Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

My husband and me tunnelling into opposite ends of the quinsi and meeting in the middle both covered in snow but still grinning.  The Huskies on the dog sledding trip leaping up and down in their sheer enthusiasm.  Snow that stays glisteningly white and doesn’t fall off trees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ollie was great.  Well organised, always willing to help and answer questions.  Always taking us into deep snow which is much more fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

They really do provide you with enough gear apart from a neck scarf.  Don't be lulled by the cosy dining room, always take warm stuff with you in case there is a Northern Lights call because once you go out and look you daren't go back for warm clothing in case you miss them.  Careful not to slip on the ice when climbing out of the hot tub (it was my only injury of the week).  The hot chocolate isn't free.  You don't need much cash at all - you can put everything on a tab at the basecamp and pay by card at the end of the week.

Suggestions

I was initially concerned with the cost of the holiday but have no regrets now I'm back.  It was so refreshing, fun and exciting it was worth it.  I loved the fact there was so much trust.  After a morning of snow shoeing they just said keep the kit all week and go out whenever you fancy.  We used our free time exploring the area, tobogganing and kick sledding.  In the evenings it was nice to relax in the hot tub.  We took lots of games with us for the evening and enjoyed the drum making.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many moments where I stood back and thought 'Wow, life can't get much better than this'.  But one of these moments that I will never forget was during the full day husky trip.  After a couple of kilometres my team of huskies settled into a steady pace (I didnt have to hold on so tight at this point!!), I took a look at the breath taking scenary, breathed in the fresh air (was minus 32 that day!) and thought 'I am truely the luckiest person alive!'.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader(s) I had (Hannah and Ollie) were AMAZING.  Absolutely second to none.  I cannot fault them in anyway.  They worked so incredibly hard, yet made it all look so easy - and constantly made me feel like I was part of their family!  I cannot credit them enough - if there were an award, it should, without a shadow of doubt be awarded to them.  They helped make my adventure truely amazing - I will never forget them or all the new skills they have taught me!

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice would be to take plenty of layers.  The kit provided wasnt warm enough for me, but I took my own gear anyway - so was fine.  I advise 2 pairs of gloves at all times, wool socks (2 pairs at a time) and those hand warmers that you shake and keep your fingers warm for up to 10 hours.  They were worth their weight in gold, because it could get extremely chilly over there during some of the activities.

Suggestions

I can't add anymore, other than this has been the best adventure of my life!  I would love to work there myself it was that much fun!  Thank you Hannah and Ollie, this was a special trip for me and it truely exceeded all of my expectations!

Most Inspirational Moment

 I loved it all but personal thrills were ski-ing for the first time on fresh snow and spending a day on snowmobiles going up to a spectacular viewpoint and homely cafe enroute.After a day of wilderness skills and the creation of a cosy igloo we ate and cooked pancakes over a fire in the forest - perfect!  Not forgetting that roll in the snow after the sauna and hot tub....

Thoughts on Group Leader

No Exodus leader for this trip. The local guides were exceptional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own thermal underwear and socks and something to cover your face and neck. Also you might find a large towel useful. Games for the evenings are good too. The only seating is around tables on hard dining chairs.

Suggestions

Just go for it. Try everything. The more you do the more you enjoy.

Most Inspirational Moment

The huskies, actually having a safe to sleep in igloo, the snowmobiles - everything!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Teemu and Olli were great, as were all the others. Eki had the patience of a saint putting up with me for the climbing. They were all really knowledgable, helpful, fun and friendly, but left us to have whatever space we wanted

Advice for Potential Travellers

You really don't need any snow gear, it's all provided. The lodges are vey warm, so you don't need endless thick jumpers etc there either. I managed to go with just hand luggage! If you are at all fussy about your food tell them in advance, and tlak to exodus staff about it. There was no choice at mealtimes, and we had fish and elk for most meals - not things you might think to mention as dieatary requirements! But that said the food is superb, including the elk, and there was plenty. Budget on an extra £500, as you do have a lot of spare time to fill, and won't always have a partner for just wandering off on your snow shoes, although the tobogans were a popular free pastime that filled many hours!

Suggestions

Thanks for a great trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day long (optional) dog sledding was without a doubt the highlight of the trip for us although all the activities were excellent.  All the dog sledding is run by a small outfit (Kota Husky) that is a family firm.  The leader, Lauri clearly cares immensely for the dogs and his control of them is impressive to see.  The long trip takes in some wonderful sights and you really get a feel for the personalities of the dogs.Lunch is served outdoors, prepared for the boss of the outfit, and Lauri's wife Marijka.  Sitting on reindeers skins around a log fire, eating and drinking local fare is a great picnic, made all the better by the fact that you arrived driving your own team of husky!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eki, the group leader was outstanding. He has an excellent sense of humour and great communication skills both of which he puts to good use when instructing and guiding.As you would expect his local knowledge was excellent and he genuinely cares about the environment around him, something which rubs off on all those around him.Whilst Eki was an excellent group leader, a great team backs him up .  Nothing is too much trouble and they make excellent hosts in what feels a little like their home.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice to potential travellers is 'go for it'.  Do not be put off by the thought of the cold or anything like that.  My wife was really enthusiastic about the trip but was also apprehensive as she suffers with the cold when all others are walking round in shorts however she loved the trip.  The equipment they issue you is top quality and is perfect for the weather conditions.  If you want to take along your own cold weather clothing but everything they issue is sufficient.