Internationale groepsreis Finnish Wilderness Week

Karen Ryan

We had a superb time at Oulanka Base Camp. The accommodation was very snug and cosy and the food excellent and plentiful. All of the staff were friendly and helpful and our leader Martii was attentive, helpful and kind. The range of activities on the itinerary were fun and well supervised giving us a flavour of some new winter sports.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

This is hard to pin point to one thing but the husky ride through a stunning slow clad wilderness in the bright sunshine followed by the Northern Lights that same night were amazing. Also we enjoyed the challenge of quinzee building and witnessed Martii turning into a human mole as he helped us burrow into our snow castle! The last night's meal was also a highlight as we ventured outside for the final supper...

What did you think of your group leader?

Helpful, knowledgeable and very encouraging, he kept us all safe and amused.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We packed far too many clothes as all of the out doors gear is provided for you. Take a kettle for the room if you like a cuppa in the morning and a hairdryer too.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We couldn't all go on the additional cost trips which were subject to restriction in numbers and although Martii tried to arrange other dates, it would have meant missing other activities provided on the itinerary and sometimes a greater cost due to fewer numbers going.

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

A brilliant Winter activity holiday, which did exactly what it said in the dossier.  You can participate as much or as little as you want.  There is no rush, no early breakfasts, generally a fairly leisurely holiday.  All the clothes are supplied as mentioned in the dossier, so no need to take many clothes at all, just  a few teeshirts. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The husky dog sleigh ride was the most thrilling experience I had ever come across.  Thrilling but not too dangerous which is how I liked it.  It is something I will remember for ever.   

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was absolutely superb.  Always there ready to answer questions, nothing too much trouble, I felt genuinely safe with him and trusted his judgement.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't take too many clothes - all your warm gear is supplied from fleecy trousers to hat and gloves and an outdoor coat.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Try it!  I'm not particularly brave or foolhardy and do not like stepping outside my comfort zone.  This is for everyone and you don't need previous experience.  Obviously as a novice you can't do things as well as those who have done it before, but it doesn't spoil the holiday at all.  You don't have to be young to do it either - you can do as much or little as you want - plenty of optional activities - so if you want to stay in the warm and relax and do nothing you can. Go for it - you won't regret it!

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

A remote wonderful unspoilt wilderness ( no tv or newspapers) location with superb cabins and an endless supply of good equipment to practice all of the snowy activities.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Arriving at the airport to a warm introduction from tuomas our guide for the week set the scene. For me the first 10 seconds in control ( did I say in control?) of the husky dog sled was the most exciting followed closely by seeing the awe in the eyes of my campmates watching the northern lights on the very last night. Lighting a fire with damp wood shavings and cooking my sausage in the open fire and it only dropped off the fork once!

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant. All of the basecamp staff were most helpful, smiling young people something sadly missing from many in the service industry back home. Tuomas was very friendly and knowledgeable of his local environment which he was clearly passionate about maintaining in a sustainable way. I think he loves basecamp so much so he is getting married there this summer!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Open the cabin window to avoid dry throats at night. No need to take any food as all the food provided is more than enough – my stock of 35 muselli bars were somewhat of an overkill. Try sleeping in a fridge ( health and safety warning applies ) before you come to prepare yourself for an overnight stay in the quinzhee.  Seeing those returning from a night inside reminds me of the film “night of the zombies”

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We had the use of the cabins at no extra charge right up to one hour before leaving and the late flight ( but not too late) meant we had a full last day ending with a group hug down at the mill. Tuomas provided his own ice drill ( auger) to enable us to do a bit of ice fishing in the frozen lake – add this item to available basecamp equipment. Thanks to all of my fellow travellers and new friendships made on what was my first exodus holiday.

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

An enjoyable glimpse of life and introduction to winter sports in a remote, fascinating region with a pristine wilderness literally on your doorstep. no need to fear the cold - it was exhilirating.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Immediate arrival - seeing the comfortable, homely accommodation at Basecamp and the deep snow, smelling the woodsmoke hanging in the pure, cold air, sensing the deep, still forest all around - was itself a magical moment. I thought, this is going to be good, and it was.

What did you think of your group leader?

