Trip Guide: Wilderness Snowshoeing Adventure in Finland

Over seven nights, you’ll snowshoe through silent forests, across frozen lakes and over ridges with expert local guides who know this terrain inside out on our Finnish snowshoeing adventure. After a day on the snow, wind down in a cosy cabin, with a wood-fired sauna and a polar plunge (if you dare). Then spend two nights in a rustic wilderness cabin with no electricity, just candlelight, heat from the crackling wood stove and maybe even the chance to spot the Northern Lights.

No previous snowshoeing experience is needed, just a decent level of fitness and a willingness to spend full days exploring the snowy backcountry. This is the kind of wilderness escape where your phone stays in your bag and you switch off properly. Not that you’ll have much signal anyway.

Women snowshoeing across a snowy forest track in Finland under a clear winter sky

Snow and morning mist over a forest stream at sunrise, with fallen logs and rocks in Finland.

Getting There

Hossa is Finland’s 40th National Park, spanning over 11,000 hectares. You’ll fly into Kuusamo (KAO) and meet the included group transfer, which is about an hour and a half’s drive to base camp for the week.

The good news is that Kuusamo takes direct flights from the UK in winter, which is unusual for somewhere this remote. In December and March that’s airBaltic from Gatwick. In January there’s TUI from Gatwick or Birmingham. The group transfer is timed to the Gatwick flight, so that’s the one we’d recommend, but the full picture on flights is below.

Which flights should I book?

You can fly from anywhere you like. The flights below are the ones we recommend, because the group transfer is timed to meet them.

There’s one transfer each way and it’s tied to the Gatwick flight, so if that one is delayed, the transfer waits for it. Any other arrival is very welcome, but the transfer leaves at its listed time whether or not you’ve landed. If you’re booking something else, check your travel insurance covers missed connections and onward transport.

December & March

London to Kuusamo, airBaltic

Arrival Day: LGW 9:25 – KAO 14:50 | BT1447
Departure: KAO 7:00 – LGW 8:40 | BT1446

January

London to Kuusamo, TUI

Arrival Day: LGW 6:00 – KAO 11:35 | TOM4712
Departure: KAO 12:45 – LGW 14:35 | TOM4713

What time are the transfers?

December & March

Arrival Day: Pick up at Kuusamo Airport at 15:50
Departure: Drop off at Kuusamo Airport at 5:00

January

Arrival Day: Pick up at Kuusamo Airport at 14:00
Departure: Drop off at Kuusamo Airport at 10:45

As above, there’s one transfer each way and it’s tied to the Gatwick flight. If that flight is delayed the transfer waits. Any other arrival needs to make the listed time.

The December and March departure is an early one, by the way. The flight goes at 7:00, so you’ll be leaving base camp in the dark with breakfast on the go. The January transfers are far more civilised.

Can I fly from somewhere else?

Of course. TUI run direct winter flights to Kuusamo from a couple of other UK airports, and you can route via Helsinki from most of them and pick up the domestic hop north. Either works, as long as you land in time for the transfer.

Just be clear on what you’re taking on. The transfer is tied to the Gatwick arrival, not yours, so if your flight is delayed it will go without you. Have a look at the transfer times above before you book and give yourself a decent margin. If you’re connecting, book both legs together with the same airline where you can, so your connection is protected if the first flight runs late. Separate bookings leave the onward flight at your own risk.

Why is there a gap between my flight landing and the transfer?

Mostly in January, where the Gatwick flight lands at 11:35 and the transfer goes at 14:00. That’s deliberate. Not everyone comes in on the same flight, so we build in a buffer to give people arriving on other flights a chance to make it. It means a bit of waiting around at the airport for those who land first, but it also means fewer people stranded, and if your own flight is running late you’ll be glad of it.

Kuusamo is small, so bring a book. December and March are quicker, with about an hour between landing and the transfer.

Can I wait in the airport if I get in way before the transfer?

