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Kalevala Ski Tour offered by supplier M18623 (read about supplier) Key Information: Tour Duration: 8 day(s) Group Size: 1 - 12 people Destination(s): Finland   Specialty Categories: Skiing & Snowboarding   Season: February - March Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: No Minimum Per Person Price: 1104 Euro (EUR) Maximum Per Person Price: 1104 Euro (EUR)

This skiing tour takes you to the forests of northeastern Finland to the area of Kainuu situated right on the Russian border. This is the land where the poems for Finnish national epic, Kalevala, where collected. The nature along the route is covered by white snow and it’s very peaceful and beautiful everywhere. Skiing goes through an extensive complex of nature reserves called Kalevala Park. The lodges are cosy and rather small family-run places. Every night you get to enjoy Finnish sauna and delicious dinners as well as the hospitality of the local people. Daily distances are average 40 km, totally 250 km during the whole week. Therefore a good physical condition and previous experience of cross-country skiing is needed to participate this tour.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Your guide will be waiting to welcome you at Kuusamo airport, from where you will travel (one hour) to Tolosenvirta cabin for accommodation and dinner.

Day 2: Tolosenvirta – Hotel Hossan Lomakeskus
We start our skiing expedition straight from the cabin. The first day of the tour is along the well kept ski tracks in Hossa recreational area. It is possible to choose a distance of 25 and 40 km. Lunch will be served at Hossa Visitor centre, where we'll also see the exhibition that describes the history and today of Hossa area.
Accommodation at Hossan lomakeskus in hotel rooms.

Day 3: Hossan Lomakeskus – Arola 42 km
We start the day straight from the hotel by crossing the lake Hossanjärvi. Lunch is enjoyed in a rustic old house on the top of the hill Kovavaara. After the lunch the route follows the border zone towards south. At Arola dinner is served in a traditional loghouse. Our hostess prepares the dinner out of local ingredients.

Day 4: Arola – Martinselkonen Wilderness Centre 37 km
Today´s route passes through the Martinselkonen nature reserve, skiing over open marsh and through spruce forest following paths of reindeer. Lunch is after 20 km in Martinselkonen Wilderness Center and then it is possible to do a round trip of 14 km. Accommodation in Martinselkonen Wilderness Centre where we can enjoy a well deserved dinner and steaming hot sauna.

Day 5: Martinselkonen Wilderness Centre – Haapa-Aho 40 km
The day follows the frontier zone line which we are not allowed to cross. The zone is well marked with signposts and yellow paint on trees. The close proximity of the Russian border adds something rather mysterious and exotic to the atmosphere of the area. The border guard towers, the border zone, and the view over the Russian side is an experience in itself. Accommodation is in comfortable Haapa-Aho cottage. In the evening it is possible to refresh oneself in the genuine Finnish sauna. After the sauna it is nice to sit down for dinner to enjoy some local delicacies.

Day 6: Haapa-Aho – Kuivajärvi 50 km
The longest day of the tour takes us until the tiny Kuivajärvi village, one of the Finland´s last remaining Karelian villages. In the morning we pass the frontier guard station in Raate. Raate area was a stage for some heavy battles during the Second World War. Malahvia nature protection area has some beautiful swamps in their natural state and some 15 km later Murhisalo offers old-growth forest and beautiful waterways. Our accommodation is situated in the village of Kuivajärvi where orthodox and Kalevala culture is still present.

Day 7: Kuivajärvi – Korkana 41 km
From Kuivajärvi we head south and cross the road and railway that leads to Kostamus at international border crossing point at Vartius. At half way lunch soup is served at the Hotel Wildbrownbear. Today's wild landscape is home to a biggest wolf population in Finland, and although these secretive predators are seldom seen, we may come across their tracks. Our skiing tour is completed when we reach Peuranpolku husky farm. In the evening we enjoy sauna and the well deserved dinner

Day 8: Breakfast and transport to the Kajaani airport.

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

Price valid on guaranteed departures 02. - 09.03.2012 and 03. - 10.03.2012 Group prices on request.

Price Includes:
- Accommodations: in 2-4 person rooms, toilets and showers outside the rooms
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day
- Services of the English speaking skiing guide
- Services of the skidoo driver who transports the luggage and prepares the track
- Airport transfers
- Sauna
- Bedlinen

Price Excludes:
- Ski equipment hire, which is available for a price of 60 EUR (must be booked in advance)

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Europe   Finland   Outdoor: Mountain Ranger   Skiing & Snowboarding  

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