Lesbian Arctic Finland 2025

SUMMARY

Date:Sunday Feb 16th  to Friday February 21st 2025

Guide: Maarit our local guide. Ginny from WalkingWomen UK is there for a few days to welcome you. 

Walking Grade: This is a cross country ski trip plus an opportunity to snow shoe. Also with the opportunity to try other Arctic Activities. It is for those who love the winter outdoors and the snowy landscapes.

Highlights:

• Arctic Finland Wilderness
• Finnish hospitality
• Dark skies and the chance to see the Northern Lights ( maybe !)

Base: Hotel Aakenus,Rovaniemi the centre of Lapland in Arctic Finland .

This is a family run, traditional Finnish Hotel. We are using this hotel as it is a cosy place to base ourselves with ensuite solo occupancy rooms as well as apartments for two. There is a bar and restaurant and a sauna and perfect for groups to relax together after days outdoors.

Arrivals: Sunday  February 14th  between 15.00 and 16.00 to Rovaniemi Airport or make your way to Hotel Aakenus, Rovaniemi . You make want to travel overland.

Departures: Friday February 21st after breakfast from Hotel Aakenus

Price: £1950 solo occupancy room fully inclusive:

• Group Airport Transfer
• Ensuite solo occupancy room
• Breakfast , lunches and evening meals
• Transport required throughout the week
• Experienced local guiding
• Ski hire

The price is £1550 per person if you bring a friend/partner and share a room.

Not included:

• Travel to Rovaniemi
• Additional drinks from the bar
• Activities not included in the itinerary.

DETAILS

We have been asked to find New Cross country destinations and we are delighted to bring you Finland. The area offers enough flat ski trails that are good for beginners plus you can ski to the Arctic Circle. We can also snowshoe if you prefer.

We base ourselves in the home of Father and Mrs Christmas as it is the capital of Lapland. It is a vibrant place with great culture and Finnish design. You can be outdoors but also enjoy visiting some of the sights of the city.

Maarit, our local guide, has been showing people the area for many years and she is looking forward to helping you discover the Arctic.  And maybe other ways too.

ITINERARY

Activities may change depending on the weather and at the discretion of the guide. We have planned the following and will extend or shorten depending on the group,the light and the temperature.

In the middle of February, the length of the day in the Arctic Circle is about 8 hours, so we can be out between 8:30 and 16:30. This trip is outside as much as possible to experience as much as we can of this Arctic landscape.

Sunday 16th : Arrival at Rovaniemi airport between 15,00 and 16.00. Welcome.

You will be met and transferred by local transport to our  hotel. Hotel Aakenus in the centre of Rovaniemi and approx 15 minutes away.

Settle in , a welcome briefing and dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Monday 17th: Introduction to Cross Country Skiing in Finland 

After breakfast, we drive to the Santasport sports and training center in Ounasvaara, where skiing equipment is rented for everyone. All skis have a fur sole in the grip area and you will be briefed on the use of the equipment.

We start by getting to know skis and the basics of skiing. We ski approx. 8-10 km, choosing easy, flat routes in the Ounasvaara area. During the day we enjoy lunch outside.

Tuesday 18th – cross country ski. 19.4km

Nice and easy forest landscape. There are two fire pits along the route for taking a break and frying local sausages/having a picnic or two!

Wednesday 19th :  A beautiful trail for cross country 22km ( if the group would like there is an opportunity to go on a snowshoe trip to a viewpoint on a hill) 

Mainly easy forest and marshland. A small part of the route is of medium difficulty. The route is machine-made, so if the hill seems too big, it’s easy to walk down or up. Along the route there is a campfire for lunch.

Thursday 20th : Visit the Arctic Circle 

The last day of skiing near the Arctic Circle. Before skiing we can visit the Arctic Circle area and perhaps have a  go at jumping over the Arctic Circle border.

Friday 21st: Departure date. Leaving after breakfast

Airport transfer to the airport around 10am so flights after 12 noon.

It’s time to say goodbye to Finland! Taking home improved skiing skills, new friends and a lot of new great experiences.