Finland

Snowshoeing Adventure

7 nights from £1650 • €1915 • $2180

Snowshoe through Finland's untouched Hossa National Park. Fire-cooked meals, traditional log cabins, saunas and ice swimming for the brave.

Activities

6 days guided adventures

Accommodation

7 nights cabin - shared rooms only

Level

Beginner friendly

Food

Simple and hearty

Difficulty

Group Size

Moderate

Transfers

12 new friends

Dates

December, January & March

Fly into Kuusamo

  • Snowshoeing

    Join us on this beginner friendly, women only snowshoeing expedition!

  • Icebathing

    Try ice-bathing in a frozen lake!

  • Explore the Wilderness

    Explore pristine coniferous forests and frozen lakes of eastern Finland

  • Remote Off-Grid Cabin

    Stay in wilderness cabins and log cabins!

  • Outdoor Cooking

    Cook and share delicious meals over an open fire

  • Sauna

    End each day with a traditional Finnish Sauna

  • Northern Lights

    An amazing chance to see the Northern Lights!

Snowshoe through Finland's pristine wilderness with expert local guides. You'll trek through Hossa National Park's untouched forests, over snow-covered ridges, and across frozen lakes that most people never see.

Traditional saunas, cosy log cabin stays, and two nights in a wilderness cabin where the only light comes from the fireplace. Ice swimming - only if you're up for it, we're not monsters.

Small groups, proper wilderness, and the active adventure that teaches you what quiet sounds like. Apart from the laughter with new friends, obviously.

Location

Thick coniferous forest where snow settles 60-70cm deep and elk tracks disappear into the trees. Hossa National Park is one of Finland's newest wilderness areas - 11,000 hectares of frozen lakes and snow-loaded trails in the country's remote east. This isn't tourist-trail Lapland. You'll snowshoe through silent forest, across ridges, and over lakes that stay frozen solid from December through March. Your wilderness cabin sits two hours' trek into the backcountry, accessible only on snowshoes. At night, step outside into total darkness - the northern lights get no light pollution here.

Activities

  • Snowshoeing

    Do you like to hike? Snowshoeing is the winter extension, making remote snowy terrain accessible! Snowshoes are worn over footwear and their wide frame allows bodyweight to be distributed over a larger area. This stops you from sinking into the snow and helps to achieve ‘flotation’ - on top of the white stuff rather than thigh deep in it!

    It’s a great sport for beginners because it doesn’t need the same level of technical skill and experience as skiing or snowboarding, yet gets you out into the wide open, snowy backcountry. It’s great exercise too because it works your whole body, improves balance, proprioception and muscle condition and is fast to learn.

  • Icebathing and Sauna

    Snowshoeing is a great winter activity, it requires no previous experience or technical skills, it's simply hiking! Snowshoes are worn over hiking boots and their wide frame spreads your weight across the snow surface preventing you from sinking in to deep snow. It's a great way to access snow covered terrains and explore during winter.

  • Snowshoeing

    Wilderness Cabin Expedition

    Hike deep into the Finnish wilderness for an unforgettable two-night stay in an off-grid cabin. With no electricity, we’ll light the evenings with candles and keep warm by the crackling wood stove. Enjoy the rustic charm of a wood-fired sauna, and for the ultimate adventure, take an invigorating ice bath in the frozen lake just outside your door.

  • Northern Lights

    Snowshoeing is a great winter activity, it requires no previous experience or technical skills, it's simply hiking! Snowshoes are worn over hiking boots and their wide frame spreads your weight across the snow surface preventing you from sinking in to deep snow. It's a great way to access snow covered terrains and explore during winter.

Snowshoeing

Love hiking? Snowshoeing is the winter version. Simply strap snowshoes onto your usual boots; the wide frame distributes your weight over a larger surface so you can sort of float on top of the snow, rather than sinking into it. 

It’s ideal for beginners, as it doesn’t need much technical skill, like alpine skiing or snowboarding, yet you still get to explore the snowy backcountry! 

