A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Mythical journey
Come and discover the wild nature of the Far North of Europe, as well as the Sami culture, through several sports activities: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. It can be (very) cold in winter in Lapland, but you can borrow a suit and suitable clothing.
Departure guaranteed for 5 participants or more. Cross-country skiing/Snowshoeing/Dog sledding On the border between Sweden and Finland, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, the Rajamaa Inn, lost in the taiga, is your base for an adventure every day through the great northern forest frozen by the cold winter.
In the evening, after the sauna, you will enjoy the cozy comfort of Scandinavian duvets, while the Northern Lights illuminate the nights of Lapland. Accommodation: Comfortable wooden chalets (sauna), 1 night in a hut. Carrying: Light bag (3-4 kg). Equipment and specific clothing provided.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Mythical journey
Come and discover the wild nature of the Far North of Europe, as well as the Sami culture, through several sports activities: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. It can be (very) cold in winter in Lapland, but you can borrow a suit and suitable clothing.

Departure guaranteed for 5 participants or more. Cross-country skiing/Snowshoeing/Dog sledding On the border between Sweden and Finland, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, the Rajamaa Inn, lost in the taiga, is your base for an adventure every day through the great northern forest frozen by the cold winter. In the evening, after the sauna, you will enjoy the cozy comfort of Scandinavian duvets, while the Northern Lights illuminate the nights of Lapland. Accommodation: Comfortable wooden chalets (sauna), 1 night in a hut. Carrying: Light bag (3-4 kg). Equipment and specific clothing provided.

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • Rajamaa Inn on an island in the Muonio River
  • Snowshoeing in the boreal forest
  • 2-day nordic ski hike, with night in a hut
  • Dog sledding trip in the forest
  • Discover a traditional Sami camp

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • Rajamaa Inn on an island in the Muonio River

  • Snowshoeing in the boreal forest
  • 2-day nordic ski hike, with night in a hut
  • Dog sledding trip in the forest
  • Discover a traditional Sami camp

Nordic skiing

Itinerant Stay
Off-site departure, various accommodation during the stay

Ages

18 - 55 ans

Need advice?

OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE OFFER

PHYSIQUE CONDITION
Casual sportsman
i
LEVEL OF PRATICE
All levels
i
LEVEL OF PORTAGE
Carrying level 1
i

Included

  • International flights, air taxes and airport transfers (if you purchased the stay with the flights)
  • Local transport
  • The meals
  • Collective and specialized equipment (skis, snowshoes, boots)
...
  • The loan of complete isothermal equipment adapted to the Lappish climate,
  • Framing
  • All the services indicated in the program

Not Included

  • International flights, air taxes and airport transfers (if you purchased the stay without flights)
  • Individual equipment
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Optional snowmobiling activity (remember to bring your driver's license)
...
  • Optional insurances
  • Any other supplement not included in the program

The program

Day by day

Day of arrival

Day 1: Flight to Kittilä (Finland), via Helsinki (no meals on the plane).
Reception at the airport and transfer by minivan (100km) to the Rajamaa hostel, located in Sweden on a small island in the Muonio River, which marks the border between the two countries.
...
Installation in the chalets, welcome drink and presentation of the week's activities.
Depending on your flight schedule, it is likely that you will arrive too late to have dinner at the hostel (dinner at your expense during your travel day, so we recommend that you plan to eat during your stopover in Helsinki). The welcome dinner will then take place on day 2.
Attention: it is possible that on certain dates, flights arrive and leave Rovaniemi (approximately 3 hours of transfer between the Rajamaa hostel and Rovaniemi airport).

During your stay

Day 2: Taiga snowshoe hike
Snowshoeing through the boreal forest. Accompanied by our guide, we set off to discover the traces of animals and birds, which had to adapt to the harsh conditions of the Arctic climate.
...
Picnic around a fire while hiking, return to the inn in the afternoon, sauna and relaxation.

