Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The lake ice plunge / sauna experience was really special even if you have done cold water swimming before. Waking up in the morning in a quinzee we built ourselves having survived a night in -25c!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joonas and Tuomas were both really knowledgeable and helpful. Both native Finns, experienced in all the activities and good at teaching us new skills. Trip was well organised and they gave clear instructions. Everything ran smoothly and on time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

While at Base Camp, only base layers, swimwear and casual wear for evenings is required. Crocs or simliar are useful for sauna trips & popping to the restaurant. Make the most of opportunities to try new experiences. Food was all home cooked native fare and good portions. Amazing soups!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved learning the new skills: snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. I was able to use them by myself in the second half of the week which was exhilarating. I absolutely loved dog sledding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tuomas is the perfect leader. He is calm and personable, knowledgeable and interesting without being imposing. Always helpful and always available to assist.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hike to Riisitunturi, cross country skiing, the Little Bear Trail and other walks around Oulanka, and the fantastic guides you have in Thoomas and Joonas. There knowledge, kindness, humility and love for nature and their local environment was inspirational

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding, inspirational, whatever you’re paying him it isn’t enough!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was a highlight. We were very lucky to have fantastic weather. Some snow to start then very cold but sunny conditions. The dog sledding was amazing, we really loved cross country skiing and the snow shoe trip to Risitunturi was out of this world. Our guide, Tuomas, was brilliant and the staff at Basecamp were great. Food exceeded expectations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We couldn't have asked for a better guide that Tuomas. He was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, helpful, organised and gave confidence in the activities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on a frozen lake at night and being lucky enough to witness the Northern lights crossing the sky. Walking in the forest and enjoying the silence, just hearing the crisp sound of snow under my feet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joonas was the best. Super friendly and approachable, very helpful to explain the snowshoeing and cross country skiing techniques and to book optional activities, very knowledgeable about the area and its fauna (was always looking for animal tracks!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go for it, you won't regret it. It's all it promises and more. Full of nice surprises as well, I won't say more!

Most Inspirational Moment

Touring the dog kennel and going dog sledding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Top notch

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like winter-oriented activities, you're missing out if you don't consider this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Had these daily, started with the thick, hoar frost covered trees, on day 2, the snow-shoe walking experience, cross country skiing on day 3, husky sledding on day 4, followed by the night time snow shoe walking experience, when the Aurora appeared - which was stunning, and so it went on, with a free day downhill skiing, quinzie building and our attempt to sleep in it - again, the northern lights put in an appearance, making it quite magical ( and freezing cold 🥶🥶, finishing with a wonderful snowy day in the Riistitunuri National Park snowshoeing through the deepest powder. It was difficult to find fault - other than the tiny sized cups at breakfast, small bath towels, but that was the worst it got. All technical equipment and clothing provided for those who wanted to use it, lovely warm and clean rooms, good comfort food and friendly helpful staff. Basecamp Oulanka is in a beautiful location, with opportunities for us to practice our newly acquired skills to explore the area in our free time. Also enjoyed using the sauna and outdoor hot tub. We enjoyed the week and laughed a lot with a lovely group of people. One of our best Exodus holidays without doubt.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tuomas and Joonas were our guides - both lovely people, were very supportive and each gave good instruction and encouragement. Quite different styles but each was patient and had a dry sense of humour, creating opportunities for us to get the most from our experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take as much or as little technical clothing as you wish -other than base layers, it’s all provided. It’s clean and decent quality, but I just preferred to use my own as I already owned it. Certainly no need to buy any. Go with an open mind, join in and try everything that is available - it really was the greatest fun. I didn’t expect to particularly enjoy the snowshoe walking but now a complete convert. If it’s a trip you’ve considered just go for it, as it really is a very special experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in such a remote area with so much snow! Building and sleeping in a quizzed

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great

Advice for Potential Travellers

go for it

Most Inspirational Moment

Nothern lights

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was a kind and sweet man, he was clearly passionate about nature and was more than happy to share his knowledge about our surroundings

Advice for Potential Travellers

Spend time getting to know the others in the group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Husky dog sledding

Thoughts on Group Leader

Timo was excellent. He really knew the wilderness environment and was in touch with it. A calm soul who really enhanced the whole experience and was very helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want an introduction to many winter activities, this is the holiday for you. The fact that all specialist clothing and equipment is provided is a real bonus. Basecamp Oulanka is very comfortable and they feed you extremely well, you certainly won't go hungry.