep, deep snow! Equipment very good, and food excellent too.
Most Inspirational Moment
The campfire meals at the husky sledge and the reindeer farm, and the last night evening meal under the stars. Very low-key and relaxed, with no rush to get through anything - the leaders looked as if they were having as much fun as the guests.
Thoughts on Group Leader
There is a high ratio of staff to guests, which makes for great service on the trip and meals too. They were all excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
As mentioned by others, you don't need to bring much gear! The clothing and gear they provide is excellent and warm (though you need a scarf/neck warmer). But it all looks the same, so a handy hint if you want to spot your child among 8 identical children milling around a reindeer is to bring your own hat!
Perfect winter trip for February half term.
A beautiful location in the middle of the Finnish wilderness. Lots of activity in the outdoors. Healthy food with unexpectedly excellent vegetarian options.
Great staff. Seeing the northern lights twice was a huge bonus.
The family and adventure groups who were at base camp that week were some of the nicest people we have met.
Most Inspirational Moment
Dog sledding through the most amazing forests in the wilderness. Beautiful pink sunsets. The hazy mists on the lake at sunset. And of course, seeing the northern lights swirling in the skies.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Solja was lovely and always at hand to help and advice. She was very patient. The other leader Anna was also brilliant even though our interaction was not as much.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The quality of equipment is top class and the Arctic boots and mittens are fab. Your own baselayers are a must. I would recommend snow/ ski goggles as the sun Was strong on the horizon and dog sledding can make your face very cold. Do consider a balaclava for children and if you want to go snowmobiling. A few hand warmers in my mittens while dog sledding kept thumbs warm. The prices on the exodus trip notes for the optional activities were very different to the base camp prices. The optional all day dog sledding was the most expensive at 270 euros per person. Snowmobiling was around 89 Euro’s and don’t forget to bring your driving licence.
Winter Wonderland
Expectations were high for this trip and I have to say they were met and exceeded. Never been away at Christmas before or done the skiing this – so we were nervous beforehand. The week was great – just the right level of activity – something new every day, with enough time to go off independently and practice snow showing or cross country skiing. Christmas Day was very different from being at home but no less special – standing on a frozen lake watching for signs of the northern lights is no something we would do at home.
Kids 10, 15 and 17 all enjoyed it- Husky Dog ride being a highlight.
Most Inspirational Moment
Out in -27 stood on the back of sledge being pulled by 6 dogs through such an amazing landscape, as the sun just managed to break the horizon.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent - the whole team at Basecamp were excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
No need to bring much at all - provided equipment was excellent and we only had to return it a few hours before we left. There was plenty of food at meal times - so no real need to take extra. On the free day we did the little bear walk - trail lunch was enough to get us round - no real need for extras. Kit dries out quickly on the heated floors. The walk from the airport gate to the plane was cold so don't forget to wrap up for that bit. Stop and listen often - and see how quiet things can be.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Child Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Sunday
29 Dec 2024 29 Dec 2024
Sunday Sunday
05 Jan 2025 05 Jan 2025
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price £ 2449 £ 3549
Child Price From £ 1837 £ 2662
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
16 Feb 2025 16 Feb 2025
Sunday Sunday
23 Feb 2025 23 Feb 2025
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price £ 2549 £ 3249
Child Price From £ 1912 £ 2437
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
23 Feb 2025 23 Feb 2025
Sunday Sunday
02 Mar 2025 02 Mar 2025
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price £ 2449 £ 3149
Child Price From £ 1837 £ 2347
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
06 Apr 2025 06 Apr 2025
Sunday Sunday
13 Apr 2025 13 Apr 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price £ 2449 £ 3149 Book with £ 612 deposit Book with £ 787 deposit
Child Price From £ 1837 £ 2362 Book with £ 459 deposit Book with £ 590 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
13 Apr 2025 13 Apr 2025
Sunday Sunday
20 Apr 2025 20 Apr 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price £ 2449 £ 3399 Book with £ 612 deposit Book with £ 849 deposit
Child Price From £ 1837 £ 2550 Book with £ 459 deposit Book with £ 637 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 400
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
21 Dec 2025 21 Dec 2025
Sunday Sunday
28 Dec 2025 28 Dec 2025
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price £ 3049 £ 3049 Book with £ 762 deposit Book with £ 762 deposit
Child Price From £ 2287 £ 2287 Book with £ 571 deposit Book with £ 571 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 440
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
28 Dec 2025 28 Dec 2025
Sunday Sunday
04 Jan 2026 04 Jan 2026
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price £ 3049 £ 3049 Book with £ 762 deposit Book with £ 762 deposit
Child Price From £ 2287 £ 2287 Book with £ 571 deposit Book with £ 571 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 440
Date included in HNY2025 offer (TBC)
Date included in HNY2025 offer (TBC)
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
15 Feb 2026 15 Feb 2026
Sunday Sunday
22 Feb 2026 22 Feb 2026
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price £ 2749 £ 2749 Book with £ 687 deposit Book with £ 687 deposit
Child Price From £ 2062 £ 2062 Book with £ 515 deposit Book with £ 515 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 440
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
22 Feb 2026 22 Feb 2026
Sunday Sunday
01 Mar 2026 01 Mar 2026
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price £ 2749 £ 2749 Book with £ 687 deposit Book with £ 687 deposit
Child Price From £ 2062 £ 2062 Book with £ 515 deposit Book with £ 515 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 440
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
29 Mar 2026 29 Mar 2026
Sunday Sunday
05 Apr 2026 05 Apr 2026
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price £ 2749 £ 2749 Book with £ 687 deposit Book with £ 687 deposit
Child Price From £ 2062 £ 2062 Book with £ 515 deposit Book with £ 515 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 440
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
05 Apr 2026 05 Apr 2026
Sunday Sunday
12 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026
Availability On Request
Land Only Trip Price £ 2749 £ 2749 Book with £ 687 deposit Book with £ 687 deposit
Child Price From £ 2062 £ 2062 Book with £ 515 deposit Book with £ 515 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 440
Availability
This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Finland Family Winter Adventure
8 Days
Excluding Flights
8 Days
from