Day 3: Dog sledding tour/2 people per sled
Before leaving for the sleigh ride, visit the kennel. The “musher” explains their lifestyle and breeding to us, then hitched the dogs, and we set off on a sleigh ride of about 15 km. 2 people per sled, alternating pilot and passenger. Picnic lunch in a “kota”, a small traditional Finnish cottage. Sauna and relaxation in Rajamaa.

Day 4: Introduction to cross-country skiing
Introduction to cross-country/nordic and forest skiing, on the trails traced around the Rajamaa inn, and preparation for our hike the next day. Possibility of doing an introduction to snowmobiling, on a course through frozen lakes and forest paths (optional activity to be paid directly on site, plan a budget of €150 to €200, for a ride of 25km/Approximately 2 hours). Sauna and relaxation.

Day 5: Discovering Sami culture
Meet a Sami family. Discover the traditions and the Sami way of life, common to all of Northern Scandinavia, in Finland, Sweden and Norway. Reindeer herders tell us about their activity, which is the main asset of the region. Typical Sami lunch, then back to Rajamaa. Sauna and relaxation at the inn.

Day 6: Nordic ski tour - 1st stage
Departure for a 2-day nordic ski hike. We only carry a small backpack, the rest is carried by snowmobile to the refuge. The itinerary of our first stage crosses the Mukkaharjut region. On skis, we cross a picturesque landscape of granite hills planed by glaciers and covered with pine trees. It is a region where several reindeer farms are located, and also frequented by bears and elk.
Night in a lumberjack cottage surrounded by nature (dormitories), preparation of the evening meal together with the guides. Wood-fired heating, melted snow for cooking, “old-fashioned” heated sauna...

Day 7: Cross-country ski tour - 2nd stage
After a good breakfast, we put on our skis to cross a region covered by reindeer and elk. Sometimes we can also see the tracks left in the snow by lynxes and gluttons. Picnic around a fire, before heading back to Rajamaa Hostel in the afternoon. Sauna and relaxation. Final dinner and farewell evening.

Last day

Day 8: Transfer to Kittilä Airport. Return flight.
Attention: on certain dates, return flights leave from Rovaniemi (returns on 06/04 and 13/04/2024 are scheduled from Rovaniemi, subject to change during the winter).
...
Allow about 3 hours of transfer between Rajamaa Hostel and Rovaniemi Airport.

The course of this program is given for information purposes only. It may undergo modifications or adjustments, depending on technical criteria, safety requirements or the climatic conditions of the moment. In this case, only those responsible for UCPA supervision are authorized to take the necessary decision (s).

SPOT

Rajamaa village

Immerse yourself in the heart of Lapland

The village of Rajamaa is a tiny village (it has only 7 inhabitants) located in the heart of Lapland, on a small island in the Muonio River, on the border between Sweden and Finland. It is the ideal place to recharge your batteries in the middle of nature: the region is the 0 benchmark for measuring European pollution, in other words, that the air is really pure there. In summer, you can go mountain biking or hiking; in winter, the course of the river forms an ideal hiking trail on foot, or with a sled dog. It is also a recognized site for cross-country skiing, with no less than 200km of trails.

ABOUT THE TRIP

Equipment Included

Equipment and specific clothing provided:

> Complete insulated equipment adapted to the Lappish climate is provided for the entire duration of your stay:
...
wetsuit
Warm boots/wool socks
Undergloves
Mittens (wool and leather)
Chapka

> Specialized equipment:
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoes

Equipment Included

Equipment and specific clothing provided:

> Complete insulated equipment adapted to the Lappish climate is provided for the entire duration of your stay:
wetsuit
Warm boots/wool socks
Undergloves
Mittens (wool and leather)
Chapka

> Specialized equipment:
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoes

Equipment not included

Bring 2 pieces of luggage (be careful not more than 15 kg)
1 small backpack (30-40 liters) for carrying the day's things (papers, camera, etc.).
...
1 large travel bag or a large backpack to go in the hold.

