On this snowshoeing tour you will get to explore the wild taiga of eastern Finland in the region of Kainuu. The remote area is absolutely a perfect place to enjoy the peace of nature. Our route goes mostly in the Hossa hiking area through the snow white forests, along the ridges and over the frozen lakes.
The accommodation varies from a small hotel to log cabins, some of them without modern facilities but however with cozy atmosphere. The daily treks of approx. 6 hours will most probably be snowshoe in deep pulver snow. The terrain is quite variable with many short up- and downhills. The difficulty of the tour is from easy to moderate. No previous experience on snowshoeing is needed but a moderate physical condition is desirable.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Kuusamo airport where you will meet your local guide.
Transfer (approx. 1 hour) to the Hotel Hossan Lomakeskus in Hossa. Accommodation and dinner.
Day 2: Russian border
After a brief introductory session on snowshoeing technique it is time to set off for the first day trip which takes us to explore the area on the Russian border. We go the first kilometers in the narrow gorge and then mostly on the lakes until the Russian border zone. It is strictly prohibited to step on the border zone but we follow it for a couple of kilometers southwards. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel to spend another night there. Snowshoeing 7 km, 6 hours.
Day 3: Rock paintings Hotel Hossan Lomakeskus - Tolosenvirta
Today it is time to take a glance at the history. We will first go a few kilometers by car and then we snowshoe to the Colour Rock to see its rock paintings dating back to 4000 years. The picnic lunch will be taken in a kota (Lappish tepee). Coffee will be brewed on an open fire and it will be taken with sandwiches. In the afternoon we will accommodate at the cabin of Tolosenvirta situated isolated in the middle of the forest. After snowshoeing for hours in the cold it is nice to relax and warm oneself in the lakeside sauna heated with a wood-burning stove. Snowshoeing 7 km, 6 hours.
Day 4: Snow white forests Tolosenvirta –Lake Iso-Valkeinen
Today’s route goes along the top of a ridge between two frozen lakes through the beautiful snow covered pine, spruce and birch forests. It is more probable that we will meet some reindeer than human beings. After 7 km on snow shoes we will reach the northern shore of the lake Iso-Valkeinen and the cabins where we will accommodate for one night. Snowshoeing 7 km, 6 hours.
Day 5: Ridges and lakes Peurapirtti – Lake Huosiusjärvi
After breakfast we will go on snowshoeing along the ridges and on the lakes. The surrounding forests are home for many animals like elks, wolfs, lynxes and hares but unfortunately they are seldom seen. Also bears inhabit the area but in winter they are in a deep sleep. Halfway we will take the picnic lunch around an open fire at a lean-to-shelter situated near a rapid. In the afternoon we will arrive at the last cabins where we will stay in, called Huosiusjärvi and Iikoski situated 200 meters apart from each other. Snowshoeing 8 km, 6.5 hours.
Day 6: End of snowshoeing and reindeer farm Huosiusjärvi – Hotel Hossan Lomakeskus
The last day of snowshoeing takes us back to the Hotel Hossan Lomakeskus. Following ridges we will first reach the Hossa Visitor Center where we will have a look at the exhibition on the area’s history and present day. Our snowshoeing tour will be completed when we arrive at the hotel. In the evening we will visit Hossa reindeer farm where we will get to know better the semi-wild animals inhabiting the northern area of Finland. The delicious farewell dinner will be enjoyed at the farm. Snowshoeing 5 km, 4 hours.
Day 7: Return. Breakfast and transfer to Kuusamo airport
Guaranteed departures:
13.02. – 19.02.2010 (Sat – Fri)
20.02. – 26.02.2010 (Sat – Fri)
On guaranteed departures no minimum number of participants, max. 12 persons. Other departure dates on request.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price valid on guaranteed departures. Group prices on request.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation: on days 1, 2 and 7 in double rooms at the hotel, on days 3, 4 and 5 in 2 – 5 persons’rooms in log cabins
- Breakfast, outdoor lunch and dinner every day
- English speaking guide
- Luggage transportation
- Airport transfers
- Sauna every night
- Bed linen.
Price Excludes:
- Hire of snowshoes and sticks, extra charge 40 eur
- Travel insurance.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Finland
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Snowshoeing
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