Northern Lights Ski Adventure

Ski and Activity Adventure Break at Rukan Salonki Cabins

If you can picture the perfect winter setting with heavy snowfall aplenty, ski slopes and snow trails on your doorstep, an abundance of thrilling winter activities at hand and a selection of comfortable log cabin accommodation, then Rukan Salonki resort in Finnish Lapland certainly delivers this idyllic scene.

Located just below the Arctic Circle, the resort of Ruka is one of Finland’s largest ski resorts, and blessed with a thick blanket of snow throughout the winter months. During the daytime you can spend time on the slopes, take part in exciting activities such as dog-sledding and snowmobiling, or enjoy the atmosphere in the resort itself. And by night, sample the traditional cuisine and head out into the wilderness in search of the elusive Northern Lights - making this a fantastic destination for adventure lovers.

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Chalet Sauna

Double bedroom

Ruka Salonki Chalets

Snowmobile Safari

Ruka Salonki Chalet

Cosy Log Cabins

Ruka Winter Landscapes

Downhill Skiing at Ruka

Image: Maria_Mikkonen

Log cabins

Open plan dining area

Twin bedroom

Chalet lounge area

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

Day 1:

Arrive at Kuusamo Airport and transfer to your cabin accommodation, just 25 minutes away at Rukan Salonki Resort. Check-in and get acquainted with your cosy lodgings before enjoying an evening meal in the restaurant. Your stay at the resort includes meals on a half-board basis (breakfast and evening meal).

Staying at: Rukan Salonki Cabins

Day 2:

Today you have the chance to hit the slopes at Ruka Ski Resort, the largest in Finland. There is a ski shuttle bus with convenient pick up locations near the chalets, taking you from the village to the resort, just 10 minutes away. In the resort there are ski rental shops where you can purchase the ski and lift passes, as well as equipment and clothing if required. This gives you the opportunity to ski as much or as little as you wish, perhaps taking some time to explore the resort itself, stopping off for lunch in one of the many cafés and restaurants.

The resort also boasts a family park, an area for the whole family to enjoy with easy slopes for beginners to practise and a tubing area. Other facilities in the resort include Ice karting, ice climbing and a zip line.

After a full day of winter fun, head back to your cabin to rest and relax before enjoying the evening meal in the restaurant. Later, as the darkness deepens, head outside for a chance to search for the elusive northern lights in the sky overhead.

Day 3:

No trip to the Arctic region is complete without trying the power of the snowmobile. All activities are available from the Safari house in the cabin resort, so easily accessible for guests. The professional guide will give you an introduction to this arctic way of travelling and after a safety briefing, you head out in pairs, one driving and one as a passenger with opportunities to swap along the route. The 20km tour takes you through beautiful terrain and wilderness, enjoying the wonderful views of the glistening landscape.

Following your active exploits, find out why the Finns enjoy their sauna baths so much, it's almost an institution for them! The sauna ritual is an essential part of their daily lives, and once tried, you may agree. On this 3 hour Classic Sauna tour, the guide will tell you about the sauna with its health benefits and traditions, advising the best way to enjoy the full experience. And in between the heat sessions you can cool off by taking a dip in the refreshing lake, or ice-hole, even rolling in the snow. This tour is private, for your party only, with towels and slippers supplied.

Day 4:

Today you will swap the snowmobile horsepower for dog power on a 10km Husky Safari. A short transfer takes you to a small lakeside husky camp where you are greeted by enthusiastic barking in anticipation of what lies ahead. After receiving safety information and instructions on how to handle a dog-sled team you take off into the forest in pairs, one driving the sled and one as a passenger, changing places during the trip. The tour is a great introduction to husky mushing and this form of transport in the region. Once you’re back at the camp, enjoy some drinks and snacks, learning about the huskies and visiting the kennels before returning to the cabin. There may even be some puppies about!

Back at the cabin, time to warm up and rest before the buffet dinner at restaurant Kultala. Later in the evening, head out for a late night show, hopefully featuring the Aurora Borealis as the main attraction. The trip is made in a heated wagon, pulled behind a guide’s snowmobile, travelling in search of clear skies and the best locations to see the aurora. Along the way, enjoy the arctic night while keeping warm, stopping off for warm drinks and snacks in a small “kota” around an open fire. Fingers crossed the northern lights will make an appearance!

Day 5:

After breakfast, you can decide whether to enjoy the peaceful location at Rukan Salonki and rest in this wonderful winter setting, or take the opportunity to be active once again on the slopes, spending the day improving your downhill technique and enjoying the atmosphere of the ski resort. Or if you prefer to try something different, there are other wonderful winter activities which can be pre-booked, such as visiting a reindeer farm with a sleigh ride, Ice-fishing excursion, snowshoe trek, and an e-bike scenic safari.

Your last meal and final day is coming to an end, but before you say your farewells, there may be one last chance to see the dancing aurora - making a wish to return to the Arctic region one day!

Day 6:

On your departure day, you will be transferred back to Kuusamo Airport for your flight home.

The winter excursions operate on a weekly program, so may not be available as scheduled on the itinerary or on your preferred dates. We highly recommend booking these in advance so as to avoid disappointment in busy periods.

Please note, from mid January, if staying at Rukan Salonki on a Friday night, the evening meal will be served at Wilderness Restaurant Kymppi, where you get the chance to try seasonal wild food specialities cooked over an open fire.

BUDGET

From £1,654 per person (excluding flights), based on 2 adults sharing a log cabin at Rukan Salonki for 5 nights on half board basis, return transfers from/to Kuusamo Airport, Snowmobile Adventure, Husky Safari, Aurora Wagon trip and Sauna tour.

This roughly converts to: 1,902 EUR | 2,167 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

This trip has flexible daily departures

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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