Recommended personal equipment:
Anorak or down jacket
Warm sweaters or fleece furs
A hat (NB: a chapka adapted to the extreme cold is loaned to you)
Simple gloves (NB: mittens adapted to the extreme cold are loaned to you on site)
Long, warm underwear, preferably made of wool or merino wool
3 pairs of socks made of wool or warm synthetic material (and 2 pairs of normal socks when you are in the accommodations)
Indoor shoes
Swimsuit (sauna)
Towel for the forest lodge sauna (for the rest, towels are provided)
Sandals or flip flops (access to the forest lodge sauna)
Sunglasses, flask (thermos)
pocket knife
Head lamp
Gourde
Toiletries

To sleep
A light duvet (comfort temperature +10°C) is sufficient for the night in a refuge

Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, of which you will find some useful elements in the Formalities/Health section.

Equipment not included

Bring 2 pieces of luggage (be careful not more than 15 kg)
1 small backpack (30-40 liters) for carrying the day's things (papers, camera, etc.).
1 large travel bag or a large backpack to go in the hold.

Recommended personal equipment:
Anorak or down jacket
Warm sweaters or fleece furs
A hat (NB: a chapka adapted to the extreme cold is loaned to you)
Simple gloves (NB: mittens adapted to the extreme cold are loaned to you on site)
Long, warm underwear, preferably made of wool or merino wool
3 pairs of socks made of wool or warm synthetic material (and 2 pairs of normal socks when you are in the accommodations)
Indoor shoes
Swimsuit (sauna)
Towel for the forest lodge sauna (for the rest, towels are provided)
Sandals or flip flops (access to the forest lodge sauna)
Sunglasses, flask (thermos)
pocket knife
Head lamp
Gourde
Toiletries

To sleep
A light duvet (comfort temperature +10°C) is sufficient for the night in a refuge

Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, of which you will find some useful elements in the Formalities/Health section.

formalities administratives

Indicative data for French nationals: valid national identity card or passport mandatory.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/
...


formalities administratives

Indicative data for French nationals: valid national identity card or passport mandatory.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/

Physical intensity

Casual sportsman

You practice a sporting activity throughout the year, on a regular basis or not. But you are able to run for about 1 hour, swim for 30 minutes, or pedal for about 2 hours.

Physical intensity

Casual sportsman

You practice a sporting activity throughout the year, on a regular basis or not. But you are able to run for about 1 hour, swim for 30 minutes, or pedal for about 2 hours.

Level of expertise

All levels

Technical level - All levels

...
Internships open to all levels, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Depending on the courses, possibility of groups of levels.

Level of expertise

All levels

Technical level - All levels

Internships open to all levels, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Depending on the courses, possibility of groups of levels.

Portage

Carrying level 1

Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.

Portage

Carrying level 1

Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.

Restauration

Meals taken in the inn's restaurant are buffet style.
The Scandinavian breakfast is particularly plentiful.
During hikes in nature, lunches are taken outside around wood fires or in Lappish kotas (huts) (on the menu: soup, stew, wood bread, butter, cheese, butter, cheese, dry cakes, coffee or tea).

Restauration

Meals taken in the inn's restaurant are buffet style.
The Scandinavian breakfast is particularly plentiful.
During hikes in nature, lunches are taken outside around wood fires or in Lappish kotas (huts) (on the menu: soup, stew, wood bread, butter, cheese, butter, cheese, dry cakes, coffee or tea).

Management

A French-speaking guide supervises the group throughout the stay, assisted by local guides according to the various activities.

Management

A French-speaking guide supervises the group throughout the stay, assisted by local guides according to the various activities.

Important information

Level/Physical Intensity **

This trip is accessible to anyone wishing to discover the Great North Lapland, its nature and culture, through several sports activities without difficulty.
...
No experience is required for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding, an introduction is provided for each activity. If you are interested in an optional snowmobile, remember to bring your driver's license (it is essential).


Important information

Level/Physical Intensity **

This trip is accessible to anyone wishing to discover the Great North Lapland, its nature and culture, through several sports activities without difficulty. No experience is required for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding, an introduction is provided for each activity. If you are interested in an optional snowmobile, remember to bring your driver's license (it is essential).


Health and formalities

Vaccinations: No vaccination is mandatory. However, as with all outdoor sports, tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended.