Outstanding. All the staff at Basecamp were young, friendly, helpful and patient, and the leader in particular had quite exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take some fresh fruit if you think you will miss that. Don't try and sleep out in the igloo you helped build, unless you can literally sleep anywhere - most people gave up and returned to their lovely, warm rooms after a few exhausting hours.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The optional extras are very expensive, and if you don't do them you have a lot of time on your hands to fill, practising your ski-ing and going on snow shoe walks. The deep powdery snow is very limiting on where you can go. In fact, there is only one prepared ski trail and one long distance circle walk you can do - the Bear Trail - which is superb, but I ended up doing it three times.

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

This was both the first winter holiday and the first Exodus holiday we have been on.  Both exceeded all our expectations!  The only downside?  The difficulty we now face trying to decide which Exodus trip to go on next.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The first thing that strikes you about Basecamp Oulanka is the incredible peace and solitude.  You have been transported to an truely idyllic hideaway.  The breathtaking scenery of the Oulanka National Park as you crunch your way around the Little Bear Trail in your snowshoes or as you glide across the frozen lake on your cross country skies. The most spectacular snowmobile trip, winding your way through the wilderness to the top of the hill for stunning views and incredible hospitality.

What did you think of your group leader?

We had the pleasure of Ellu as our group leader.  She was relaxed and attentive and good homoured.  She really ensured that we had great fun, she was simply fantastic.  It was good to know that we were in safe, capable hands.  Nothing was too much trouble, she even came to tow the minibus out the snow on her day off!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

As this was our first winter holiday, it seemed natural to be a little worried about subjecting our bodies to minus 20 degrees, but I can honestly say that apart from just a few minutes during the entire week, we were warmer than back home.  When else will you sleep out under the stars at minus 18?  Don't miss the opportunity, it's a once in a lifetime moment. The activities are very well organised, most days you have the opportunity to join in for half the day and you can then do your own thing for the rest, be it ice climbing, or simply strapping the snowshoes or skies on for a wander in the park.   

Is there anything else you would like to add?

What are the chances of seeing the Northern Lights?  They show for fifteen minutes on a clear night throughout the winter months.  We thought we had no chance, as the first clear night passed and the clouds rolled in, but we were wrong.  After a little time invested in looking skyward, we were rewarded with natures greatest lightshow.  Amazing! Everyone we were in contact with, from Basecamp Oulanka staff to the snowmobile guide, from the minibus driver to the Husky Farm workers, were all so friendly and accomodating.  Leaving us with great memories of an incredible country - we'll be back!  What are you waiting for, book it now.

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

This was one of the best holidays I have ever been on, I just hardly stopped laughing.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The scenery of Oulanka National Park was beautiful, I could definitely see myself returning in the summer.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was absolutely fantastic.  His english was very good and he pitched all the instruction at the right level.  He and the other staff at Basecamp Oulanka were exceptionally friendly and helpful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

As a recently singlelised person (!) I was a bit apprehensive about going on holiday on my own, but the group was 40% single travellers and was very inclusive.  Fellow newly single ladies - go for it!!  I was also a bit worried about my fitness, but all of the activities are easily doable provided you are reasonably active and mobile.  The rooms are nice and clean and the equipment provided is better than most stuff you will own.  Things you may want to take:  hairdryer, spare towel for the sauna, books, alarm clock.  Useful but not necessary:  your own thermals, lots of pairs of your own warm socks, woolly hat, warm coat and gloves.  Not necessary:  cash!  there are limited shopping opportunities and any optional extras get added to your room bill so you can settle with a card.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Haggle with them about the price of the optional extras.  The euro exchange rate is rubbish at the moment which means the price of extra trips feels expensive.  If most of your group want to do an activity, ask for a discount.

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

This holiday is mega, one you will talk about for the rest of your lives, it is such an experience and so varied - snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog sledding, ice climbing, snow mobiling etc etc.  The accommodation is beautiful and the week is designed so that in the morning you are doing structured activities ie learning cross country skiing and then the afternoon is free for you to go out with ski's or snow shoes by yourselves and explore, or alternatively do the optional activities such as ice climbing or visiting a reindeer farm.  Its a well thought-out holiday, suitable for loads of people, with an age range of 24-75 on my trip!!!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Moving quickly through the snow, on snow mobiles or driving a husky sled is something you cant describe to anyone, the forests are silent and eerie, covered in snow and ice with many branches bent over with the weight of the snow.  It is breathtaking, especially when the watery sun tries to peek through the branches.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was fab!  Her name was Ellu and she had lots of energy and enthusiasm and was very friendly and approachable.  She was not an exodus leader but worked at Basecamp, so she could instruct us exactly in what was happening.  At the end of the week she told us that she had not led an adult group before, and this was a surprise because the week had gone so well.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't pack as much as you think you need.  A lot of the daywear is provided, you just need a few t-shirts for underneath the fleece layers.  Don't take much for the evening either, just some jeans and a normal jumper is fine as the evenings are spent in the main hut with a fire, and if you want to go out on a moonlit trip you have to wear what you had on during the day.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go! Its amazing!

