×Our children's prices are now up to 25% lower than the adult cost for Exodus-operated guided trips, and that goes for ages up to 16 years!
Itinerary Expand all Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka (approx. 45 mins).Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka. Meals included: Dinner Day 1 Start Basecamp Oulanka.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. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Gentle half day snowshoe walk, exploring the park; free use of snowshoes in the afternoonAfter 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. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Dogsledding instruction and tour of approx 10km (approx.)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. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Morning cross-country ski lesson. Free use of skis after lessonExperience 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. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Morning visit reindeer farm and museum with a ride on a reindeer sleigh; free afternoon in Ruka for optional activities.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. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 Free morning; afternoon children's snow games: sledging, building snow forts and snowmenThis 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. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Free day. Optional activities include ice-climbing, dogsledding or snowmobile toursToday 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. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London.Transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Basecamp OulankaEnd Basecamp Oulanka. Meals included: Breakfast
FinlandNo visa required for UK passport holders visiting Finland.For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
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).
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Reviewed January 2019 Isobel GarsideDon’t understand what you want here Some days could have had longer scheduled activities especially cross country skiing and snowshoeing - could make more of this aspect and explore further/moreWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Husky trip Dinner outside by camp fireWhat did you think of your group leader? Local Basecamp team absolutely superb!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? No
Reviewed January 2019 Alan TwomeyAstounding! Astounding holiday. Spend a week in the stunningly beautiful Finnish wilderness. Beauty, snow, fun - it’s why you go on holiday. Romantic and magical. Our 6 year old, and all the kids that were there, loved it. Drive huskies, feed and be pulled by Raindeer, snowmobile across frozen lakes, XC ski, build igloos (and sleep in it under the stars if you want!), explore a beautiful valley and park, and sleep soundly after a suana, hot tub and beer. I ran around it a few times in -15, the routes are clearly laid out, the running is safe and you’ll never forget it!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Running through the forest at -15 in snow fall and winter sunWhat did you think of your group leader? Good guyDo you have any advice for potential travellers? You only need the clothes you arrive in and some underwear and socks, and sweatpants If you like running, bring trainers (no need for special off road ones) Bring plenty of evening entertainment!Is there anything else you would like to add? Pillows weren’t good enough, better quality and more of them would be good
Reviewed January 2019 Kerrie StarbuckFabulous Finland We had a great time on our Finnish adventure and felt like we were well looked after and entertained the entire time. The scenery and activities were amazing and we'd highly recommend this trip to families of all ages.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Meeting huskies and reindeer, and snow-shoeing through some truly breath-taking forests.What did you think of your group leader? James catered well to the group and kept us informed at all times.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take hand/foot warmers - the supplied equipment is suitable, but sometimes you just need a little extra.Is there anything else you would like to add? Trip of a lifetime - do it!
Reviewed January 2019 Ian WilkesNo lights but great holiday We were a family of 5, kids ages 20, 18 and 14, doing the Finnish Winter Adventure Family holiday from 23rd December. The family holiday ran in parallel with the adult holiday (over 16yrs) and was very similar. Some of the activities were the same and even run together. We went to see the Northern lights, over the Christmas holidays whilst our kids were home from Uni or school. The ski was overcast most of the week, and cloudy in the evening, so we didn't get to see the lights, although our leader called us out to see faint glows through the clouds. However, we chose this trip as there were plenty of activities to keep us entertained whether we saw the lights or not.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The highlights of the holiday were the huskie dogs; the snowmobile optional trip; sleeping out on the frozen lake in a Quinzee; the Basecamp food; and the Basecamp staffWhat did you think of your group leader? Our Basecamp leader was Anna, who was very good. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Our Exodus leader was James, who was very good. Great communicator, very knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in making sure we had a good time. He couldn't have done more to help us have a great holiday, other than provide a clear sky to see the lights!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You truly only need to take a base layer, top and bottom. The Basecamp provide boots, two pairs of gloves, a fleece layer, top and bottom, and a waterproof/windproof layer, top and bottom. You just need a hot and buff. My wife and daughter found ski goggles useful for crosscountry skiing and snow shoe hiking, really just to keep the wind off their eyes. I found a balaclava useful too. Other than that, just layer up with long sleeve t-shirts and jumpers.Is there anything else you would like to add? The actual itinerary was slightly different to the advertised one. There's a bar where you can buy drinks for the meals, but it is expensive - E7 for a beer and E30 for a bottle of wine.
