Supporting local tourism, communities and understanding of the Sámi culture

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on local communities and livelihoods across the planet, we’re keen to promote adventures in countries that are actively working towards sustainable tourism and conservation projects. Given the numerous environmental, cultural and conservation projects in place in Finland, we’re particularly keen and passionate to help support the local tourism industry here whilst also giving you the chance to get out and explore the pristine Arctic landscapes of this country in a safe and fun manner.

Following a long term working friendship of Riitta (a remote logistics and global event director) and Sue (Adventurous Ewe’s director & sustainability lead) this exclusive adventure has been carefully designed to deliver an amazing experience, supportive environment to learn new skills and showcase the some of the most stunning landscapes across this vast white wonderland. Whilst also giving you the chance to step out of your comfort zone and gain a greater understanding of the Arctic environment, the wildlife, the Sámi culture and enjoy back to basics living.

On booking your Finland Winter Wilderness Adventure, you will receive all the exciting trip info via our mobile travel app.

You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper to benefit the environment and the need of carrying around documents with you. A’ppy days.

With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service for your Arctic adventure. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on this expedition and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the winter hike & ski and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the destinations that we visit in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure. Having created this trip, we’re well equipped to answer any of your queries no matter how big or small.

On joining us for this trip, we’ll provide you with the recommended flights to book to Kittilä Airport in Lapland. You’re most welcome to book your flights through our ATOL & ABTA protected Flight Agent at an additional cost. The recommended flights will include airport transfers in Finland. Should you book flights outside our designated arrival and departure times, you’ll be responsible for organising your own airport transfers.

Flights are not included in your to give you the flexibility to travel from your nearest airport, use any frequent flyer points or extend your stay in Finland if you wish.

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 3 months beyond the intended length of stay.

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Finland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination, including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need….

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/finland
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/finland
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/finland/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Finland.html

Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. It is compulsory that everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes, among other things, cover for the full value of your trip, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, winter activities undertaken, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and pandemic travel cover.

For UK residents we have partnered with Campbell & Irvine Direct to provide you with a travel insurance. If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote.

You must send your Travel Insurance Policy to Adventurous Ewe no less than one month prior to departure.

Vaccinations

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis. For the most up to date info on vaccinations, please consult with your GP or travel healthcare practitioner 8 weeks in advance of travel. For more info, feel free to visit https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.

Allergies

If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by AE leaders and crew. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and wellbeing of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and wellbeing is our top priority. The Finland Winter Wilderness Adventure is intentionally challenging and requires individual preparation as the trip is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zone and achieve something incredible. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place.

You will be accompanied by your Finnish Arctic Guide and Adventurous Ewe host (for groups over 10 people). Our Leaders are First Aid trained and have extensive experience in leading groups in this region. They will be ultimately responsible for your safety on this trip.

For more info, please visit our Safety and Well-being page. 

All our Adventurous Ewe Leaders are experienced Leaders and have been carefully selected to ensure you have the best and safest experience with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure. They’re a fun bunch with plenty of Winter trekking experience. All Guides are first aid trained.

Your Local Finnish Guide is a key part to this trip. Expertly trained and experienced in every field of this Arctic adventure, bilingual and qualified in first aid and/or Wilderness First responder. They also have a huge passion for what they do and have plenty of knowledge ready to share with you. They’re responsible for ensuring the complete safety, well-being and enjoyment of the team. There may be the rare occasion where your leader has to alter the itinerary and activities due to the weather. In this case an alternative will be offered.

The Leaders will be in contact with base, the local office and Adventurous Ewe’s HQ.

The Finland Winter Wilderness Adventure is graded as ‘Challenging to Tough’. This is due there being 5 consecutive days of snowshoeing and back-coutry skiing in Arctic conditions. Lapland can be extremely cold at this time of year. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. Please see the Kit List in these Trip Notes for more details. An Arctic all-in-one suit and snow boots are provided.

You don’t need previous snowshoe or back-country skiing experience as training will be provided, however it is beneficial that you are a confident walker with a good level of fitness to manage the duration of the trek, combined with carrying your day-pack.

Preparation is key to help you get the most enjoyment and reward from this adventure. A good level of fitness, endurance and some gritty determination will help you conquer each day. A training programme will be provided to help you reach the start line knowing that you’re set to enjoy the journey ahead.

A bespoke training programme will be provided when join the team for this winter trek to help you with your preparations. Your training should incorporate aerobic (endurance building), anaerobic (strength building) exercises and some good long walks! Training in your trekking kit with your ruck-sack on consecutive days in the outdoors is ideal to help with your preparations too.

We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and Strength & Movement Coach, Peter Lant. For more info, please visit our Training & Preparation page.

