8
19 072
Our trip starts at Basecamp Oulanka, a complex of cozy wooden buildings located in a remote, unspoiled location overlooking the Juuma lake and backing into Oulanka National Park.
In the morning we are provided with all of the equipment needed for a week of activities in arctic conditions. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes we head straight out into Oulanka National Park where we are taught the necessary skills for this activity. Our route today will take us through forests and along the Kitka River, passing an old flour mill that sits adjacent to the dramatic Myllykoski rapids (approx 2½ hours). After lunch, there will be a chance to do some further exploration on snowshoes (self-guided) of the surrounding area or relax in the sauna or hot tub.
Today we experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down to the nearby JuumaLake, our instructor will literally walk us through the basics of how to cross-country ski. There may be a few tumbles to start with, but in the soft snow, this is half the fun! After becoming more confident on the skis we then head out onto the lake, gliding through the untouched snow. During your stay at Basecamp, there is the option of further unguided skiing in the area during your free time. Alternatively, you might wish to try kick sledging; a metal frame sled you can use on your own and venture out around Basecamp.
After breakfast, we take a bus transfer to the husky farm on the edge of the Riisintunturi National Park where we meet up with our dogsledding guide. The day begins with tuition on how to ride on the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then head off into the woods where our teams of dogs eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 10km mushing adventure. Our route follows a gently undulating forested trail into the wilderness. Travelling two per sled, you are able to really appreciate the serenity of this snow-laden landscape. Today we will have lunch at the husky farm. The afternoon is free to experience some of the optional activities that Basecamp has to offer such as ice climbing (min 4 persons). This evening we head out for nighttime snowshoeing, in search of the Northern Lights.
We spend 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. See the 'Optional excursions' section below. Please note that due to operational reasons, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.
Today we are taught the ancient art of quinzee building. Provided shovels and spades and in groups of four, we create a mound of snow, which is later hollowed out to make sleeping quarters (2-3 persons per quinzee). You have the option of sleeping in your construction, but the lodge is just a short walk away if you prefer the warmth of your room.
Today we have a free day with several options on offer to make the most of the magical Finland Wilderness. Some of the activities available include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobile safaris. As a farewell celebration, we have the option of eating dinner around a campfire on the edge of the National Park.
The trip ends at Basecamp Oulanka. Those on the group flight transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London.
* 7 nights Basecamp Oulanka: twin/double rooms two separate buildings
* 5 days mixed activities
* Group normally starting from 4, plus leaders. Min age 16 years
* All Arctic winter equipment and clothing provided
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 evening meals are included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of locally sourced (Finnish food)
that is all prepared on-site by the in house chef.
Starters consist of a salad buffet with 3-4 different choices. The main
courses consist of wild game such as elk, chicken, and salmon. Vegetarian
options are also available. Dessert consists of lingonberries, blueberries,
and cloudberries that have often been picked by the chef herself. These
berries are served with a selection of quark kurd, cream, ice cream, cakes,
and pancakes.
Lunch normally consists of hot soup with elk, salmon, or vegetarian option.
If you have any kind of dietary requirement (including the ones mentioned
below) please inform your customer operations executive at the time of
booking, so Basecamp can prepare for this. Vegetarians, Vegans, and
gluten-free diets are easily catered for on this trip.
* 7 nights Basecamp Oulanka: twin/double rooms two separate buildings
* 5 days mixed activities
* Group normally starting from 4, plus leaders. Min age 16 years
* All Arctic winter equipment and clothing provided
*Level 3 - Moderate*
This is a mixed activity week for adults with a good selection of guided
activities and free time for independent activities or relaxation. None of
the activities require previous experience, however, a good level of fitness
is needed to make the most of this holiday. Basecamp provides an excellent
kit for the conditions, with a layered system allowing you to keep warm and
dry.
Basecamp Oulanka
Basecamp Oulanka is a superb self-sustaining wooden complex that takes
immediate inspiration from its wilderness location. Twin rooms are in two
separate buildings. The third building is a cosy restaurant and bar, with a
log fire, sauna, and outdoor hot tub. The heating system used throughout the
complex relies totally on nature using special wood pellets for fuel. Winners
for outstanding accommodation in the VESTAS 2011 awards is proof of
Basecamp's dedication towards quality.
Please be aware that multiple Exodus trips are running at Basecamp at the
same time and you might share the room with a member of a different group.
Please note that there are Exodus family groups at Basecamp during the school
holidays.
There is no tour leader for this trip, but you will be well looked after by
the staff at Basecamp Oulanka.
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 evening meals are included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of locally sourced (Finnish food)
that is all prepared on-site by the in house chef.
Starters consist of a salad buffet with 3-4 different choices. The main
courses consist of wild game such as elk, chicken, and salmon. Vegetarian
options are also available. Dessert consists of lingonberries, blueberries,
and cloudberries that have often been picked by the chef herself. These
berries are served with a selection of quark kurd, cream, ice cream, cakes,
and pancakes.
