Activities: Cultural Exploration , Miscellaneous , Mountaineering , Multi-Activity , Snow Sports
Cosy accommodation in unspoilt wilderness locationExciting winter activities in Oulanka National ParkAll departures guaranteed
Basecamp Oulanka, our 'wilderness camp', is a lovely complex of wooden buildings providing comfortable and cosy accommodation in a stunning location overlooking a lake, and backing on to the Oulanka National Park. During the stay we include a varied programme of activities including dogsledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. We also enjoy a full day of wilderness skills with the opportunity to stay in your own quinzee and learn the techniques of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing passing frozen waterfalls and the beautiful Kitkajoki River. A highlight of the trip is dogsledding through the silent snow-caked forests of the Riisitunturi National Park in Lapland. Free time can be spent using the cross-country skis or snowshoe equipment available at the lodge, or in the sauna and hot-tub. The ski resort of Ruka is a 20 minute taxi ride away - for a night out, snowmobile safari or a day of downhill skiing (all optional).
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Start Basecamp Oulanka
Day 2
Snowshoe hike in Oulanka National Park past frozen waterfalls and following the Kitkajoki River. Late lunch back at base, and free afternoon for further snowshoeing, sauna or hot-tub.
Day 3
Cross-country skiing. 3 hours instruction on the trails right by the hotel. Keep the skis for the afternoon for further unguided skiing.
Day 4
Half-day with huskies and a dogsledding safari. The morning starts with explanation about the huskies and how to harness them, followed by training with sleds. We then take a 10km tour driving our own sled and dog-team. One option for the afternoon is an ice-climbing session (min 4 persons).
Day 5
Free day in Ruka, transfers are included. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available. See ‘Extra Expenses’ section in the trip notes.
Day 6
Igloo building in teams of four. Issued with shovels and spades we create a mound of snow, which is later hollowed out to make sleeping quarters (2-3 persons per igloo). You have the option of sleeping in your construction, but the lodge is just a short walk away if you prefer the warmth of your room.
Day 7
Free day. Options include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; downhill skiing at nearby Ruka (transport and skiing not included); or further dogsledding and snowmobile safaris. As a farewell celebration, we have the option of eating dinner around a campfire, or in a tepee (Kota) on the edge of the National Park.
Day 8
Short guided visit to the famous mill by the Kitka River and Myllykoski Rapids. End Basecamp Oulanka.
Departure Dates
24/01/2010
31/01/2010
07/02/2010
14/02/2010
21/02/2010
28/02/2010
07/03/2010
14/03/2010
21/03/2010
28/03/2010
05/04/2010
12/12/2010
19/12/2010
26/12/2010
Prices
17/01/2010: £999
24/01/2010: £999
31/01/2010: £999
07/02/2010: £999
14/02/2010: £999
21/02/2010: £999
28/02/2010: £999
07/03/2010: £999
14/03/2010: £999
21/03/2010: £999
28/03/2010: £999
05/04/2010: £1099
12/12/2010: £999
19/12/2010: £1149
26/12/2010: £1149
Optional single supplement from: 120 GBP
Important Notes:
All departures guaranteed
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
An exciting mixed activity week, with free time for independent activities. No experience is necessary.
Accommodation
Basecamp Oulanka
A superb base in a wilderness location, with excellent facilities. Twin rooms with en suite bathrooms are in two separate buildings. The third building is a cosy restaurant and bar, with a log fire, sauna and outdoor hot-tub.
Food
All breakfasts and dinners included
Group Size and Age
Min. 6, max. 20 plus local guides and instructors.