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

A great week! Exactly what we'd hoped for in terms of a mix of activities in a lovely snowy setting.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

By the old watermill at the start of the 10km trail - the spray from the river has coated the trees in ice - a real winter wonderland sight! And of course, the northern lights - just a taster so will have to go back...

What did you think of your group leader?

Martti is a lovely patient guy. He knew all our names by the end of day 2!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you like a drink in the evening, buy alcohol at the airport before you leave the UK. We took snacks so didn't need lunch (9 Euros) - food options are limited as you can't walk to a shop & taxis are expensive.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We were a little apprehensive about coping with minus 20 degrees & the limited number of daylight hours, but feeling ice crystals forming in your nose is something to be experienced & the dawn/dusk hours are very atmospheric. Go for it!

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

A week full of winter 'action' for people that do not have a lot of experience in wintersports but love the outdoors! An amazing setting in arctic finland!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

the longer walk with the snowshoes was great, a little more strenous than average but very rewarding! other highlight; the husky safari, the dogs really have a desire to go!!! Gliding through the forest, over frozen lakes,... great way to travel in an amazing landscape! and last but not least; after a day spending outside in the cold.... the hottub and sauna! Relax, enjoy, chat about the adventures of the day,....

What did you think of your group leader?

Erkki was perfect; friendly, relaxed and always cheerfull, helpfull and full of knowledge about history, nature, local costumes. And then there were also Thoumas, Elou, Rika,... they were all wonderfull!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Ruka is just a small resort, too small to spend the whole day, better to book an activity or/and go skiing (the slopes are well maintained!), also a good skischool (even its for just a few hours!) The equipment you get is good but some extra layers of clothing (of your own) is very usefull.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Fantastic Holiday with a good selection of winter fun to try out.  The lodge and the people were lovely and so helpful, would definitely return.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

My highlight must have been the dog sledding.  Found the whole experience out of this world, from the noise of the dogs barking in excitement when they knew we were coming to take them out, to the absolute silence of being with my team of huskies, being whisked through the snow.  One moment when I was alone and came out into a clearing with the sun golden across the snow brought tears to my eyes and will stay with me forever.  We were very lucky to see the Northern Lights one night sitting on the frozen lake.  What can I say! 

What did you think of your group leader?

Marti was fantastic.  He had so much patience especially when I so couldn't stay up on my feet on Cross country ski's.  All of the staff at the lodge were great.  Very approachable and friendly.  Couldn't ask for more.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Nothing to do in Rukka.  So avoid really or be prepared for not a lot!  I loved the peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle but may not suit some.  It really is 'the wilderness'.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Had an amazing time.  So many new things, from driving a reindeer sledge, snowmobiles, ski-ing, and snow snow snow.  I have never seen so much!!!!    The group made it.  Lovely load of people to spend a week with.  Memories to last a lifetime. 

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

We both had a wonderfully  peaceful, tranquil stay at Basecamp. Food was exellent all week with variety thoughout. We love it at Basecamp and will be going back soon.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Just being there is inspiration enough it is just a beautiful place to be at one with nature  

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Martti was fantastic, we enjoyed many a chat with him. The talks he had with a group on the snow shoe walk was great and gave an insight on some of the wildlife around. The wilderness skills day along with the quincy building was fantastic and not a day anyone should miss - p.s. the man makes great coffee.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just go and enjoy it, get up early don't miss a thing be prepared to have a great time. maybe take a game for the evening. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I have a couple of suggestions though. For the smoke sauna it should be outlined it is a cost and maybe a notice sent ahead of joining wher we could pre book as it takes a while to get it organised Possibly an organised walk on the bears trail with a sausage or two and a bear beer would be great 

Finnish Wilderness Week

Quite superb. The setting, the activities, the accommodation, the food and especially the staff were all exceptional. The Arctic Circle in Finland is stunningly beautiful with vast expanses of pristine snow and silent forests. You really do feel a million miles from the rat race.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being invited into the home of the Husky owners was delightful. Downhill skiing at Ruka was an unexpected treat because it was so perfect.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jukka is fantastic; friendly, funny and extremely well organised

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yes; do it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you Exodus for yet again exceeding expectations which were already high

Fantastic Finnish Fun!

