LAPLAND
SNOWSHOE, NORDIC SKI AND ICE DIP
13th-20th March 2024
Come and experience the true wonders of Finnish Lapland with a chance of spotting the majestic Northern Lights
Learn to Nordic backcountry ski and spend the week exploring fjells and forests on snowshoes and skis from a traditional log cabin with your Adventuress fam
- 7 Nights
- Moderate
- Finland
This trip is currently full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist please contact us at info@adventuressinthewild.com
- Small group adventure led by female International Wilderness Guides
- Snowshoeing over fjells and through forests in a true winter wonderland
- Cosy evenings in a traditional Finnish log cabin complete with fireplace and sauna
- Beginners Nordic backcountry ski tour to a wilderness cabin
- Learn how to ice dip from the pros
- An chance to see the majestic Northern Lights in a brilliantly starry sky
- A free day of exploration and yoga
- Campfire lunch in the snowy forest
Day 1
Welcome to Lapland!
Upon arrival in Ivalo, you’ll ride a short 30 minute bus journey to the tiny village of Saariselka where your traditional (but modern) log cabin awaits
You’ll spend the rest of your day exploring exploring your surroundings and getting to know your guide and Adventuress fam over dinner, brimming with excitement for your coming adventure
Day 2
Snowshoe hike and campfire lunch
Saariselka sits on the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Finland’s largest protected areas. Today you will venture into the National Park on snowshoes where you’ll explore fjells and forests. It is impossible not to be moved by the untouched vast wilderness that surrounds you, and silence like you’ve never experienced.
After working up an appetite we’ll stop in a beautiful spot in the forest for lunch cooked over a fire, and some hot tea. It’ll feel so magical that you might convince yourself that you’ve spotted a Keiju – a fairy from Finnish mythology!
Day 3
Beginners Nordic skiing to a wilderness cabin
Today we journey to Kiilopaa to grab our skis ready for our Nordic skiing adventure.
Unlike traditional downhill skiing, Nordic skiing is typically on flat or only slightly inclined ground and involves travelling cross-country. Only the front of the boot is attached to the ski, making it easy to glide along with some momentum.
Our guide will start us off with a lesson where we’ll have some laughs getting to grips with it all, and then off we go! Our journey will take us into the wilderness to a remote cabin where we will enjoy a hearty lunch before heading back to Saariselka.
Day 4
Snowshoe hunt for the Northern Lights
After a lazy morning we will take an afternoon snowshoe hike into the forest with dinner cooked around the campfire.
After a well deserved rest back at the cabin, should it be a clear night we will have the opportunity to head out to a frozen lake to try to spot the Northern Lights dancing in the starry sky. There is no other natural spectacle quite like it. Don’t forget your camera!
Day 5
Free day to explore
Today is your day to spend how you like.
Optional additional activities include snowmobiling, a husky safari, hurtling down the longgest toboggan run in Finland, or spending a cheeky evening in local pub ‘Panimo’ warming up with some traditional Glühwein
Day 6
Yoga, sauna and ice dip!
After all of that adventure our bodies will be in need of some TLC. Wake up to a relaxed yoga session led by a local instructor, before heading to a sauna to sweat out that Glühwein!
If you’re feeling brave enough you can follow us out to an ice hole where you can experience an ice dip. Learn how to breathe and harness the power of mind over matter as you enter, giving way to a huge endorphin rush.
Day 7
Snowshoeing across the fjells and wildlife spotting
Saariselka is surrounded by spectacular scenery. But it’s not enough to just admire the scenery from afar, so today we will throw on our snowshoes and venture over the fjells for uninterrupted views as far as the eye can see. Keep an eye out for grazing reindeer and white willow grouse
Day 8
Breakfast and goodbyes
On our final morning we will fill our bellies with our final Finnish breakfast before saying our reluctant goodbyes to our Adventuress family and Saariselka, a place we will never forget
7 nights in a modern Finnish log cabin
Breakfast, lunch & Dinner*
Equipment hire (snowshoes, skis etc)
A high possibility to see the northern lights
2 days exploring the gigantic Urho Kekkosen National Park on snowshoes
Beginner friendly Nordic backcountry ski day
Fully qualified female International Wilderness Guides
Morning yoga session
Traditional Finnish sauna experience & Ice dip
Flying
Our cabin is located in the village of Saariselka
Ivalo Airport (Recommended)
Upon arrival at the Ivalo Airport, there’s a public bus, which does not require a reservation and leaves approximately half an hour after every flight landing time. From the bus stop it is a 7 minute walk to the cabin.
Rovaniemi Airport
If flying into Rovaniemi you can catch a 3hr30m transfer by bus to Saariselka
Helsinki
Direct flights run daily between Helsinki and Ivalo (1hr30m)
It can get pretty chilly in Lapland, there is a reason why Santa wears such a big jacket! So it is important to come well equipped for the temperatures.
It can range from +5 to -25 in winter so be prepared for these weather conditions.