The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

A full kit list and exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code for independent outdoor retailer Crib Goch Outdoor is included in this document.

You’ll be supplied with Arctic clothing, snowshoes, back-country skis and poles based on your size. You will have the opportunity to learn and practice using these items. No previous snowshoeing or back-country skiing experience is required.

Top tips:

• Dress the part and in layers of breathable fabric ie merino wool. Always have a pair of gloves or mittens (Hestra Alpine or Mountaineering gloves), merino wool winter hiking socks, a warm beanie that covers your ears, waterproof trousers & hooded waterproof jacket (Gore Tex or similar), and sunglasses as snow in the sunlight is intensely bright.
• GOOD boots!! Make sure they are insulated, waterproof winter boots with higher ankle support, thick soles and rubber or leather uppers are ideal ie. Salomon Toundra Pro boots or The North Face Chillkat snow boots. Snow boots will also be provided.
• Boot size – make sure boots are about 1-2 sizes bigger to have air space in them, plus fit thick wool socks in.  Airspace is a must as in -20C or colder feet will get cold very quickly if the boots are tight. 
• Train in your kit including the wearing of your daypack with weight inside. Ensure your kit is suitable and comfortable for your exciting adventure. Any questions, please contact us.
• Know where you pack your stuff so that it’s easily accessible ie. down jacket for when you stop for a break, snacks, water, first aid, factor 50 sunscreen, any medication, lip balm, etc.
• Pack your kit inside dry bags.
• Look after your feet – blister prevention.
• Thermos bottle that keeps the drink hot for 8 hours.

The land of 3 winters
Did you know that there is not just one but three winters in Lapland! The first is the snow period (Oct-Nov), then the Polar Night (Dec-Jan) and finally the Snow-crust-season (Feb-April/May).  Depending what type of scenery and weather you want to experience, the choice of timing is important. The time from December to February is stunningly different but also much colder. This is the best time to experience Arctic conditions with temperatures from -10C° to -30C°. But don’t worry – with exercise and warm clothing combined, you will stay warm. Arctic clothing provided, with insulated boots, woolly hat and large mittens, -20C (-4F) can feel rather pleasant. March – April is much milder with warmer days and day temperatures from approx. -5C° to +5C° and a lot of sun from early morning till late evening! Snow is more hard packed and you’ll get to enjoy a lot of light. This is an ideal time for long cross-country ski trips.

Cold weather 
If the thought of cold weather sends shivers down your spine, a rule of thumb is the colder, the more beautiful. Don’t be afraid of the cold – Finnish houses and transport are always warm and when outside, the Arctic clothing provided will keep you snug plus staying active helps keep you warm.

Daylight hours
At extreme latitudes, the days shorten and lengthen much faster. So while in mid-winter (December/January) the sun remains just below the horizon, by April there are more daylight hours than in the UK, and the midnight sun is only weeks away. Even in midwinter, it is not dark, as the sun is just above the horizon and there is plenty of light reflected off the snow.

During your winter wilderness adventure you will be spending 2 nights in a locally owned traditional Lapland style hotel in twin room share basis. If you wish to have a single room, please let us know as early as possible so we can arrange this for you. There will be a single room supplement for this.

The other 4 nights you will be staying in 2 – 3 traditional lumberjack cabins in a dorm room share basis. There is a wood-fired sauna in these cabins which is the perfect way to end the day in the winter wilderness. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag for the cabins. These can be hired if needed.

Accommodation – share and save basis
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite. If you wish to book a single room at the hotel, please let us know well in advance by emailing us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk. Single rooms are not available in the lumberjack cabins.

Occasional alternative accommodation
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

All meals are included as listed in your itinerary. Typical meals include:

Breakfast: Porridge or cereal with dried fruit, tea & coffee
Lunch: You will either pre-make your own packed lunch prior to setting off each day or stop by a kota / wilderness cafe.
Dinner: Either a hot meal or expedition style meals are provided each night depending on the lumberjack cabin as some are more basic than others. 

You will also have the opportunity to eat traditional Sámi cuisine, reindeer meat with lots of butter. Plus you can sample other Lappish meals at the hotel.

A celebratory dinner is included on your final night.

Water will be supplied from the ice wells; you will need to bring your own wide-mouthed water bottle for this and also a flask to take hot drinks.

Dietary requirements
Please let us know well in advance of any dietary requirements. It is worth noting that vegetarians may find the menu selection less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

The impact of single use plastic is having on our landscape, wildlife and oceans, it is now more important than ever that we all make changes in order to help our planet. We may not be a huge global company but we’re passionate about playing our part and trying to make a huge difference collectively. Together we can dramatically reduce our consumption of single use plastics and support our responsible travel ethos of ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.’