A wonderful trip, with full itinerary. Not a lot of down time other than the evenings, but you are going there for the experiences, not to sit around reading books. The organisation was brilliant, everything went like clockwork. You really dont need much in your suitcase. Your layers, jackets, trousers, shoes etc all supplied, and in the evenings, jeans, jumpers and trainers are all fine. The food was excellent and plentiful, it would be impossible to go hungry, although if I had to say one negative, there was rather alot of Elk on the menu, which is very tasty, but we had it four times. The area around the base camp is stunningly beautiful, and its actually nice to take some time out from the hectic itinery to just go off into the silence and take it all in.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The introduction to dog sledding was amazing, driving your dog team through Narnia type trees , heavily laden with the purest whitest snow...stunning! Plus our group, the comeradery and team spirit was wonderful. I also enjoyed the day of Quinzee building, partly because it was such a beautiful day weather wise that day, plus the group together had great fun.

What did you think of your group leader?

Henri was extremely professional, but fun, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly, as were all of the staff.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

as I said above, no need for loads of layers in your case, they supply good quality, clean stuff!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If there was one negative (and I hate to mention this, as this trip overall is amazing) it would be the cost of the optional activities, there are quite a few guided walks on offer, night walks, national park walks, Wolverine walks....but they are quite costly especially with minimum numbers. Bring extra money if you like your walking!

Finnish Wilderness Week

This is an amazing trip based at a wonderful centre called Basecamp Oulanka. The staff are fantastic, always available to assist and advise you. Mornings are spent trying out different activities and then in the afternoon you can try something different, relax or consolidate your snowshoeing or cross country skiing skills in the national park. Once you have tried these activities the equipment is available free to use during the week, as are the sledges on site. The food is tasty and plentiful, and the accommodation warm and functional. Trying lots of new activities really made this trip unique and now I feel I'm ready for a more specialized trip in the future.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

My daughter and I fell in love with the dogsledding. Everyone experienced the half day session and many of us scrambled to sign up for the full day which is something that we will never forget. The huskies are incredible, keen to be off, howling and jumping with excitement which contrasts with the silence when you are speeding along. The scenery is breathtakingly serene and beautiful. Lauri, the owner of the huskies, is caring and very knowledgeable and the dogs aim to please him and it is great to see their kennels and hear about how they live throughout the year.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader Martti was always available at the camp to answer queries or to suggest a route for an extra walk. He was very knowledgeable about survival skills in the cold and we had great fun building a quinzee. He is passionate about the Finnish wilderness and his enthusiasm is infectious.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

All of the camp clothing is very good quality so do believe the trip guide, you really do only need to take thermals and good wool socks and liner socks, the fleeces and outer clothes are there for you. When it dropped to minus 27 it was useful to have a balaclava and woollen hats with the flaps to cover ears were a bonus. Do take Vaseline and lip salve, and use oil based moisturisers. Also shoes/trainers to wear in the main lodge when going for meals are useful.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I was pleasantly surprised by how much light there was. It started to get light at about 9.30am and stayed light until about 2.30pm in December when we were there. However even before and after there was plenty of light reflected by the snow and it was possible to walk in the forest without a torch when your eyes adjusted.

Finnish Wilderness Week

It was a really enjoyable week with an opportunity to try many new things in a fantastic setting.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It's difficult to pick a single moment, we enjoyed the whole week, especially seeing the Northern Lights (which is not guaranteed) whilst cross country skiing by moonlight across the frozen lake. The full day dog-sledding with Lauri and learning to cross country ski were also great.

What did you think of your group leader?

Henri was fantastic and he made the week for the group: he is charismatic, personable, friendly, organised, very knowledgeable and patient.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you use a hairdryer, then pack your own as there isn't one provided in the rooms (apparently basecamp has two that can be borrowed). If you are vegetarian and aren't very fond of soya meat, then note this in the dietary requirements as it was a feature of many of the veggie meals at basecamp during the week.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you want to see the snow on the trees as per the pictures the period for this is typically mid-December to mid-February. As the weather warms the snow melts from the trees before it does from the snow pack on the ground.