Included in this activity:  

  • Snowshoes 

  • Winter Boots

  • Trekking Poles

  • Expert Tuition

Ice Bathing and Saunas

Saunas, a Finnish ritual deeply rooted in the culture. Each evening, you’ll have the chance to feel the warmth of the wood-fired sauna and soothe your muscles after a day of winter activities. And for those feeling brave, you can take the plunge in a nearby frozen lake. This invigorating combination of heat and ice is the ultimate way to recharge, leaving you refreshed and ready for the next day’s adventures.

Overnight Expedition

We’ll venture deep into the wilderness for a two-night stay in a secluded, off-grid cabin. There’s no electricity, so we’ll cosy up by a wood stove and enjoy a candlelit evening. The rustic charm doesn’t end there; we can try out a traditional wood-fired sauna, for the brave ones, even take a dip in the nearby frozen lake.

Included in this activity:  

  • Sleeping Bag

  • Sleeping Bag Liner

  • Luggage Transport

Northern Lights

Seven nights in pristine wilderness means plenty of chances to catch the northern lights. Each clear evening, we'll scan the horizon for this natural light show.

No guarantees - nature doesn't perform on command - but this remote location gives you the best shot at seeing auroras dance across the sky (way better odds than hotel car parks in Rovaniemi).

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This is for women ready for a proper outdoor adventure and don't mind working up a sweat. No snowshoeing experience needed, just be comfortable being active for a full day.

  • Duration: 5-6 hours active daily covering 6-11km with proper breaks. Don't underestimate it - 60-70cm snow depth makes everything harder work than regular hiking.

    The reality: Varied terrain with short ups and downs through forests, frozen lakes, and ridges. 6 consecutive days of activity that'll test your legs.

    Wilderness living: Two nights in basic wilderness cabins with no running water or electricity - just log-burning stoves for warmth.

    Real talk: If you enjoy longer hikes, love being outdoors, and can handle basic wilderness conditions for multiple nights, you'll thrive. If you need creature comforts or struggle with full-day activity, choose something less demanding.

  • 5 Nights in Basecamp Cabin

    We’ll stay in a simple yet spacious cabin located on the edge of a frozen lake. The cabin includes a shared lounge area with a cosy wood-burning stove and features a private sauna with additional shower facilities.

    Room Setup:

    • Twin room shared with one other person

    • Shared bathrooms among guests

    • Private rooms are not available

    2 Nights in Wilderness Cabin

    During our 2-night expedition, we’ll stay in smaller, rustic wilderness cabins that provide a truly back-to-nature experience. These cabins have no electricity, are heated by wood stoves, and include a traditional wood-fired sauna for an authentic experience.

    Room Setup:

    • Bunk rooms accommodating up to 4 people

    • Toilets located in a separate building

    • No showers available; washing can be done in the sauna using water fetched directly from the well.

  • Each day, we’ll enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on Finnish products.

    Breakfast: Served at the cabin around 8am, featuring a variety of options like bread, cheese, ham, porridge, muesli, yoghurt, coffee, and tea.

    Lunch: Prepared over an open fire along the route around midday, including hot soup, sandwiches, and coffee or tea with chocolate and biscuits.

    Dinner: A hearty buffet with typical Finnish dishes, served between 7-8pm. A main course (meat/fish, potatoes/rice), fresh salad or warm vegetables, and dessert.

    Dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice!

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Afternoon: Arrive at the airport where you’ll meet the others on your trip. Transfer to our base camp at a traditional log cabin in Hossa National Park.

    Evening: Settle into your log cabin base. Dinner and help prep the ice-swimming hole for the week.

  • Day 2

    Morning: Fuel up with breakfast and get the full programme breakdown. Quick session on snowshoeing techniques to get everyone confidently geared up, then head off on your first day trip to the historic Lounatkoski rapids.

    Afternoon: Explore the historic Lounatkoski rapids area with its old grain mill and timber structures. Picnic lunch around an open fire, then snowshoe back to the cabin.

    Evening: Lakeside sauna time. Try dipping into the ice hole for a proper Finnish experience - or work up to it, you’ve got a few days!