You can make a difference too with taking part in this winter wilderness adventure. As part of our commitment to helping the planet, members of the flock you join us for this trip, you will receive a free Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go bottle. This is our way of saying thank-ewe and also making a difference to the consumption of single use plastics in developing countries. For more info please click here or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk for more info.

All your trip info will be sent to you through a mobile travel app which is free to download. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app. For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us at:

Youtube: Adventurous Ewe
Facebook: @adventurousewe
Instagram: @adventurousewe
LinkedIn: Adventurous-Ewe-Ltd

You’re most welcome to use the hashtags
#ewecandoit #thisflockrock #adventurousewe #letsgoadventure

Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our leaders, partners or local people. 

Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect that you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption.

The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, patronising sex workers will not be tolerated on our trips.

By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines.

The decision of your Local Finnish Guide is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a Local Guide, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, your Local Guide may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked.

If you feel that someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your Local Guide or Adventurous Ewe host immediately. Alternatively, contact us on +44(0)7747 346 588.

Small group travel
We pride ourselves in small group trips to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety & well-being and to make your experience more authentic.

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure however you will have the opportunity to join a WhatsApp group so you can ‘meet & chat’ to your fellow travellers prior to departure.

Solo travellers
The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.

On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

We also have an optional single supplement available on trip for the 2 hotel nights for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation in the hotel and not the lumberjack cabins as private rooms are not available. The lumberjack cabin accommodation is an open gender, multi-share basis.

The land of 3 winters
Did you know that there is not just one but three winters in Lapland! The first is the snow period (Oct-Nov), then the Polar Night (Dec-Jan) and finally the Snow-crust-season (Feb-April/May).  Depending what type of scenery and weather you want to experience, the choice of timing is important. The time from December to February is stunningly different but also much colder. This is the best time to experience Arctic conditions with temperatures from -10C° to -30C°. But don’t worry – with exercise and warm clothing combined, you will stay warm. Arctic clothing provided, with insulated boots, woolly hat and large mittens, -20C (-4F) can feel rather pleasant. March – April is much milder with warmer days and day temperatures from approx. -5C° to +5C° and a lot of sun from early morning till late evening! Snow is more hard packed and you’ll get to enjoy a lot of light. This is an ideal time for long cross-country ski trips.

Cold weather 
If the thought of cold weather sends shivers down your spine, a rule of thumb is the colder, the more beautiful. Don’t be afraid of the cold – Finnish houses and transport are always warm and when outside, the Arctic clothing provided will keep you snug plus staying active helps keep you warm.

Daylight hours
At extreme latitudes, the days shorten and lengthen much faster. So while in mid-winter (December/January) the sun remains just below the horizon, by April there are more daylight hours than in the UK, and the midnight sun is only weeks away. Even in midwinter, it is not dark, as the sun is just above the horizon and there is plenty of light reflected off the snow.

Northern Lights (also known as aurora borealis or polar light)
Northern Lights may appear close to Earth but they actually form at altitudes of over 100kms, when solar winds made of particles from the sun agitate atmospheric gases. Northern lights are best spotted during winter when it’s dark and the weather is clear. Therefore the cold Polar Night season is generally the best time to witness the vast skies alive with this dancing phenomenon. We can’t promise that you will see this beautiful display but the longer you stay, the greater your chances to experience them.

Sauna 
A traditional part of Finnish culture, a sauna is the most relaxing way to end your day. Your Finnish Guide will teach you how to heat up a wood burn sauna as well as the many traditions around it.

Ice swimming 
Did you know that the biggest fans of ice swimming are elderly people in Finland? So there’s no excuse to give this a try. There is a Finnish dress code: woolly hat and woollen socks make walking through the snow more comfortable and a swimsuit is optional 😊

Arctic wildlife 
Reindeer, Siberian Jay, wood grouse, willow grouse, are just some of the wildlife that you can encounter in Lapland. You will get to recognise their tracks and perhaps be lucky enough to catch glimpses of them too.    

The largest wilderness area in Europe
Lapland is the beating heart of the Arctic area and home to Europe’s largest unspoiled wilderness.

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. Our Guides, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel.

Please feel free to take a look at our Responsible Travel Policy. 

Adventurous Ewe acknowledges Finland’s Indigenous Sámi people as the traditional owners of Finnish Lapland and recognise their important connection to the land. The Sámi people are known for their colourful cultural heritage and semi-nomadic reindeer herding. There are currently around 10,000 Sami living in Finland, with an autonomous Sami parliament tasked with preserving their endangered language and culture.