Lapland: A Winter Adventure

You are welcomed at Finland's Rovaniemi airport before being transferred to Metsä Kolo hotel and lodge in Ranua, which takes a couple of hours by car. This is a chance for the group to first get together, when you will be introduced to the eco-resort and safety information over coffee.Dinner is served in the main house before we depart for our guided Northern Lights & Moonlight Ski tour with Finnish forest skis or snowshoes depending on what you prefer, for approximately two and a half hours. You can see in the darkness clearly without artificial light because of the incredible brilliance of the stars and moon overhead, which light your way to observe the magical Northern Lights over the frozen lake and snow-laden forest. Upon return there is a wood-heated log sauna and even a dip into the cold water of the a frozen lake if you feel daring. Feel the Finnish cleansing ritual for your body and soul as you are initiated into the Lappish way!

Our guide for this excursion is a local fisherman and we will be out on the ice for about two and a half hours, well stocked with hot drinks.You will learn how to set the net – and then check for the catch of the day. Whitefish, perch or whatever we manage to get will be prepared together and enjoyed with traditional Lappish side dishes. Fresh fish as never before! Lunch will be eaten in a traditional teepee style wooden hut in Metsä Kolo. Then there is time to play around on the Electric Snow Scooter, not guided, with a duration per person of at least 30 minutes. A world innovation from Finland, eLyly electric snow scooter allows you to surf on the frozen lakes, through white forest and across icy swampland; it really is great fun. We finish (no pun intended) the day with a cozy dinner to chat and review our experiences, always with the traditional Finnish sauna at your disposal should you want a relaxing dip.

Today after breakfast everyone gets to experience a one hour and forty minute husky ride on a two-person sledge. After short driving lesson, you will get to your sled dogs – the huskies want to run!The drive traverses 14–20 km, including a break and switch between the drivers. After the ride, you have time to thank the dogs for a memorable safari and ask the guide about the lives of the huskies in general. Lunch after/during the ride is two courses including natural water and coffee/tea. In the afternoon free activities at Metsä Kolo according to the weather conditions include: snowshoeing, forest skiing, ice skating, ride the napa-ice-sledge on the frozen lake, ice-kick sledding, ice fishing, campfire, bob sledding and more. 

We visit a neighbour's Reindeer Farm on snowshoes or ski, or by car if you prefer (2 km), for about four and a half hours. You may feed Rudolph and take all the pictures you like. Chat with the reindeer herder Miikka about his life and job in the arctic nature. His family runs a cow farm, owns forest, and the mother Tiina produces regional organic natural cosmetics and wellbeing products. Lunch is around the bonfire at the farm, including homemade and local food, including delicious meat and hot drinks Free activities at Metsä Kolo according to the weather conditions as usual upon your return before dinner, chat, a review of the day's experiences and the Traditional Finnish sauna - enjoy & relax.

After breakfast we say farewell to our host family and transfer to Kirikeskus Wilderness Hotel in Posio which is only about an hour away. After being introduced to the resort and safety information over coffee and snacks you are free to explore at leisure the beautiful surrounding area.This includes the wilderness hotel’s own Kiri slopes which are perfect for beginners or for the family, although some of the slopes also have a little challenge for those who need it. There are three slopes, two of which are illuminated. The height difference is 110 meters.The Arctic Ceramic Center is the northernmost ceramic centre in the world. Located on the ground floor of the hotel’s main building, the large workspace with stunning views has convinced many professionals and enthusiasts. It can be hard to find a more inspiring environment for making ceramics. The day concludes with a group dinner.

After breakfast we will hike along the 'Koronjää' Trail for about five kilometres in the Korouoma Canyon. It is the only trail in Finland where you can admire gorgeous frozen waterfalls in winter.The trail runs along a former horse road, and there are information boards on the area's logging history along the trail. The trail takes hikers along the top of cliffs with magnificent views, and to the bottom of the canyon. You will get the chance to admire the three largest frozen waterfalls at Korouoma, which are called Jaska Jokunen (Charlie Brown), Ruskea virta (the Brown River) and Mammuttiputous (the Mammoth Fall).During the hike we will stop at campfire for picnic lunch including local soup, sandwiches, hot juice and sausages before returning for our cosy dinner at restaurant Kisura 

Today there are lessons (if you need them) for cross-country skiing. You will learn which kind of equipment you need and how to use the traditional cross-country skis. You do not need any prior experience as professional instructors will choose the appropriate equipment for you and start the skiing lesson from the basics upwards. After the lesson you can practise on the ski tracks close by and use skies for as long as you wish. A delicious two course lunch at restaurant Kisura awaits after the physical exercise. Would you like to continue skiing? That is of course possible because you can use the equipment freely - perhaps after a small nap! As always a relaxing sauna bath in the hotel's saunas awaits you at your convenience. The day ends with dinner comparing the results of the skiing day. 

Now you can either relax after a busy week or choose an extra program from the myriad activities on offer based on your own preferences. You can use the skies freely, try the slalom on the nearby slopes, or take a hike to the top of nearby Kirintövaara and look across the beautiful, snow-covered scenery. The day is yours.

After breakfast we transfer to Rovaniemi airport which takes just under two hours for your flights home, relaxed and infused with the spirit of Lapland!