Saija - Multi Active Adventure (Adult Price) - Snowmobiling Trip

Accommodation

If a wild nightlife is your thing then stop reading now!
This remote lodge was built in traditional Finnish style during 1991/92. Constructed entirely from wood and located on the shores of Lake Jokijarvi, it is the ideal place for combining active days with relaxing nights.

There are just 19 wooden built cottages here. Each one has its own entrance, toilet, shower and electric sauna.

Generally, the ground floor hosts the living area (with TV), the shower, toilet room and sauna. Beds are provided on the upper mezzanine level (with spaces for up to 4 people) or in a separate downstairs bedroom.

It’s a very short walk from the cottages to the main building which houses the cosy and characterful restaurant. This is where you will be served home cooked Finnish dishes and specialities. Porridge is almost always on the breakfast menu. Tuck in because it’s delicious, warming and releases energy slowly throughout the day. It’s almost compulsory in Finland.

On the site itself, there is a husky farm, an original smoke sauna and a Finnish Kota (traditional cabin) for groups and special events. 25kms of managed cross-country ski trails lead almost directly from the main building into the surrounding countryside. You can rent cross-country skis for €10 per day and venture out on your own with a trail map. Please don’t worry about losing your way as there are three very well marked trails which are easy to find and difficult to lose!

Wilderness Cabins
On our wilderness husky safaris, you will spend a night at the Harjajarvi wilderness cabin. Regardless of its remote location, the cabin is warm and cosy despite having no electricity or running water. Nevertheless, this is what wilderness safaris are all about, escaping the last vestiges of everyday life and experiencing a totally unspoilt environment. The cabin does have a sauna providing the perfect opportunity to wind down while dinner is being prepared by your guide.

Itineraries

Flights, Arrival and Transfers
You will be met on arrival and transferred to the lodge. After settling in, it’s a short walk over to the main building for a welcome meal.

Cross-Country Skiing School
You will be taught the techniques required for cross-country skiing before a short tour. Approximately 2 hrs. After a hearty lunch, we suggest hiring your own skis (€10 per day) and exploring the three well marked trails that start from the lodge. Trail maps are provided.

Morning Husky Safari Training Run
You will meet the dogs and receive instruction on managing your team and sled before leaving on a circuit of around introducing you to the winter surroundings. Approximately 2 hrs - 1 person per team & sled.

Afternoon Ice Fishing
You head for the lake to try and catch dinner in the traditional winter fashion. After drilling through the thick ice you feed the line through the hole. Sit back, relax, enjoy the fabulous scenery and wait for the line to twitch. Good luck! Approximately 2 hrs.

Snowmobile Safari
This is one of the only unnatural noises you will hear all week but it’s worth the sacrifice because this is a wonderful way to see any snowy region. Snowmobiles are a way of life here in Finland and you will immediately understand why once you are speeding along the well-managed trails, crossing frozen lakes and negotiating the forest routes. Lunch is included around a campfire. Approximately 5 hours - 2 people per snowmobile.

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is rather like walking through deep, deep snow on tennis racquets. The beauty is that you don’t sink up to your waist in the white stuff. Your guide will tell you about the animals which dwell in the forest and point out their tracks wherever possible. Approximately 3 hours.

Husky Safari
The huskies love to run and their howls of excitement make it plain that they are anxious to be on the trail. There are few experiences to match the thrill of your sled’s runners cutting through the snow as you traverse the crisp white landscape. Lunch around a campfire. Approximately 5 hours - 1 person per sled.

Reindeer Farm
Reindeer have always been an integral part of Sami culture and you can’t possibly visit Finland without learning something about their importance to these indigenous people. The local reindeer farm owner will show you his herd and tell you all about his life. After coffee and smoked reindeer (delicious!) sandwiches we head for Taivalkoski village for some last minute souvenir hunting before returning to the lodge for your farewell dinner. Approximately 4 hours.

Departure, Transfers and Flights