Reviewed April 2018 Curnow BascombeA wonderful winter adventure...! An awesome holiday that found the balance between being a holiday and an adventure. There was enough inclusive activities, both guide-lead and self-lead, to keep us busy with something everyday. For those who wanted to bolster their holiday with extras, then there were plenty to do so with. Accommodation was great. Food was good and the staff went above and beyond.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We walked the Little Bear trial which was stunning as the season was on the turn between winter and spring gave a beautiful insight into both. And, of course, the Husky day was simply awesome.What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was friendly, funny, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to cater for all of us. He made our trip even more enjoyable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Visit :)
Reviewed March 2018 C LBeautiful Finnish wilderness holiday We had a really good time with a family of 5. The setting is beautiful - a low-key lodge in the forest, on the edge of a frozen lake. There are lovely walks from the lodge and cross country skiing. The trips were great, with authentic experiences with reindeer herders and husky owners. Children were entertained constantly by the deep, deep snow! Equipment very good, and food excellent too.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The campfire meals at the husky sledge and the reindeer farm, and the last night evening meal under the stars. Very low-key and relaxed, with no rush to get through anything - the leaders looked as if they were having as much fun as the guests.What did you think of your group leader? There is a high ratio of staff to guests, which makes for great service on the trip and meals too. They were all excellent.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? As mentioned by others, you don't need to bring much gear! The clothing and gear they provide is excellent and warm (though you need a scarf/neck warmer). But it all looks the same, so a handy hint if you want to spot your child among 8 identical children milling around a reindeer is to bring your own hat!Is there anything else you would like to add? So if it was so good, why just 4 stars? It's because of the price of the extras and the overall cost. Yes, it's expensive and I knew that before booking. The programme is actually quite limited - just a few outings spread over the week, with most of the time at the lodge. That was fine for us - we enjoyed just snow shoe walking, sledging and cross-country skiing from the lodge (all that equipment is freely available at any time) - but given the limited outings the price is high. But the snow was great, food great, and service great, so that's fine, really. However, if you don't want to just stay at the lodge then the price of the optional extras is incredible - a family of five for an extra husky day would have been well over £1,000, and other outings just like guided walks were very pricey. I guess it's a pricey country, so be prepared for that or - as I say - it is actually OK to keep yourself occupied at the lodge. Also, as a family of 5 we were split into two rooms that weren't connected and were in separate areas of the lodge. Again, no problem for us, due to the age of our children, but just something else to be aware of.
Reviewed March 2018 R KirkePerfect winter trip for February half term. A beautiful location in the middle of the Finnish wilderness. Lots of activity in the outdoors. Healthy food with unexpectedly excellent vegetarian options. Great staff. Seeing the northern lights twice was a huge bonus. The family and adventure groups who were at base camp that week were some of the nicest people we have met.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Dog sledding through the most amazing forests in the wilderness. Beautiful pink sunsets. The hazy mists on the lake at sunset. And of course, seeing the northern lights swirling in the skies.What did you think of your group leader? Solja was lovely and always at hand to help and advice. She was very patient. The other leader Anna was also brilliant even though our interaction was not as much.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The quality of equipment is top class and the Arctic boots and mittens are fab. Your own baselayers are a must. I would recommend snow/ ski goggles as the sun Was strong on the horizon and dog sledding can make your face very cold. Do consider a balaclava for children and if you want to go snowmobiling. A few hand warmers in my mittens while dog sledding kept thumbs warm. The prices on the exodus trip notes for the optional activities were very different to the base camp prices. The optional all day dog sledding was the most expensive at 270 euros per person. Snowmobiling was around 89 Euro’s and don’t forget to bring your driving licence.Is there anything else you would like to add? Enjoy the experience. You can do as much or as little as you want. We enjoyed the drum making activity as it’s not something you can buy in souvenir shops and its a reindeer skin drum with traditional Sami designs you can draw yourself or make your own designs based on your experience. Anna has a folder in her office with pages of information and designs you can use.
Reviewed January 2018 Kevin nicholsonWinter Wonderland Expectations were high for this trip and I have to say they were met and exceeded. Never been away at Christmas before or done the skiing this - so we were nervous beforehand. The week was great - just the right level of activity - something new every day, with enough time to go off independently and practice snow showing or cross country skiing. Christmas Day was very different from being at home but no less special - standing on a frozen lake watching for signs of the northern lights is no something we would do at home. Kids 10, 15 and 17 all enjoyed it- Husky Dog ride being a highlight.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Out in -27 stood on the back of sledge being pulled by 6 dogs through such an amazing landscape, as the sun just managed to break the horizon.What did you think of your group leader? Excellent - the whole team at Basecamp were excellentDo you have any advice for potential travellers? No need to bring much at all - provided equipment was excellent and we only had to return it a few hours before we left. There was plenty of food at meal times - so no real need to take extra. On the free day we did the little bear walk - trail lunch was enough to get us round - no real need for extras. Kit dries out quickly on the heated floors. The walk from the airport gate to the plane was cold so don't forget to wrap up for that bit. Stop and listen often - and see how quiet things can be.
