On our first day we were given full sets of winter gear, all in very good condition, which were ours for the week and then it was an introduction to the first activity of our action packed week, snowshoeing across the frozen lake and local woods
On our second morning two guides introduced us to cross country skiing, including inevitably how to pick ourselves up from the ground! Once they felt we had learnt enough we were able to venture out on through the woods and round the frozen lake.
Day three was, for me, the real highlight of the week, an entire morning spent with huskies. It was just a short drive from our lodge to the husky farm where we were greeted and given a short lesson on how to control our own sled with its team of five huskies before setting off on a splendid 5 km trip through all sorts of terrain. Even for those who are not dog lovers it would have been impossible not to have fallen for these incredibly friendly dogs who lapped up the attention and were thrilled to have the exercise. In the afternoon we went to a reindeer farm where we had another sled ride and fed them afterwards – so all in all a good day out with the animals!
The local town of Ruka is also a ski/snowboard resort in its early development – a perfect place for beginners and I enjoyed a morning boarding. On our penultimate day we were introduced to the real Finnish wilderness, igloo building (which was our home for that night), survival skills and some rather unsuccessful ice fishing!
This was a really brilliant week with lots of activity, extremely friendly and helpful staff, good food, first class equipment and comfortable accommodation in Basecamp deep in the Finnish Wilderness. The camp, a 40 minute drive from the airport at Kussamo, is only four years old and benefits from under floor heating, excellent en suite bedrooms (twin/double & family), dining room, bar, sauna and Jacuzzi with views across the lake.