Waiting for the scheduled transfer is fine, the airport is open around the flights. It’s a different story if you’re arriving hours ahead or the day before, because small airports like Kuusamo often shut down completely between flights and you may find yourself outside in the cold with nowhere to go.

If you’re coming in the day before, it’s usually better to stay over in Helsinki and take your connection the following morning than to sit around somewhere this remote.

Can I get there via Helsinki?

Yes. Finnair connects Helsinki to Kuusamo, and Norwegian and Ryanair fly from London to Helsinki if you fancy a night in the capital either side. Check the connection times carefully though, because the Kuusamo leg doesn’t run all day and you may need an overnight stop.

What if I'm not flying from Gatwick or Birmingham?

Route via Helsinki and pick up the domestic hop to Kuusamo. Where you can, book both legs together with the same airline so your connection is protected if the first flight runs late. Separate bookings leave the onward flight at your own risk.

What does a private transfer cost?

If your flights don’t match the group transfer times, we can arrange a private transfer between Kuusamo Airport and Hossa. It needs to be booked in advance, and the cost is per vehicle, not per person:

1 to 4 passengers: €210
5 to 8 passengers: €275

The drive takes around an hour. If there are others on your trip in the same position, you’re welcome to share a vehicle and split the cost between you. Contact our Bookings Team to arrange it.
The group transfer is included in your trip price, and there is no reduction if you book a private transfer instead.

What about alternative transport?

You can get a bus to Kuusamo from Oulu (3 hours, from €28), or train from Helsinki to Oulu, then get the bus. This route means you’ll see more of Finland out of the window, but adds complexity.

Snow-covered pine forest in Finland under a clear blue winter sky

Fitness & Skill Level

Skill and fitness don’t match on this trip. Snowshoeing is beginner, you’ll learn it in a morning. The fitness side is moderate, and it’s the part worth thinking about, because it’s five days back to back with nothing in between.

The conditions

You’re on snowshoes for five consecutive days, Days 2 to 6, covering 6 to 11km a day and out for six to seven hours including breaks. The terrain isn’t the hard part: forest trails, ridges between frozen lakes, short ups and downs but no sustained climbs. It’s the snow. It sits 60 to 70cm deep and every step goes down into it before it comes back out. The distances look modest written down. They don’t feel modest on day four.

The cold adds to it. Expect -5°C to -20°C, occasionally -35°C. You’ll be warm moving and cool down fast the moment you stop. You’re outdoors all day, with lunch at a lean-to or around a fire rather than anywhere indoors, so you get to warm up and eat properly, but you don’t sit down inside until the day is finished. Everything takes longer out there too. Boots, snacks, sorting your layers at a stop, all of it with mittens on.

Fitness

You don’t need to be an athlete. You need to be used to a long day on your feet, and then doing it again the next morning. Be honest with yourself about the last time you did something active several days in a row, because that’s what this asks for rather than speed or strength.

If you already train regularly and you’re used to long days walking, you’re fine. Keep going, and add a couple of longer days out beforehand.

If you’re active but not consistently, give yourself six to eight weeks. Cardio three times a week for 45 minutes to an hour, plus one longer walk at the weekend that you build up gradually. If you’re starting from a lower base, allow at least three months. Endurance, the bit in your legs that gets you through day five, adapts more slowly than your heart and lungs do, and ramping up too fast is how people pick up an injury before they’ve left. Either way, add some strength work for legs and core.

If you’re new to training, get someone qualified to build you a programme. That’s outside what we can help with.

Skill

No snowshoeing experience needed. It’s walking with a much bigger footprint, and the wide frame spreads your weight so you stay on top of the snow instead of going through it. You’ll get a technique session on the first full morning and that’s all it takes.

Worth knowing that somewhere in a long afternoon, cold and tired with a few kilometres to go, it stops being about your legs. Knowing that’s coming makes it easier when it does.

I'm a bit worried about the cold - how bad is it?

