Cross-Country Skiing in Lapland

8 Days
From CAD 2120
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Group Tour
Activity Level
Challenging

Rating


(3 reviews)

Experience Overview

Perfectly picturesque and surrounded by the 7 softly rounded, snow-capped fells of the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, the village of Akaslompolo makes for superb cross-country skiing exploration whatever your ski ability. With over 300km of designated tracks - the most in Finland - trails vary from flat and easy to more demanding routes into the fells. There are even about 40km of trails that are illuminated at night for superb skiing even in the atmospheric twilight of the Polar Night in December and into January. The intricate network of signposted trails crisscross and intercept each other, so your route can even be changed halfway through, giving countless alternatives through the beautifully preserved Lappish landscape. There are even so-called 'warm tracks' on the upper fells where it might be as much as 15 degrees warmer than in the village! Using cross-country trails directly from the hotel, follow the freshly prepared ski tracks to the frozen lake of Akaslomopojarvi, through peaceful ancient forest and pristine white and unspoilt nature. The trails are dotted with traditional Finnish kotas - small wigwam shaped huts where you can take a break from skiing to marvel at the silent snow covered landscapes - or enjoy Finnish hospitality in a skiers' cafe where you can try the local energy booster of a pulla (sweet sticky bun), munkki (the doughnut equivalent) and a hot blueberry juice. Just 200km north of the Arctic Circle, this far north there are good opportunities to glimpse the celebrated Northern Lights. Street lights here are turned off at 10pm to showcase this extraordinary natural phenomenon. Admire from the hotel or take to your snowshoes as night falls in a guided search (payable locally) over the snow for the Aurora. When you fancy a day off from skiing, a convenient ski bus connects Akaslompolo with the impressive Snow Village - constructed as the first snows come down in November, artists from around the globe come here to design and sculpt this intricately chiselled ice hotel. Or take the chair lift to the summit of 719m high Yllastunturi Fell - which gives the Yllas region its name - to savour the views at the highest restaurant in Finland.
Profile
— 7 nights en suite hotel — 6 days leisurely, independent cross-country skiing exploration — Cross-country skiing available for all grades — Ski hire / ski lessons available at a pre-bookable supplement — Optional snow activities nearby
At a Glance
— 7 nights en suite hotel — 6 days leisurely, independent cross-country skiing exploration — Cross-country skiing available for all grades — Ski hire / ski lessons available at a pre-bookable supplement — Optional snow activities nearby
Trip For You
This trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater, who offer more flexibility, so you can ski as much or as little as you like. There are some subtle differences between the way Exodus and Headwater trips run which may appeal to you: Minimum age: children over the age of 13yrs are welcome to join as long as they are able to participate in the skiing. No minimum group size: departures are not subject to a minimum group size in order to run, although occasionally a ‘small group’ or ‘sole traveller’ supplement may apply.Sole travellers: if travelling on your own a compulsory single supplement will apply (unless stated otherwise - look out for dates where there is no charge for single rooms). Group leader/evenings: if you choose to purchase lessons or guiding services locally, the ski guides will ski with you during the lesson or guided portion of the day, but they will not join you in the evenings. There are no ‘group’ dinners and parties tend to dine separately. The hotel will also help you to arrange other activities.Insurance: insurance details are required at the time of booking. Cross-country skiing is an increasingly popular winter pastime. Compared to those used for downhill, the skis are longer, thinner and lighter with bindings that allow you to lift up your heel. Most cross-country skiing is undertaken on prepared tracks (loipe) covering flat and hillier terrain enabling you to explore the winter landscapes away from the confines of the alpine piste. The area is excellent for cross-country skiing, both for families and for those who enjoy a challenge. All weeks are suitable for all cross-country skiers Beginners and Intermediate: For those wishing to try cross-country skiing for the first time, improve their technique, or master the art of skating, ski tuition can be arranged locally, as can guided group excursions (supplements payable locally). If you fancy a change from cross-country, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, husky sledding and snow shoeing are all available (payable locally). Advanced:Guided group excursions can be arranged (supplements payable locally). If you fancy a change from cross-country, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, husky sledding and snow shoeing are all available (payable locally).
Group Description
There is no minimum group size on this tour as it can be booked by couples, families with older children or small groups of friends; please feel free to enquire as to how many other people are booked on your departure. Children are welcome to join as long as they are able to participate in the skiing but we would suggest over the age of 13yrs.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts and evening meals are included and are buffet-style continental.
Transportation
Transfers included on flight inclusive bookings from Kittila airport at 14:30 (transfer 45 minutes) and back to Kittila airport in time for a flight leaving at 06:35. For land only packages, transfers are available at a supplement.'
Joining Instructions
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days The flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of Finnair from Gatwick to Kittila 09:05/14:30 (transfer to hotel, 45 minutes provided). Return: Kittila to Gatwick 06:35/08:05. As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Akaslompolo Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Akaslompolo on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
Transfer Details
Transfers included from Kittila airport at 14:30 (transfer 45 minutes) and back to Kittila airport in time for a flight leaving at 06:35. If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
Weather Information
Akaslompolo and Yllas are located in Finnish Lapland, 150km above the Arctic circle. This northerly location gives Yllas long winter and summer seasons with a short spring and autumn in between. The Winter ski season runs from November to May. The temperature in the winter months stays well below zero and it can often get below -20°C or even -30°C especially during January. These temperatures may sound extreme, however the dry air in the Arctic means that they are not a problem, providing adequate clothing is worn. When the temperatures are very low, it is essential to have thermal base layers. Hats and face masks are advisable too, especially if dog sledding or snowmobiling. Some visitors to Yllas also find that hand and foot warmers are a good thing to have when heading out on to the slopes for the day. Daylight hours during the ski season in Yllas range from 0-6 hours in November, December and January up to 16 hours in April. For the short days in December and January flood lighting is provided on the slopes and the darkness is more like a blue twilight, aided by the reflection of light from the snow, than a pitch black. The long nights of winter are the best opportunity for viewing the northern lights in Yllas so it is considered by some people as the best time to go.
Spending Money
— For additional activities the hotel can book these for you, including dog sledding, snow shoeing etc. Half Board is pre-bookable at the hotel but if you feel like braving the outdoor temperatures at night, there are restaurants to choose from in the local area.