Reviewed April 2017 Sylvia Butler-JonesBrilliant I am a grandmother of 56 who went on this trip with my 7 year old grandson. It was brilliant, my grandson played in the snow all day when not on other activities. He build his own igloo, sledged and generally messed about in the snow. It is a really safe environment for children and he was never bored. Any optional excursions that he was a bit young for (snowmobiling) they catered for him by coming up with a safe alternative without us having to miss the activity i.e. The main man pulled a sledge behind his snowmobile which was safe for my grandson and also fun for him and this allowed me to take part in the snowmobiling (which was great).What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The area is beautifulWhat did you think of your group leader? She was lovely and so helpfulDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a scarf, it does not say to but you will need oneIs there anything else you would like to add? Just that I would highly recommend this trip to people with families, especially with little boys of about 7
Reviewed March 2017 Christopher GaleExcellent introductory week to winter activities for a family. Overall this is an excellent introductory week to winter activities in the beautiful frozen forests, lakes, and rivers of northern Finland.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Most of the activities.What did you think of your group leader? Excellent.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Before: very good communication from Exodus. Queries answered promptly. I did need to prompt them to send my final joining instructions. Detailed trip information on their website, which gives an accurate idea of what to expect, though actual day to day programme is out of date and now in the wrong order (according to Basecamp Oulanka, Exodus has failed to update this for some time now). If you are nearer Manchester Airport (option not listed as standard; flies from terminal 2), it is worth knowing that this is a direct flight to Kuusamo, which gets you to the basecamp just after lunch on the Sunday (meaning an early start) and leaves 10.30 am at the end- whereas London flights were via Helsinki and got to the basecamp at around 10pm and they left 7.30 am- we ended up being charged no more for this (initially there was £75 extra for each taxi transfer). Also there was another adult Exodus group there at the same time. Night before: we booked a room in the nice Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel via Holiday Extras (large, comfortable room) with a lovely swimming pool; food expensive though; and left our car there. Taxi’s arrived on time for our departure (5-10 mins) and came quickly when called on our return (pick up at Departures in Airport). No issues with car on our return. Flight/ transfer: everything went very smoothly for us. Flight was a charter with Thomsons Airways (3hrs 20mins flight; nb- seats not bookable in advance, no actual tickets). Pick up taxi there waiting in arrivals- one family who had booked within previous week were not picked up at Kuusamo by the transfer as they should have been. Takes around 3/4 to 1hr. Basecamp Oulanka: warm welcome from Miriam, our leader for the week, who was excellent all week, very helpful and approachable, good with the kids. All staff were friendly/ helpful. Nice main block for meals and socialising- log fire and board games (only had time/ energy to play on our first night), and wi-fi (worked fast enough for me). Equipment store below, hot tub (temperature ok but quickly drops when in use- I enjoyed this every evening), and sauna/ changing room (sauna also ok for my 11 year old). We had use of plastic sledges for self-directed fun on the slopes around the basecamp on the day of our arrival. Accommodation: We stayed in a wooden chalet near the main building- terraces of 4-5 at same height and below (2 storeys on a slope). Comfortable, met all our needs. Temperature is adjustable. We were always warm, despite the nights being - 10 to -25; it was nice having warm floors. 2 beds downstairs and wooden steep steps to another bed upstairs with low ceiling/ internal balcony/ no window. Nice view of the frozen woodland outside to the frozen lake near/ below the basecamp. External balcony. Desk, enough cupboards for us, bathroom/ shower room. Some had a problem with their locks- ours was fine. Nb- no wi-fi in rooms (not a problem for us). Food: Lunches are not included for some reason, no viable alternative- they do also sell snacks and drinks- lunch was self-service pots of soup and bread (cost 11euros per person)- they assume you want it the first day if arriving around lunchtime- there is a list to tell them if not wanted. Tea/ coffee/ hot water out throughout the day in the main communal room- no extra cost for this. All breakfasts and dinner are included. 