Description
Are you looking for a winter backcountry skiing experience in the arctic to remember but are not ready to go by yourself? Make your way to Kittilä airport or Kolari train station in Finnish Lapland and we’ll take care of the rest. The 4-day skiing trek starts from Hetta in the north part of Finnish Lapland and finishes at Pallas fells, 55-60 km southwards. Hetta-Pallas route is one of the oldest hiking trails in Finland. It’s a classic for a good reason – the sights along the long line of fells are stunning. The winter route takes you through old forests and up on fells. The versatility makes it interesting and beautiful – there is something different around every corner. This skiing trek is a proper adventure, but not as time consuming as going to Greenland or similar. Also, Finnish Lapland is perfect for ski trekking as there are no glaciers and no polar bear, but very stunning old forests and open tundra. It is safe but challenging!
We sleep in reserved huts (dorm) with no running water or electricity. Drinking water comes from melted snow. 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! All meals are provided during the trek, you just need your own snacks. We also provide all the gear needed such as skis, sleds and sleeping bags – plus, if you need, a warm down jacket and down pants. 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.
Instead of carrying heavy backpacks we are pulling sledges or “pulkas”. Physical condition must be good for this hike. We will ski 12-17 km per day, it is not a lot but with heavy sledges, the skiing speed is slow. 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.
We only organise tours for small groups, so book your spot soon! You can either choose a guaranteed date for departure or book a totally private tour for you and your group only. Our local 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.
Pihka outdoors ski tour includes:
- Pihka Outdoors wilderness guide
- Transportation
- From Ylläs to Hetta starting point
- After the ski tour from Pallas to Ylläs
- Accommodation
- 1 night before the tour in accommodation at Ylläs
- wilderness huts during the tour
- 1 night after the tour in accommodation at Ylläs
- Food
- breakfast
- lunch
- dinner
- Equipment
- Fell skis
- ski boots
- pulka for equipment
- sleeping bag
- sleeping pad
Please note
Good physical condition is required for this adventure as we are far away from roads. Skiers carry their own sledges (Fjellpulken) and some food. Own travel insurance is a must.
What do I need to bring?
We will send you a specific gear list after booking.
How to get there?
Pihka Outdoors is situated in Ylläs, Lapland, Finland. The local villages are Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo. You get here by flying to Kittilä airport, only 30 mins drive from Ylläs. The other option is to take a night train from Helsinki to Kolari. There’s a bus connection from Kolari to Ylläs. You can also take a train to Rovaniemi, about 2 hrs drive from Ylläs. We gather first in Ylläs area and head to the starting point of the ski trek together. This way there is a chance to go through equipment, clothing and food for the journey before heading out. Ask for more info about logistics, we’ll be happy to help.
Price
1599 € / person
Departures for 2024 season:
- 10th February – 15th February
You can also contact us for private departure for your own group.
