Pihka
Outdoors
About Us
We are local family owned adventure
travel company
in Finnish Lapland
Cross-Country Skiing And Hiking Tours In Lapland
We, Joona Kivinen and Minttu Heimovirta, established Pihka Outdoors, our family company, in the end of 2018 after having enough of city life. Our home and starting point of many adventure tours is in Ylläs, Finnish Lapland, near Kittilä Airport. Here we live with two small kids. We offer all-inclusive cross-country skiing tours in winter and summer we put on our hiking boots. In summer we mainly do wild camping hiking tours in true wilderness of Finnish Lapland. Up here in the arctic we have pure air and fresh water in the streams, peace and quiet. Pure luxury. Join our tours:
Joona & Minttu
We make memories for a lifetime.
The Luxury From Nature
Choose us for your carefree all-inclusive adventure holiday in Finnish Lapland. You just pack your personal clothing and leave the rest to us. We conduct sustainable ski tours and hiking tours with top quality equipment in all seasons. The air in Lapland is the purest in the world, the water is drinkable straight from streams and it is unlikely that we see any other people. This is the luxury to remember.
Simply creating the most amazing memories of your life.
Our values
We have left our old life in a city to pursue dreams and fulfilling life instead of working in an office 24/7. Life is short, better make the most of it! We want to live slow life in the middle of nature, as one species among the others. Be outsider with us!
Our base value is sustainability – we always have small groups on cross-country ski and hiking tours to prevent pressure on vulnerable arctic tundra up in the open fells, leaving no trace. Adventures are human powered, not motorised vehicles.
Meaning of Pihka?
Pihka is Finnish and means the resin of coniferous trees, such as pine and spruce. You know, the sticky stuff. It actually has superpowers – antimicrobial pihka protects trees from hazardous bugs and disease. Like a helping band-aid!
Meet The Team
Minttu Heimovirta
Co-owner, biologist, mom, certified wilderness guide, journalist
In previous life she worked on TV telling stories about nature. She is still working as journalist and has written a funny non-fiction book about the inhabitants of Nordic nature. Minttu loves all kinds of outdoor activities in the wild – by foot, skis, canoe or bike. Her favourite season is Autumn, when days are still warm, nature is wearing amazing “ruska” colours and the forests are full of clean berries and mushrooms to eat.
Joona Kivinen
Co-owner, dad, certified wilderness guide, instructor
Joona has years of experience in hiking, wild camping, outdoor gear and survival skills. When combining these skills makes him a seasoned professional in the field. For over 10 years he has trained wilderness guide students in trekking and outdoor techniques. With thousands of kilometers logged on skis and hiking boots, Joona’s expertise and passion for the outdoors make him an exceptional guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to the questions we receive the most about our services.
If we missed anything, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help!
Where is Pihka Outdoors located?
We are located in Ylläs, Finnish Lapland. How to get to Ylläs? Take a train from Helsinki to Kolari or fly to Kittilä airport. Both are only 35km from Ylläs and there is bus connection from both stations.
Do i need travel insurance when participating in your adventures?
Travel insurance is always required on our adventures.
Are your adventures safe?
We take safety very seriously. We do our best to make our adventures as safe as possible and follow strict safety guidelines. The wilderness guides are trained and certified professionals and locals who know the area and the weather circumstances of Lapland.
Do you arrange longer hikes?
Yes, we organise multiday hiking tours and cross-country ski treks in Lapland. Take a look at our multiday adventures!
Are private tours available?
Yes! We can also arrange a customised experience for your private group only. Privacy is a priority. Contact us.
What should I wear in Lapland during winter?
Warm winter clothing is all about layers. Wool and down are the warmest products there is. Make sure you don’t get too sweaty in winter. Check out our blogpost on winter clothing.
What kind of winter shoes will I need?
Best winter shoes are at least one size bigger than your normal shoes. This is important so you can fit at least one additional woollen sock in there. Cotton is not good in winter, your toes will get cold quickly. Also, thick sole is good as the cold creeps in from beneath. We wear Sorel Caribou winter boots or similar.
Can you see northern lights in Lapland?
Yes! The possibility of seeing Auroras in Lapland is very good, more than 60% if the sky is clear. The rule is, if you can see stars, you can see the northern lights. You just need to wait. Generally the best time is between 10pm and midnight but it’s possible to see them earlier too. As long as it’s dark. The Aurora season starts in September and lasts until the end of March. After that it starts to get too light again.