2 of us liked all the food; most dinners (usually 6pm) featured fish or elk; 1 of us doesn’t like fish (they will offer alternative/ vegetarian if you ask); breakfasts (usually 9 am) include a local version of porridge and cereals, bread, cheese/ meat/ jam/ honey, yougart. Equipment: they do provide everything you will need to stay warm and we found everything we needed in comfortable sizes (nb- we all needed much larger sizing than we have in UK; bring own thermal underwear, we used Helly hensen lifa ones which were very comfortable)- to keep with you, they give 2 baselayers top and bottom, waterproof layer on top, merino wool socks, boots (also you can borrow ski boots for the skiing), hat, 3 types of glove, small rucksack, headtorch (ok, not very bright), flask for juice or hot water (leave at reception the night before to refill). When the kids became damp, they were allowed to get dry extra ones. The only issue is that they need this all back the night before you leave- so if you want to go down to the lake to watch the northern lights on the last night or have final goes on the Kick sleds on your morning of leaving or one last look in your Quinzee, you will need your own warm clothing, waterproof layer, waterproof footwear, and torch. I suggest bringing waterproof walking socks as well and a Go-pro type camera/ harness. Day 1: meeting and Kick sleds- fun, use on the road coming into basecamp, kept on rack outside main building, varying heights (the larger ones even usable by myself at 6ft4)- can use throughout week after that, which we did every day at some point. Snowshoeing in the afternoon (2-3hrs; you get to keep snowshoes and walking/ skiing poles for the rest of the week after this and use for self-directed trips)- guided walk around the locality from the large frozen lake just below basecamp to the Old Mill (beautiful location). Suitable for all ages there- from 6 to 14 on our trip- though the smaller ones did become tired. We really enjoyed all of the included activities. We also enjoyed a self-directed wonderful winter wonderland woodland/ river walk on our free day (day 6)- around the Little Bear Trail- highly recommended, easy to follow/ marks on the trees, Basecamp gives an overview map and their are display boards around the trail and shelters/ firepits- took us 4-5hrs/ 7-8miles- frozen waterfall, rope bridges, one short very steep icy climb up to a viewpoint/ rocky bluffs and a series of frozen tarns. Day 2: Free morning. We went snowing shoeing on the local trails. Cross country skiing in the afternoon (2-3hrs)- on lake and through local woods to a short slope. After which you could borrow the ski’s and boots in your free time, which we did most days after. Optional: local woods nighttime story/ information hike (approx 2hrs- much colder, it was the one time that I felt I was at risk of getting cold- I had put 2 extra layers on (5 in total on my top), but really should have put more on). Day 3: Husky Sledding. 3/4hr drive away. Adult driving with 1 child sitting in front in warm blankets- I had 2 children with me, therefore the older child was driven by one of the guides. Lots of fun, my favourite activity, though too short (around 1 hr- you can pay extra for a full day on the free day- the kids decided they would get too cold sitting for so long). Kids loved petting husky’s after, which were well behaved/ friendly, after howling on our arrival. Day 4: Ruka Day. Transport included. Reindeer Farm in the morning- short Reindeer round a circuit track; feed the Reindeer in a pen; Sausage, biscuit, and hot drink in a shelter with central firepit while being told about life as Reindeer Herder; old house gift shop- this would probably have been better later in the afternoon. It meant we were too late in Ruka for the earlier free ski bus to our optional activity- Downhill ski lessons (we had been told lessons would be on the other side of the hill- 15mins away)- we had to get the equipment, then take the bus (we could have got this the other side if we were on time- nb it took 1/2- 3/4hr to get all our equipment sorted out)- not ideal wearing heavy ski boots and having ski’s/ poles with us and our children’s ones. It was too much of a rush and we therefore didn’t get as much time on the slopes to learn very much (around 1 3/4hrs), and didn’t get lunch. Kids and adults are in separate groups near each other- kids learnt faster than us adults did; they both really enjoyed it, probably my kids favourite activity of the week. Day 5: Free morning. More cross country skiing for us. Quinzee building in the afternoon (hallowed out frozen snow pile)- enjoyable team activity; looked great once done- there are lots on the lake from previous weeks. After dinner story on the ice. Day 6: Free day. Snowshoeing and skiing for us. Evening (5pm) outdoor dinner and walk to the old mill. Don't expect Northern Lights- our nights were mostly cloudy, only the last night had stars for long enough and we did get a short display of white pillars/ shapes (hardly any colours)- I had been down by the lake luckily to look at the stars anyway. You can tick a box to be woken if staff see them starting and there are apps which try to predict likelihood (didn't predict the one we did see). We could have easily done with another week there.