  • Day 3

    Morning: Short transfer, then snowshoe to Colour Rock where you'll discover 4,000-year-old rock paintings left by early inhabitants. Your guide will share the stories behind these prehistoric artworks.

    Afternoon: Picnic lunch around an open fire - hot soup, sandwiches, and traditional fire-brewed coffee. Snowshoe back to the cabin to rest up for the wilderness days ahead.

    Evening: Sauna, dinner and prepare for tomorrow's move deeper into the wilderness.

  • Day 4

    Morning: After breakfast, leave base camp and head deeper into the wilderness. Today's trail takes you along a ridge between frozen lakes and through pine, spruce, and birch forests. You might spot reindeer.

    Afternoon: Reach the cabins on the northern shore of Lake Iso-Valkeinen. These rustic wilderness cabins are heated by wood-burning stoves and feature a sauna (great for washing). No electricity or showers, toilets are in shared outhouses - no frills here.

    Evening: Heat up in the wood-fired sauna, dip in the frozen lake and keep your eyes peeled for the northern lights.

  • Day 5

    Morning: Continue snowshoeing through peaceful, snowy landscapes of ridges and frozen lakes. The forest is home to elk, lynx, hares, and wolves (bears too, but they’re hibernating, don't worry).

    Afternoon: Stop for lunch at a lean-to shelter near a rapid, enjoying food by the fire. Then arrive at your final wilderness stop.

    Evening: Settle in for your second night in a remote cabin.

  • Day 6

    Morning: Journey back following ridges to reach the Hossa Visitor Centre. Stop for lunch and browse the small souvenir shop.

    Afternoon: Finish your snowshoeing adventure back at the lakeside cabin where it all started.

    Evening: Sauna session, one last ice swim if you've been working up to it, and a celebratory dinner.

  • Day 7

    Morning: The day is yours to explore further. Choose from tobogganing, ice-fishing, or a short snowshoe hike. Or stay cosy by the fire and learn how to build an igloo.

    Afternoon: More optional activities or simply relax and reflect on the week's adventures.

    Evening: Final sauna session and Gutsy Girls farewell dinner to wrap up the week.

  • Day 8

    Morning: After breakfast, say goodbye to Finland. Transfer to the airport for your journey home with new friends and solid snowshoeing skills.

    • Sun 27 December 2026 - Sun 3 January 2027 (guaranteed)

    • Sun 3 January - Sun 10 January 2027 (guaranteed)

    • Sun 14 March - Sun 21 March 2027 (guaranteed)

Dates

Price

December Shared Room: £1800 (approx. €2090 / $2380)

January Shared Room: £1650 (approx. €1915 / $2180)

March Shared Room: £1700(approx. €1975 / $2250)

  • Gutsy Girls is a UK-based adventure company welcoming women worldwide. Prices are in pounds (£) with estimates in euros (€) and US dollars ($). The final amount depends on your card provider’s conversion rate at payment time and may fluctuate.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.

Included

  • 6 days of guided snowshoeing

  • 7 nights accommodation

    • 4 nights in a twin-share equipped cabin 2 nights in a rustic wilderness cabin with dorm-style lodging

  • Snowshoes, poles, snow boots, and mittens provided

  • Expert local guide and Gutsy Girls host

  • All meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Relax with traditional saunas and experience ice swimming

  • Luggage transfers between accommodations

  • Single airport transfer for the recommended flight times

Book Now

    • Flights

    • Drinks

    • Travel Insurance

    • Personal clothing

    Check out our packing list here

  • The cancellation will only be effective from the date that the cancellation is received in writing by email. Cancellation charges will be payable as follows:

    • Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip

    • Cancellation fee of 30% is charged if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip

  • Every date on this adventure is locked in and happening. Book your flights, we're going.

Travel

  • 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

  • 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.

Full FAQs

Packing List

    • Snow shoes

    • Trekking poles

    • Snow boots (if required - free to rent)

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

    • Bath towel (if you want to have a separate hand towel, please bring your own)

  • 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.

    • 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

Questions?

If you have any questions, check our FAQs or drop us a message below!