Technical thermal underwear
Mid-layers
Shell-layers (windproof without lining): jacket, long shell pants
Down jacket/extra layer
Mittens
Buff/scarf
Hat
Sunglasses/skiing goggles
Winter boots/warm hiking boots
Backpack
Personal Medication
Swim suit
Your guide will provide:
Snowshoes
Skis & boots
Poles
Eating utensils (cup, bowl, spork)
LAYERING
For backcountry skiing the best way to keep warm is to utilise synthetic layers with wicking properties. The idea of this is that the air between the layers keeps you warm and dry. The moisture that rises from the skin during activity will move through the layers away from the body assisting temperature regulation during the ski tour. You can easily adjust your temperature by adding or removing layers.
1. THERMAL BASE LAYER
The layer closest to skin moves the humidity away from the skin. Merino wool acts as a great layer to keep us warm and dry.
2. MID-LAYERS
The mid-layer assists in thermo-regulation, when it is colder the mid-layer should be warmer. This may be a warm synthetic fleece or synthetic down jacket.
3. OUTER LAYER
The outer layer will be a waterproof shell, protecting against wind and snowfall.
4. EXTRA-LAYER
You will need an extra layer to put on for breaks and lunch, such as a lightweight down jacket.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to send us a message.
SNACKS
For our trips we will supply you with breakfast, lunch and dinner and you will provide your own snacks. It’s always best to have something stashed away in your pocket for when you need that energy boost.
Bring as many (or as little) snacks as you like. If you are someone that likes to eat little and often then pack quite a few as sometimes the gap between meals can depend on how our day is going. It’s always better to pack a few too many just incase.
Essential info FAQ
Who is guiding the trip?
Two qualified, experienced and friendly female Adventure Wilderness guides from Sidetracked Adventures will be running this trip
How fit do I need to be for this trip?
A good level of fitness is required and you must and be comfortable with spending 5-6 hours a day outdoors. Our schedule is quite flexible as we’ll be based in the same cabin for the week so we can easily adapt to make some days longer/shorter.
Do I need skiing or snowshoeing experience?
No experience is required, the guide will teach you everything you will need to know
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Just like the weather. It is never a 100% guarantee, however our base is located in one of the best locations in Lapland to view the lights, with a 75% chance on a clear night. The lights are at their peak in the month of March, and this is also the month with the least cloud coverage. The lights typically show up from 10pm-4am.
If wishing to view the lights it is advised to come prepared for the temperatures as they can plummet to -10 to -20 at night. There is a heated ‘Aurora hut’ close to your log cabin where you are free to try to spot the Aurora each night. On arrival an Aurora forecasting app will be recommended for download
Do I need to do the ice dip?
On this trip you’ll have an option to decide if you would like to skip out of any of the activities, so you’ll be welcome to just cheer the others on if it doesn’t take your fancy
What is the food like during the trip?
Veggie/Vegan/Gluten free options – The food provided will be vegetarian, apart from one evening where a traditional Finnish salmon pasta will be available amongst the vegetarian options.
Do you provide snacks?
We will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner but we ask that each person brings along their own snacks for the days when we are outside.
What will the weather be like?
It can range from +5 to -25 in these months so be prepared for these weather conditions. We will keep everybody updated on the Whatsapp group before the trip, and it’s worth keeping an eye on the weather in Saariselka before the trip. We will send you a suggested kit list of what to pack.
Does this trip have a guaranteed departure?
The minimum number for the trip to run is 8. Maximum is 10.
Will there be a Whatsapp group?
Yes, the Whatsapp group will open 3 weeks prior to the departure date
What time should I arrive and depart from Ivalo?
Check in is from 4pm at the cabin, and checkout is at 12am, so it is advised to book flights that work with those timings. It’s not a problem if you arrive later.
Will there be somewhere to charge my devices in the cabin?
Yes, it is a modern cabin with hot water and electricity
Who runs this trip?
This trip is being run especially for Adventuress in the Wild by SideTracked Adventures, which was founded by Sophie Nolan, an international wilderness guide who fell in love with Lapland in 2015 and decided to make it her home. Sidetracked Adventure’s ethos is all about getting you off of the beaten track and into the true wilderness
How do I get the Adventuress Members discount?
You can sign up to our yearly membership to benefit from big discounts and other perks here
Can I get my own room?
There are no private rooms available in the cabin
Do I need my own insurance?
It is essential to take out your own travel insurance for this trip
13th-20th March 2024
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Members price: £1350
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Secure your spot with a £250 deposit
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Payment plan available
Adventuress musings
Conquer your mountains
AITW is all about pushing your boundaries to experience life beyond your comfort zone.
Whats waiting for you there? A sense of empowerment that’ll leave you filled with confidence, and the realisation that you have it in you to achieve more than you ever imagined.
Our guides and members of the community are super supportive, and above all we love to have fun. Laughter is 100% guaranteed.
Our ethos
We recognise that some of you do not feel like you are represented in the world of outdoor pursuits, and we want to break that barrier and show that the outdoors is for everybody, so lets get out there and have some amazing adventures.
- The outdoors is for everybody
- Celebrating your uniqueness
- Respect for Mother Nature
