Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

In number one place comes the husky dog sledding. We loved the dogs and we loved the snowy landscape. To drive the sled you have to have a certain weight so my 11 year old sat snugly in the sled whilst I spent most of the time breaking or leaning. In number two slot comes the food in general and in particular the sauteed elk stew that we ate under the stars (well cloud actually) with mashed potato and lingonberry jam accompanied by hot berry juice. Then we divide. My son's number three is roasting reindeer sausages over the fire in the reindeer herders' hut. And mine is the walk along the river to the rapids on snowshoes. We both loved the sauna and the hot tub. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tessa could not have been more enthusiastic and helpful. And that extends to all the other staff - Annike put on an amazing spread for our Christmas meal on Christmas day. Tessa was very good with the children had us making Christmas decorations and ginger bread. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

You really don't need to bring very much - I think the other reviews said this and it is true. There is an amazing amount of kit that you can borrow right down to thermos flasks, beanies and headtorches. If it gets wet, they just lend you more. So you can avoid the problem of wet kit and holiday laundry very easily. You can avoid cooking too - lunches are 11 euros for adults and 6 euros for children and very delicious. If you want to do your own lunches then you need to bring your food with you. Bringing snacks also makes sense, especially for smaller children.If you are adventurous and confident, then be aware that there are only two trails that lead from the basecamp (one - the Little Bear Trail -  a round trip of 12 km and the other - the Big Bear Trail -  an 82 km route). As it was only light for 4 or so hours a day, we didn't stray far but if you can walk at sufficient speed you can just about snowshoe the Little Bear Trail whilst it is light.

Most Inspirational Moment

The dog sledding day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the all day dog safari

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was packed full of great activities which we will never forget. Our first daylight experience of Finland was the Husky Sled experience. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful, the dogs amazing and friendly and capped off with hot drinks in a Teepee. This activity blew us away right at the beginning of our holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the leaders at Basecamp Oulanka were superb, accommodating, helpful and friendly. The family group leader Tessa was brilliant with all the children. She managed to support the whole group through new activities while educating us in Finnish traditions. Tessa was always smiling! Our boys loved making an Igloo with her.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip was an excellent introduction to winter activities. This holiday was varied, fun-packed and energetic. Our boys (aged 6 and 8) really enjoyed trying new activities and are keen to have another winter holiday!The food was good, and although there were times when we were not keen on the main option - there was plenty of bread and salad, and the kitchen was keen to accommodate and no-one ever went hungry.Basecamp Oulanka was well stocked with equipment and clothing which was accessible throughout. With temperatures reaching minus 29C we were grateful of the quality clothing available. Take swimming costumes to make use of the sauna and the hot tub - a great way to relax before supper!

Suggestions

We absolutely loved our time at Oulanka. The wonderful people, scenery, food and activities made for a superb collection of memories. Tessa showed us how to showshoe and cross country ski. Later in the holiday we used our free time to do both again as the equipment was freely available. We spent many hours sledging down the slopes around the camp! The huskies and reindeer were truely amazing experiences.

Most Inspirational Moment

Snow shoe walking to the old mill with my sons. the power of the water and the weather made it a magical experience

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tessa was lovely, nothing was a problem, she was great with the kids and she had the patience of a saint!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take snacks and hot chocolate as we did, the odd cuppa soup wouldnt go a miss too especially if you have picky kids as the availability of food is minimal after meal times(all food was beautiful) except for finnish mars bars at 1.50 e a pop. plenty cards and cluedo scrabble and jenga available for after dinner, my 2 found their ds very useful as there is obviously no tv computer access. and evenings are long, but you will find the kids are shattered!you really dont need clothes. every imaginable layer is provided, gloves, hats, shoes, just take your own thermals and plenty of big socks, and disposable hand warmers were useful too. no one dresses for dinner, the clothes you arrived in are enough.Ruka is very expensive is hire the equipment and have a lesson for the day, at least 400e for a family of 4 before your lunch, if you love downhill skiing great but be warned,

Suggestions

Amazing Amazing Amazing. didnt want to come home!take full advantage of the cross country ski and snowshoe use while there, the scenery is beyond belief.worth every penny, but beware of expensive extras

Most Inspirational Moment

The Husky trip was our agreed favourite, sledding through the snow covered forest .The afternoon when the leader took the children to play games in the snow was the next favourite with my daughter , and for me as I got the chance for a beautiful walk in the forestThe food (freshly prepared each day) was the best I have ever had on an exodus holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Hanna was, in the words of my daughter "amazing" She ( and the rest of the team) were so friendly and accommodating. We travelled independantly and arrived late due to a flight delay and the team could not have been more helpful rearranging activities so that we would not miss out.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The temperatures can be difficult for children to deal with ( we experienced -32c) take lots of disposable hand and feet warmers to help keep feet and hands cosy. All the gear they gave us was excellent, and I hardly used my own clothes at all.

Suggestions

If you want to experience the snowy wilderness, but appreciate a warm fire and a cold beer at the end of the day this is the place to go.