The weather is likely to be cold and changeable. While we can’t predict exact conditions, temperatures in Finland typically range from -5°C to -20°C, and can occasionally drop to -35°C. This might sound daunting, but Finnish winters are usually a “dry cold”, which often feels less harsh than the damp cold we experience in the UK.

That said, being well-prepared and layered is key to staying warm and enjoying your adventure. Check the weather here to help you pack!

We provide:

• Snowshoes

• Trekking poles

• Snow boots (available to rent free of charge – highly recommended over buying your own, as UK boots often aren’t suitable for the conditions)

• Mittens (available to rent free of charge – ideal for keeping hands warm in extreme cold)

• Sleeping bag & mummy liner (for 2 nights in wilderness cabins)

• Bath towel (bring a hand towel if you'd like one)

What to Bring:

Snowshoeing essentials:

• Snow boots – Free rental available. No need to invest in specialist footwear – let us know at booking if you’d like to hire a pair.

• Gaiters – Optional, but can be helpful in deep snow.

• 20–30L day backpack

• Base layers – Multiple thermal tops (synthetic, wool, or silk)

• Thermal leggings/long johns (synthetic, wool, or silk)

• Fleece or wool jumper

• Shell jacket – Breathable, windproof, and water resistant.

• Soft-shell trousers – Windproof, breathable, with room for thermals underneath. If the temperature is looking particularly cold you may want to opt for ski trousers or salopettes.

• Waterproof trousers – Optional but good for wind protection

• Insulated/down jacket – Warm and packable

• Warm socks – Several pairs in different thicknesses (wool is best)

Hand & Face Protection

• Ski gloves – Bring two pairs in case one gets wet

• Warm mittens – Available to rent for free – especially recommended if you're prone to cold hands

• Over-mittens – Large mittens to wear over gloves/mittens during stops

• Glove liners or hand warmers

• Warm hat

• Ear muffs – Optional

• Buffs (ideally two: one for neck, one as headband), scarf, or balaclava

• Sunglasses – Ski goggles are optional for bad weather (can fog when warm)

Off the Snow / Evenings

• Casual warm clothes for evenings

• Nightwear

• Slippers or indoor shoes – Hard/waterproof soles are ideal

• Pillowcase or camping pillow (optional; basic ones provided)

• Earplugs & eye mask – Useful in shared cabins

• Head torch & spare batteries

• Toiletries

• Swimwear & neoprene gloves/boots (for optional sauna & ice swimming – Finns often go nude!)

• Sleeping bag liner (optional; we provide one)

• Travel towel (optional; bath towels are provided)

• 30 - 40l soft sided overnight bag for packing for the wilderness cabins (optional; these are provided if you don’t bring your own)

Other Stuff

• Sunscreen (high factor) and lip balm

• Hand sanitiser

• Prescription medication

• Painkillers – e.g. paracetamol/ibuprofen (more expensive in Finland)

• Compeed or moleskin – For potential blisters

• Dry bags – To keep contents dry inside your backpack

• Waterproof phone case – Optional but useful

• Snacks – Bring a variety of your favourites

• Medium-sized Tupperware – For packed lunches on the trail

• Thermos flask – For hot drinks on the go

• Water bottle – Avoid Camelbak-style bladders; they freeze

• Soap flakes/wash – Optional for hand-washing thermals

Occasionally, luggage can be misplaced especially if you are connecting with another flight before landing in Kuusamo. We therefore recommend that you bring some clothes and shoes in your hand luggage so that you can participate in the first day even if your luggage doesn’t arrive with you!