Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure

Our escape into the arctic wilderness begins in Inari, a village nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland. Situated approximately 120 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, this area has been inhabited for centuries by the indigenous Sami people. On the shores of Inari Lake, the third largest lake in Finland, the landscape of dense forests, rolling hills and frozen waterways is one of the most sparsely populated places in Europe. During winter months it is blanketed by snow and illuminated by the dancing aurora overhead. We'll be staying at Hotel Inari, owned by the Lappalainen family for over 40 years offering modern cosy rooms, authentic local food and of course the obligatory Finnish sauna to provide the perfect introduction to life in the north. If you would like to receive an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Ivalo airport (IVL). The transfer shuttle, run by Ilmaris Slant Ky will be waiting in the dedicated bus parking area. The journey will take around 50 mins. Your leader will arrange a welcome briefing in reception for your first evening, this will be at approximately 7pm.

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 Explore 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.

Our morning is free to spend as we like because this afternoon we visit the home of Tuula, a local reindeer herder, on the shores of nearby Muddus Lake. First you'll be introduced to the reindeer and learn how they have been central to the Sami way of life, and indeed their survival, for centuries. Roaming free in the summer months, the herd is then brought in for winter. Tuula will then take us into her home to show more of the traditions associated with the Sami way of life. This will include examples of traditional Sami winter clothing, along with other implements made from the reindeer, such as fur boots. We'll be back in time to enjoy dinner in Restaurant Aurora at the hotel. Finnish food is a reflection of the natural surroundings and Inari is no different. Fish and reindeer feature on the menu as do a mix of local berries like blueberries and lingonberries.

Often the headline act, husky sledding is simply unmissable for any trip to this part of the world. Born, as most winter activities are, out of necessity, today is our chance to travel to a local husky farm. These hugely energetic dogs will be almost literally pawing at the ground in anticipation of the chance to venture out. Armed with some basic commands, it's time to play musher as the dogs eagerly take us on a safari like no other. Once back at the farm, we sit around the fire with a hot drink to learn the details no one sees and begin to understand how the packs are formed, trained and cared for. We're proud to be visiting a farm that was one of the first to receive the internationally recognised Green Key eco certification. We return to our hotel in the early afternoon, though the day is far from over. At around 20:30 we'll tog up again and head out. Light pollution is minimal up here, so all we need is clear skies and fair solar winds for a display of mythical beauty. Whilst this cannot be guaranteed, the aurora is a regular sight in Lapland and gave rise to a myriad of myths and stories over the centuries. These days most smartphones will have cameras capable of capturing the lights but for those looking for a more comprehensive approach, take a camera with a long exposure.

Today, you have the opportunity to join your Tour Leader on a guided walk along the scenic Juutua Trail. This picturesque loop walk begins right from the hotel, following well-defined paths that wind alongside the river. The trail offers a peaceful and immersive experience in nature, with stunning views of the surrounding winter landscape. As we make our way through the forest and across the river, we'll pause for a well-earned break and a traditional outdoor BBQ. This is the perfect chance to warm up and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. You're welcome to bring your own lunch supplies, but don't worry-your Tour Leader will provide marshmallows for toasting over the fire. The trail is 9 kilomtres and will take us aournd 3 hours. Our last activity of the trip is cross counrty sking. For many of us, the winter Olympics is the only time we see practitioners of this ancient mode of transport. With long, thin skis and accompanying poles, this was the most effective way to cover longer distances for years in the winter landscapes of northern Europe. Our instructor will give an introduction to the basics of cross-country skiing, aiming to 'push and glide' before setting off on a sortie across the snow. A quick lesson in how to get up after a fall is also crucial as soft snow and long skis can prove a challenge at times. We'll stick to flat terrain and in no time the group will be sliding through the forest. Of course there will be a hot drink along the way, though participants are often surprised how warm they already are with the full-bodied effort required.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel, you are then free to catch the shuttle back to Ivalo airport (IVL). The shuttle service departs approximately 2hours before the flight departure time.