What a brilliant trip! The group were so friendly and go on so well! Jenny, our leader, was brilliant and the hotel was just idyllic… couldn’t recommend it enough!
![Winter In Finland](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_80,f_auto,c_lfill,w_360,h_270,g_auto/exodus-web/2022/07/Winter-DM-WEB-Hero.jpg)
Winter Holidays
- Home
- Activities
- Winter Holidays
Types of Winter Holidays
All Winter Holidays
Top 5 Activities on Winter Holidays
1. Cross-country Skiing: A popular winter activity that combines physical exercise with the splendour of the great outdoors is cross-country skiing. The sport involves gliding across snowy terrain using long, narrow skis and poles and is enjoyed at a much more relaxed pace than downhill skiing. It’s a fantastic way to explore the snow-covered landscapes in places like Finland, Norway or the Italian Dolomites and whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, you’ll still love the thrill of exploring winding trails through snow-covered forests and mountain trails.
2. Husky sledding: Explore the winter landscapes on an exhilarating and unforgettable husky sledding adventure. Sitting snugly in a sled as a team of energetic and well-trained huskies pulls you through the winter wonderland is an experience like no other. The breathtaking scenery, the sound of paws on crisp snow and the fresh wintry air combine to make this an immersive and exciting experience. Husky sledding is not only an adrenaline-fuelled activity, but it’s also a unique way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of winter in a whole new light.
3. Snowshoeing: This is another great winter activity that lets you explore pristine winter landscapes at your own pace. With specialised shoes that distribute your weight over a larger area, snowshoeing makes it easy to walk on thick snow. Exploring quiet forests, snow-covered wilderness and mountain tracks, snowshoeing is a peaceful and meditative way to explore the sights and sounds of the winter scenery. This is also a great activity for all ages and fitness levels.
4. Northern Lights Tour: For those seeking a magical and awe-inspiring experience, a Northern Lights tour is a must-do winter activity. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are a natural light display that occur in high-latitude regions, creating swirling curtains of light in the dark night sky. Witnessing this stunning phenomenon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe of the natural world. Our tours take you to prime viewing locations, providing you with the best chance of witnessing the lights in all their glory.
5. Snowmobiling: This thrilling winter activity takes you on an adrenaline-pumping adventure through snowy landscapes. Riding a snowmobile through pristine snow-covered trails and hushed forests gives you a sense of freedom and excitement that is hard to replicate with any other activity. As you navigate twisting trails and glide across virgin snow, you’ll experience an adrenaline rush like no other.
Jack Gamble Snowshoeing in the Dolomites – Premium Adventure
Lynn Tuson Finnish Wilderness WeekGreat trip – exceeded my expectation
What kind of activities can I do on winter trips?
Our winter activity holidays are filled with adventures, and you can choose from a range of exciting outdoor activities. Whether you want to explore the frozen Finnish landscapes on a dogsledding tour or a snowmobile safari or prefer to go in search of the ethereal Northern Lights in Iceland, we have something to suit all ages and levels of fitness. Other activities that you can take part in on several of our winter trips include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
What cultural experiences are there on winter trips?
Each of our winter trips is packed with immersive cultural experiences as well as exciting outdoor activities. On the Finnish Wilderness Week, you can visit a husky farm and learn about how these important animals are looked after, hot up in a traditional Finnish sauna and have a go at the ancient art of quinzee building. During your holiday, meet with local people, learning of their heritage and traditions, and try authentic cuisine with recipes that have been passed down through generations.
FAQs on Winter Holidays
Winter trips offer a mix of thrilling adventures and stunning snow-covered landscapes, making destinations like Finland, Iceland, the Arctic Circle and Norway perfect choices for an activity break. Finland is famous for its enchanting winter wonderland and vibrant Northern Lights, with a wealth of activities such as husky sledding and snowshoeing available. Iceland’s geothermal hot springs and otherworldly landscapes form a mysterious backdrop for Northern Lights tours while the Arctic Circle gives you the chance to witness the magical polar night and explore ice caves. The Norwegian wilderness is wildly beautiful in winter and is the perfect destination for cross-country skiing.
When preparing for a winter activity holiday, it’s essential to pack clothing and gear that will keep you warm and comfortable in extremely cold conditions, especially if you’re travelling to places like Norway and the Arctic Circle. Some key items to pack include thermal base layers to trap heat, insulated jackets and trousers for extra warmth, waterproof outerwear to protect against snow and rain, gloves, hats and scarves to shield extremities from the cold. Also, sturdy winter boots with good traction are necessary for walking on slippery surfaces. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the sun’s glare on snowy days. Lastly, a backpack with snacks and water is essential to keep energised during outdoor activities.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that attracts people from around the world. One of the best places to witness this magical display is in Iceland. With its clear skies, minimal light pollution and easily accessible locations such as Thingvellir National Park and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland is an ideal destination for viewing the Northern Lights. Other popular places to go in search of the Aurora lie within or above the Arctic Circle, with countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland and Canada all vying to be the best host for the greatest light show on Earth.
Cross-country skiing can be a challenging yet rewarding outdoor activity that requires a combination of strength, endurance, balance and technique. The difficulty of cross-country skiing often depends on various factors such as terrain, weather conditions and skiing experience. Initially, beginners may find it tough to master the proper techniques of gliding, kicking and poling efficiently. Enduring long distances on varying terrains can be physically demanding, testing your endurance and muscular strength. Additionally, navigating through snow-covered landscapes with varying levels of difficulty adds another layer of complexity. Despite its challenges, cross-country skiing is a unique and invigorating experience that allows you to connect with nature.
The Arctic Circle is famed for its extreme cold temperatures, making it one of the coldest regions on Earth. With average temperatures hovering around -30 to -40 degrees Celsius in winter, and rarely exceeding 0 degrees Celsius in summer, the Arctic Circle experiences harsh and unforgiving cold throughout the year. The icy winds that sweep across the vast snowy landscapes create a bone-chilling environment that challenges both the native wildlife and human inhabitants. The freezing conditions in the Arctic Circle play a crucial role in shaping its unique ecosystem and have a profound impact on climate patterns worldwide.
Garance Chuzel
Product and Operations Manager
“Our Wildlife trips cater to all nature enthusiasts but, for me, Costa Rica stands out, especially if you’re new to this style of adventure. The national parks are very accessible and wildlife is typically seen on foot during nature walks. Leaf-cutter ants parade the forest floor, howler monkeys swing through the jungle and scarlet macaws squawk overhead.”
![Winter Holidays](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_80,f_auto,w_900,h_450,c_lfill,g_auto/exodus-web/2020/04/Travel-Expert-Garance-Chuzel.jpg)
Related Blog Articles
Our Winter Experts
![Winter Holidays](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,c_fill,g_face,w_220,h_130/exodus-web/2023/12/Expert-Leader-Elina-Juhani-e1703250623265.jpg)
Elina Juhani
Expert Leader: Finland
![Winter Holidays](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,c_fill,g_face,w_220,h_130/exodus-web/2023/11/Expert-Leader-Ilse-2-e1704271861541.jpg)
Ilse Alt
Expert Leader: Norway
![Winter Holidays](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,c_fill,g_face,w_220,h_130/exodus-web/2023/12/Jenny-Smith-e1703236698502.jpg)
Jenny Smith
Expert Leader: Italy
![Winter Holidays](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,c_fill,g_face,w_220,h_130/exodus-web/2023/02/Exper-leader-Lars-Malmstrom.jpg)
Lars Malmström
Expert Leader: Sweden
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus’ experts.