Description
Guided Hetta-Pallas Cross-Country Ski Tour
5 day guided Hetta-Pallas Cross-Country Ski Tour in Lapland from hut-to-hut
The Guided Hetta–Pallas Ski Tour takes you along one of the oldest and most respected long distance winter routes in Finland. This 55–60 km hut to hut backcountry ski tour follows the classic winter trail between Hetta and Pallas in Pallas-Ylläs National park.
This tour is designed for active hikers looking for a real Arctic winter experience without going fully unsupported, this tour combines national park, small group safety and professional local guidance. You ski from hut to hut while pulling your own pulka, carrying everything needed for four days in the backcountry.
Before and after the trek, you stay in comfortable accommodation in Ylläs. During the tour, you experience the simplicity of heated wilderness huts in complete silence above the Arctic Circle.
Why choose the Hetta–Pallas route?
- One of Finland’s most legendary long distance winter ski routes
- Diverse terrain: old forests, open fell landscapes and frozen lakes
- Traditional wilderness huts with wood heated sauna
- Small group experience far from crowded ski resorts
- Authentic ski trek without glaciers or technical alpine terrain
This ski tour is suitable for you if you:
- Want to learn cross-country skiing / trekking with pulka – no previous skiing experience required
- Are looking for a safe ski trek: no polar bears, no glaciers, no steep mountains
- Want to sleep 3 nights in wilderness huts without electricity or running water – back to basics
- Enjoy vast wilderness that brings clarity of mind
- Are wishing to experience the true Arctic Lapland
- Love the Northern Lights
- Are a solo traveller
How demanding is Hetta-Pallas Ski Tour?
Depends on the timing: in January-February we qualify Hetta-Pallas winter trail as moderate, but later in the spring, in March and April it is easy, good for an entry level skier and adventurer. In springtime there are groomed tracks on many parts of our route which makes it easier to go forward with pulkas. Also there is more sunlight in the spring and temperatures are usually higher than in mid winter.
Instead of carrying heavy backpacks we are pulling sledges or “pulkas”. Physical condition must be fairly good for this ski trek, you need to be fit enough to pull your own pulka for the whole four days. We will ski 10-17 km per day. We ski with “fell skis”, made for this kind of terrain. They are more robust than classic cross-country skis but lighter than alpine skis.
Winter trail from hut-to-hut
We ski from hut-to-hut and sleep in reserved cabins, dorm style, with no running water or electricity. Drinking water comes from melted snow, a dwell or a lake. One of the huts has a sauna which is quite luxury, as you get a chance to experience an authentic Finnish sauna with a guide!
Hygienic personal food packages
All meals are included during this ski trek, so you do not need to worry about planning or packing food. We prepare and organise everything in advance.
Each participant carries part of the shared food supplies in a hygienically packed and clearly labelled system. Everyone gets own personal foodbox, so no one carries more than others. Breakfasts, trail lunches and warm dinners are all included, along with snacks for the day.
Meals are simple, nourishing and designed for expedition conditions. In the evenings, we enjoy dinner together in the wilderness huts, which often becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of the day.
You only need to bring your personal favourite snacks if you wish.
Professional gear
We also provide all the gear needed such as skis, sleds and sleeping bags – plus, if you need, a warm down jacket. You bring your personal clothing for skiing and warm shoes for the evening. We will send a detailed gear & clothing list. During day time, we hardly see other people. There is total silence and nature is still very pure and untouched here, high above the arctic circle.
Tailored tours
We only organise the entry level ski treks for small groups. You can either choose a guaranteed date for this hut-to-hut ski tour departure or book a totally private tour dates for you and your group. Our local finnish certified wilderness guide will make sure you are in good hands. Weather can be anything from -20 degrees Celsius or pure whiteout snowstorm or beautiful warm sunshine. This unpredictability makes the whole adventure so interesting and demanding. The reward of experiencing it all is so worth it.
You can also contact us for private departure for your own group.