Finnish Wilderness Week

We had a superb time at Oulanka Base Camp. The accommodation was very snug and cosy and the food excellent and plentiful. All of the staff were friendly and helpful and our leader Martii was attentive, helpful and kind. The range of activities on the itinerary were fun and well supervised giving us a flavour of some new winter sports.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

This is hard to pin point to one thing but the husky ride through a stunning slow clad wilderness in the bright sunshine followed by the Northern Lights that same night were amazing. Also we enjoyed the challenge of quinzee building and witnessed Martii turning into a human mole as he helped us burrow into our snow castle! The last night's meal was also a highlight as we ventured outside for the final supper...

What did you think of your group leader?

Helpful, knowledgeable and very encouraging, he kept us all safe and amused.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We packed far too many clothes as all of the out doors gear is provided for you. Take a kettle for the room if you like a cuppa in the morning and a hairdryer too.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We couldn't all go on the additional cost trips which were subject to restriction in numbers and although Martii tried to arrange other dates, it would have meant missing other activities provided on the itinerary and sometimes a greater cost due to fewer numbers going.

Finnish Wilderness Week

This was an absolutely fantastic holiday and a true 'week of firsts'. We got to try lots of winter activities that we'd never done before, all in stunning surroundings. The basecamp was excellent and the food was amazing. All of the included and optional activities were excellent, as was sitting in the hot tub and sauna at the end of the day!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There are so many! Building and sleeping in our quinzee was a great experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the night-time snowshoe walk (walking through the forests with only the light of the moon), the ice climbing and husky dog sledding as well.

What did you think of your group leader?

Henri was a really great guide, he was really encouraging in all the activities and really knowledgeable about the local environment. He was also great fun and we all had a lot of laughs as a group!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Book this trip! You don't need any experience of any of the activities, just a willingness to give it a go. You also don't need to bring any specialist gear as everything really is included. You'll just need your own base layers to go under the kit they provide. Also some warm socks would be useful, although they do also provide these at basecamp. And finally, a Finnish sauna is a must, complete with rolling in the snow!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Finnish Wilderness week

Great week with congenial company, brilliant guide and instructor and excellent range of activities.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The range of available activities, driving my own snowmobile and being in charge of a dog sledding team.

What did you think of your group leader?

Henri was amazing, so patient, cheerful and encouraging at all times. He was knowledgeable and fun.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a hairdryer, and don't expect luxurious surroundings. Basecamp is great, but it could be felt to be a bit spartan.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I had a great time and I would recommend this trip to all ages. Who would have thought that I could snowshoe, drive a dogsledding team, drive a snowmobile, feed reindeers, try cross country sk-ing, go tobogganing, build a quinzee and leap out of the sauna and roll in the snow. Go and enjoy

Powder, powder everywhere

This is a truly stunning part of Finland, with a landscape of snow; snow on trees, snow on roofs, snow on lakes, snow on roads. The muffling effect of the snow makes the silence truly unique and special (for when we weren't laughing and chatting as a group). The optional activities meant the trip was as laid back or as full on as you liked and the hot tub and sauna helped recouperate for the next day.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Stomping thigh deep through the pristine snow

What did you think of your group leader?

Martti really knows and respects his 'office', the wilderness of the national park. He was considerate, easy to talk with and would try and fix problems if they arose. The whole team at Basecamp work hard to make the trip as enjoyable as possible.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Book it! Then buy some thermal underwear as that's not available on site. Even if it was, would you really want to wear second hand long johns?!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't expect to see the northern lights but they're an added treat on top of everything else. Go with an open mind, try things you never thought you were capable of and if you fall over in the deep snow enjoy it.... And try not to get too stuck!

Finnish Wilderness Week

I really enjoyed this week so much more than I thought. I had never done any winter sports or activities before, but the team at Basecamp were great at leading us through everything, from walking on snow, to staying warm, from cross country-skiing to ice wall climbing. The food was excellent - warming for the soul and very tasty. No meal was repeated and even my sweet tooth was catered for! The hot tub and sauna area were very clean and the rooms were just as described, with a floor that could dry all your gear overnight.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Building a quinzee and crawling inside it with my co-builders, realising I had not forgotten how to ski (after 26 years) and driving the huskies.

What did you think of your group leader?

Martti was superb - very supportive and I always felt safe in his hands

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take warm woolly socks and I preferred my hat which covered my ears more effectively.

Is there anything else you would like to add?