Lunch normally consists of hot soup with elk, salmon, or vegetarian option.
If you have any kind of dietary requirement (including the ones mentioned
below) please inform your customer operations executive at the time of
booking, so Basecamp can prepare for this. Vegetarians, Vegans, and
gluten-free diets are easily catered for on this trip.
A minibus is used for transfers.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Thomson Airways or Finnair
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your
agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings.
Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until
approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Kuusamo or Rovaniemi*
Your trip normally starts at Kuusamo Airport on Day 1 of the itinerary.
Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining
Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
*Check-in: 4pm*
*Check-out: 10am*
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights.
Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any
other flight, even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be
able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
In the regions close to the Arctic Circle temperatures during the season
range from -30ºC to +5ºC. Christmas will normally be the coldest (usually
below -20ºC), but the temperatures rise as the days lengthen, and early
April can see temperatures around -10ºC to +5ºC. Recent years have seen
massive fluctuations in the space of a few weeks with lows of -40ºC and
highs of +7ºC just a few days apart. If the thought of such temperatures
scares you, then think again. When dressed in the Arctic clothing provided,
with insulated boots, woolly hat, and large mittens, -20ºC can actually feel
very pleasant. The Arctic cold is a dry cold, there is usually no wind, and
remember, we will keep you active.
Remember that at extreme latitudes, the days shorten and lengthen much
faster. So while in mid-winter (December/January) the sun remains just below
the horizon, by April there are more daylight hours than in the UK, and the
midnight sun is only a matter of weeks away. Even in midwinter, it is not
dark, as the sun is just above the horizon and there is plenty of light
reflected off the snow.
The breathtaking Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible from September
to late April on most clear nights at latitudes close to, and above the
Arctic Circle. They can be seen further south but will be less spectacular
and less frequent. Solar activity is greater around the equinoxes (September
and March), and at lower latitudes, this can be the best time to see them. At
Basecamp you need to have a clear window of weather with no clouds, and then
your chances of seeing them are quite good as there is hardly any light
pollution. With most "Northern Lights tours" starting from Arctic cities like
Tromso and Reykjavik, you have to drive a bit of a distance to go and see the
lights. The benefit of Basecamp is that if the conditions are good, all you
need to do is go outside and look up!
*Equipment Provided:* The following clothing is issued on arrival and are
yours throughout the week:
Full winter outfit including jacket and trousers
Fleece jacket and trousers x2 (one thin, one thick)
Woollen hat and mittens
Gloves
Boots
Thermos flask
A backpack and head torch are provided for your use during the week at
Basecamp. You do not need to bring any winter clothing with you as it is all
supplied locally but we recommend you bring enough clothes for evening wear.
For the optional snowmobile excursion, a more insulated snowmobiling overall
and helmet will be provided.
*You will need the following:*
Tight fitting base layer
Normal daily clothes
Several pairs of thick socks
Tube scarf/Buff
Swimming costume and Flip flops (for sauna)
From the beginning of February sunglasses and sun cream are advisable.
Earlier than this, sunglasses may be needed for those with a sensitivity to
bright light due to the reflection of light off the snow.
*Optional Excursions*
There are a number of extra excursions available in the area: exact prices
and details will be confirmed locally, but the following provides a guide to
what is normally available. As some of the excursions can be very popular we
strongly suggest you pre-book them with the staff at Basecamp at your
earliest convenience.
*Ice climbing tower at Basecamp*: allow €59 per person for 2½ hours basic
course. (This may not be available early or late in the season)
*Full day husky safari*: for 6-9 hour trip (the duration depends upon the
weather conditions), includes a hot snack by an open fire. Allow €315 per
person for a single or € 270 per person if sharing a sledge.
*Downhill skiing:* starting from €80 (equipment and ski pass).
*Snowmobile safari*: allow €89 per person (2 per machine) or €129 (solo
use) for a 1½ hour scenic safari around Ruka using eco-friendly 4-stroke
snowmobiles. Important note on snowmobiling: all drivers must be over 17 and
have a valid (car) driving licence and carry this with you whilst driving.
You will be liable to pay for any damage to snowmobiles up to the excess on
the insurance policy, which is approx. €1000 per machine. You will be asked
to sign a form agreeing to the above. This means, that in the unlikely event
that you damage a snowmobile in a major way, you will only be charged the
excess and not the full cost of repair. Snowmobiles are not for everyone and
can be difficult to master, however, damage is very rare if the drivers are
alert and considerate.
/On Saturdays, if you wish to snowmobile or downhill ski, a return transfer
to Ruka is €120./
*Make your own Lappish drum:* €65 per drum.
*Snowshoeing in **Riisitunturi National Park*: €79 per person.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus, however,
most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides and in appreciation of
their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and
depends on the service received. If you feel you would like to leave a tip,
as a guide we would suggest a total of approximately €15 for the leader
and €10 for the staff at Basecamp.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.