Expert‑Led Winter Adventures, Perfected Over 50 Years
Across Finland’s snow-covered taiga, Iceland’s glacier-carved terrain and the jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites, our winter vacations reveal some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes.
Snowshoe beside frozen rivers in Oulanka National Park, cross-country ski across the lakes and forest trails surrounding Dobbiaco, or explore Iceland’s glaciers, waterfalls and geothermal landscapes. Depending on the tour, you could also travel by dogsled, reindeer sleigh or snowmobile, or gaze up at the dance of the Northern Lights.
Our expert guides share their deep knowledge of the terrain and bring you closer to local traditions. You’ll travel with a small group, while we take care of the itinerary, equipment and logistics.
Whether you’re trying winter activities for the first time or looking for a more active challenge, there’s an Exodus tour to help you experience these landscapes at their best.
Glide across snowy forests and mountain trails on cross-country skis. Easy to learn with expert instruction, it offers beginners and experienced skiers alike an exhilarating way to explore winter landscapes.
Chase the Aurora Borealis across dark winter skies. December, January and February offer the best viewing opportunities, when long Arctic nights reveal one of nature’s most extraordinary displays.
Trek across deep snow with ease on snowshoes, designed to spread your weight evenly. It’s a simple, rewarding way to explore the quiet beauty of the wilderness in winter.
Mush your own team of Alaskan or Siberian huskies across fresh snow, passing frozen lakes and snow-covered forests on an exhilarating Arctic adventure.
Try a different winter activity each day, from snowshoeing and ice fishing to the faster-paced thrills of snowmobiling, dogsledding and cross-country skiing.
Explore the Arctic or Antarctica on an expert-led small-ship expedition, discovering extraordinary wildlife and vast frozen landscapes in some of the world’s most remote regions.
Choose who you travel with by gathering family or friends for a Private Adventure, tailored to your group and planned around the way you want to explore.
Blue skies, sun and absolutely stunning mountain views where the Dolomites meet the Alps. This trip offers plenty of fresh air and exercise. And then after trekking all day coming back to relax in the sauna of the gorgeous Adler hotel and then look forward to a delicious evening meal in the hotel’s beautiful dining room, or wine cave was a real treat. The hotel staff were just fabulous.
Curious how our small-group winter tours work? You’ll find your answers here. From traveling with our expert local guides to group sizes, activities and fitness levels, this is everything you need to know.
Why travel with Exodus on a guided winter tour?
Exodus offers expertly crafted small-group winter vacations backed by over 50 years of experience. They have been honored with some of the most prestigious awards in travel, including the National Geographic Traveler Reader Award, Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, Good Housekeeping’s Family Travel Award, Wanderlust Magazine’s Best Tour Leader of the Year, and USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award.
Expect well-paced routes, knowledgeable local guides, and a more personal travel experience away from the crowds. With carefully designed itineraries and a focus on responsible travel, Exodus ensures every winter vacation is rewarding and memorable.
Why choose a winter vacation?
A winter vacation opens up adventures that simply are not possible in warmer months. You can snowshoe beside frozen rivers in Sápmi (Lapland), drive a husky team through Finland’s forests or cross-country ski beneath the Dolomites.
Snow-covered trails are often wonderfully peaceful, while expert guides help you identify wildlife tracks and understand how animals survive the season. Add Sámi traditions, ice fishing, wood-fired saunas and evenings watching for the Northern Lights, and you have a winter tour packed with memorable experiences.
Are Exodus winter tours suitable for beginners?
Yes, many Exodus winter tours are suitable for beginners, including those designed for first-time snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Snowshoeing is straightforward to learn, with expert guides helping you master the technique, while beginner cross-country skiing trips combine instruction with gentle touring.
Each tour has an Activity Level based on the terrain, distance, elevation and fitness required, so you can choose one that matches your experience. Check the tour grading and Trip Notes before booking, as some winter adventures are more demanding than others.
What fitness level do I need to be for a winter activity tour?
The fitness level you need depends on the winter tour you choose, with options ranging from Easy to Tough. Each tour has an Activity Level based on factors such as terrain, distance and elevation gain, while cross-country skiing grades also account for your technical experience.
You do not need exceptional fitness for every tour: beginner skiing vacations include instruction and gentle touring, and snowshoeing is relatively simple to learn. Check the trip’s Activity Level and Trip Notes to find the right match for you.
What’s included in an Exodus guided winter tour?
An Exodus guided winter vacation typically includes accommodation, an expert tour leader, transport during the itinerary and the activities listed for your tour. Many also include selected meals, group airport transfers and specialist equipment, such as snowshoes, skis, poles or Arctic clothing.
In Finland, for example, some tours provide full winter clothing alongside dogsledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Inclusions vary by itinerary, so check the ‘What’s Included’ section on your chosen tour page for full details, including meals, equipment and transfers.
How do I choose the best winter activity tour for me?
The best winter tour depends on the experiences you’re looking for. Most travelers already have a clear idea of the activities they’d like to try and the destination they want to explore.
It’s also worth considering the Activity Level of each tour — how physically demanding the journey is. This helps you understand the level of challenge and choose the tour that’s right for you.
If you’re still unsure, speak to our team of experts who can help you choose the adventure that’s right for you.
Where’s the best place to see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon that attracts visitors from around the world. One of the best places to witness this magical display is in Iceland. With its clear skies, minimal light pollution and easily accessible locations such as Thingvellir National Park and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland is an ideal destination for viewing the Northern Lights.
Other popular places to go in search of the Aurora lie within or above the Arctic Circle, with countries such as Norway, Sweden and Finland all vying to be the best host for the greatest light show on Earth.
How difficult is cross-country skiing?
Cross-country skiing is an accessible winter activity, and most beginners start to feel comfortable with gliding and stopping after just a few days. You do not need previous skiing experience, although a reasonable level of fitness, balance and coordination will help.
Expert guides provide practical instruction and tips as you ski, helping you improve your kicking, gliding and poling technique at a manageable pace. With routes graded by ability, you can build confidence gradually while enjoying peaceful trails and snow-covered landscapes.
What should I pack for a winter activity tour?
When preparing for a winter activity vacation, it’s essential to pack clothing and gear that will keep you warm and comfortable in cold conditions, especially if you’re traveling to places like Norway and the Arctic Circle. Some key items to pack include thermal base layers to trap heat, insulated jackets and pants for extra warmth, waterproof outerwear to protect against snow and rain, gloves, hats and scarves to shield extremities from the cold.
Also, sturdy winter boots with good traction are necessary for walking on slippery surfaces. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the sun’s glare on snowy days. Lastly, a backpack with snacks and water is essential to keep you energized during outdoor activities.
How does traveling with Exodus support local communities in winter destinations?
At Exodus, we believe travel should help both people and nature thrive in harmony. As a certified B Corp, we take a nature-positive approach and aim to contribute to the communities in the destinations we visit.
Where possible, we stay in locally owned accommodations, eat in family-run restaurants and employ expert local guides, so your tour directly benefits local people. Every adventure is also guided by our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, which places conservation and nature restoration at the heart of our itineraries.