Finnish cold is dry, so -15°C can feel less harsh than a damp UK winter. You’ll warm up as soon as you’re moving and cool down fast at every stop, which is what the layers are for. Having the right gear makes most of the difference, and we help with that. The honest version though is that you’re outside all day, every day, and if that idea puts you off then a winter trip this far north might not be the one.

How much snowshoeing do we actually do?

Five days back to back, Days 2 to 6, then an optional lighter day on Day 7. About five to six hours out each day including breaks. Some days you’ll cover 6km, others up to 11km, depending on the route and the pace of the group. Variable terrain with short ups and downs, but no sustained climbs.

Can I opt out of activities?

Not really – once we’re out in the wilderness hut, there’s no turning back. Please make sure you’re really prepared for this trip before booking.

How should I train for this?

Cardio three times a week, 45 minutes to an hour, plus one longer walk or hike at the weekend that you build up gradually. Add strength work for legs and core, because that’s what carries day four and day five rather than your cardio. Getting out with a daypack in weather you’d normally avoid is the closest thing to a real day on this trip. Six to eight weeks if you’re already reasonably active, around three months from a lower base, and cramming it into the last fortnight won’t work.

What if I find it too difficult?

Your guide sets the pace to the group and there’s no prize for speed, so the honest answer is that most people find day three harder than they expected and get through it fine. What we can’t do is get you out early once we’re at the wilderness cabins. There’s no road and no vehicle, so from Day 4 you’re committed for both nights. That’s the reason to be straight with yourself about your fitness at the booking stage rather than the packing stage.

Woman cross-country skiing through a snowy forest beside a frozen river in winter.

Snowy winter forest with snow-covered trees and a frozen stream through the landscape

Sleep & Eat

This accommodation isn’t luxury, but it’s authentic wilderness living that puts you right in the heart of Hossa National Park. For five nights you’ll stay in a traditional log cabin on a frozen lake with shared rooms and bathrooms, a sauna and a wood-burning stove.

For two nights though, you’ll be completely off-grid in a wilderness cabin with no electricity, relying on wood stove heating, sharing a bunk room with up to 5 other people, and with your toilets in a separate building. There are also no showers, but you’ll wash in the wood-fired sauna using water from the well.

All meals are included, from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure. Expect hearty Finnish fare – porridge and bread for breakfast, soup and sandwiches cooked over open fires for lunch and traditional meals for dinner.

What are the shared rooms actually like?

Basecamp has twin rooms (you’ll share with one other Gutsy Girl on your trip) with shared bathrooms. The wilderness cabin has bunk rooms for up to 6 people with basic facilities. No single rooms are available on this trip.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

We can handle most dietary requirements, but let us know when booking. If you don’t tell us then we can’t make sure you’re catered for.

What's the WiFi situation?

Patchy at basecamp, non-existent at wilderness cabin. It’s perfect for a digital detox, whether you want it or not. Emergency communication is available through your guides.

Can I do laundry?

You can bring hand-wash to clean base layers if needed, but most people just bring enough for the week. There are no formal laundry facilities available.

Snow-covered wooden cabin in a winter forest with pine trees under clear blue sky

Women walking past a snow-covered log cabin in a pine forest at sunrise

Weather

Winter in Hossa means it’s going to be cold – expect -5°C to -20°C, sometimes dropping to -35°C. Finnish cold is dry, so less brutal than more damp conditions, but your eyelashes will still freeze.

The short daylight hours mean you’ll snowshoe in twilight, which is worth the trade. It also means you’ve got excellent conditions to see the Northern Lights if nature decides to play ball. Weather can shift from sunshine to snowfall quickly.

How do we handle bad weather?

Guides monitor the conditions constantly and will adjust routes for safety. There’s no “bad” weather for snowshoeing – just different experiences. You’ll be out whatever the weather brings.

What do I wear to keep out the cold?

