Snowshoeing in Finland

Never having done snowshoeing before we were not sure how easy it would be but if you can walk you can snowshoe! It was a wonderful novel way of exploring the woodlands around the basecamp with plenty of time to chill in the sauna at the end of the afternoon.

The remote forests of Finland are a very peaceful place, and tramping through them in snowshoes is an ideal way to immerse yourself in their tranquillity. The trees are laden with snow and you cannot hear a thing. It feels like a scene from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - you half expect to come across a lamppost and a fawn. The centre is well run, and the guides are absolute enthusiasts and keen to pass one their passion for the trees and the wildlife. At night the stars are bright, and the Northern Lights make an eerie appearance. All in all, a magical place. The UK seems very busy when you get home.

this was a great week in the finnish wilderness at a very comfortable lodge with great food, the clothing we got was great quality and kept us warm. there was a huge range of things to do dog sleding , night snow shoeing which was quite an experience and sauna yoga to mention a few.

Finland is beautiful and Oulanka Basecamp a superb place to spend an active week. The facilities, equipment, food, activities and above all the staff - for whom nothing was too much trouble and who all clearly loved their work - were first-rate. The room accommodation was comfortable and the communal lounge, bar, sauna, hot tub and dining area in a separate building a few seconds walk away. We wanted and expected cold weather - which we got - but were never cold because everywhere was well heated and the winter clothing and boots provided were of the best quality (and all in with the price). The Basecamp is in the middle of nowhere - again, wanted and expected - in an area of forest, lakes, rivers (aka Finland!) but also unexpected hills and, at times, steep climbs. What I liked best? Pretty much everything and there were not enough hours in a day to do all I wanted. Also being wonderfully tired every evening after a hard day of snow shoe walking, cross-country skiing, snowmobile and/or dog sledding were a great aid to a good night/s sleep. Highlights major and minor - in no particular order - were: 1. The food. Loads of it and delicious, including the packed lunches and special energy bars. (We burned a lot of calories). 2. Eating lunch around camp fires at wilderness shelters in a gentle snowfall. 3. My first time on skis. (We haven't laughed so much in ages). 4. Falling a lot. (Yes, I'm serious. I fell off everything - snow shoes, skis - level and downhill - snowmobile and dog sled), and once nearly ended up in a river, but only hurt myself a bit a couple of times.) 5. Dog sled day. A marvellous experience and enough to turn this dog-phobe into a husky fan. 6.The company of like-minded strangers to add to wife and two good friends. Lowlights: Not a thing, other than we didn't get the Northern Lights, but that's beyond the Basecamp's control, and I couldn't do everything. We'll have to go back! The rooms are of two types. The upper rooms are a bit bigger, have a small mezzanine for storage or to sleep in and a balcony. All heating and hot water comes from a wood pellet-burning boiler and a wood-burning fire in the lounge. All clothing and gear is provided to reduce luggage weight - a small detail ,but a nice idea - and almost all food provided sustainable and locally sourced.

A fabulous week in a wonderful place. We were lucky enough to have sunshine and clear skies, so good views of the Northern Lights several nights running. The accommodation is warm and cosy and the food almost too good!

A good introduction to snow shoeing in a stunning location.  Accomodation, food, equipment and tuition all excellent.

A relaxing week spent in glorious Finland. If you like snow to feature in a holiday then you cannot beat Finland. The people are lovely, the venues calm and relaxing and the activities can be as full on as you want them to be. This trip can be very relaxing and had less guided walks than I had anticipated but you can participate in many optional extras or take as many unguided walks as you like. If that doesn't appeal then sit and relax by the fire and eat plentiful and delicious food.

This was an excellent holiday at the cosy and warm Oulanka Basecamp. We were provided with clothing that kept us toasty and boots that were very comfortable. The food was locally sourced as much as possible, tasty and filling. Overall, I cannot fault this holiday.

a wonderful trip exploring the snowy landscape of 2 of the national parks.  A very warm welcome from our lead Eki and all the team at the basecamp.

5 days very easy snowshoeing over well walked trails. The optional trips were good in particular the hire of a snowmobile in Ruka plus the short dog sledding experience at the Arctic Circle. Accommodation was basic but found that the underfloor heating in the bedroom section was not up to it as the room temperature dropped to +10 with warmest being +14. Would have rated it as Excellent if there had been more chance to walk in virgin snow instead of keeping to previously walked trails. Also lack of fresh fruit at Basecamp.