Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure

During our stay, we'll balance a variety of activities with free time to enjoy these remarkable surroundings. Each excursion will be led by a dedicated activity leader, alongside your tour leader. The scenery here is stunning, a world apart from what we're accustomed to. In Finland, spending time in nature is an essential part of life, a chance to relax, recharge, and embrace tranquillity. We are welcome to make use of the hotel's snowshoes and cross-country skis throughout the trip to explore the area at our own pace, though even a simple walk near the hotel can be just as rewarding. Each afternoon, the hotel's indoor sauna is also available - another cornerstone of Finnish culture and the perfect way to unwind. We'll begin by visiting the activity centre to collect our winter gear, which we'll keep for the duration of our stay. Our first adventure is snowshoeing - a traditional method once used by locals to cross deep snow, long before snowmobiles existed. Originally crafted from wood and animal hide, today's snowshoes are made from lightweight composite materials and easily strap over your winter boots. With no prior experience required, we'll set out on a two-hour walk through the enchanting, Narnia-like landscape that surrounds us. Along the way, our local guide will share their passion for this unique environment, and we'll pause for a hot drink to soak up the stillness of the snow-covered wilderness. As we move through the landscape, it becomes clear why Finnish culture is so deeply connected to nature. We head back to our hotel for a lunch break and rest before heading out again late afternoon to try cross-country skiing. For many of us, this activity is only familiar from the Winter Olympics, yet for centuries it was the most efficient way to travel across the snowy expanses of northern Europe. Using long, narrow skis and poles, we'll begin with an introduction from our instructor, who will cover the basics of the “push and glide” technique before we set off. A quick lesson in how to get back up after a tumble will also come in handy, as soft snow and long skis can be tricky at first. We'll stick to flat ground and soon find ourselves sliding smoothly through the forest. A hot drink break is included, though most people are pleasantly surprised by how warm they feel after the full-body effort that cross-country skiing demands. This first introduction to both activities will set us up to feel confident and comfortable, giving us the freedom to explore the snowy landscapes around the hotel at our own pace throughout the week.