The best way to protect yourself from the cold is to wear a number of thin layers (made of merino wool or a synthetic equivalent) rather than a few thick ones. Your outermost layer should be windproof and waterproof, with a medium weight thermal or fleece underneath. You should also take care to protect your feet, fingers and face.

What's the Northern Lights situation?

Seven nights in the wilderness with minimal light pollution creates excellent chances to see the Northern Lights, but they’re completely unpredictable. Clear skies help, but you can’t forecast aurora activity.

How do I check the weather forecast?

A link to the 10-day forecasts will be in your booking portal. However, conditions can change fast. Pack for all possibilities rather than relying on predictions.

Northern lights (aurora borealis) over snowy trees in Finland at night

Good To Know

Money: No ATMs during the tour, so bring cash for drinks and snacks. There’s a small souvenir shop at the visitor centre that also takes card, but shopping options are limited beyond that.

Communication: WiFi is limited at the main cabin, and there’s none at the wilderness cabin, no electricity out there means no WiFi either.

Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you’ve had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving €20-€30, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, you’ll need personal travel insurance that covers you for snowshoeing, and this is a requirement. Gutsy Girls strongly recommends buying it as soon as you book your spot to cover you should you fall ill or injure yourself before the trip.

How many guests will be on this trip?

Max 12 guests on this trip.

Why aren't all guides and instructors female?

We work with the best guides available, male or female. There are fewer women in outdoor guiding roles, so we prioritise expertise and guest experience. We vet every guide carefully and monitor feedback closely to ensure all guides align with our ethos and standards. We also hope more trips like ours encourage more women to find new activities and become guides themselves.

What currency do I need?

Finland uses the euro (EUR) and there are no ATMs during the tour so bring enough cash for any personal extras like extra drinks, snacks or souvenirs. Guides will have beer and wine available to buy in the evenings (€2 for a can of beer, €10 for a bottle of wine) which you can pay for in cash, so please bring small denominations as they won’t be able to change large notes.

Snowshoe trail in Finland beside a snowy log cabin in a pine forest during winter dusk

Packing List

What We Provide

Snowshoes and poles
Snow boots
Mittens
Sleeping bags and liners
Bath towels

What You Need to Bring

Essential clothing

- Thermal base layer tops
- Thermal long johns
- Fleece or wool mid-layer jumpers
- Breathable, waterproof/windproof shell jacket
- Soft shell trousers (windproof, water-repellent)
- Warm packable insulated/down jacket
- Waterproof over-trousers (optional)
- Warm hat
- Buffs, scarf or balaclava
- Ear muffs (optional)
- Ski gloves (two pairs)
- Pair of large mittens (to layer over gloves)
- Glove liners and/or disposable hand warmers
- Wool socks
- Sunglasses (ski goggles optional)
- Gaiters (optional)
- Snow boots (or hire for free)
- Slippers with hard/waterproof soles (for cabins)
- Casual warm evening clothes
- Nightwear
- Swimwear and neoprene boots/gloves (for ice swimming and sauna)

Personal kit

- 20–30L daypack
- Head torch and spare batteries
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Compeed/blister plasters
- Pillowcase or camping pillow
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Travel towel (optional)
- Personal medication
- Hand sanitiser
- Thermos
- Water bottle (not a hydration bladder – it will freeze)
- Medium tupperware for trail food
- Snacks
- Dry bags for inside your daypack
- Waterproof phone case (optional)
- Soap flakes for hand-washing thermals (optional)

Packing Tips

Fabric Choices: Merino wool is ideal for base layers. It keeps you warm when wet, doesn’t smell and is super comfortable against skin. Synthetic alternatives work well too, although may be a bit more smelly. Avoid cotton completely. It stays wet, loses all its insulation, and in these temperatures that is genuinely dangerous.

Layering System: Think onion layers. Base layer next to skin, mid-layers (fleece/wool jumper) for insulation, and a shell layer for wind/water protection. You can then add an insulated jacket during breaks.

Free Rentals: You can rent snow boots and mittens for free when you book.