...
European Health Insurance Card: Before your departure, remember to get the European Health Insurance Card, it will allow you to benefit from medical care coverage. This card is individual and nominative; it is free and valid for one year. To obtain it, contact your health insurance fund.

Personal pharmacy
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Insurance: No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
IMPORTANT: We remind you that it is essential that you have at least one “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.
We advise you to consult the “General Insurance Conditions” pages on our website:
https://www.ucpa.com/assurances
Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/

Health and formalities

Vaccinations: No vaccination is mandatory. However, as with all outdoor sports, tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended.

European Health Insurance Card: Before your departure, remember to get the European Health Insurance Card, it will allow you to benefit from medical care coverage. This card is individual and nominative; it is free and valid for one year. To obtain it, contact your health insurance fund.

Personal pharmacy
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Insurance: No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
IMPORTANT: We remind you that it is essential that you have at least one “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.
We advise you to consult the “General Insurance Conditions” pages on our website:
https://www.ucpa.com/assurances
Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/

Weather

In winter:
Length of day: In January, the sun only slightly exceeds the horizon line, but the light reflected from the snow makes the landscape look unreal.
...
In February, the days are already longer and in March, they last the same as in France.

Temperatures:
Average highs in January/February -10°C.
Average low in January/February of -20°C.
However, the dryness and stability of the air make it easy to withstand these temperatures.


In summer:
Lapland has a very marked continental climate. At the end of May, summer comes almost abruptly, the Sun is getting hotter and hotter and, north of the Arctic Circle, it no longer sets at the end of May. At the end of June and beginning of July, the tundra is covered with a carpet of wild flowers.
Although summer is also the relatively wettest season of the year, the level of precipitation remains fairly moderate. The temperatures are comparable to those that can be found in the middle French mountains between 1,500 and 2,000m above sea level at the same time.
Plan your equipment accordingly: warm and waterproof clothing

Average maximum/minimum temperatures in °C in Muonio
16/06 in June
20/08 in July
17/06 in August
10/02 in September

Weather

In winter:
Length of day: In January, the sun only slightly exceeds the horizon line, but the light reflected from the snow makes the landscape look unreal.
In February, the days are already longer and in March, they last the same as in France.

Temperatures:
Average highs in January/February -10°C.
Average low in January/February of -20°C.
However, the dryness and stability of the air make it easy to withstand these temperatures.


In summer:
Lapland has a very marked continental climate. At the end of May, summer comes almost abruptly, the Sun is getting hotter and hotter and, north of the Arctic Circle, it no longer sets at the end of May. At the end of June and beginning of July, the tundra is covered with a carpet of wild flowers.
Although summer is also the relatively wettest season of the year, the level of precipitation remains fairly moderate. The temperatures are comparable to those that can be found in the middle French mountains between 1,500 and 2,000m above sea level at the same time.
Plan your equipment accordingly: warm and waterproof clothing

Average maximum/minimum temperatures in °C in Muonio
16/06 in June
20/08 in July
17/06 in August
10/02 in September

Hosting

Isolated in the middle of nature, the Rajamaa inn consists of a dozen wooden chalets with simple and rustic comfort. Each chalet has 3 bedrooms with 2 beds for one person, equipped with duvets, a shower, a toilet and a common room with table and chairs.
...
During the nordic ski raid, one night in a rustic refuge surrounded by nature, heated by a wood stove (provide a normal duvet).

Hosting

Isolated in the middle of nature, the Rajamaa inn consists of a dozen wooden chalets with simple and rustic comfort. Each chalet has 3 bedrooms with 2 beds for one person, equipped with duvets, a shower, a toilet and a common room with table and chairs. During the nordic ski raid, one night in a rustic refuge surrounded by nature, heated by a wood stove (provide a normal duvet).

Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Finnair, Air France, Air Baltic.

...
On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight will be 23kg in the hold, and up to 5kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).

Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Finnair, Air France, Air Baltic.

On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight will be 23kg in the hold, and up to 5kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).

THIS HOLIDAY IS OFFERED BY