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Depending on the arrival time, during dinner, we have our welcome briefing where we discuss the week ahead and get an introduction to Basecamp and the local area.
After sorting out all of your equipment needed for a week in arctic conditions there we explore the Oulanka National Park with a gentle half-day snowshoe walk past frozen rapids and following the Kitkajoki River. There is a free afternoon for further snowshoeing, 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 out around Basecamp.
This morning, we head off to a husky farm on the edge of the neighbouring Riisitunturi National Park. We start with tuition on how to ride and drive on the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then continue into the woods where our teams of dogs eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 10km mushing adventure. With the adults driving and the children sitting in the sled, you are able to really appreciate the serenity of this beautiful snow-laden landscape.
Experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down to the nearby Juuma Lake, our instructor will 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 virgin powder. In the afternoon, keep hold of your skis as there will be further opportunities to practise what you have learnt in the morning and have more fun.
In the morning, we visit the reindeer farm and museum where everyone will have the chance to ride on a reindeer sleigh. The visit then draws to a close with some hot drinks and some reindeer sausages round 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. 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.
This morning we have the chance to sleep longer and start the day at a more relaxed pace. After lunch, the afternoon is spent in the children's snow park, which is supervised by the Basecamp guides. Amongst other activities, here children have the opportunity to learn how to build a snow fort followed by hot chocolate and doughnuts. Families can also have a go at making a snow sculpture.
Today is left free to spend as you like. Options include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing having all Basecamp facilities at your disposal and many accessible roads to explore. Otherwise, you can enrol in one of the several optional activities available; downhill skiing at nearby Ruka (transport and skiing not included); or further dogsledding and snowmobile safaris. There is also a possibility to take on the challenge and exhilaration of ice wall climbing, suitable for all ages. Alternatively, kick sledging can keep you entertained. For the farewell celebration, we will eat dinner around a campfire.
* 7 nights at Basecamp Oulanka
* 5 days mixed activities
* Group normally 6 to 18, plus leaders.
* 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 local produce that is 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. There is also
the option of vegetarian food. Dessert consists of lingon berries,
blueberries and cloud berries that have often been picked by the chef
herself. It is refreshing to know that what is viewed as superfoods in our
supermarkets grows locally to Basecamp. These berries are served with a
selection of quark curd, cream, ice cream, cakes and pan cakes. Lunch
normally consists of hot soup with elk, salmon or a vegetarian option.
* 7 nights at Basecamp Oulanka
* 5 days mixed activities
* Group normally 6 to 18, plus leaders.
* All Arctic winter equipment and clothing provided
Level 2 - Leisurely/Moderate
This trip is graded leisurely/moderate, which means that no previous
experience required.
A mixed activity week for families, with a good selection of guided
activities and free time for independent activities or relaxation. None of
the activities require previous experience but please note that the exposure
to cold weather can be quite tiring. The free time will give the opportunity
to tailor your pace according to your preferences.
Basecamp
Spend 7 nights in the Finnish Wilderness at Basecamp Oulanka, a characterful
lodge situated on the edge of Oulanka National Park. There are two
accommodation buildings, one with 8 rooms and one with 10 rooms. On the lower
level, there are double rooms all with en suite bathrooms. Above them are
twin rooms with a mezzanine comprising of 2 mattresses suitable for children
and all are en suite. Depending on your group size and rooming requirements
an underoccupancy supplement of £295 may apply.
The third building is a cosy restaurant and bar, with a log fire, sauna and
outdoor hot tub.
Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close
together, we can't guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak
season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put.
You need to come prepared for this. A family of four will be allocated a
large room at the time of booking, please let your sales consultant know at
the time of booking if you want to upgrade to one double room and one twin
room (subject to availability).
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 evening meals are included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of local produce that is 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. There is also
the option of vegetarian food. Dessert consists of lingon berries,
blueberries and cloud berries that have often been picked by the chef
herself. It is refreshing to know that what is viewed as superfoods in our
supermarkets grows locally to Basecamp. These berries are served with a
selection of quark curd, cream, ice cream, cakes and pan cakes. Lunch
normally consists of hot soup with elk, salmon or a vegetarian option.
A private minibus is used for all 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.
Daylight hours
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.
Northern Lights
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 April), and at lower latitudes this can be the best time to see them.
Inside the Arctic Circle, they tend to be just as good in any winter month,
and on a seven-night trip you would be unlucky not to see the Northern Lights
at all.
*Provided equipment*
The following is issued on arrival and are yours throughout the week:
Full winter outfit including jacket and trousers (children are provided with
top of the range REIMA overalls. These are made from the same high quality
material as adult snowmobiling overalls)
2 x fleece jacket and 2 x fleece trousers
Woollen hat & mittens
Gloves, boots and socks
A thermos flask, backpack, and headtorch.
As you only need to bring casual clothes for the evening, quite often the
total amount of your personal gear will be small enough to fit into the cabin
overhead locker of the plane. If you have a shoe size of 12 or over, contact
us so we can be sure to arrange that the right snowshoe or ski-boot size is
available. For the optional snowmobile excursion a more insulated
snowmobiling overall and helmet will be provided.
*You will need the following*
It is recommended to bring your own thermal underwear (top and bottom),
merino wool is particularly good. While others often find that doubling up
the two fleece layers (that are provided) is sufficient enough to be
comfortably warm, your own thermal underwear allows further personal comfort.
*Additional equipment*
Casual footwear for evenings and travelling
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.
*Make your own Lappish drum:* €65 per person.
*Full day husky safari**:* for 6-9 hour trip (the duration depends upon the
weather conditions), includes snacks and sausages 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 approximately a 90 minute 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./
* 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.