Highlights

  • — Stay in the resort of Yllas in the heart of Finnish Lapland, a cross country skier's paradise — Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park - officially where the world's cleanest air has been measured — Ski in ski out 3* family run accommodation based in the Lappish village of Akaslompolo — Snow sure destination — Opportunity to see the Northern Lights! — Plenty of activities to choose from including snowmobiling, husky rides, snowshoeing, fat biking and nearby, downhill skiing

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 4200

Tour TypeTour Type: Group Tour

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: plement.'

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: K07FL

StartStarts: Akaslompolo, Finland

FinishFinishes: Akaslompolo, Finland

DurationDuration: 8 days

DeparturesDepartures: Not Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Challenging

Includes

  • — All breakfasts and evening meals — Accommodation (see accommodation section) — Transfers to and from the airport when flights are booked — Use of the sauna and Arctic spa at the hotel — Use of Cross-country ski trails

Accommodation

Yllashumina Hotel
The welcoming, family run Yllashumina Hotel sits on the edge of the village of Äkäslompolo, not far from the lake and overlooked by the fells of the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. It is traditionally Finnish in style, with all rooms coming with individual drying cupboards for your ski things! The ensuite standard rooms (twins only) are located in 8 cosy yet rustic log cabins close to the main reception-restaurant building and are equipped with kettle, fridge, hairdryer and television. They are mezzanine style with twin beds 'downstairs' and an additional bed tucked away under the eaves. Use of the hotel's saunas - a must for any Finnish accommodation, with separate facilties for men and women - is included as standard, as is use of the Arctic Spa (limited to once/twice a week). Buffet breakfast and evening meals are included as standard. The hotel serves a copious and tasty 3 course buffet each evening, with special themed dinners also included during the week. Expect to sample such Finnish specialities as salmon soup, reindeer and baked “leipäjuustocheese. Room upgrades: Superior Rooms and SuitesFor a touch of luxury, upgrade to one of the superior rooms. These are much larger than the standard rooms and come with a cosy sitting area - complete with fireplace, television, DVD and blu-ray, a separate bedroom (double bed only) and a kitchenette, as well as a bathroom with 2 showers. The one bedroom suite has the same facilities as the superior rooms, but also comes with bath tub in the bathroom.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2120 (CAD 265 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Start Akaslompolo

Make your own way to Akaslompolo (45 mins). Your hotel for the week is the Yllashumina Hotel where you stay on a Half Board basis.

2
Day 8: End Akaslompolo

Make your way back to Kittila airport for your flight home.

Tour Operator

Exodus Travel

It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.

In Business Since 1974

Reviews

 

Lorenzo  -  Traveled, December 2022

Transfers were smooth and on time. Staff and Guide were very professional, courteous, friendly, and helpful. Accomodations good and clean. Equiptment was good. (Some of the layer-clothing was well-used.....in O.K. conditon, but COULD be upgraded for the sake of not looking so worn)

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/20/2022

 

Hannah  -  Traveled, February 2020

An absolutely amazing week with a great bunch of people. The staff were fantastic and enthusiastic. We had a lot of activities planned but also plenty of free time to explore as we wanted or to relax. Would strongly recommend to anyone interested in outdoor activity or wanting to push their comfort zones a bit!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/10/2020

 

Lynda  -  Traveled, October 2024

Terrific group, great itinerary. Guide was knowledgeable but behaved very inappropriately towards a single woman in our group. There was no provocation from her. It made us all uncomfortable and I’m sure ruined her trip. He singled her out incessantly and it was clear had a romantic intrrest in her. Not acceptable from a guide.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/13/2024

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