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.
Itineray:
Day 1 – Arrival in Ylläs
Arrival in Ylläs from Kittilä Airport or Kolari railway station, both located approximately 35 km from the village of Ylläsjärvi.
After settling into the accommodation, we gather for a welcome dinner and meet the group. During the evening, your guide will review the expedition plan, inspect personal equipment and distribute the expedition gear needed for the upcoming ski tour, including pulkas and sleeping bags. We will also go through safety procedures and answer any final questions before heading into the wilderness.
Day 2 – Into the Fells
After breakfast, we transfer to Hetta, approximately two hours away, where our ski expedition begins.
The first day takes us through beautiful fell landscapes towards Sioskuru Wilderness Hut, covering approximately 17 km. As we gradually gain elevation, the forests give way to open tundra and wide Arctic views.
Upon arrival, we settle into the wilderness hut, light a fire and enjoy our first evening in the backcountry. The huts are simple but comfortable, offering bunk beds, a wood-burning stove and an authentic wilderness atmosphere. There is no electricity or running water, and the toilet facilities are located outside.
Day 3 – Skiing to Hannukuru
Today we continue towards Hannukuru Wilderness Hut, covering approximately 13 km.
This is generally the easiest day of the expedition, as much of the route gradually descends back towards lower terrain. The landscape changes once again as we leave the open fells behind and return to the shelter of the forest.
Our destination is a peaceful hut area located beside a small wilderness lake.
Day 4 – Day Tour from Hannukuru
Today we leave the pulkas behind and head out on a day tour to explore the surrounding wilderness.
The route and distance are adjusted according to weather and snow conditions, allowing us to enjoy the best scenery the area has to offer while improving our confidence on fell skis.
Back at Hannukuru, there is an opportunity to experience a traditional Finnish wilderness sauna. Heated with firewood and supplied with water carried from the frozen lake, it offers a truly authentic Lapland experience.
Accommodation in the wilderness hut.
Day 5 – Through the Mountains to Nammalakuru
After breakfast, we continue deeper into the fell region.
The route takes us approximately 16 km from Hannukuru towards Nammalakuru, often considered the most spectacular wilderness hut on the entire route. The exact route is chosen by the guide according to weather and snow conditions.
Surrounded by dramatic fell scenery, we enjoy our final night in the wilderness and share a special dinner together. If the sky is clear, there is a good chance of witnessing the Northern Lights dancing above the mountains.
Day 6 – Skiing to Pallas
Our final skiing day takes us towards Pallas, approximately 15 km away.
The route is mostly gentle downhill or easy terrain, offering one last opportunity to enjoy the unique landscapes of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. Depending on conditions, the guide may choose an alternative route over the Pallas fells.
After reaching Pallas, we transfer back to Ylläs. In the evening, we celebrate the expedition with a final dinner and enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep after several memorable days in the wilderness.
Day 7 – Departure Day
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and begin the journey home.
The expedition officially ends after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged to Kittilä Airport or Kolari railway station according to your travel plans.
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.
